Self Service Moving

Whether you are moving yourself or moving your family you are likely deciding between two processes. Do you hire a moving company to do it all for you from loading, to driving, to unloading? Or do you load everything yourself, drive the truck and unload all your boxes? Believe it or not, you have another choice, self service moving!

Many people have no problem with the loading and unloading involved in moving. Some actual prefer that they pack, load, and unload because the possessions mean more to them so they will be more careful with them. Self service moving gives the moving party the ability to pack, load, and unload to their liking while letting someone else take the task of driving.

Self service moving is the term applied to a process where you have a large container dropped off at your house to pack your things into. Once you are ready to move the company drops back by to load the container on the truck and drive to your destination.

Keeping with the simplified term of self service moving, the container is dropped off at your destination where you can unload into your new house! Self service moving gives you the opportunity to save the money you would save by simply renting the truck, but gives you the peace of mind that someone who is trained to drive a moving truck will be driving it.

Positives to Self Service Moving:
• Self service moving takes away the hourly cost of hiring a moving company.
• No worries about licensing or insurance driving a large truck.
• Eliminate concerns about the vehicle’s vulnerability, leaving your family abandoned on the side of a road.

Negatives to Self Service Moving:
• Still reliant on the schedule of a moving company, not in packing or unpacking, but in driving the truck.
• Potential still there for injuries related to lifting boxes.
• Some self service moving companies may charge extra for trailers or containers weighing over a certain limit.

Self service moving does not answer all of your prayers concerned with moving, but it does give you a very viable third option. As always, call your local companies and ask questions!

Moving Checklist

Have you ever got to the end of the driveway on moving day only to stop and say, “It feels like we forgot something.” Problem solved! Follow this moving checklist and you will have no worries when that day comes to back out of the driveway.

This moving checklist is divided into the three stages of moving: before you move, during the move, and after the move.

Moving Checklist: Before the Move
• Check out the Government’s free “Ready to Move” checklist to review your rights and responsibilities as a mover.
• Estimate moving costs from no less than three movers, including checking their policy on lost or damaged items.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau and your local consumer affairs office to check the company’s history.
• Review the process with your mover from beginning to end with contact numbers at every stop.

Moving Checklist: During the Move
• Be their when the movers arrive at your housing you are moving from and moving to in order to answer any questions or concerns.
• Go over with the movers your estimate and other billing questions before and after the move.
• Give the mover your contact numbers and make sure addresses and directions are correct.
• Take one last, thorough visit through the house to ensure you’ve moved everything!

Moving Checklist: After the Move
• Settle with the movers according to your previous agreement.
• Supervise and assist the movers in making sure everything is unloaded where it is supposed to be.
• Make a brief inspection of your goods to assess any damage before the movers depart.

It is recommended that you make your own moving checklist for personal items you are concerned about, a moving checklist for work-related items, and a moving checklist for household items you’ll need upon arrival at your new home

How do I Pick a Moving Company?

Moving possessions and family can be one of the most stressful times of a person’s life. Finding a school for your children that suits their needs is important. Locating a home where you’re moving to comfortably fit your family is vital. However, the most overlooked and integral part of the moving process is picking a reputable, reliable moving company.

The first step to differentiating moving companies is to get written estimates from each you are considering. If you are deciding between a few moving companies and don’t know where to begin ask yourself a few questions.

When I called this company did they give me an estimate without ever seeing my belongings? Would a mechanic tell you how to fix your car without looking under the hood? No, and moving companies need to see what you need to move before deciding how much to charge.

Research the moving companies you are considering to see if they are licensed and insured by your local authority. If you are moving out-of-state you can check federal websites to check the status of moving companies. If you are moving within your state you can check with your local consumer affairs office.

Know what you are looking for when you are deciding between multiple moving companies. Are you searching for someone who specializes in moving valuables? Are you trying to find someone who can meet you immediately upon your arrival? Are you simply looking for the cheapest price among all moving companies you analyze? Whatever it is, make sure you hold all movers to the same standard and choose who suits you the best.

Take this responsibility seriously and double-check your moving company’s reputation and history. Moving companies are required to tell you certain information and give you certain pamphlets when they arrive. Check reputations through the Better Business Bureau and ask questions! Don’t stress yourself about the move, study your local moving companies and choose wisely.

Renting a Moving Truck

Many people who are in the process of moving opt out of hiring a moving company and decide to rent a moving truck themselves to move their possessions. This brings in a whole new string of questions about what to look for in a truck and how to drive it. Here are some things to remember during the process of moving truck rental.

Renting a moving truck is much like purchasing an airplane ticket, you need to book it early. Don’t wait until the week of the move to rent a moving truck, rent it a few weeks ahead. If you are renting the truck very early, make sure you’ve already guaranteed you will move that weekend and any help you have is definitely available that week.

