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7 Steps To Importing A Vehicle Into Canada From The USA

The first step to Importing a vehicle to Canada is to check if your car is admissible into Canada. You need to make sure that the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) and Transport Canada has deemed your car allowable to import.

Registrar of Imported Vehicles: https://www.riv.ca/

Many cars can be imported “as is,” while some will need metric odometers installed and daytime running lights added. There is a comprehensive list of what you can and cannot bring over the border.

Please note that there is no mention on that list of any cars older than 15 years That’s because all cars 15 years old or older are completely exempt from these rules. So if you have a classic car to import, don’t worry about the list.

You still need to fill out the forms, though.

On the website, go to “Online Portal” and then “Create an E-Form”

https://www.riv.ca/OnlineForms/Home/Landing

Create a New Form.

NOTE: You will need lots of information about the car: Milage etc. Take a photo of that sticker that is inside the driver’s door. The form will ask for information that can be found on it as well.

When they email you the form hold on to it and show it to the Canadian border people.

Step 2: Check the title

The title is the single most important document when importing a car. A title proves ownership of the car. Without a title, in the eyes of the law, you don’t own the car you’re importing. The car must have a clear title to import. You cannot import a vehicle that you are making payments on.

Step 3: Check for Recalls

Check to see if there are any recalls on your vehicle. Go to https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/ and you can check by VIN number.

You can print (or screenshot) the results. Just hold on to it with the paperwork from RIV.

Step 4: Getting an ITN

You must have an ITN to export a car and there are two ways to get one: Be a professional, licensed importer, or pay one. (It is much, much easier to pay one)

I recommend Simplified Trade Solutions: https://simplifiedtradesolutions.com/

Just fill out the form on their website and they will email you a ITN number within a day or so. Pay by credit card when you get the form.

They have extensive information and instructions on their website for each of the border crossings.

They also have hours and email addresses for each. (Just because the border crossing is open 24/7 doesn’t mean the export office is)

You must decide in advance which border crossing you will use and the approximate date.

They also have a link on their site for the Vehicle Export Cover Sheet. There is a field on this worksheet for the ITN number.

Step 5: The 72-hour export rule

Before you can import into Canada you have to export it from the U.S. You must email the paperwork to the exact U.S. border crossing you will be using at least 72 hours before you show up with a car to be exported You will need to send them at least the following:

A digital scan of the front and back of the title

A completed Vehicle Export Worksheet

(Certain border crossings require additional paperwork. Again, that information is on the Simplified Trade Solutions website)

They will reply by email if they need anything further or if you are approved and ready to go.

Step 6: The export

If you’ve already sent your paperwork ahead at least 72 hours in advance, you have a clean title in hand and the Vehicle Export Worksheet, then you are ready to export. Be sure to have the original hard copy of your title with you. Once you start this process, you cannot stop it. You must export and import to Canada

Step 7: Import and tax

Upon driving through the Canadian customs gate, inform them that you are importing a car and they’ll direct you to an easy-to-find spot where you can park and then head inside to pay taxes. How much tax? If the car is newer than 15 years you will pay GST (and HST, depending on your province of entry) for the full amount of the vehicle as listed in the bill of sale. Customs will always fuss over the amount. Bring anything you can use to prove that you paid what you paid. Once the car is legally into the country, you have 90 days to actually go to a registry where you can register and plate the car.

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Organized Moving Like the Pros

If you’ve moved more than once, you’re probably thinking, “How do the pros move?”. It would seem there has to be a secret formula to moving as so many do it easily and without incident.

The pros, as it turns out, actually do have tips that can make moving slightly less stressful, but even they acknowledge that going from one place to another and creating a whole new “home” experience is intense. Did you get caught up in the Marie Kondo Netflix special for organizing your home? Well, Netflix has done it again by adding The Home Edit with expert home organizers Clea and Joanna. These ladies take celebrities and Regular Joe’s through organizing their homes.In one episode, Joanna mentions how important it is to unpack right away after moving. This is, of course, after having performed your edit. “Edit” means that you go through all your belongings to decide if you’re going o donate, throw out or keep the item. Here’s 6 moving tips the pros use:

Start With Your Edit – The first step the ladies recommend is the aforementioned “Edit.” Go through each room and open up everything—all the closets, cabinets, drawers, and storage areas. Look at the items and determine if you still use it or if you even like it. If not, decide if you want it because of sentimental reasons. If an item doesn’t meet any of these criteria, then you need to get rid of it. This means, you should either trash it, donate it, or put it into a yard sale. But it also means that you will have MUCH less to pack.

Next, Pre-Organize – The next step in getting ready for a move is something that Clea and Joanna call the “Pre-Organize.” Before you begin to pack, organize your items that you plan on packing into specific areas. For instance, put all your cleaning supplies into clear plastic bins that are clearly labeled. Remove everything from your drawers and use inserts into them to help stack and organize the items as you put them back in. When it comes to clothes, put them on hangers neatly so that they are hanging correctly. All of this will make it easier to organize your items as you move.

Prepare An Away Space – One of the big suggestions the ladies of The Home Edit make when setting up your new home is to set up an “away” system for your work. So many of us are working from home today and it feels like we never get off the clock. When you’re planning out your new home, you need to plan an area for your work that you can put away when you are done. This can be a roll-top desk that you simply close up when you are done or a portable computer cart that you can roll into a closet when finished. But regardless of how you set it up, you need something that you can close off to keep you from working all the time.

Pack Your Old Home – Now that you have your planning done, it’s time to start packing up the old house. Pack each room separately. You might be tempted to mix items up in boxes trying to fill the boxes up. Don’t do it! Instead, keep all your bedroom items in one set of boxes, all of your kitchen items in another set, and so on.

