Category: Movers

Things You Have to Know Before Hiring Movers

Hiring movers can feel a little overwhelming. With so many moving companies to choose from, where do you even start to hire movers? Over our many moves, and with some really bad experiences combined with mostly good ones, we’ve made the task of hiring movers a little less complicated, simply from learning what we need to know before we sign on the dotted line.

Know What Type of Mover You Need to Hire

Before you start searching for a good mover, make sure you understand what type of move you’ll be making. The type of move will determine the type of moving company you should hire. You can start by understanding the difference between an interstate and intrastate move along with knowing just how far you’ll be moving—all of which will limit the type of mover you’ll need.

Do Your Research

It’s a good idea to check out at least 10 movers by researching their history, understanding the signs of a rogue moving company and by knowing exactly what details will be involved in your move. Will you be packing yourself? What kind of estimate will be best for your move?

Ask the Right Questions

Before I set-up any appointments for a mover to come see my household goods, I always interview each one over the phone. This way you can narrow down your choices to the top three and save yourself some time and effort.

Understand Mover Estimates and Know Which One Is Best for You

Estimates can be a little confusing with some companies not offering a choice between the two. While you’re interviewing the mover on the phone, ask about estimates – find out what they offer and whether that will be your best option.

Understand Mover Fees to Avoid Increased Moving Costs

One of my very first moves caught me completely off-guard when the movers’ estimate was almost double what they had originally quoted. I refused to pay until someone went over the bill of lading step-by-step. What I discovered was that there were fees charged for additional services I hadn’t anticipated. So, don’t get caught – find out what you could be charged for extra services.

 

Moving Day Must-Dos

• Buy cereal, milk, and other easy breakfast items so that there’s food available the morning after moving day.
• If you’re moving with kids, incorporate them into the moving process by giving them a special box for all their favorite things. Let them decorate the box as wildly as they like!
• Keep a snack bin available during moving and unpacking. Load it up with water, protein bars, chips, or whatever you need to stay fueled up during your move.
• If you’re moving with a dog, put their food and water bowl in the same room as where you put it in the old place. The more consistent you are with your dog’s routine, the less likely they are to be anxious and destroy things.
• Keep all your moving day essentials in an overnight bag. It’ll prevent having to sift through boxes to find your laptop, toiletries, clothes, and medications!
• Keep valuables like your Social Security Card on your person during moving day.
• Pack the items that you’ll need most immediately in a clear plastic bin, or a designated “open first” box. Think: bed sheets, hand soap, towels, etc.
• Take a breather! Moving day is stressful, so allow yourself some “me time” when it’s over. Watch a movie, order some pizza, or do whatever you need to relax after a long day of hard work.

 

Easy Moving Tips & Tricks

From purging household items to packing your belongings, moving an entire household isn’t a simple process. Fortunately, with the help of these smart moving tips and tricks, it’s about to get a wee bit easier. Here are 21 oh-so-easy moving tips and tricks that anyone can use when moving to a new home. Best of luck and happy moving!

• Find free moving boxes at recycling drop-off points

Don’t fork over your hard-earned money for cardboard boxes. Instead, look for free moving boxes at your local recycling drop-off points. Chances are, you’ll be able to find plenty of cardboard boxes that have been tossed by neighbors. Other places to find free moving boxes include Craigslist, Nextdoor, Freecycle, book stores, liquor stores, offices and U-Haul Box Exchange – just to name a few. For more advice on finding free moving boxes, check here.

• Reuse original boxes for electronics and appliances

Speaking of moving boxes, don’t forget to reuse your old ones. From the TV to the blender, most electronics and small appliances come delivered in cardboard boxes. If you happen to still have these boxes, we recommend reusing them for the move. Not only does this ensure that your items will fit perfectly in the box, but it also saves you from having to spend money on boxes.

• Schedule a donation pick-up for free

Purging heavy furniture, old clothing and other household items? Try scheduling a free donation pick-up with a local charity such as Goodwill, Salvation Army or Habitat for Humanity. Having them pick up your donations will save you from having to haul everything yourself, which means you’ll have more time to focus on the move.

• Obtain quotes from at least three different moving companies

Don’t hire the first moving company you interview. Instead, try to obtain quotes from at least three companies to compare prices and services. When interviewing a moving company, make sure they are properly licensed and insured. For more advice on what to ask your movers when interviewing them, check here.

• Have lots of water bottles on-hand when moving

Given the sheer number of tasks involved when moving, it’s easy to forget the simple things – like the fact that you and your movers will need a lot of water on moving day (especially during the summer). So come moving day, we recommend bringing a pack of bottled water with you to the new house. Trust us – your movers will thank you.