When you are renting the moving truck make sure you ask the company you are renting from how much it is to rent moving pads and dollies. These things may seem small, but they do add cost to the overall renting process and can be pricey with certain companies. Also, remember that any tolls will be yours to pay.

Ask the company that rents the moving truck what their policy is on additional miles, what type of gas the truck runs on, and if the tank needs to be full upon return. If you are doing a one-way move, where is the location of the rental company in your new location. If you are moving locally, can you be done with the truck in time to return it before closing time?

Finally, what type of moving truck are you renting? It is a good idea for you to visit the business where you are renting the moving truck from to see what the truck is like. Remember, you are driving this beast, you better make sure you can drive it before you commit to paying for it. Here’s a few things to check out in your possible rented moving truck:
• Make sure you feel comfortable with the wide turns this moving truck has.
• Note the clearance of the moving truck and compare to others.
• Ask the rental company what you are covered for during the process.
• Find out if you need any extra license to drive the truck.
• Ask if you can drive around the lot to get the feel for how it works.

Renting a moving truck is a daunting prospect to the rookie mover, don’t let it be! When it comes to moving truck rental the key thing to remember is do you feel comfortable with it!

Moving Precious Valuables

Perhaps the most unsettling thought related to moving is that of moving your valuable items. Many people consider items of material worth to be replaceable, but what about your precious valuable heirlooms? This article will help you pack those delicate memories found in pictures.

Moving pictures is a scary and intimidating process because of their fragile, flimsy nature. Pictures of your family, friends, and other loved ones are priceless and must be handled properly. While small pictures can be stood up and placed in regular boxes, your larger and more delicate pictures need to be handled just right.

Many movers have cartons or boxes that are especially designed for moving pictures or mirrors. Contact your moving company ahead of time to see if they have these items for moving pictures. If you are moving yourself and renting a truck, check to see if the truck rental company has any specialty items designed for moving pictures.

Here are a few tips for moving pictures:
• When the box you are using to move your picture is open at both ends, make sure it is longer than the picture.
• Wrap your picture face-down in wrapping paper with a lot of slack on all sides.
• Wrap the picture much like you would a birthday or Christmas present, using all sides to cover the picture.
• Seal most of the carton, then slide the picture in last, finally sealing the last opening of the carton.

When moving pictures it is important that you research government regulations on what is considered an item of extraordinary value. Most moving companies consider moving pictures over $100 in value to be moving a value of extraordinary value.

Finally, if it is at all possible it is recommended that you move these items yourself. While you may have hired a reputable mover, moving pictures don’t have the same effect on every person. While these items are of extraordinary value to you, that’s not necessarily the case for the mover.

Moving Equipment

The simplest way to ease the rugged, uncomfortable process of moving is to invest in some solid moving equipment. Moving equipment can be anything from padding for your items, to dollies for lifting, to ramps, ropes, and strapping.

If you are moving a good number of valuable, fragile items it is probably a good idea to rent some padding from your moving company. Most don’t think of furniture or table pads as moving equipment, but it will help you immensely during the process of the move. Most movers rent this type of moving equipment for anywhere from five to ten dollars.

A major concern for movers who are skipping the high bill of a moving company and renting a truck are large, heavy items. The most helpful moving equipment for this situation is a dolly or cart. Some companies will offer three different types of dollies or carts.
• A utility dolly is a good piece of moving equipment for boxes or smaller items.
• A furniture dolly is helpful for someone needing moving equipment to assist in moving small couches, desks, or nightstands.
• An appliance dolly is important for moving a freezer or icebox. This piece of moving equipment makes it simpler to get leverage on large objects for moving.

When using the types of moving equipment mentioned above you will want to have plenty of ropes or other durable straps to stabilize your belongings. Another thing to consider when using dollies or carts is a ramp for your truck, making it easier to unload the truck.

Whatever product it is you need, the using of moving equipment can be integral to the process of moving. Most of the items that have been mentioned can be rented for between $5 and $25 to keep from the price of having to purchase them outright.

Moving Storage

If you are moving into a house that is smaller than where you were before or don’t think you’ll have time to unpack everything right away you need to investigate storage opportunities. Some moving companies offer storage opportunities if you agree to another part of their service.

Many movers offer free storage for a month or two to those who sign up for their one way truck rentals, etc. The length of time you can use the storage facility may be regulated, but this is usually clearly stated by the company or in your paperwork. Most allow use of the storage either before or after you use their service.

This can be very convenient if you are expecting your move to be temporary and don’t want to move everything or you simply don’t have the money/manpower to complete the move. Storage facilities offer a number of great amenities that could answer a potential problem you’re having with your move. Here are a few:
• 24/7 service. Being able to reach your items that are in storage at any time is very important.
• Security and alarm guarded storage gives you peace of mind for your valuables.
• Climate-Controlled storage allows you to store videotapes, furniture, or wood based items that could wilt in heat or damp conditions.

