State to State Moving Services

Moving can be an exciting time, but for most, it is also a daunting time that can be overwhelming. When you start to plan a move, whether it is a local move to an apartment on a different floor of your current building or even long distance down the interstate to a whole new area of the country, you’re going to need to sit down and take some time to plan things out. Careful planning will help ensure that your move goes smoothly and that you will have to deal with as little stress as possible.

Moving isn’t as simple as tossing a few boxes into a truck and driving down the road. While some things are simple to plan, you will find other things that may seem a little complicated to take care of. For instance, packing a box may seem a simple task to do but determining which household goods you want to keep and which may need to be tossed before the move may take a little time. Professional movers can assist with getting everything packed but they can also help you sort through your items and determine things that may need to be left behind. Downsizing is always a good idea even when the move is a short distance across town to a new home.

boxesOther things to consider when moving may include trying to figure out how many boxes you will need or what items will fit inside of specific boxes. You might also need to figure out where you can park your moving truck easily and without disturbing neighbors or traffic during the time it takes to pack everything inside the moving truck or unload everything at the new home. You will also need to locate the new utility companies, find pet groomers or veterinarians if you have pets and locate a new school for your children.

There are many things involved in a move that far exceed the simple task of packing a few boxes or loading a truck. Even those simple tasks can be daunting, especially when you have a full household of heavy boxes, furniture and appliances and possibly even a car or two that needs to be moved along with the home furnishings and personal items. A good moving company may be the best thing you have ever dealt with, especially when you want a move to be simple and stress-free.

A DIY move is always a possibility, and they work especially well when you need to move locally. Hiring a professional mover however, may be the best way to tackle a move, even a local one, when you need to have someone with moving and packing expertise take care of determining the number of boxes, protective furniture pads or covers and even the size truck that will be necessary to ensure all your items are safely moved.

All too many times people have rented a moving truck to handle a move on their own only to discover that not everything will fit inside the truck. There have been thousands of people nationwide who have had to leave behind important items because they miscalculated the moving truck size and did not realize it was wrong until everything was loaded inside.

When you have a move to plan and you want to ensure that everything goes smoothly from start to finish, be sure to speak to a professional mover to see what needs to be done to make your move as great as possible.

DIY or Pro? What You Need to Know

moving menBefore you decide whether to hire a professional mover or to do it all on your own, you need to sit down and determine the pros and cons of each as they relate to the move you need to make. Taking time to plan for a move, at least three to six months in advance if possible depending on the size of the move, could make the difference between a great moving experience and a major headache.

When it comes to moving, one of the first things you need to do is decide whether you will handle the move all on your own, hire someone to help haul everything or hire a company that offers full service moving assistance who can not only load and haul the heavy stuff, but who can also help get everything securely packed for the move. Here are some things to consider when you are making plans to do the move on your own, or to hire a professional moving company for moving help to handle things for you.

The Do It Yourself Move

do it yourselfIf you are planning a local move or even one that extends cross country, you may be able to handle the move on your own. If you are only moving boxes and small items, a DIY move may not be a difficult task, especially if you are moving locally. If you plan to move heavy furniture or appliances, chances are that you will need to find some helpers to assist with loading or unloading. So, you need to ask yourself, will your friends be available and willing to help with the move? If not, your move may not be quite so simple to handle all by yourself. Here are a few pros and cons to the do it yourself move.

Pros

You Decide How the Move Goes

You determine exactly when you make your move. You don’t need to worry about scheduling the move with a moving service and you will be the one who decides on a truck to move everything in as well as which items to pack in your boxes. You will be able to decide what time to head out on the road if you’re making an interstate move and how you want everything situated inside of the truck.

Financial Obligations

When it comes to a DIY move, you only need to worry about the moving truck rental and your muscle power to get everything moved. You won’t need to pay a mover or a moving company to take care of the move for you. If you are making a small, local move, a DIY move may be perfect for your circumstances.

Cons

Loading

Moving on your own may be an ideal way to save a little money, but it won’t save the damage you can do to your back from lifting heavy home furnishings including living room furniture, appliances, pool tables and even heavy boxes. Even if your friends offer to help, it can still be dangerous to lift and load heavy items into the moving truck. If you live in a college dorm and have limited items to move, a DIY move may be just fine. If you have a large family and need to move a four or five-bedroom home, you may want to consider checking with a mover to get a quote on rates for moving instead of attempting to do it on your own.

