Archive for July, 2009

What to Look For When Choosing Moving Truck Rental?

Friday, July 31st, 2009

Moving is hassling enough without having to worry about actually “moving”. Transporting the bulky furniture from where they were to where they ought to be scares people from moving in the first place. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. A few informed decisions and a few dollars is all it takes to ensure that your items reach their destination intact, with minimal wear and tear. Before considering the moving truck rental companies, it is advisable to analyze your needs to reduce the chances of goofing up.

First, consider how much you need to move. You’ll require a bigger truck if you are moving all your furniture as compared to if you are just moving out of your dorm room. Given a choice between a smaller or bigger truck it is advisable to go for the latter; especially if you are moving long distances. Either that or you risk leaving behind something that may or may not be of value to you.

Another important factor to consider is the distance you will be moving – is it two blocks down or two states across? Some companies offer inter-state services while others only do within the city moves. Bear in mind that you will have to return the truck.

Also, decide beforehand whether you will need movers and a trucker. Sometimes, family and friends can sufficiently load and offload the furniture, but in some cases you will require paid assistance. The trucking company usually has staff at hand that is trained for such work. However, you may hire local students who are usually up for odd jobs for a little extra cash.

Another concern should be the driver. Truck rentals give you the option of driving yourself or alternatively you can hire a trucker. Before you choose to drive yourself, ensure that you are qualified to drive that particular vehicle. For instance, does your license allow you to drive such a load capacity? Are you acquainted with the route? Have you driven such a distance before? Moving truck rental companies will not allow you to lease a vehicle without having the proper license; however, private smalltime movers might “oversee” this. Don’t endanger your life as well as that of others for a few bucks.

5 Essential Moving Packing Supplies For Storage

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

One of the most stressful activities that you will undertake is moving to a new place with your home belongings. Moving is much of a hassle because it is tiring, things getting misplaced, and suddenly you seem to have too many things to carry. However, you can make your moving more easily by putting some things into consideration. For instance, you should have your moving packing supplies at hand in order to avoid stress and save time and energy. Below is a list of essential packing supplies you should have:

1. Boxes

  • Get proper boxes that are strong enough and of the right size. You can get boxes from many businesses in your area. Moreover, you can also buy them at companies that offer packing and shipping services. Ask your local retailer for unused boxes, you may be given for free or at a small fee. Get light but strong boxes for packing light items such as clothing. Heavy items like books should be packed in stronger and heavier boxes.

2. Tape

  • Ensure you get a good quality tape for your boxes. Get enough rolls depending on the number of boxes that you have. Ensure that the tape is heavy and will tape the cartons tautly. Go for a tape that has a built-in dispenser as these make taping more easily.

3. Packing material

  • Have enough packing material for your items. Newspapers make good wrapping materials for most kitchen utensils. For valuable and delicate items, have them wrapped in blankets, foam peanuts or bubble wrap to protect them from being damaged.

4. Labels

  • While labeling your packed items is not a must, it will make it easy for you to know what item has been packed where, especially when you are unloading and need something quick. You can keep a log list of the packed items, label the containers and boxes, or buy labels and indicate the items packed.

5. Box cutter

  • Finally, get a good box cutter. This can be a sharp pair of scissors or a penknife and will come in handy when you want to unpack the items.

When you are moving, ensure you get moving packing supplies in order to make the packing easier and protect the items that you are moving.

When Moving Companies Storage Comes in Handy?

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

Instead of contracting a storage company to keep your stuff for a while and then contracting a separate company to move it to a new destination, moving companies storage combines the two in one package, preferably better, cheaper and more convenient. You have less to do and fewer worries when dealing with one company to store and then transport your wares.

Moving companies usually specialize in transporting household and office wares while one is relocating. Storage companies on the other hand are basically concerned with keeping your wares safe, for the agreed duration until you decide to move them. The fees for a moving company are calculated based on mileage and volume of goods while storage companies calculate their fees based on volume occupied and the duration of storage. Nowadays however, some moving companies are also doubling up in providing storage facilities before moving them.