Also, as you pack them, label the boxes “Kitchen _____ of _____.” Then, when you have the entire room packed, fill in the blanks with the total number of boxes you packed for that room. This way, you can make sure that you get all the boxes in the right room before you start to unpack. You can even number them according to the most important items first that you need to unpack ASAP.

Unpack Quickly! – When you move into your new home, the first thing you want to do is unpack as quickly as possible. This is not the time to organize—that comes next. For now, you just want to get the boxes emptied out and then try to organize everything afterwards.

Now You’re Ready To Organize – And, of course, that means you should now start organizing your new home. Clea and Joanna suggest starting with small goals. For instance, just focus on organizing one drawer or shelf at a time. Go to the store and buy whatever you need to organize that one item. If you aren’t sure what will work best, they also suggest buying a couple of different bins or organizing inserts so that you can get the best fit. If one of them doesn’t work, you can always return it or try it out on another organizing project.

Move It Like the Pros Do When people move, it can be very frustrating to find that your new home is just as cluttered and disorganized as your old one. By following these steps, you can clear the clutter, move easier, and then get reorganized once you make the big move. How Can Your Local Canadian Move Go Even Easier? Hire the Best! Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE , no-obligation moving quote.

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How to Move Your Oversized Objects

One of the biggest pains when it comes to moving your household items are those objects that are oversized. What makes them so difficult isn’t necessarily that they are too heavy; it’s just that they are so cumbersome and oversized, they make it awkward to pack and move. These include those pieces of furniture you dread having to move as well as many other cumbersome personal items.

Here, then, are back-saving tips that can save you a lot of physical pain and mental anguish when it comes to executing your next move:

Don’t move it yourself — The easiest way to handle moving oversized objects is to simply not do it. By hiring an experienced, professional moving company, you’re saving yourself a lot of grief, as well as your back. Ask yourself how much it’s worth not to worry about all the things that go into actually moving your heavy items. Consider there are tools to help move the items, there’s the physical exertion to get the heavy objects onto the tools to move and there’s the risk that the items aren’t properly wrapped for your move.

The advantage of not having to deal with the move outweighs the cost. Professional movers are trained in how to move these oversized items. Also, they have the equipment to make the move easier that you may not have access to at any cost.

Slide your oversized furniture — If you decide to move your own items, one of the best ways to protect yourself is to avoid picking up large, bulky items such as couches or chairs. Instead, try sliding these items across the floor and only pick up when you have to go over the bump in a doorway or hallway entry.

If your items don’t have wheels or are difficult to slide, there are items you can buy called sliders. Simply place these underneath the legs of the couch and it will make it easier to slide across the floor and into the truck. Just remember that at some point, you will have to pick it up and move it.

Get the right equipment — Save the wear and tear on your back with the right equipment. Make sure that you have plenty of ropes and moving straps/bungee cords as well as a dolly/hand-truck and stair rollers. These items can really save you a ton of hassle.

Disassemble — If you’re dealing with a large item such as a desk that can be taken apart and moved in pieces, then do that. Just be sure that you keep all the screws and parts labeled and together. We suggest putting the small pieces in a Ziploc bag that you can label and tape to the item itself when you are moving. But taking it apart and putting it back together again may be a better solution than hurting yourself trying to move it.

Getting through the door — Another big issue isn’t just moving the items themselves but getting these oversized items through your doors. Anyone who has seen the episode of Friends where Ross yells at everyone to “Pivot” as they move his couch, can attest to how tricky it can be to move in tight quarters.

One suggestion is to actually remove the doors themselves. If your doors have a hinge bolt that can easily be popped out and back in again, you might want to remove them so you can gain those extra couple of inches that will help your items move through the doorway. But also, measure everything out ahead of time so you will know if you might run into any unexpected problems.

Moving Large Items with Experienced Movers Saves Time, Money and Your Back!

Moving is never a fun experience. But with the abundance of oversized and heavy items in your home, this activity can be downright painful. In order to ensure that your move is peaceful and successful, seriously consider hiring professional movers who can (literally) take the load off of you. Trust us when we say that your back and knees will thank you later on.

Save Your Back By Using Experienced, Professional Movers for Your Canadian Move

Relax and know you and all your items are safe during your move within Canada. Contact BBB-accredited Crescent Moving and Storage. By filling out a form on our website, we can give you a virtual moving quote. Moving consultations can be done over the phone or through an online video conferencing program. This limits the face-to-face contact between our staff and your family. We can provide an accurate and no-obligation estimate without coming to your house.

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How to Best Pack Your Clothes for a Move

It seems that you never really know just how much “stuff” you own until you try to pack it all up for a move to a new home. And this is especially true when it comes to clothes.

When you stare at your closet or your chest of drawers, it can sometimes be daunting to think about where to even begin with the task of packing them. But the good news is that there is a system you can use to make the process a little easier.

Here are 6 tips to pack up your clothes neatly and efficiently for your move:

Don’t move them all — The first thing you need to do is realize that you shouldn’t move all of your clothes. Start out the process by clearing out anything that you don’t really want to keep. If it’s outdated, no longer fits or you haven’t worn it in forever, then donate it.

Make sure they are clean — Once you know what you are going to pack, you should make sure to wash everything before you pack it up. If you’ve had clothes in storage for a while, they may smell musty and packing them up with the rest of your clothes may make the others smell as well. So, starting off fresh and clean is a great idea.

Don’t empty the drawers — Now that you’ve got everything nice and clean, place it back into their drawers and leave them there. It is easier to move them if you just leave them in the drawers and cover them with cling wrap. Then, you can move your clothes without having to pack them into boxes and then unpack them when you get to your new home.