Accidents

Accidents happen and nothing could be more annoying than having one in the middle of a move. Even moving across the hall of an apartment building can lead to an accident. With the assistance of a professional mover, even in the event of an accident, your property would be covered by insurance (in most circumstances) and you would not need to worry about slipping, falling, or being involved in an accident on the interstate during the move.

Professional Moving Services

professional movingHiring a pro to handle your move can be an ideal way to ensure everything goes smoothly. Whether you need residential moving services, office moving services or other services to move large or small items to a storage unit, hiring a professional can help simplify things and make the move easy for you. Just as with a DIY move, you may find pros and cons to hiring a professional mover. Here are some of the pros and cons to hiring a professional moving company.

Pros

No Hard Work

When you hire a professional to pack your household goods, load everything into the moving truck and provide delivery to the new house, you won’t need to lift anything heavy or worry about loading anything bulky or that may be dangerous to carry. Movers take care of everything during a move and you will find that things will go smoothly during the relocation. Professionals help to make sure you don’t risk straining muscles or having accidents with heavy furniture when you are moving. In other words, you can sit back and relax while the tough work is taken care of by the pros.

Timing

A mover will be able to come in and get everything taken care in a timely manner so you won’t need to worry about rushing at the last minute to get things moved out of one home and moved into the next. A professional company will try to make arrangements that fit into your schedule and will be able to ensure quality moving services as well as provide the necessary moving supplies including boxes, tape, furniture pads, an appliance dolly and more for the move.

Cons

Timing

During busy moving seasons (like summertime) moving companies may be backed up with work and won’t be able to offer immediate service. For best moving options, it is best to speak to the company several months ahead of the move to secure a date to move. This can be done when you call for an estimate and get the necessary information to determine the cost of moving well in advance of the planned moving date.

Price

On average, the cost of a household move in the United States can range from just under $900 for a four-bedroom home to more than $2500 depending on the distance of the move as well as on the load weight and hours the movers will need to work to pack, load and deliver the property. Smaller moves may be less expensive and it is possible to find a good moving company who has lower rates for service. Be sure to shop around and compare rates and services offered by each company you speak to before moving.

Now that you have a little information on pros and cons to doing the move on your own or hiring a professional, be sure to start planning well enough in advance to see what your best options will be. You may think a DIY move will be cheap, but it may wind up costing more to handle things on your own than it will if you work with a professional moving company during the move.

Local Moving Tips

Local moves are made every day of the year and include moves from one apartment to another in the same complex, moves across town and moves from one home to another in the same city or state. Although local moves are not long distance like moving across the country, they still need to be handled the right way to ensure that you are not stressed out and that your property will remain safe as it is loaded and delivered during the door to door moving services. To help ensure that your local move goes smoothly, here are a few great tips to consider when you are planning the move.

Tip # 1

Choose Between DIY and Professional Moving Services far enough in advance to ensure you can schedule services with a pro if you will be hiring one. Many out of state movers need at minimum, three months, to schedule a move. This is especially true if you plan to move during a busy moving season.

Tip # 2

Downsize as much as possible before you start packing. All too often we tend to hoard things that we no longer need, want or will ever use. Take time to sort through your belongings and decide which items need to be trashed, donated or sold before you end up taking them to a new house to sit in a closet taking up space.

local movingTip # 3

Make a checklist and go by the list. This will assist you with keeping everything on track for the move and will help make sure you don’t forget anything important while packing or moving. A professional mover will be able to help ensure things are taken care of including all packing and other moving labor.

Tip # 4

Utilities need to be scheduled to be on before you arrive at the new home. This will help ensure that when you arrive, you will have electricity as well as water. Taking a nice hot shower after everything has been moved in or being able to brew a fresh pot of coffee on your first morning in your new home can really help you feel right at home. You will also need to schedule your final bills to be mailed to the new address from your current utility providers. This will help you pay what you owe but can also help ensure you get your deposits back if any are owed.

Tip # 5

Make a floorplan of the new house before everything is moved. This way, you know which rooms your furniture will need to be placed and where you want everything situated. Don’t worry about the boxes, but be sure you know which rooms they will go in and where the heavy furnishings need to be.

If you need fast moving services, be sure to fill out the quote form on this page to get your move started. Whether you are moving locally or you need to move to the other side of the country, it’s quick and easy to get affordable moving estimates to help you prepare for your move ahead of time.