A main advantage of contracting a company that will store and transport your stuff is that they make arrangements for the best storage and moving facilities that are not only convenient for you but also suitable for your wares. From the start of the relocation to the time you settle in your home, a moving company takes full responsibility of your goods, even if the relocation spans over duration. Again, they plan in advance to transport your goods based on your storage arrangements and no further preparations, notifications and applications are required on your part.

The situations in which moving companies storage comes in handy are like when your move is gradual. They can accumulate your items until the final load is achieved and thus reduces moving costs. Another is when the goods are being shipped to distant destinations and you need to trust a singular entity with the goods until the final delivery is made. when the moving company is responsible for the storage, they can match the transporting vehicles to the amount of goods, without you having to pay for unoccupied space during transportation, or having your stuff heaped together in constricted containers. Another instance in which storage offered by moving companies become essential, is when you are yet to find an address to which you are moving.

Choosing the Right Kinds of Moving Rental Trucks

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

Moving rental trucks are what you use when you are relocating to a new home or even a new state. You can take advantage of this to relocate to a new destination where the home will fall under your present income bracket.

Moving does not have to be expensive. All you have to do is find the best moving rental trucks, with best in this case meaning the cheapest. The whole idea of moving is easier said than done so you need to preplan so that everything will be done according to plan on the moving day.

Truck rental companies are many with the market demand growing, but you need to isolate the best from all the service providers. You need a company that has close proximity to your home. Yes, the other state may have a wonderful company you have heard a lot about, but when it comes to saving yourself some money, you need to stick your state boundaries.

A little internet research on the best rental truck companies can help you get the best kind of company to go for. When you find one that has received a lot of consumer complains about the value of their service, you should stay away from it. Getting the best means to cough up some extra dollars, but at least you get the guarantee of exceptional service.

Some companies have drivers to accompany the moving rental trucks as they go to the destinations that they were booked for. Others however leave the truck totally in your hands so that you have the control and independence that you need. These are good especially when you know the drive is going to take more than a day. But in the bigger picture it is good to have a designated driver since the work is reduced. Make sure that they are licensed and look fit enough to handle a large truck.

Choosing one way moving truck rentals is cheaper and faster. This is better especially when the trip is going to be long. Since the trip made is only one, you get to make a one-way trip which is more economical and less time consuming in contrast to a to-and-fro trip that takes hours.

Moving Quote – What You Need To Know

Monday, July 27th, 2009

Moving is something most people dread and that is because of the whole process that is demanding and worrisome. You do not always have to look on the bad side of it. If you are facing foreclosure, seize the opportunity to move into a new residence and begin a new life. When it comes to the moving parts, there are a lot of details that you need to be aware of and one of them surrounds the moving quote.

A moving quote in the most basic terms is a price range which you’re moving will cost you. To get moving quotes is as easy as making a call to a moving company and asking for it. In most cases you can get all the details that you may need from the phone call. The great advantage with this is you get a chance to evaluate their customer service. If you don’t like this idea you could always check their listed websites and see what price quotes they have.

There are basically two types of price quotes; binding and non-binding quotes. Binding quotes from the naming suggest that the quotes you get are bound by law and the company cannot include any extra charges on the quote they gave you as it is forbidden by law. Non-binding quotes are simply a rough approximation of the price that my cost you to make the move from your present location to the destination. The only bad news with this kind of quote is that the price can go up without your knowledge and you can end up paying much more than you bargained for.

The best quote to get is a high binding quote than a low non-binding one. The high tag of the binding one will ensure that any unforeseen expense is taken care of without you having to give any extra money. For the low non-binding one, it promises nothing than added costs that may rise exponentially to a level you may not get to like. However if you like the flexibility, then you could opt for this kind of moving quote.