 

Plan your move and try to stick to that plan

Very big step when it comes to your local move is plan. If you make a good plan and stick to it, you will make sure your move will go by smoothly. If you are moving for the first time, it might be tricky to have everything planned since you don’t have experience. In that case, feel free to ask your local moving company for help. Or if you know someone who moved recently, ask them for a piece of advice.

Write everything down

When it comes to planning your local move, you should definitely not rely on your memory. Once you see how much things there are to organize, you will see why we advise you to write everything down. Make a checklist and to do list and you will make your life easier.

 

Make a layout of your new home ahead of time

If you hire local movers that are charging the hourly rates, would you like them to spend hours and hours organizing furniture in your new home because you can’t decide where you want to place what. Of course not! This is why you have to create a layout at least for the big items that you have. After your movers leave, you can decide where to put anything that is smaller and miscellaneous, such as lamps or vases.

One last check up

Before you leave your home for good, you should do one last check up. Make sure to check all the drawers, cabinets etc. The worst case scenario would be if you forget something that is valuable, such as documents and jewelry, that is why you should make sure to take those with you, not even with a local movers.

Moving has never been an easy task to many people. It’s one of those few tasks that can bring you a lot of headache. But when it’s your time to move, selecting the right company to help you move will help relieve the stress that’s associated with moves hence making it a bit easy for you. Moving companies offer you the chance not only to move in a very simple way but also offers you the chance to move without worry. Even if you are making a complex or a simple move, this company is perfect for you!

Moving companies cover a very wide are a hence you can rely on it. Regardless of where you would like to move to, be it within or outside the state, you will appreciate getting efficient services that can make your move smooth. You will get the peace of mind that you will need. You will not get worried at all about your valuables while on transit since the comprehensive insurance cover that is available will cater for any eventualities that may occur on the way. The task will be carried out by highly qualified staffs who understand the shortest ways to execute the task.

When everything is properly packed and put on the van, space will be maximized. That reduces the amount of trips required. Where you would efficiently pack a van, 2 trips could be reduced down to one. That would lower the cost of a relocation significantly.

Moving companies will help provide you with accurate solutions to your moving problems. Its a fact that every simple mistake done can be costly hence this company will ensure that you are offered the right kind of a solution that can help you effect your move from one place to another. The company can offer you the necessary help that can help you make your move easier and more convenient. You will be told of the space that your goods will occupy the right packaging material that’s necessary to ensure that your goods are well put and carried.

What occurs if items are lost or damaged? Such problems could be unavoidable in spite of how alert the moving companies would be. What would transpire when the moving van is hit by a reckless driver? Sure, there might be unexpected problems that could take place causing severe damage. Which would be the reason a number of moving services provide insurance plans. If you get extra coverage, the capability to get back any monetary losses would be possible. While that might not always restore your personal items, that could safeguard you from serious economic losses.

Now that you know the three most important decisions that need to be made before you get a moving price estimate, you just need to take time to decide on the answers. Once you do that, using estimates to help you decide what company to hire will be simple and you will be confident that you are making the right choice.

How to Choose a Moving Company

Choosing the right moving company can be hard work. In 2012, the Better Business Bureau received over 7,700 complaints about movers in the United States. According to the BBB, most complaints stemmed from alleged lost or damaged property, but charging for un-worked hours, arriving late and not honoring estimates also made the list.

Get Referrals

Searching the Internet or browsing a phone book for moving companies can be daunting. Start by asking friends, family members and coworkers if they can recommend a moving company. If you’re working with a real estate agent, ask the agent for a referral. You can also get quotes from movers through Moving.com’s Find a Mover service

Follow the Rule of Threes

Don’t settle for the first estimate you receive. Instead, ask at least three different companies to give you an in-person estimate, since no company can really give you a thorough estimate without seeing your stuff.

Watch Out for Red Flags

Keep an eye out for red flags during the estimate. For example, most reputable moving companies won’t ask for a cash deposit before you move. If the mover seems hungry to get the money upfront, it might not be a legit business. Also, during the estimate, note how professional or unprofessional the movers seem. If they show up late, seem unsure of their abilities, or can’t answer your questions, look for another company. And be wary of any movers who show up in a rented moving van. A professional company will own its own equipment.

Make Sure the Mover Is Licensed and Insured

The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issues a U.S. DOT number to licensed interstate movers. If you’re moving out of state, verify the moving company’s license through the FMCSA’s protectyourmove.gov site and request the company’s U.S. DOT number; you’ll need it if you have to file a claim against the company later. If you’re staying in state, check with your local consumer affairs agency. You can find a list of local agencies through the FMCSA’s contacts database.