Get wardrobe boxes — If you’ve never seen these little items, they are GREAT. A wardrobe box is a cardboard moving box that is generally around three feet tall. At the top of the box is a rod that you use to hang your clothes. All you have to do is take the clothes (with hangers) out of your closet and hang them on the rod. You don’t have to take them off the hanger, fold them or pack them. Just hang them up, seal the box, and then take them with you.

Grab a suitcase — Your suitcases will have to go with you to your new home and there is no reason why they should go empty. Another great way to move your clothes is to pack them into your suitcase like you are going on a trip, then simply load them up instead of having to use more boxes.

Let your clothes work for you — Consider using your clothes as packing material. Your old t-shirts and fluffy comfy sweaters can make for great packing material to protect your breakables. Simply take something like a mirror or vase and wrap them in your clothing and you can take your clothes with you and not have to spend as much on packing materials.

Use the Clothes Packing Method That Best Suits You

There is no single best way to pack your clothes for a new move. But if you do some (or all) of these items, you can be sure to make the process a lot easier. Definitely consider investing in wardrobe boxes and moving cling wrap and whatever you do, don’t just throw your clothes into trash bags that will rip and tear as soon as you move.

For More Help with Your Canadian Move

For more tips that will help you move locations in Canada, contact BBB-accredited Crescent Moving and Storage. By filling out a form on our website, we can give you a virtual moving quote. Moving consultations can be done over the phone or through an online video conferencing program. This limits the face-to-face contact between our staff and your family. We can provide an accurate and no-obligation estimate without coming to your house.

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5 Tips to Save on Moving Costs

Moving into a new home is never an easy proposition, but sometimes it can also be a hit to the wallet. Buying a home, of course, has all kinds of additional costs from closing fees to the down payment. Renting a home also comes with added costs such as utilities and security deposits. That’s why it’s important to save as much money as possible when it comes to the move itself.

Here are 5 great tips on how to save money when to moving into your new home:

Get rid of as much stuff as possible — Professional movers tend to charge by the hour, so if you want to save money you can start by reducing how long it takes to move you. One way to do this is to do a major purge of your belongings before you move. We recommend doing a room-by-room approach. When you’re coming to each room, separate your items into three stacks: To Pack, To Donate, and To Trash. If you can even get rid of a few items in each room, you will save yourself in the long run and (if you can donate the items) even possibly earn yourself a tax deduction with the items.

Pack creatively — Another way to save time on your move (and therefore money) is to reduce the number of packages you have to pack. No, we aren’t saying to pack your boxes to the point of bursting. That’s going to cost you in the long run when the boxes break. Instead, get creative on the way you pack. For instance, don’t empty your dressers and pack all of your clothes separately. Instead, pull out the drawers and wrap them with plastic wrap with the clothes still inside. Also, pack fragile items with towels and blankets that you will have to move anyway. In this way, you combine some of your packing jobs and save yourself some money.

Don’t forget the free boxes — Although we are big fans of using traditional moving boxes, we know that some people want to save money with these purchases. If that’s you, try hanging out at the local package shops and grocery stores to get free boxes when they toss them out. Another option is to look at rental services that let you rent plastic moving bins instead of having to pay for the boxes.

Shop around — Not all moving companies are the same. If you want to ensure that you’re saving money on your move, get price quotes from all of the local companies. Find out if they offer discounts depending on the day of the week. Fridays and Saturdays are always the biggest moving days, so if the company offers a discount for taking a “slow day” such as a Monday or Tuesday, then it might be in your best interest to be flexible.

Be sure to compare apples to apples here during your search. Not all moving companies are created equal and while some companies will have low fees, it’s important that you find a well-established moving company that has a great reputation. Moving is when you need to know your furniture and important items will be handled with care and moved professionally.

Read the fine print — When you’re shopping around for relocators, read the fine print of your contract. Some companies will charge lots of “extras” that you may not necessarily need (or even use). Be sure that you know where all of your money is going with the move and don’t sign on the dotted line if you are being charged more for what should be basic delivery items.

Enjoy Your Moving Day Without Worrying About Your Finances

Moving might not be a fun experience, but it also doesn’t have to be that expensive of one. If you plan and prepare ahead of time, you’ll find that there are several ways to limit your moving budget so that you can save your cash for other things that you will need after your move is complete.

Are you ready to find a BBB-accredited and certified moving company in Canada?

Contact us today for a virtual moving quote. As part of our new moving guidelines, we are offering optional virtual moving quotes in order to keep our customers and staff safe. Moving consultations can be done over the phone or through an online video conferencing program. This limits the face-to-face contact between our staff and your family. If you’re looking for a quote on moving costs, you can fill out the form on our website. We can provide an accurate and no-obligation estimate without coming to your house.

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Baby proof Your House Before Your Move

If you’re moving into a new home, you already have the excitement ahead of you for a fresh start. But if you’re making the move with a baby, this is compounded with excitement and, perhaps, tinged with a little bit of fear.

Certainly, trying to move with an infant can be a scary proposition. You can only imagine all of the possible scenarios of your baby crawling into things that you’d rather them not get their hands on. And all of this will be going through your brain as you try to unpack your home. One way to get peace of mind is to babyproof your new house before you move in.

What you can do to get your home ready for your child and family:

1. Make a plan — Before you do anything else, it’s necessary to make a plan for how you are going to babyproof your home. Talk to your movers beforehand. Longtime, professional movers may offer ideas and it will be helpful for them to know you have a little one so they will be extra cautious. Do a walkthrough of the home (or closely inspect pictures) to find problem areas that need to be addressed. These will include:

Stairways or stepdown areas that will have to be blocked off;

Entryways where you can install baby gates;

Cabinets that will need to be locked;

Windows with cords that need to be secured;

Electrical outlets that will need to be covered; and

Sharp corners that will need to be taken care of.