Long Distance Moving Tips

A state to state move or even a coast to coast move needs to be carefully planned to make sure everything goes smoothly so you won’t feel overwhelmed as you are relocated to your new home. While you may know to have your utilities turned on ahead of time or to downsize personal belongings, there are some other things to consider when you make a national move to a new home far from your current home. Here are a few tips to think about when you are making a long-distance move.

Tip # 1

Whether moving locally or even making an international move, you need to reduce your clutter before you begin packing. This not only means to sort through clothing or shoes to discard things that no longer fit, or things that went out of style in 1989, but it also means you need to consider tossing those old letters from the ex you haven’t spoken to in twenty years or selling that statue sitting in the entryway that you haven’t dusted in the last five years. Everyone has personal property sitting around taking up space that could be utilized for more important items. Take advantage of your move by finally tossing those unwanted or unnecessary items once and for all. Start fresh with less clutter at the new house. The less you move, the cheaper the costs will be when things need to be loaded and hauled away.

moving boxesTip # 2

Get estimates from professional movers in advance and be sure to compare not only the quotes you are offered, but be sure to compare the actual services included. You may find a rate that seems like a great deal but it may not come with packing or crating services that you need during the move. Always get the details before deciding on a mover to handle your move. You can find professional movers by completing an internet search using terms such as “long distance moving companies” or “movers near me” and other terms related to moving.

Tip # 3

Try to plan your move for the off-season. If you are moving for work or school this may not be an option for you, but if you have plenty of time and are not in a rush to move, the best time to plan a move is usually during the spring, fall or winter. Summer moving services tend to cost more because companies are busiest during the summer moving students and those who move for summer break.

Tip # 4

As you are packing, be sure to have a marker on hand to label all your boxes. It’s frustrating to have boxes hauled inside a new home and not know which room things they should be in. This will save time as well as help keep stress levels down to a minimum.

Tip # 5

Take a break. A tax break that is! Did you know that moving, especially if you move for work can be tax deductible? This is true whether you work for a company and need to transfer or even to look for work as well as if you are self-employed and need to move to increase business.

Be sure to speak to a professional mover so you can ensure things go smooth and that you have the least amount of stress possible as you relocate. While some moves can be handled on your own, it’s usually best to rely on a pro when making a long-distance move.

Local and Interstate Car Shipping

local and interstate movingDriving your own car or truck to a new home may be a good option if you are making a local move within the same city you are currently in. When it comes to making a move across the state or even cross country however, driving your personal vehicle is often not a choice that you may want to consider. One of the best things that a person making a long-distance move can take advantage of will be the services offered by a professional auto transport company to help during the move.

It is easy to get a free, instant quote for auto transport by checking online for transport brokers who may be able to offer multiple quotes at one time, or by contacting an experienced transporter who can offer a direct quote for auto transport services that will be safe and covered by insurance. While you may have a professional mover to help with the household goods, it’s best to work with a transport expert to get your car, or cars, where they need to be as well.

How Can I Be Sure the Transporter is Legitimate?

With so many companies listed online, it can be a little overwhelming to try to sort through numerous companies to check to see which are real companies and which are brokers or even false companies who work to gain your personal information. A great resource when checking on auto transport companies is going to be the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This organization relates to the Department of Transportation and they monitor auto transport carriers nationwide. You can check with them on their website at: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ to find information on whether a company is licensed or insured and to see if they have any driving related issues including citations or warnings.

Transport Tips to Keep in Mind

Here are some common tips that you will find helpful when searching for the right auto transport company during your move:

Compare Rates – It is always best to compare rates, but when it comes to shipping a car, you need to make sure you compare the services that go along with the rates. Stay away from companies who low-ball the prices and offer a rate that is considerably lower than the other companies. A legitimate company will usually offer a rate that is comparable to others in the industry. It’s best to stick with those who offer the mid-price levels rather than those who offer extremely low, or even super high rates to ship a car.

Call Ahead of Time – Anytime you need to ship a car, you need to try to contact the company no less than 2-4 weeks ahead of time. If you are moving internationally, you may want to call up to 45 days in advance to make sure your car can be scheduled in time for your move.

Call Your Insurance Company – All motor carriers who haul vehicles in the U.S. are required by law to carry valid insurance coverage for the vehicles they move, but you may want to call your own private insurance company as well to make sure your private coverage will be in effect during shipment.