Make sure that the company you choose allows you some freedom in making the payments. Some companies accept cash, checks or credit cards.

8 Tips On Choosing Local Moving Companies

Monday, July 27th, 2009

There are different situations that can make you move to a new home in the same estate, different town, or even a different country. When moving within the country, or perhaps to a different town, you have to contact a number of local moving companies to help you move your goods to the new home. Here are 8 things that you should consider:

  1. Search for moving companies on the internet from different websites. You will find information on the services offered by the companies, their service history, and even their charges.
  2. Ensure the company is registered with your state’s trade organizations such as a State Movers Association or Moving & Storage Associations. This will give you the assurance that the company is a recognized entity and you can easily lodge your complaints in case your business relationship goes sour.
  3. Talk to your relatives and colleagues and ask them to refer you to good companies. They will give you an unbiased opinion regarding the service of a moving company that they recommend.
  4. Ensure that the company is bonded or insured. Most moving companies, be they operating locally or inter-state, usually offer some type of insurance for your goods to protect them against damage while on transit.
  5. Check with the Better Business Bureau whether there are any complaints that have been logged against the moving company. Find out how the company responded to these complaints. Avoid companies that consumers have forwarded many complaints against.
  6. Find out the charges of the company. Shortlist a number of companies and then compare their charges. Check the services and guarantees that the companies offer before settling on your preferred company.
  7. Ensure that the company has a “dispute settlement” plan in their contract. This assures you that any problems that occur between you and the company will be resolved and you will be compensated if need be.
  8. Check that the company is registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). Visit the FMCSA website and go through the companies that have been registered there.

The above tips are some of the crucial things you could consider before engaging the services of one of the local moving companies in order for you get value for your money.

What Do Moving Relocation Services Companies Offer?

Friday, July 24th, 2009

When you have to move to a different location either due to a change in jobs or other factors, you may find it difficult to relocate. This is especially if you have a lot of goods that you will have to move with. In such a scenario, most people hire moving relocation services companies to help them with the moving. What exactly do these companies do?

Moving companies will help you to pack your goods. They will provide different packing facilities such as carton boxes for normal goods, acid-free tissue paper for silverware, wrap bubble tear-up paper for fragile goods, among others. Depending on the day that you specify, they will come to your house, help you with the packing, and load the items on their trucks.

The companies also offer storage facilities for your goods. If you have already packed but will not be moving in a coupe of days, you can store your goods at their storage warehouses. You can choose different storage facilities, ranging from portable tanks to garage-like rooms. Only you will have access to the storage facility you have paid for.

Finding a new home in a new location can be difficult. Moving companies can help you get a house that fits your budget. They usually have ties with real estate agents in different sates and can help you find a house as part of their value addition services.

Another service that the companies provide is arranging for insurance for the goods you are transporting. Some companies will offer you insurance compensation of up to a certain amount depending on the value of your goods. Others will not offer insurance but will recommend a number of insurance companies that you should take insurance from.

Finally, the moving company will ensure that your goods are packed according to the required safety standards. They will also ensure they comply with the moving zoning laws of the place you are going to, and will help you unpack at your destination. The companies will then collect the packing debris for disposal.

Moving relocation companies offer a wide range of services apart from the normal packing and moving services that most people are aware of.

Reasons To Hire An International Moving Services Company

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

Moving overseas is simply a headache since it’s a very complicated process. When you decide to move abroad, you have to face decisions such as what moving company to hire and the paperwork that needs to be done. To make your moving less stressful, you can engage the services of an international moving services company.

There are many benefits of hiring a moving service company. First, the companies provide different types of moving services to suit the requirements of different people. When, it comes to international moving, things are more complicated than collecting things and transporting them to the new home. You have to think about immigrations, customs, zone laws, and a host of new different laws that may be different from what you are used to. The company will guide you on the moving laws and ensure your belongings comply to them before the moving process is started.