2. Order your babyproofing items early — When you were making your plan, two of the things we mentioned were cabinets and electrical outlets. Make sure that you count all of these items throughout the house so that you can order outlet covers and cabinet locks. The covers will prevent your child from exploring and sticking something into the outlet. The cabinets are especially important because kids love to explore their surroundings and you don’t want them getting into cleaning supplies or other chemicals that could be harmful. Also, get safety wraps for your window cords. These can be major strangulation threats that should be taken care of immediately.

3. Double check entryways — Another thing you are going to want to do is put up gates in various entryways to prevent your infant from crawling around the house on their own. Most baby gates are adjustable and can be adapted to fit many entryways. However, some of them may be irregular in size or so large that they require a custom gate or a gate extension. We strongly suggest measuring all of the entryways and ordering the appropriate gates for your home.

4. Secure pools (and other drowning risks) — If your home has a pool or a hot tub/jacuzzi, it is imperative that you set up a lock to prevent your child from getting out to them unsupervised. We strongly suggest a door chime/alarm system that will let you know if the exterior door to the pool is opened. (It’s also a great idea to prevent your child from wandering around unsupervised even if you don’t have a pool.) But you should also install locking covers on the toilets. You would be amazed how easily it is for a curious toddler to fall inside and potentially drown even in the smallest amount of water. If you are toilet training your child, you may want to put a simple piece of tape over the bathroom door lock to prevent your child from locking themselves inside by accident.

5. Start with the nursery — When it comes to unpacking your house, there are a lot of theories and suggestions about where you should begin. We recommend that if you have a baby, you should start with the nursery. Ideally, you should set this up completely if you can get into the house a few days before the official move. The earlier you can get this room set up, the better. The nursery will give your child a safe place to stay, rest, and play while you unpack the rest of the house (which can be quite chaotic). If possible, you may also want to get a family member to watch your baby for you on moving day to keep things simpler and keep the little one safe.

You want your house to be more than just a place to hang your hat. It should be a safe home for you and your family starting with day one of your move in. To achieve this, you need to do a little bit of planning and work ahead of your move to ensure that your new home is totally baby proof. But doing this will give you peace of mind and a safe place for your little ones.

Your movers want your family to have a great experience. Be sure to tell your movers ahead of time that you have infants and toddlers they should know about and discuss a plan for the day of the move.

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE , no-obligation moving quote.

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Should You Move During a Pandemic?

It’s become the supreme cliché of 2020—life has changed and we’re all getting used to the “new normal.” You’d be hard-pressed to find a facet of contemporary life that hasn’t been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With that in mind, many wonder if it’s feasible (or even safe) to do things we took for granted just a year ago. Some people are wondering if it’s safe to move during the pandemic. In fact, research has shown that the real estate market is doing really well considering how chaotic the world is right now.

Data Shows Canadians Are On the Move

Let’s take a look at statistics to see how the Canadian real estate market has been impacted. Following a fairly stagnant month of sales in May of this year (at the height of the pandemic), the market has gained substantially.

In June, total housing sales rose by 65% to almost 55,000 transactions versus the previous month. Lest you think that this is just because May was such a weak month, this is also an increase from this time last year with a 15% increase.

Here are some other numbers that show the promise of the Canadian market, bolstered by several initiatives put in place by the government to help stabilize the housing industry:

Of people who are in the market to purchase a home, 56% say they’ll do so within the next year;

44% of Canadians expect the housing market to bounce back by next year;

29% of Canadians expect the housing market will be just as strong as it was before the pandemic by the end of this year.

Why Canadians Are Moving During a Pandemic

The reasons for these relocations are quite varied. Many college students had to relocate when their campus housing shut down as schools switched over to online learning. Others had to relocate because they could no longer afford their homes and had to downsize to a smaller, less expensive place because of the economic downturn.

Still others had to relocate because of safety in their current living situations. (For instance, some relationships have found that the stresses of quarantine and lockdown were too much for them leading to break-ups or divorces.)

Despite the problems associated with moving during this pandemic, it’s apparent that the real estate market is doing well. Real estate agents, like everyone else, are having to adjust and these adjustments are putting a strain on some.

For instance, open houses are on hold due to the pandemic. Right now, if you wish to see a home, the easiest way to do so is with virtual tours. Some are even conducting house closings virtually with video conferencing software. These changes are probably going to be in place for the remainder of the pandemic.

So, what do you need to know about moving during the pandemic?

First, it’s important to find out about the regulations in your particular area regarding moves. Some areas are setting up travel restrictions and such things as a mandatory quarantine when entering the area.

Also, moving companies may be classified as essential workers, but it’s important to check in advance to find out how this particular industry has been affected in your area. Ask the local moving companies what precautions are being taken regarding COVID-19. If the company has not made any changes to their normal protocols, then you may want to consider a different company.

Finally, if you’re moving, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. First among these is that you want to skip using old boxes from the local grocery store or package shop. Instead, buy new boxes (preferably sealed) from a moving company. On the day of your move, make sure everyone is wearing masks and that they all adhere to the recommended social distancing guidelines as much as possible.

Take plenty of breaks, wash your hands and sanitize regularly. Last but not least, you’ll want to head over to your new house early so you can sanitize and disinfect it from top to bottom before you move in. It’s best to start with a clear mind knowing that your house is disinfected and COVID-free.

