A Quick Look At House Movers

Moving to a new home can be an exhilarating experience, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in one’s life, and a chance to create a new sanctuary for your family. At the same time, the prospect of moving everything from you (more…)

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Every year, about 15 million American families move to a new home – and most do it during the summer, according to Mayflower Transit.

The logistics of relocating are stressful and hectic enough. But what makes moving worse is the number of hustlers posing as moving companies and preying on the uninformed. They can disappear with your stuff, or hold it ransom for much higher fees than contracted. It’s prevalent enough that the U.S. Department of Transportation has a website for moving fraud: ProtectYourMove.gov.
Click here to find out more!
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In the video below, Money Talks News founder Stacy Johnson explains some of the necessary steps to do just that. Check it out, then read on for more.

As Stacy said, there are protections in place to keep movers from overcharging. For interstate moves, they can’t legally demand more than 100 percent of a binding estimate or 110% of a nonbinding one. But crooks don’t care what the law says: That’s why they call them crooks. So it’s critical to avoid problems before they start by avoiding problem movers. Here’s how:

1. Get referrals. Ask your friends, family, or real estate agent for reputable movers. Search engines are not the place to start; scammers may have a beautiful website but sinister motives.
2. Research. Disreputable movers may name or brand themselves after reliable ones – make sure you don’t get names mixed up. Check the names against MovingScam.com and avoid any that are blacklisted. (They have recommendations and reviews too.) The DOT can also help you search interstate movers for complaints and to make sure they’re properly licensed and insured. Check out complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau.

3. Ask for estimates. Get at least three in writing, and if one is significantly lower be suspicious. Also call out anyone offering an estimate without visiting your home: They should want to see the furniture. Weight is a significant factor in the price and movers have a strong incentive to give an accurate quote – as I mentioned above, they’re going to be stuck with any binding estimate they provide. Skip anyone who demands to be paid up front or requires a substantial deposit. The company that helped Stacy with his story, Two Men and a Truck, said they get a customer’s credit card info but don’t charge anything until the move is complete.

4. Understand the contract. Everything should be spelled out, with no hidden charges. If you don’t understand or agree with a charge, ask questions and see if it can be waived. Likewise, if you expect an expense they don’t mention – equipment, pads or boxes, for example – ask why it isn’t listed separately. Ask about the claims process for damaged goods.

5. Check your coverage. Speaking of damaged goods, make sure you understand the protection you have for your stuff. According to the DOT, movers automatically provide full-value protection, which requires the company to repair/replace damaged items or provide compensation. However, it doesn’t apply to any item whose value exceeds $100 per pound (i.e., jewelry, silverware, china, furs, antiques) unless you specifically list them on the shipping documents. Unless you decline it, this coverage is automatic. It’s not, however, free: You’ll be billed for it. There is free coverage but it can be inadequate. Released value coverage provides only 60 cents per pound per item. As the DOT puts it, “If your mover lost or damaged a 10-pound stereo component valued at $1,000, you would only receive $6.00 in compensation.”

6. Watch for other warning signs. For interstate moves, your mover is required by law to provide a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” a red handbook published by the DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. If they don’t offer a copy, ask why. Also be skeptical of unmarked trucks and cost estimates by size rather than weight and distance.

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Now’s the time to get your service providers in the loop. Changing your address before you skip town can prevent major hassles like past-due bills, service lapses, and even identity theft. Keep an eye on incoming mail to see which companies you need to notify, but here are the biggies.

* The post office. Log on to moversguide.usps.com or go to your local branch to fill out a change of address form and arrange for mail forwarding.

* The IRS. Print out and mail in the IRS’ Change of Address form.

* Credit card companies. Don’t forget about store cards and loyalty programs!

* Banks. You’ll want easy access to your checking account on moving day, and you’ll also need to update online banks, retirement funds, and investment accounts.

* Utility companies. Arrange for service at your new address, and schedule shut-off at your old address for the end of the moving day, so you’ll still be able to turn on the lights and use the bathroom while you’re working.