Optimizing your storage space is important to saving money.
• When packing for a move, pack with storage in mind. Keeping items in boxes conserves space for storage.
• Disassemble entertainment centers, desks, or tables that may be spacious.
• Stand couches or mattresses on their ends.
• If you are storing bookshelves make sure you place other items on the shelves.

Make sure you abide by your storage facility’s guidelines pertaining to the items you place in storage and see what types of services that they offer before you move. Some offer to come to your house and help load the truck, and then unload it at the storage facility themselves. Being trained to do this means they will optimize the space available to storage and save you money.

Interstate Moving

The most important part of interstate moving is investigating the company you’ve hired to move you. Believe it or not, moving fraud is a growing concern in the world of interstate moving. How does moving fraud occur, here are the steps:
• The moving company gives you an estimate over the phone without ever seeing your home or possessions.
• They give you a quote that seems “too good to be true.”
• The movers pack your items and agree where to meet you.
• Before arriving at your new home the movers contact you and demand more money before delivering your items, effectively holding your possessions hostage.

Some other things to consider when making your interstate move and investigating your movers are very similar to any other business. Does your interstate moving company demand cash or payment BEFORE the move? Did you receive a government regulated pamphlet regarding your rights in respect to interstate moving before the move?

If the company you’ve hired for your interstate move answers the phone generically (i.e. “Movers”) or don’t list an address you should double check them with the Better Business Bureau. Other things to look for prior to interstate moving is if your moving company claims all goods are covered by their insurance or they show up on moving day in a generic rental truck rather than a truck with a company name.

Like any other major purchase or life-altering event you should ask certain questions of your moving company. Ask for references from past interstate moves and make sure you are going by a certain criteria when screening potential movers.

Interstate moving can be a scary event, but with the right investigation and homework you can eliminate your stress. Just remember to try to get face-to-face a few times before the move. Someone is less likely to steal or threaten you if they feel you know them. Good luck and happy interstate moving!

Moving International

Life can take many unexpected and completely unwanted turns. One of the most life-altering events can be moving internationally. It is a big enough step to move out of state or just down the street, but going somewhere that is completely foreign to you in every way is a daunting task.

Making an international move is beyond the normal moving concerns of packing and driving. What does the culture have in store for you? What are the hard and fast laws of this new country? Here’s a few things for you to consider before you move internationally.
• Contact movers immediately upon your notification of an international move. Movers need time to prepare just like you do.
• Meet with the movers personally, don’t leave anything to chance. Moving internationally is a big enough stress, don’t compound the problem with miscommunication.
• Don’t focus on the lowest price, see what different movers offer.
• Obtain all visas or other identification you will need for your international move.
• Talk to friends or family who have made a similar move or attend a class on the process.

Another idea to consider is contacting local consumer affairs offices to see what they can tell you about your international moving experience. The same laws that apply in the United States may not apply in another country, but there may be international moving laws you are unaware of.

The most important thing to remember about moving internationally is that you need to research the best way possible to take personal items with you, not the mover. If you have kids it is important to take personal belongings to make the international move easier.

Car Moving (Auto Transport)

The very idea sounds ridiculous, isn’t moving a car the easy part of moving? After all, don’t you have to drive to your destination? However, if you are driving a rental truck during the move or need multiple drivers for one car you need someone to move the over.

Car moving, sometimes called auto transport, is the process of hiring an individual or company to drive your car to your eventual destination. A few things to remember when you are preparing to rent a car moving, or auto transport, service:
• Find out when your car will be delivered. Make sure the auto transport is scheduled to be completed no later than when you arrive. You don’t want to be without a vehicle.
• What types of vehicles do the transport service accept?
• What types of delivery do the auto transporters offer?
• How is the car moved? Is it covered on a trailer or simply driven to it’s location?

Just as if you are purchasing a car or house, make sure you get everything related to the auto transport in writing. Do not rely on verbal promises in the process of moving your car! This is too big of a risk to you and the company.

Follow some of the same guidelines you followed when selecting a moving company. Select an auto transport company that has a good record with consumer affairs and the better business bureau.
Make sure you do a thorough inspection of your car prior to the auto transport before and after the move with the company. The delivery of your car after auto transport is much like the delivery of your car when you originally purchased it. If you don’t contest problems before you drive it off the lot you lose.

Some truck rental companies may offer you a trailer to transport the car yourself, but you may want to consider leaving it to the professionals. Driving a trailer with a car on it can be as aggravating a task as driving a moving truck. You are not used to it and you may find out that you aren’t insured either.