Only you can determine if moving is right for your and your family

From the data we’ve seen, it seems apparent that some people most assuredly are moving during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite certain localities having restrictions and quarantines. However, whether or not you should personally move is ultimately a decision that you will have to make for yourself.

Certainly, if you’re feeling sick or if you are autoimmune-compromised, then you should consider putting off any moves unless they are an absolute emergency. Regardless, consult all of the local guidelines for your area and check that you’re following the safety precautions set out from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).

Still have questions about moving?

Contact Crescent Moving and Storage to get more information. Over forty years of experience and certified movers, Crescent Moving and Storage has a great reputation for seamless moves and personal touch. The last thing you need during a Pandemic is to deal with a company that doesn’t have your best interest and health in mind.

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Sustainable Ways to Get Rid of Office Furniture

When spring cleaning to get rid of some of your “junk” (especially right before a move), it’s pretty easy to set up a yard sale to liquidate your belongings before you have to pack it up.

But what if you run your own business and need to do the same thing? Every time you relocate, you probably find yourself with banged up office furniture that needs to be done away with.

Now, the easy option for this would be to call a service and have all of it hauled to the landfill. But this just adds to the environmental problems that are destroying our world.

So, how do you get rid of your excess office furniture while doing so in a sustainable “green” manner? Here are a few ways:

Sell It — If you have a small business, it shouldn’t be hard to sell your excess furniture. (Larger inventories can be more difficult, but not impossible, to unload.)

One source for potential buyers is within your own company. You can offer your employees their first choice of used furniture at a steep discount. Many of them would jump at the chance to stock a home office with a comfy chair or desk they’re used to, especially if it’s cheaper than they could get from a furniture store.

If you still have pieces you want to sell, you can advertise a public sale. Let the local community, especially those who are running start-up businesses of their own, know that you’re getting rid of furniture pieces and many will come running. After this stage, your last step would be to contact a used furniture store to see if they’re interested in making you an offer.

2) Donate It — If you can’t sell your furniture, consider donating it. Many non-profit organizations are doing their best work on a shoestring budget. In addition, schools are still critically underfunded and must resort to holding fundraisers just to buy basic supplies. Any of these organizations would love extra furniture with light wear-and-tear. And, you can also possibly qualify for a tax write-off by making these donations.

3) Recycle — Another potential tax break is if your community has a recycling center. These organizations are geared towards repurposing and reusing used goods. Many will even talk to you about picking up the items for you.

For larger companies with a huge supply of furniture, these three options may not necessarily work well for you. Selling your excess furniture (or donating it) may still be an option, but it’s going to be too unwieldy a project to handle by sending out a few emails or phone calls.

With that in mind, you should consider the following steps:

4) Count EVERYTHING — The first thing you’ll need to do is create a detailed inventory of all your furniture items you need to get rid of. This should include everything from the manufacturer to the model number of the item. Ideally, one person should be responsible for this project. However, if you have too much for one person to inventory, consider setting aside one person from each department instead.

5) Communicate Your Plan to All of your Departments — If you’re getting rid of furniture, you might think that only procurement or facilities should really work on this project. However, if you have a community outreach or marketing department that handles charitable donations, you should definitely keep them tied into the project. These departments may have community resources who can help you find places needing the furniture.

6) Procure a Storage Area — If you’re planning to sell or donate a large number of surplus furniture pieces, it will take some time. The second-hand furniture market can be quite fickle. One day, you might be able to unload dozens of pieces at a good price. Another day, you might find a school system willing to take fifty desk chairs. But then everything else might dry up for weeks and months. If you choose to give up and toss out the rest, you could be throwing away money as you are filling up the landfill with your furniture. Instead, procure a storage area for the unused furniture. This way, you can manage your surplus until you can find a way to get rid of the items.

7) Hire movers that can make quick work of moving the furniture into your storage area. They may know places around town you could donate or offload furniture! After all, they move furniture all the time. Use a reputable moving company that has been in business for years, so you know they know the community and it’s needs.

It used to be that if you got a new desk or chair, you simply tossed the old one in the dumpster and moved on with your day. Bu

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Moving Best Practice During the Pandemic

Right now, millions of people around the world are on lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible to put everything on hold until a vaccine is found for the virus. For some people, this includes having to relocate, whether it be for family or business reasons. However, as with anything during this uncertain time, moving is something that has to be done with a large dose of caution.

Here’s a guide to how you can move during a pandemic while staying as safe as possible:

Follow the Rules — The first thing that should inform every part of your move is following the proper CDC guidelines. This means that during the moving process, you should stay at least six feet away from everyone else. You should also wear a mask to prevent the spread of the virus in case someone in your group is infected but asymptomatic.

Extra Moving Supplies — If you’ve moved before, then you know that you have to include lots of tape, boxes, and bubble wrap (or similar padding for breakables.) But with COVID-19, you have some other things that you need to pack along. Namely, you’re going to want a disinfecting spray (such as Lysol), soap, hand sanitizer, and disposable rubber gloves (such as surgical gloves). These are going to be incredibly important as you move into your new home.

Get New Boxes — Those of us who have made a career (or at least it seems that way) out of moving to new homes with regularity have probably gone for the cheap solution when it comes to boxes. Namely, we stake out the dumpsters in grocery and liquor stores for the packages that are tossed into the recycling. However, this isn’t going to be the safest bet with COVID-19. Instead, opt to buy the new boxes fresh out of the packaging that you can find at your nearest shipping or packing store.

Disinfect EVERYTHING — Even if you buy brand new boxes, we still suggest not leaving anything to chance. This means you should disinfect everything that you plan on coming into contact with. Be sure to visit your new home before you begin moving in. Clean the house from top to bottom, thoroughly disinfecting all of the surfaces. You have no idea who has come in contact with these surfaces in the days leading up to your move, so better safe than sorry. The point is that if you can’t smell the disinfectant in the air, you probably haven’t cleaned it enough.