Tips For Hiring Quality Movers

With millions of moves every year in the United States, it’s a minor miracle that most of them go smoothly, with no issues whatsoever. Hiring quality moves is a must, of course.

Moving inventory

A reputable moving company will take inventory of all your belongings and determine the bulk and weight of your move either in person or through a virtual survey. The estimator should be thorough and check all of your storage places such as cupboards, drawers, garages and bookcases. A large component of the mover’s price is based on the weight of your stuff and the space your goods take up in the truck. Be sure you understand this estimate and that it is as accurate as possible.

Get a thorough walk-through

An estimator who performs a quick walk-through without noting what you plan to move is going to be off the mark. A good estimator will ask questions about what you plan to take from your current house to your next home. So, be sure you are prepared to tell the estimator which items you don’t want on the truck—the items you plan to give away, donate to a charity, sell in a yard sale, or leave behind for the new owners.

Don’t pay a large deposit

Reputable movers won’t demand cash or a large deposit before moving. You should only pay upon delivery. If you pay in advance, you have no control over when you will see your belongings again. When you do pay, use a credit card to help protect you from possible fraudulent activity.

Avoid moving companies with a name switch

Some companies avoid being assessed by the Better Business Bureau by doing business under a variety of names. Be sure the company has a local address and information about licensing and insurance. Their employees should answer the phone with the full name of the business.Find out if there are any other names the company “does business as,” as well as their state and federal license numbers. Search online to see if there are complaints about the company.

How to Choose Movers that Are Right for You

When moving to a new home, hiring movers is often the best way to ensure a move is quick, efficient and less stressful. Think about it: movers do the packing, loading/unloading and transporting for you. Still, as Marcia Passos Duffy, a blogger for Bankrate.com, says, “While the right moving company can make for a smooth move, choosing the wrong mover can make your relocation a nightmare.” So how do you make sure you choose the right movers for you? See our tips below.

Movers that are licensed. When you’re moving from one state to another, your movers must be licensed with the federal government, which means they’ll be assigned a Department of Transportation number. You can check ProtectYourMove.gov to ensure your movers meet the necessary requirements. For local moves, every state has different licensing requirements. If you’re moving within your state, call your state moving association to check your movers’ licenses and other requirements

Movers that give you a written, in-home estimate. In-home estimates are the best way for movers to give you a reliable quote, since they can see how much stuff you have and whether there will be any obstacles to your move (e.g., stairs, a hard-to-access location). Whenever you get an estimate from a moving company, make sure it is in writing. You cannot rely on verbal estimates

Movers that have good reviews. A moving company may post testimonials on its site, and that’s a great starting place for your investigation. But you’ll want to do your own research. Check with the Better Business Bureau and other moving review websites to verify that the movers you’re considering have great practices overall.

Experience. Think about how much experience you want your movers to have. Sure, the new company might offer lower rates, but you have to consider what you might be giving up in professionalism and quality should you go with less experienced movers

How to Choose a Reliable Moving Company

That’s what Scheyda Mohammadian, a model and public relations professional from Las Vegas learned the hard way. Last fall, after searching on the web for a company to move her belongings from Las Vegas to her new home in Texas, she decided to go with the one that offered her the lowest price—$1,700.

After wiring a 50 percent deposit to the company and paying $450 on moving day, she discovered that her possessions had been moved only to a storage unit a few miles from her Nevada home. Then she had to pay another $450 to the company to release her belongings

Hire a local mover. If you hire a moving company based in your area, you’ll avoid being tricked into doing business with an unscrupulous mover operating solely over the internet, says Scott Michael, president and CEO of the American Moving & Storage Association, a trade group that represents companies that handle local, interstate, and international moves. Consider visiting the company’s office and checking out its equipment, he says

Get estimates. Get at least three written in-home estimates, Hutt advises. Be suspicious if an estimate is unusually low or if the moving company provides an estimate over the phone or online without sending a representative to scope out the job. It may be a sign of scam

Verify credentials. For moves between states, a mover must have a number issued by the Department of Transportation. It serves as a license that identifies commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce. If the mover you’re considering is licensed, it must provide the DOT number on its website and in its advertising, says Kurt Larson, a spokesman for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a division of the Department of Transportation that oversees truck and bus safety. The mover also must have a carrier number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Picking a Moving Company: How Do Your Choices Stack Up?

Selecting a moving company can be overwhelming. You probably have a few friends with recommendations, and there are plenty of movers’ ads online and offline — but which company’s the best fit?