With moving companies, you are sure that your belongings will reach their destination safely and in a timely manner. Most companies even insure the goods as part of their service package. However, keep in mind that this is offered at an extra cost and it also depends on the type of goods that you are moving. Fragile goods attract higher fees than those less fragile.

There are some moving companies that can help you find a new home where you are relocating. Such companies usually have agents from different companies who can find you a home based on your requirements. This is usually offered as an incentive for you to use their services.

Finally, some companies offer the movers counseling services. Moving to a new country can be a difficult time as you contemplate leaving your familiar surroundings and going to a new place. The companies will give you an overview of the country, tips on adjusting to the new surroundings, and even help you with the paperwork involved.

To sum it all, a moving company simply makes it easy for you to relocate to another country. You do not have to sell your home belongings as there is nearly nothing that cannot be moved to your new home. Ensure you choose a reputable international moving services company when relocating overseas.

The Red Flags To Watch In A Moving And Services Company

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

Moving is one of the most common activities that takes place today. As a result, there are many people who have come up and claim to operate moving and services companies. You have to be on guard before engaging a moving company in order to avoid getting scammed. Here are some things that should raise a red flag in a moving company:

  1. No physical address. If the moving company only has a website, no matter how professional it is, but has no physical address it is probably a scam. Ensure that you can validate the address is theirs. Make a quick address look up on the internet and you will find out whether the address is registered to that company.
  2. Asks you for upfront down payments without assessing your property on site. Moving companies come up with their quotes based on the weight of the goods that you are transiting. Beware of companies that just give you a rough estimate over the telephone or through email.
  3. The company cannot disclose their registration number or licenses. It is easy to do a check up on the Movers Association website in your state to find out if a company has been registered. Avoid companies that refuse to disclose information regarding their registration.
  4. Beware of very low prices. Do not be lured by companies that offer very low prices no matter how far your destination is. Most companies base their prices on the distance they will have to take the items. If a deal is too unrealistic, it probably is, stay away!
  5. Ensure that the company is in good books with the Consumer Complaints Division and the Better Business Bureau. Any company that has many complaints filed against it should be avoided. This may indicate that the company offers substandard or unsatisfactory services.

The above are a few of the red flags that you should watch out for when you are choosing a moving and services company. You have to do proper research and consult widely before settling on a move company. Ask for referrals from your friends and colleagues at work, they may have used a move company before that served them right.

Engaging Full Service Moving? Plan Your Relocation First

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

Moving requires you to plan in advance if it is to be successful. The most difficult thing is starting the moving process. With so much property to move around, you may not be able to do it on your own. This is where you will need a full service moving company to help you. A moving company is an organization that is specialized in transferring the goods of a person who is relocating from his home to a new residential place. Before you call the company, you can make the moving activity much easier by doing the following:

  1. Sort out the items you are going to move with and dispose off the non-essential ones. You can hold a garage sale to get rid of the unwanted items or even donate them to a charity organization. Your aim is to carry only the essential items. The more goods you are carrying, the more expensive it will be. Therefore, carry only essential items.
  2. While the company will keep an inventory of the things they are moving, keep your own list in order to know which items you are carting and in what boxes they are packed. This will make your transition much easier when unpacking.
  3. Valuate your property in order to know how much insurance you are likely to pay. Consider using an insurance company that has agreements with the moving company as these usually offer lower charges.
  4. Inform your family and friends of your new address just before you move. Update your records on the change of address. For instance, you should update the IRS, your bank, Credit Card Company, insurance firm, and other important businesses that keep your personal records.
  5. If you are moving to a different state or country, learn about auto licensing, insurance and other zoning laws that may be different from where you are coming from.
  6. Have your reservations made early enough. Book your train or airplane tickets in advance if you will be using these means.

With the above done, you are now ready to get moving. Look for full service moving companies that are known to provide good service. Ask you family for referrals if you do not know any company.