Consider Buying an Air Purifier — When you’re getting ready to move into your new home, you want that home to be clean. Now, we already told you to disinfect everything in the house, but you can also consider buying a HEPA air purifier for the new home and leaving it running for a time before you move in. This can help clean the air and possibly remove COVID particles from the air. If a purifier isn’t an option, at least leave the windows open to air out any trapped particles in the house (and clear out the smell of the disinfectant).

Be Careful on Move Day — When the big day finally rolls around, you should adhere to all of the requirements set aside by the CDC. Wear your mask at all times. If you have gloves on, then don’t touch your face (especially the eyes or nose) at all. If you take off your gloves for any reason, clean your hands with sanitizer and then put on a new pair of gloves. If you don’t have gloves available, wash your hands regularly.

Be Careful Who You Invite Over — It’s a time-honored tradition to recruit your friends to help you out with the moving process. But with there being a lot of worries about who may (or may not) have COVID-19, it is important to be careful with who you ask to help. This is where hiring a professional mover is a great idea. You want to make sure you’re asking your movers how they plan to keep safe and keep you safe while moving your items into your new home. They will be prepared to move using best practices.

No Contact Post-Move Dinner — Another big tradition with the move is the post-move dinner of take-out food from a local restaurant. But when you partake of this tradition, make sure to order from the local restaurant and have it scheduled to be left at your door, so you don’t come in contact with the delivery person. (But, please, leave them a nice tip. They are delivering food during a pandemic after all!)

If you’re forced to have to relocate during this rather scary time in our history, it’s not the end of the world. Just be sure to be careful and disinfect everything and follow the proper guidelines as closely as possible.

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Secrets to Packing Your Kitchen For A Move

If you were to take a poll of anyone who has ever had to pack up for a move and ask them which room was the toughest, the answer would probably be universal: the kitchen! Kitchen moves are incredibly difficult because you have large items like appliances that will require heavy lifting and you also have small delicate items like dishes and fine china. But at the end of the day, the bottom line is that you’re still going to have to pack it all up. So how do you do just that without driving yourself crazy? Here are tips that will help you make your next kitchen move a smooth one (http://www.moving.com/tips/all-in-one-guide-to-packing-your-kitchen/ ).

Appliances

The key to packing appliances like your toaster, blender, or microwave, is to find a box that fits. One of the best recommendations is actually to hold onto the original boxes (just throw them in the attic) and then bring them out when you move. Another thing you’ll want to do is make sure that you tape the owner’s manual to the appliance. That way, you can be sure to be able to put it back together correctly when you get to your new home.

Cutlery/Silverware

For these, you’re talking about having dozens of potentially sharp items rattling around in a box. One way to keep them all together is to bind them with rubber bands and put them in a small box so that the types of silverware stay connected. Another idea is to use your silver drawer divider. If you have a removable divider that sorts your silverware into separate compartments, simply take this out and wrap it with clingy plastic wrap. Then place this into a box to prevent it from getting damaged and when you unpack you just have to remove the wrap and slide the container into your drawer.

Food

The best advice for moving food and food-related items like spices is to get rid of as much as possible. If you have stuff stuck in the fridge or pantry that is old and past the expiration date, then dump it. For the food you’re keeping, use small tote bags like they have at grocery stores. These have a handle that’s easy to carry and you can even get “cooler” tote bags that will keep your frozen items cold like an ice cooler.

Glasses, Mugs, and Dishes

This one is a more delicate operation than some of the others. First, you don’t have to use expensive packing materials like bubble wrap. Instead, you can kill two birds with one stone by wrapping your fragile items with t-shirts and towels. (After all, you’re going to have to pack these up anyway.) Next, be sure to stack the items as neatly as possible instead of just cramming them in. Finally, be sure to label the box as “Fragile” so that you don’t end up tossing it around during the move.

Pots and Pans

For these items, you’re going to be really happy if you have a set of pots that can stack easily, one inside the other. If that’s the case, find a box big enough for the largest pot and then stack them inside of each other and simply place them in a box that is heavily wrapped with packing tape. (The last thing you want is for the box to break and all your pots to drop on your foot.) If you can’t stack them, be sure to use a box that is big enough, but don’t overdo it. One giant crate sized box may be simpler to pack, but it won’t do you any good if you can’t lift it off the ground.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this article and we’ve got plenty more you may enjoy here:

Timeline for a low stress move

True Cost Analysis Between Hiring Movers or DIY Move

Overlooked Moving Essentials

If you are looking for a safe and reliable moving company post Covid-19 closures – contact us for a FREE virtual moving quote.

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Essential Homeowners Guide: How to Compare Moving Companies Before Hiring Them

Are you looking to move? Currently, 2,581,079 people call Vancouver BC home. Are you searching for a moving company to suit your needs but aren’t sure what to look for?

In this article, check out this essential guide on how to compare moving companies to find the best option for you. Read on to explore these tips that’ll make the moving process that much easier!

Why Should You Hire a Moving Company?

It’s best to hire a professional moving company that has been efficiently moving items for years. If you decide to hire a mover, make sure you know all the facts about that company.

1. Ask Friends

Are you moving to a new home? When doing a comparison of the best moving companies in Canada, you can start by asking your friends and family for mover recommendations. They might have experience with movers, and tell you whether the experience was good or bad.

2. Ask Companies for Moving Quotes

When you have a list of movers you’d like to compare, you can call around and ask for quotes. While price can be a deciding factor, always make sure to choose a quality mover over a less expensive option.