* Home or renters’ insurance. Ask if they cover your possessions during transport, especially if you’re moving valuables or electronics in your own vehicle.

* Car insurance

* Health insurance

* Your doctor. Get referrals to physicians in your new area, and have your medical files transferred.

* Government agencies. If you have benefits from Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or any other government program, make sure you notify them of your move.

* Phone company, cable, and internet. Discontinue service at your old location and schedule new service.

* Cell phone provider

* Magazine subscriptions

* Clubs or organizations

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Now that you’ve settled into your new home, emerge from your moving cocoon and share the good news with friends and family. If you have the energy, celebrate with a housewarming party! Find inspiration in these websites.

• www.partycat.com — simple, chic, and cheap
• www.celebrate-moving.com — tons of choices from a wide range of companies
• www.einvite.com — bulk pricing and no-frills options for businesses
• www.storkavenue.com — not just for birth announcements
• www.vistaprint.com — budget-friendly, customizable announcements
• www.evite.com — fabulous and free; check the “special announcements” section under ecards

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Congratulations — you’ve made it to the final stretch! By now, your prized possessions are shrouded in bubble wrap and cardboard, and you’ve enlisted a team of professionals (or a strapping group of friends) to help you whisk them to your new home. You’re almost done, but there are a few final steps you can take to ensure that tomorrow is a breeze.

1. Call your moving company or rent-a-truck to confirm your reservation.
Keep your contract handy, along with that inventory list you prepared. If you’re hiring a moving company, you’ll want to compare your inventory list with theirs before you sign off.

2. Print out directions to your new abode.
Keep a copy for yourself and a copy for your movers. If you’re renting a truck, print out directions from your new address to the drop-off point, and locate the closest gas station to avoid fuel surcharges.

3. Clean.
It may seem more intuitive to tidy up after all your stuff is out of the way, but do it now anyway. If you manage to find a few minutes of downtime tomorrow, you probably won’t want to spend it scrubbing the toilet. Besides, your cleaning products could end up on the moving truck before you’ve had a chance to use them.

4. Clean some more.
Get the dirt, cobwebs, and grease off your outdoor gear, since it’ll probably be mingling with your indoor goods on the truck.

5. If you’re leaving your freezer behind, be sure to unplug it the day before.
It needs time to defrost before the power is shut off. Otherwise the next inhabitants could find a soggy surprise.

6. Make sure you have access to the elevator.
If you live in a high-rise apartment or condo, call your property manager.

7. If you’re taking appliances or lighting fixtures, unplug them.
Most movers won’t disconnect anything that’s hard-wired into your house.

8. If you’re going to settlement on a new house, print out directions to the settlement office.
If you’ll need a cashier’s check for closing costs, make sure you have that ready and within reach.

9. Pack a “last-to-go” box.
This should have all the essentials you’ll need for the first night in your new place. Refer to this last-to-go box checklist.

10. Take care of yourself.
Drink plenty of water, because dehydration can impair your decision-making skills. And go to bed early. Moving is much easier after a good night’s sleep.

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1.Clear things out. If you haven’t used it, get rid of it by creating a “charity” and a “recycle” box to help in sorting.

2. Always prepare a “load-last” carton that contains items you want access to right away, like a coffeepot, filter and coffee grounds; paper plates, cups, and napkins; paper towels, telephone, flashlight, basic tools and anything else you may not want to hunt for on moving day. Place difficult-to-locate items such as hardware and the remote control in a plastic sandwich bag. Add a label and put it in your “load-last” carton.

3. Get the children involved. Have them decorate a sign with their name on it and hang it outside the bedroom at their new house. Not only does it help get them involved in the moving process, it will also help movers identify where the boxes should be placed.

4. Be sure to mark each box, clearly indicating the room it belongs in as well as the contents on both the top and side of each box. Use a dark-colored marking pen that is easy to read.

5. Protect your mattresses and furniture by covering them with old sheets. Fitted sheets work especially well.

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Relocation is stressful because you change more than your address. You’ll begin to navigate a new way to be a friend, coworker, and more.