Prepare the Vehicle – Your car will need to be clean and completely empty aside from the spare tire and jack. This means you need to remove all paperwork, personal items and other items that can be easily removed including removable stereos and DVD players. Items cannot be packed inside a car during professional auto transport as the driver is only licensed to haul vehicles and not move other property.

Contract and Documents – Most companies will require a few legal documents from you before they will ship your car. Basically, these include your driver’s license or other photo identification (State Issued or Military I.D.) as well as the title to the vehicle or proof that you are the owner. Most companies do not require binding written contracts, but if there is one, be sure to read it entirely before you sign anything.

Consumers can get referrals from friends and family as well as business referrals when searching for reliable transport services. You may be required to pay some of the transport charges ahead of time, but most often you are going to pay everything in full when the driver arrives to get the car.

Inspection

Before the driver loads a car for delivery, he will complete a vehicle inspection to check for signs of cosmetic damage as well as for leaky fluids and other issues that could cause damage during shipment. Another inspection will be performed when the car is delivered at the new location. Now, you will need to sign the Bill of Lading to show you have received the vehicle and that you approve the condition.

It is highly recommended to walk through the entire inspection with the driver and to make sure everything is alright with the car before signing any of the paperwork.

When you need to hire a professional auto transport company who has a trusted reputation for offering exceptional options for services as well as quick quotes, safe storage facilities for those who need them during a move and places safety above all, you can fill out the form on this page for a fast quote and to start the process to schedule reliable auto shipping to the destination of choice.

Who Monitors Moving Companies?

moving personnelWhile there are many nationwide organizations that monitor a variety of services, moving companies are generally monitored by state ran organizations who can work directly with consumers as well as the individual moving companies to ensure that standards for moving are being met, that licensing and insurance are in order and that all laws of the state are being followed.

Local regulations will be different from one state to the next but most moving companies will need to be licensed to handle professional moving services in any state they deliver to. We have compiled a list of statewide organizations that you can check with if you need information on a local moving company including their licensing or insurance status.

 

 

 

Moving Guide



Cross Country Moving Services

Alabama

Organization to Contact:

Public Service Commission, Transportation Division
100 N Union St, RSA Union, Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 242-5980
Website: http://www.psc.alabama.gov/

Arizona

Organization to Contact:

Arizona Department of Weights and Measures
4425 W Olive Ave, Glendale, AZ 85302
(800) 277-6675
Website: http://www.azdwm.gov/

Arkansas

Organization to Contact:

Arkansas State Highway & Transportation Department
10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Arkansas 72209
(501) 569-2000
Website: https://www.arkansashighways.com

California

Organization to Contact:

California Public Utilities Commission
SSRS Unit 505, Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102-3298
(800) 848-5580
Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/puc/

Colorado

Organization to Contact:

Public Utilities Commission
1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 894-2000
Website: http://colorado.gov

Connecticut

Organization to Contact:

Department of Transportation, Bureau of Public Transportation
2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06111
(860)-594-2000
Website: http://ct.gov/dot

Florida

Organization to Contact:

The Division of Consumer Services, Bureau of Compliance
Terry Rhodes Building, 2005 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32399-6500
(800) 435-7352
Website: http://www.800helpfla.com

Georgia

Organization to Contact:

Department of Public Safety
959 East Confederate Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30316
(404) 624-7243
Website: http://www.dps.georgia.gov

Hawaii

Organization to Contact:

Public Utilities Commission
465 South King Street, #103, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
(808) 586-2020
Website: http://www.puc.hawaii.gov

Idaho

Organization to Contact:

Idaho Transportation Department
3311 W. State Street P.O. Box 7129, Boise, Idaho 83707-1129
(208) 334-8000
Website: http://www.itd.idaho.gov

Illinois

Organization to Contact:

Illinois Commerce Commission
527 East Capitol Avenue, Springfield, IL 62701
(800)524-0795
Website: http://www.icc.illinois.gov/

Indiana

Organization to Contact:

Indiana Department of Transportation
5252 Decatur Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46241
(317) 615-7350
Website: http://www.in.gov/indot/index.htm

Iowa

Organization to Contact:

Iowa Department of Transportation
PO Box 10382, Des Moines, IA 50306-0382
(515) 237-3264
Website: http://www.iowa.gov

Kansas

Organization to Contact:

Kansas Corporation Commission, Transportation Division
1500 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, KS 66604-4027
(785) 271-3145
Website: http://www.kcc.state.ks.us

Kentucky

Organization to Contact:

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Carriers
200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40622
(502) 564-1257
Website: http://www.transportation.ky.gov

Louisiana

Organization to Contact:

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
1201 Capitol Access Road, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802
(225) 379-1232
Website: http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Massachusetts

Organization to Contact:

Massachusetts Department Of Public Utilities, Transportation Oversight Division
1 South Station, Boston, MA 02110
(617) 305-3559
Website: http://www.mass.gov/dpu/transportation

Michigan

Organization to Contact:

Michigan Public Service Commission, Motor Carrier Division
6545 Mercantile Way, Suite 1, Lansing, MI 48911
(517) 241-9770
Website: http://www.michigan.gov/mpsc

Minnesota

Organization to Contact:

Minnesota Department of Transportation, Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations
395 John Ireland Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155-1899
(800) 657-3774
Website: http://www.dot.state.mn.us

Mississippi

Organization to Contact:

Mississippi Department of Transportation
401 North West Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39201
(601) 359-7001
Website: http://mdot.ms.gov/portal/home.aspx

Missouri

Organization to Contact:

Missouri Department of Transportation (MO DOT)
105 W. Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, MO 65102
(866) 275-6636
Website: http://www.modot.org

Montana

Organization to Contact:

Montana Department of Transportation (MDT)
PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620-1001
(406) 444-6200
Website: http://www.mdt.mt.gov

Nebraska

Organization to Contact:

Nebraska Public Service Commission
1200 N Street, Suite 300, Lincoln, NE 68508
(800) 526-0017
Website: http://www.psc.nebraska.gov

Nevada

Organization to Contact:

Nevada Transportation Authority
2290 South Jones Blvd, Suite 110, Las Vegas, NV 89146
(702) 486-3303
Website: http://www.nta.nv.gov

New Hampshire

Organization to Contact:

New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT)
7 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH
(603) 271-3734
Website: http://www.nh.gov/dot/

New Jersey

Organization to Contact:

Department of Law and Public Safety, New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
124 Halsey Street, Newark, New Jersey 07101
(973) 504-6512
Website: http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov

New Mexico

Organization to Contact:

Public Regulation Commission
1120 Paseo De Peralta, PERA Building, P.O. Box 1269, Santa Fe, NM 87504
(888) 427-5772
Website: http://www.nmprc.state.nm.us

New York

Organization to Contact:

New York State Department of Transportation
50 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12232
(518) 457-6195
Website: https://www.dot.ny.gov

North Carolina

Organization to Contact:

North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division
430 N. Salisbury Street, Room 1130, Raleigh, NC 27603-5919
(919) 733-7766
Website: http://www.ncuc.commerce.state.nc.us

North Dakota

Organization to Contact:

North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT)
608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505-0700
(701) 328-2500
Website: http://www.dot.nd.gov

Oklahoma

Organization to Contact:

Oklahoma Corporation Commission
2101 North Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105
405) 521-2211
Website: http://www.occeweb.com

Oregon

Organization to Contact:

Oregon Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Transportation Division
3930 Fairview Industrial Dr SE, Salem, OR 97302
503) 378-5985
Website: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/MCT/Pages/index.aspx

Pennsylvania

Organization to Contact:

Public Utility Commission
400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0211
(800) 692-7380
Website: http://www.puc.state.pa.us

Rhode Island

Organization to Contact:

Public Utilities Commission
89 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI 02888
(401) 780-2158
Website: http://www.ripuc.org

South Carolina

Organization to Contact:

The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff
1401 Main Street, Suite 900, Columbia, S.C. 29201
(803) 737-0800
Website: http://www.regulatorystaff.sc.gov

Texas

Organization to Contact:

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
4000 Jackson Ave., Austin, TX 78731
(888) 368-4689
Website: http://www.txdmv.gov

Virginia

Organization to Contact:

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
2300 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23269
(804) 497-7100
Website: http://www.dmv.virginia.gov

Washington

Organization to Contact:

Utilities and Transportation Commission
1300 S. Evergreen Park Dr. SW, Olympia, WA 98504
(360) 664-1160
Website: http://www.utc.wa.gov

West Virginia

Organization to Contact:

Public Service Commission
201 Brooks Street, Charleston, WV 25301
(800) 642-8544
Website: http://www.psc.state.wv.us