For example, you might have one company come in with a lower quote, but what services do they offer? Are they offering a lower rate since they don’t have extra supplies such as properly serviced vehicles? Or perhaps they don’t offer supplies such as stair runners or moving dollies. While you may be saving a bit on money, nobody wants their moving day to last any longer than it has to. Little extras such as moving dollies, truck lifts and stair runners save time (and money in the long run) – and more often than not, it’s worth it to pay for a mover who will get your items from point A to point B quicker.

3. Ask About Mover’s Insurance

Ask moving companies in Canada for proof of their mover’s insurance. While someone down the road could offer the best price, do they have active mover’s insurance? If they do provide their mover’s insurance, ensure it hasn’t expired.

4. Ask for In-Home Surveys

When you’ve narrowed down the search, it’s time to have them do an in-person visit. Show them all of the items that need to be moved. You’ll want them to take a look at your belongings and the size of your home to make an accurate assessment.

This will allow them to find any difficulties they could experience with the move, as well as a more accurate pricing assessment. They can also tell you about any special handling, or anything that could be trickier such as a flight of stairs.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic – we have begun to offer free virtual moving assessments of your home. Find out more here

What to Collect

Besides references, ask them for licensing information, and the full name of their company. Also, ask if they ever went by another company name. Ensure you have their phone number, company website, email, and business address.

Also, find out if they’re a part of the Canadian Association of Movers. They only keep records of trustworthy movers in Canada.

5. Certified Moving Agents

Ask if the company has certified moving agents and ask for proof. A company that has been around for years and has certified moving agents is a good sign.

6. BBB Accredited

Next, while websites can have great reviews, or they can promise they’re the best, that only tells one side. Ask them if they’re BBB accredited. BBB stands for The Better Business Bureau which is recognized in Canada, The U.S., and Mexico.

You can also ask them for their score on the Better Business Bureau as well.

7. Do Your Own Research

When you’ve started narrowing down the search, before you decide who to hire, ensure you do your own research. Other than looking at the Better Business Bureau and The Canadian Association of Movers, you’ll also want to type their name in Google.

See what comes up whether good or bad and take note of it.

8. Review the Estimate

Once you’re given an in-person estimate, you can go over all the fees and ensure it’s accurate. Check for the mover’s signature if given a written document. Make sure it clearly describes the quantity and types of goods they’ll be moving. Also, the time your items will be picked up and delivered.

Also, check for any additional services such as packing supplies. Any additions you’re looking to buy that aren’t listed, go over with your mover. If you have questions about anything, give your mover a call for clarification.

9. Workers’ Comp

Ensure the moving company of your choosing has Work Place Safety coverage. This will protect you in case a mover gets hurt while they’re on your property. If they don’t have this and get hurt, then you could be liable for medical coverage.

Ask for a copy of the Clearance Letter.

Questions to Ask

Before deciding on a moving company, ask them for references. They should be able to give you a list of references you can contact to see how their moving experience was.

You should also ask the movers if they have experience with your type of move. For example, if you’re moving to a townhome with multi-levels, a big city, or a high-rise, you want to make sure they’re comfortable with these moves.

Your potential movers should be able to prepare for long stairs, no elevators, or parking restrictions.

Picking out the Right Moving Company

Now that you’ve learned the steps to take to find the right moving company for you, you should find a mover in no time.

Are you ready to find a BBB-accredited and certified moving company in Canada? Contact us today for a virtual moving quote.

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Downsizing And Moving To A Smaller Home In 2020

During this uncertain time of Covid 19 scare (and it’s economic after effects ) you may find yourself re-evaluating your priorities. If you are “of a certain age,” you may realize that your house seems huge and empty with all of the kids and grandkids gone. Retirement may be looming and you don’t know what you are going to do with yourself or how you are going to afford it. That’s where downsizing comes in. Here’s a few reasons why you should consider moving to a smaller home.

Moving to Free Up Equity In Your Home

First and foremost, selling your larger home and buying a smaller one makes good financial sense. You will wind up freeing up equity. On average, homeowners who downsize are making more of a profit on their home sale than they would have ten years ago. The profit you pick up could help you buy a nice something for yourself or be a good-sized nest egg for future expenses.

Another financial consideration to consider is in your monthly bills. Your mortgage payment will be significantly smaller, but so will your utility bills. Power, gas, and water bills will all go down because you have a smaller property.

Need more financial reasons to consider downsizing and moving ? How about upkeep costs? With a smaller property, you will not have to worry as much about maintenance and upkeep fees. But even more than the monetary savings, you will spend less time cleaning, managing, and mowing.

Get Rid Of Old & Unwanted Items Before Moving

One serious modern problem has been an issue with hoarding. Do you have stacks of useless papers and items that you will never need again cluttering up your home? Moving into a smaller home will require that you do a good cleaning. You will literally have to go through everything and decide if you want to trash it or move it into your newer, smaller home.

Moving For A Project or Purpose

If you are already retired and need a project to take up your time, how about a small fixer-upper house? It might cost some money, but if you are a handyperson, then it may be the perfect opportunity that you are looking for to keep yourself active and happy.

If your current home feels “too big” for you, then it may be just the right time to consider moving and downsizing. The empty nest can feel overwhelmingly large, but if you take it down a few notches, you may find your life much happier and more fulfilling.

As part of our new moving guidelines, we are offering optional virtual moving quotes in order to keep our customers and staff safe. moving consultations can be done over the phone or through an online video conferencing program. This limits the face-to-face contact between our staff and your family. If you’re looking for a quote on moving costs, you can fill out the form on our website. We can provide an accurate and no obligation estimate without coming to your house.