Here are ten tips to a help you tune in to your inner compass when your world is spinning.

1. Ask, “Who am I? What do I need to be happy?”

The secret to a successful move depends on how you answer the question, “Can I still be me?

To answer this question, write ten “I am” statements about yourself — anything from ”I am a dog-owner” to “I am friendly and outgoing.”

Before you move, ask yourself, “How will this list change after I move?” You may still be a dog-owner…but will you create that role the same way?

2. Take a test drive.

When you buy a car, you don’t just go around the block. You try the freeways and the rough roads.

Considering a move to Seattle or Syracuse? Study the culture as if you were an anthropologist. What do people do? How do they dress? How do they talk to each other?

Most important, how do you feel? Did you develop new allergies, headaches or back pain during your visit? Or did you find yourself wishing you cold stay forever?

3. Pack an emotional first aid kit.

Most hikers pack a first aid kit with sunblock, band-aids, and insect repellent.

For relocation you can pack
Coping phrases to repeat when you feel frazzled:
“Let go and relax.”
“I can deal with this.”
“I face the future with confidence.”

Tapes of meditation and visualization (for unexpected bouts of anxiety)
Favorite photos of friends, family, places and pets (so you remember who you are)
Phone numbers of trusted confidantes (for moments when you really need to hear a familiar voice)

4. Develop ceremonies to honor your new life.

As you unpack boxes or begin a new assignment, play your favorite music and enjoy your favorite foods. Arrange one room -or one corner of the room-to look familiar. Some people create a special ritual of settling in to make the new life their own.

5. Plan for downtime.

For the first few months you’ll probably have gaps in your calendar. Maybe you had a standing dinner date with the neighbors on Wednesdays. You held office in civic organizations and you took classes.

Plan to fill downtime with meaningful projects. I recommend taking on a challenging creativity project. Write a novel. Complete a painting. Join a dance group.

And I would add a physical activity, anything from weight-lifting at the gym to running marathons to walking the dog extra times.

When you nurture yourself, you communicate strength and confidence to others. If you are seen as vulnerable and needy, you will attract negative people and negative experiences.

6. Take your time as you make new commitments.

Most newcomers need two to five years to make lasting friends. During your first six months, avoid joining organizations (let alone running for office). Sign up for short-term options so you can test the waters.

You won’t know the hidden dimensions of joining. Once I eagerly joined a group, only to learn that their meetings were held in out-of-the-way places – and that’s where most members lived! A huge waste of time and dues.

7. Celebrate everyday life. Think small. A walk around the lake. A perfect cup of coffee in a nearby coffee shop. A friendly face at the trade show. Listen for the moments when you say, “I could get used to this…”

No matter what happens, you will find at least one pocket of joy in your new life…usually something wonderful you never anticipated.

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Moving is a complicated and difficult process of life which can make you extremely tired and stressful. It is not only difficult and stressful but it can be also expensive experience. And you will have to pay out a big amount of money on your move. But by learning some money saving moving tips you can make your move under you planned budget so that you can experience affordable relocation experience. Here are some important tips and suggestions which can assist you save a significant amount of money on your move.

1. Make proper budget for move and stick to it

Budgeting for move is a great idea in order to accomplish affordable move from one place to another. It is imperative to prepare a budget of relocation operating cost when you shift your home from one place to another. It is also very imperative to have some extra amount of money in order to encounter surplus charges or unforeseen expanses.

2. If you proficient for packing and unpacking of goods by yourself, go with self service move option. This option will help you save a big amount of money cutting down moving costs significantly. If you decided to pack goods, gather required packing supplies early. Get moving boxes from your local grocery stores or chemists rather that purchasing from movers. But make sure use get strong & sturdy moving boxes. Use old newspapers as padding supplies rather than using expensive wrapping sheets or papers. If you have to purchase moving & packing supplies, shop around for most affordable deal on packing & boxing supplies.