Wisconsin

Organization to Contact:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
4802 Sheboygan Avenue, Madison, WI 53705
(608) 250-4606
Website: http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/home.aspx

Wyoming

Organization to Contact:

Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDT)
5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009
(307) 777-4375
Website: http://www.dot.state.wy.us/cms/sites/wydot/home.html

For Nationwide Moves

Organization to Contact:

United States Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
(855) 368-4200
Website: http://fmcsa.dot.gov

For International Moves

Organization to Contact:

Federal Maritime Commission
800 North Capitol Street, N.W, Washington, D.C. 20573
(202) 523-5807
Website: http://www.fmc.gov

Storage Facilities

storage facilitiesDuring your upcoming move, there may come a time when you need to have storage options either prior to or after the move. Whether the new house will not be ready when your moving truck arrives or you need to move things out of the old house before it is time to have them moved to the new home, you will find that there are numerous moving storage options across the nation that are guaranteed to offer a safe space for things during your transition.

Moving can be a daunting time for a person and being able to speak to a reliable agent who can direct you to the best storage facility can ensure that you avoid losing precious items during your move. Storage units offer a convenient way to hold home furnishings, antiques, cars including antique and vintage autos and other cargo that may need to have a place to stay for a while as you work things out with the new landlord or the seller of your new home.

Placing items in storage is also a good way to take inventory to make sure you aren’t missing anything after things have been located to the new city or state. Storage is a great benefit to a moving customer who may need time to close on a house or find a new rental in a new city. Many moving companies offer storage to their clients and it may even be free for a brief time depending on the company. You can even have a mover pickup your home furnishings and deliver them directly to the storage facility.

If you need storage during your household move, be sure to keep the following storage tips in mind to assist you during the move.

  1. Determine the size of the unit that you will need before you arrive at the facility. You will most likely need to pay in advance during a move, but it may be best to get the advice of the movers to see what size unit you will need to use for your property. A large unit may seem ideal, but if it is too large you will not only pay more than you need to, but there will be too much free air circulating and property can become loosened and fall causing damage. Things need to be packed securely inside the unit.
  2. Find out the hours you can enter the facility. While many facilities offer 24-hour access, others do not.
  3. Check to see if the unit is climate controlled. Some furniture and personal property can become damaged and ruined if left in extremely hot or cold temperatures. Be sure to use furniture blankets and take other safety precautions when storing items.
  4. Ask about security. This is especially a good idea if the facility closes at dark. It’s best to use a company that offers 24-hour guards or even 24-hour security camera surveillance.
  5. Make sure the storage facility will insure all your property if it is located inside the unit. Most companies offer insurance but others do not. It is up to the customer to make sure their belongings will be covered while they are stored.

Moving for Work

moving for workYou finally got the big promotion that you’ve waited on for the last three years, and now, your boss has asked you to move to take over a new office on the other side of the country. You have a limited time to find a new home, schedule moving services and get your household packed up and moved.

When you are facing a work-related move, it’s time to let the professionals step in and take care of things for you. A professional moving company has the experience needed to support your move by getting everything packed into the correct boxes, loaded for delivery and moved in an efficient manner. Movers take their jobs seriously just as you take your own job seriously and they work hard to ensure a move is stress free for their customer.

How a Moving Company Handles Work Relocation

Moving companies know that when a move is scheduled because of a work-related situation, timing is everything and they will work hard to exceed the time constraints that you may have to be at the new job on time. Whether the move is local or international, a professional mover will know which steps to take to make sure everything is handled legally, professionally and quickly.

Many movers work with corporate apartments to get new employees moved in fast so they can begin training and become an important figure with the company. Those who handle work moves will often have a contract with the company to make sure all relocations are handles swiftly so the company has access to their new employee as quickly as possible. This is great for the company, but it is also an excellent benefit to the employee who must move.

If your company has requested that you relocate to a new area, be sure to get a quick moving quote for express moving services. A professional moving agent will be able to assist with scheduling your move and getting your household goods on the way for quick delivery to your new home so you can begin work as fast as possible.

Office Moves

office movesIf you are a business owner or a manager who has been tasked with scheduling an office move, you will find that working with a professional domestic moving service will be a key benefit to your business. It takes precise planning to undertake a business relocation, even if the business may only be moving a few doors down. Commercial moves take time, but with the right help, they can be handled quickly so the business does not lose profit during the time things must be packed and moved.