Licensed means safe

The first and most important point to investigate is the company’s legal status. Movers may claim to be licensed and insured, but unless you can confirm that, don’t take it at face value.

In-state moves

Many states have rules and regulations to monitor household goods carriers at a local level. Usually the authorities responsible for overseeing intrastate movers are the state Department of Transportation or the Public Utilities Commission. Contact the relevant authority.

Out-of-state moves

Check with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the agency that grants permits to all moving companies engaged in the interstate transportation of household goods.

Overseas moves

Ensure that the ocean transportation intermediary involved in the moving process is certified by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the federal agency responsible for regulating U.S. international ocean transportation to protect U.S. consumers. Don’t even consider moving to another country without researching whether your chosen company has been approved by the FMC.

Office Movers: Quick Tips for Smooth Moving

Moving offices can be unsettling to employees; however, effective internal communication can minimize uncertainty and fear and smooth the disruption. When handled well, moving offices can be a motivational and positive change for employees.

Define key messages for the office move

At various stages in the project, measure employee understanding of the key messages and re-communicate or clarify them as necessary. For example, key themes may focus on a better environment or growth and expansion.

Communicate about the office move early

Communication regarding an office move needs to begin a long time before the actual move. Employees need to understand what to expect and be able to ask questions. If communication is delayed or withheld, rumors may start, and people may feel that their jobs are under threat. Plan and, where possible, preschedule communications regarding the office move for every stage of the move.

Target communications and make messages relevant

Different teams may be on varying move schedules and have access to different facilities at the new location. As a result, you should target communications to allow the teams to receive the specialized information.

Plan your office relocation early

Commercial relocations need detailed planning and preparation. When planning the move, decide on the moving date, the time-frame for the relocation process after which you can come up with a schedule. Additionally, have a specific budget assigned to the relocation process. It will come in handy when identifying costs for hiring movers and help avoid making uninformed decisions.

Assign a project manager

Every office move requires a team effort to increase chances of success. Appointing a project manager to facilitate all the aspects of the relocation process will also be important.

Protect your data

You never know what could happen to your files and hardware during the relocation process. You could end up losing important documents to damaged servers or hard drives. Therefore, it is important to back up your data and protect it from loss and breach when moving.

Do research to find the best moving company

We always recommend researching and getting quotes from at least three professional moving companies before booking your move, but because an office move can get very expensive, very fast, you’re better off looking at a couple more than that. If you have the budget for it, plan to hire a full service moving company—they’ll do all the packing for you, as well as the loading, unloading, and unpacking. Ask around for recommendations of moving companies that have experience with office relocations, since you’ll want to make sure you only hire a company with a proven track record of success in this area. To get the most accurate quote possible, have a representative from each company come to your office and see the scope of the work. With jobs like this, it’s not enough to describe what needs to be done over the phone.

Sample Checklist for Startups

A startup office needs to be able to respond to rapidly changing needs. Launching a new business in a real office comes with plenty of risks, mostly due to space and budget constraints. Pay attention to these details:

• Understand if you own or lease your workspace. Be wary about signing a multi-year lease, especially if you anticipate rapid growth.
• Consider coworking, which is good for startups that want a formal space, but don’t need a great deal of room.
• Think ahead about working from home and if this will mean you will implement a BYOD policy. Requiring your employees to provide their own device can reduce costs and make remote working much easier.
• Look into what, if any, alterations can be made to the decor and design of your rented space.
• Decide if you plan to work with your building’s wireless network or if you plan to install your own servers, which can increase internet speed, security, and fidelity.
• Plan ahead for security, including how you might implement an access control system if you do not already have one installed in the building. Security is incredibly important for startups, which often deal with sensitive information or plans.
• Budget for high-quality furniture, office supplies and stationery. Purchase only what is necessary and rely on renting for pieces that you cannot yet afford or can easily be unloaded on an outside contractor. Vendors should be arranged for everything from staples to snacks to copiers.
• Make sure your space is ready for visitors. If you plan to bring investors or members of the media inside, their experience will be crucial in how they view your business, so make sure you have solid, modern interior design.

After your move

Things to consider

• Test phones, computers, Wi-Fi, cable connections, and IT systems. Test your technology to make sure your business can get back online ASAP—and troubleshoot as needed.
• Confirm termination of your old lease and change-of address updates. Double- (or even triple-) check that your old lease was properly terminated, that every client and business partner was notified of your move, and that your new address is accurately advertised.
• Designate employees to unpack, remove tags from equipment and furniture, and stock supply cabinets. If your professional movers haven’t taken care of this already, task employees with unpacking and restocking.The more hands you have on deck, the sooner your business can get up and running again.