3. Arrange a Garage Sale

It is possible that you have some stuff and old belongings at your current home which you will not want to have at your brand new lovely and beautiful home. Make an inventory of such items and gather them to a place. Make a garage sale for such items which will help you earn some money and cut down moving costs significantly.

4. Disconnect Utilities

Call your telephone, cable and other service providers before the day of actual day of move and disconnect services or utilities by the day of your move. Also turn off your other equipments you do not use. This will also help you save some money.

5. Hire a local moving company

It would be a best decision if you hire a local moving company in city from where you want to shift. Local mover will cost you less than of movers and packers of other cities. Also get multiple estimates from various professional moving companies in your area. Compare Movers Packers estimates which will help you make a right decision to choose right one which is not only experienced and reliable but also affordable.

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Shifting offices can be stressful if you don’t make the proper plans. Sound arrangements can mean the difference between a horrifying move and a hassle-free relocation that’s fast, simple and contained.

Here is a quick list of a few things that you should do before you take the plunge and move to a brand new office space.

1.Make a detailed plan. Planning well will prevent you from having to deal with potential problems that may arise during your relocation. Set aside a few hours to write down what needs to be done and in what order. If you have a selection of electronic equipment including computer screens, printers, scanners and photocopiers they will need to be moved first before you can remove tables and workstations. Create an action plan with small targets and goals that can easily be achieved and make sure you follow it as best as you can.

2.Delegate tasks. Appoint different members of your team to deal with packing up different departments. This will mean that each area will have its own team leader. Set up meetings between each appointee to ensure that everyone is up to speed with the steps that make up the move and confusion is avoided.

3.Arrange packing supplies. Buy cardboard boxes, sellotape, bubble wrap, padded envelopes and any other items that you may need to wrap up any office items. Do not be stingy with extra cushioning – it will be more expensive to replace broken computer hardware than pay for a roll of bubble wrap. Tape up filing cabinets and drawers so that they don’t accidentally slip open and don’t overload any boxes with heavy goods. Keep things light and manageable so that boxes don’t split open.

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Several weeks before the move, start packing boxes with the items you will not need for at least a month. Pack by category — all the books one day, all the paintings, prints and pictures another day, etc. Some of the categories may take more than one day, but if you find yourself finished early one day, start collecting from each room the things in the next day’s category so you have a head start.

Number each box as you go, and keep a list in a notebook dedicated to the move. You don’t need to list every item, just the category inside and maybe some general notes.

In the last few days, you can pack the curtains, kitchen essentials you’ll need on arrival at the new place, and clothing and personal items you’ll want to have right when you get there. Use paper plates, napkins and cups for the last few days, and order in or go out! By the time moving day comes, your house should be stripped bare of everything but the furniture, with stacks of boxes ready to be loaded.

— Nancy in Maryland

Thanks for sharing your hints about a successful move.

— Heloise

FREEBIE CALENDARS

Dear Heloise: Save the many freebie calendars received with pleas for donations and give them to local food pantries to distribute. The pantry workers can just slide one into each bag of groceries without taking up much room. The people receiving those groceries don’t get the free calendars and would surely be happy with them.

— Loris Woolley, Houston

QUICK FIX

Dear Heloise: My husband has found a solution for those round shoelaces that keep untying themselves every hour when you walk! He paints them with rubber cement. They stay pliable, but the surface remains rough, and the laces stay tied all day. After six months, they may need another bath, but that beats retying constantly.

— Delores Gustafson in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Good hint! Just make sure the rubber cement is totally dry before you tie your shoes!

— Heloise

FREEZE MILK AND JUICE

Dear Heloise: When I’m going on a trip, I put milk and juice in the freezer so it doesn’t go bad. When I return, I have juice and milk the next day and do not have to go to the store right away.

— C.A. Knee, via e-mail

This is a hint some people do, me included. However, after calling several well-known milk producers, they don’t recommend freezing milk. Anytime there is a temperature change, it may change the consistency of the milk. Whole milk does not freeze, but I have not had a problem with skim milk.

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