For a small business such as an office, many movers can get everything packed and relocated within the same time. It is very important to make a checklist of items that need moved as well as individual tasks that current employees may need to take care of during the move.
If you hire a full-service mover, the moving team will be able to handle all aspects of the move for you. This will allow you time to handle things like business related phone calls, customers and vendors. You also need to make sure the utilities at the new shop space have been turned on and that everything is working appropriately.

Here are a few office moving tips to keep in mind to help your business move go smoothly.

  1. Call a meeting with all employees no less than 30 days prior to the physical move. This allows employees to plan for company closure where they may miss work during the move. It also allows time to get volunteers to work during the move to ensure business stays up and to make sure the move goes as fast as possible.
  2. Notify customers at least 2 weeks prior to the move.
  3. Check the new office/store space to make sure it is sufficient to the daily business operations.
  4. Plan to have all computers, phones and other electronics up and running quickly when everything is moved in.
  5. Make plans to have everything placed in the correct area when it arrives.
  6. Update all information on business cards and signage.
  7. Contact vendors (if applicable) change delivery times as well as to let them know the business is moving.
  8. Place an ad to let the public know you are relocating.
  9. Have the heating and air inspected to make sure it is in good working order.
  10. Check the plumbing to make sure everything works well.
  11. Work closely with the moving team to make sure everything is moved safely to the new business location.

A business move is best handled by a professional moving company. Be sure to compare quotes and services before hiring a mover to move your business. It is also a good idea to check into the company background to make sure they are reliable. This is especially a good idea of your office has sensitive customer information that needs to remain secure during the move.

Military Relocation

military relocationTo handle a military move, a moving company must be a Government Service Administration (GSA) approved mover for government agencies and military member transfers. It is best to conduct an in-depth search to ensure a company is GSA approved before hiring a company to move you from one post to the next.
Whether you are relocating from Georgia to South Carolina or your orders are to move overseas, working with a professional moving company will be the best way to ensure your property arrives safely at the new post.

Many movers can work with you to move your household property as well as scheduling auto transport services to make sure your personal car arrives on time for your use when you need it. You may also find that you can take a deduction on your moving expenses or possibly even be eligible for reimbursement for some, or all expenses related to the move. You should discuss reimbursement with your sponsor to see what services are available to you and your family during the relocation.

Military moving services will work fast and will pack, crate and otherwise secure all your property to have it safely delivered to the new post. These services are available to military members whether they are locating to a new post stateside or if they are shipping out to a location overseas.

When you need reliable military moving assistance, be sure to fill out the quote form on this page. An agent will be able to work with you to schedule services to get you moved as quickly as possible to the new location.

College Moving Services

Whether you are a student who needs help moving away to college or you are a parent who is sending their child off to college, this can be a very daunting move to make. For students, this may well be the first taste of adulthood, and for parents, it is the time to say goodbye to their child and send them out into the world to start their own life. Either way, it is a time to call a professional moving company to take care of the move.

College moving can be stressful whether it’s the beginning of the first year or the summer break of the second or third year. College students, on average, will move two to three times each year during their college years. That is a lot of moving for a person. Roommates often do not work out, classes may change to a new campus or a student decides to move in with a new friend.

Here are a few things to consider when planning a college move:

Moving Truck Rental

Some people prefer to save a little money by renting a moving truck and loading everything on their own. For a local college move, this may be a great choice as the price will often be less than $50 for truck rental locally. You will most likely need to call a few friends over to help with the move, but working together, you can move in a short time. Many companies offer student discounts so be sure to take advantage of that if possible.

Professional Movers

Professional movers are an excellent choice for those who need to move a long distance for school. A pro can help pack as well as load everything and deliver it right to the dorm room or off campus housing.

Auto Transport

When moving away to college, it may seem like a good idea to load the car or SUV down with all your personal property and drive the distance to school. Not only is this not a good idea, but it may also be dangerous. Long distance road trips, especially for teens and young adults, can be tiring and driving when tired can lead to accidents on the interstate. When you need to move away to college, be sure to schedule professional auto transport for your car so it will arrive safely to campus for you to enjoy driving.

Moving to a Vacation Home

Nothing beats an extended vacation to an area of the country you can relax and enjoy the scenery in a stress-free environment. While many vacation homes are furnished, you may find some that will require you to bring your own furniture or at least your own personal goods to use around the house. Before moving to your new vacation getaway, be sure to take time to thoroughly check things out so you know what to expect ahead of time.

Here are some things to consider when you have plans to move away for a vacation.

Tip # 1

Check out the furnishings included in the home away from home. If you will be staying for a long period of time, you will want to make sure the bed is comfy and that all other furnishings are suitable to your lifestyle. If you will be working while away, be sure to have a desk or other work-related furniture in the home for you to use during your stay.

summer homeTip # 2

If you need internet service during your vacation time, you will want to check to ensure that it works well in the home. You also need to make sure the other utilities work as they should.

Tip # 3

Find out where the local grocery store is as well as the hot night spots and other businesses you will be frequenting during the vacation.

Tip # 4

Have your local utility services shut off or limited while you are away. This will save money but can also reduce the risk of electrical or water damage when you are not home to keep an eye on things.

Tip # 5

Check online to find local moving companies to handle the vacation move for you. Be sure to call in advance for a quote and schedule services so they coincide with your arrival. You want your belongings to arrive when you arrive and not before or after.

Be sure to keep these tips in mind to ensure that your vacation is the best it can be.

Moving with Pets

moving petsFor pet owners, a pet is not just some animal living in the house. A pet is a no different than any other beloved member of the family and when it is time to move, the pet must be safely moved as well. Cats, dogs and other pets can become very stressed during a move and it is very important to do whatever is possible to keep them as stress-free as possible whether the move is across town or across the ocean.

Before you make a move with your pet to a new home, be sure to take the following advice and use it to ensure that your pet will be secure.

  1. Some local ordinances will not allow specific animal breeds. If you have an exotic animal, you need to check to see if you need special permits, licensing or other information before bringing pet to the new home.
  2. Make sure all shots are up to date before moving.
  3. If you are renting, check with the landlord to make sure pets are allowed.
  4. Make sure the pet has their rabies tag.
  5. Have the pet microchipped. When moving, animals often get scared and it is a good idea to have a microchip in case they take off running.
  6. Take detailed pictures of your pet before you move.
  7. Keep a collar on the pet and make sure there is an ID tag attached with your current phone number.
  8. Use a pet carrier that the animal feels safe inside. Place a soft fleece blanket in the carrier to help the pet feel secure.
  9. Hire a pet sitter to keep an eye on the pet during flights or other services as the pet is being moved.
    Make sure the pet has ample food and water during the move.

Preparing Your Home for a Move

So, you have decided to make a move to a new home, but when you look around your current home all you can see is clutter and mess as far as the eyes can see. You do not want, or need to pack up a mess and move it to a new home. Instead, before you even contact the movers, you need to take some time to declutter the house and make sure you won’t be packing a mess during the move.

Here are a few great tips to help when it’s time to sort through and clean things to help make your move easier and to ensure your new home doesn’t end up as messy as the old.

cleaning suppliesGather Cleaning Supplies

You can get cleaning supplies at the local dollar store to effectively clean the entire house. Be sure to grab some trash bags, toilet cleaner, household cleaner and window cleaner before heading home. It’s also a good idea to pick up some boxes to put used clothing or shoes in to donate to the local Goodwill or other charity organization.

Clean the Bathroom First

This may sound odd, but when you start with the bathroom you will find that it’s simple to clean a room without distraction. Once you move to the bedrooms and other living areas, you may start finding old letters, pictures and other items that can distract you and slow your progress. Scrub everything and be sure to toss items that are no longer needed or in poor condition.

One Room

Stick with one room at a time when cleaning. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you are hopping from one room to the next and it may deter you if you feel like you are not accomplishing much during your cleaning spree.

Things to Trash

If you don’t use it now, chances are that you will not use it at the new place either. Do you have an electric frying pan that’s been sitting in the cabinet for the last year? Now is a good time to toss it so it doesn’t take up space at the new home. This holds true for all property that has been sitting around unused for longer than one month.

Contact a Professional

Sometimes, cleaning can be more than stressful. If your home is extremely cluttered, you may want to call in a professional cleaner to help get things decluttered for the move.

Once you have your home decluttered and ready to pack and go, be sure to contact a reputable professional moving company to handle the move for you. A professional mover has the experience needed to pack all your property and get you moved efficiently to the new home that awaits you and your family. Be sure to check reviews online including with sites like Yelp to gather reviews and other information about the movers you are interested in.

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