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The Safety Measures Our Surrey Moving Company Is Taking With COVID-19

Today, there are more than 2200 COVID-19 cases in BC (including Surrey) and at least 3 million cases globally. To slow the spread of the coronavirus, we’ve had to adapt our lives to practice physical (social) distancing. We’re avoiding gatherings, delaying our travel plans, and spending more time at home.

But, you can’t stay home if your lease is ending or you’ve sold your house. So, how can you keep your family safe while moving during the coronavirus? Luckily, we’ve taken steps to keep everyone safe. Read on to learn about the safety measures our Surrey moving company is taking as well as what you can do to keep your family safe.

We’re Offering Virtual Consultations

For a typical move, we’d come to your house for a pre-move consultation to assess the situation. But with our new coronavirus safety guidelines, we’re now offering and encouraging a virtual option.

At Crescent Moving and Storage, we can handle the consultation over the phone or through an online video conferencing program. This update limits the face-to-face contact between our staff and your family. It will keep everyone safer. If you’re looking for a quote on moving costs, you can fill out the form on our website. We can provide an accurate and no obligation estimate without coming to your house.

We’re Monitoring the Health of Our Moving Crew Members

As part of our new guidelines, we’re also telling our crew members to stay home if they have any of the official symptoms of COVID-19. These include fever, cough, trouble breathing, or pneumonia. We’re also asking our employees to stay home if they’ve traveled outside of Canada in the past 14 days, even if they don’t have any symptoms. 14 days is the length of the incubation period for the virus, according to public health experts.

We’ll also call twice in the days leading up to your scheduled move—48 hours and 24 hours before the move. We’ll ask if anyone in your home is sick or self-isolating since our crew members have to go inside your house. We do this to protect our crew, your family, and our other customers.

We’re Encouraging Proper Hand Hygiene and Disinfecting Surfaces

Public health experts recommend everyone to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or longer. If water isn’t available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. These same hand hygiene guidelines apply to our moving crew. To help our crew follow these guidelines during the moving process, we’re recommending our customers provide a hand washing area for the crew. Our crew members may also bring hand sanitizer to use. If it’s possible, designate a sink in your home and provide soap and disposable towels for the crew to use. Disinfect the sink area and throw the towels away after the crew leaves. We’re also encouraging our customers to disinfect high-touch surfaces like light switches, handrails, and door knobs. You should do this both before the crew arrives and after they leave. You are also encouraged to use your own pen when signing our paperwork on moving day.

We’re Maintaining Physical (Social) Distance During the Move

You can also expect our crew and staff members to follow physical (social) distancing guidelines. That means keeping at least 6 feet or 2 meters between our crew and customers. These safety guidelines will protect both your family and our crew members.

More Safety Measures You Can Take to Protect Your Family

While postponing your move is ideal, sometimes it’s not possible. If it’s necessary for your family to move at this time, here are a few extra steps you can take. These extra precautions are in addition to our own health and safety measures. 1. Limit the Number of People Around During the Move Another simple way to stay safe during your move is to limit the number of family members in the house. In fact, the Canadian Movers Association recommends having only one or two people in the house when the moving crew is there. If you have kids or pets, set up an area away from the movers. This can be the backyard or a room that the movers won’t need to access. Designate one family member to deal with the movers and sign the paperwork. That way you’ll limit your family’s exposure. Plus, the movers can focus on efficiency when they’re not worrying about kids or pets underfoot.

2. Try to Use New Moving Boxes There’s been evidence to suggest that the coronavirus can live on hard surfaces for several days. That’s why using new moving boxes is ideal. If you need to go out for moving supplies, try to get everything in one trip. Stock up on cardboard moving boxes, tape, labels, and anything else you might need.

3. Plan the Details of Your Move If you’re renting an apartment, decide ahead of time how you’ll get the keys to your landlord. See of you can set up a contact-free return. If you’re moving long distance, have a plan for hotel stays on the way. Understand cancellation policies and what to expect. It’s also a good idea to bring along disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and non-medical face masks. If you’ll be crossing provinces during your move, make sure you understand the local health and safety guidelines, especially when it comes to Canadian travel. Knowing what to expect when you arrive will take the stress out of the moving process.

Start Preparing for Your Move Today

Moving has always been a stressful event, but it’s even more stressful during the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is, with the right planning and preparation, you can take away some of that stress. It’s also never been more important to hire a moving company you can communicate with and trust. If you’re looking for moving services in Surrey, contact us today.

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What Do Commercial Office Movers Cover in Their Services?

Hiring commercial office movers brings many benefits for businesses over your standard movers. Before you start your search, read about the services offered here.

Did you know that the Canadian relocation industry has a market share of nearly 2 billion dollars? It’s made of more than 2,500 businesses that provide both residential and commercial moving services. This industry is expected to grow in the upcoming future as residential and commercial real estate activities increase.

But if you need to move to a new office or commercial space, how do you organize your relocation project? Do you want to do everything by yourself or let professional commercial office movers lend you a helping hand? What about moving during this unprecedented time of health concerns due to Covid-19?

Using professional office moving services is the best option. Experienced commercial office movers will help keep you safe and save you time and effort. Here are the services you can expect to get from our commercial moving company.

Commercial Moving Services Available

Most commercial moving companies specialize in multiple types of relocation services such as small business, commercial and industrial. Whether you’re a Corporate CEO, Warehouse Manager or Small Business Owner, our commercial movers will organize your relocation process accordingly. For example, it’s possible to transport office items such as desks and chairs as well as IT equipment, complex machinery, industrial tools, and more. Different types of methods will be used for each moving project, so you get your belongings to the final destination safely and on time.

Our Commercial Office Movers Can Pack and Unpack Your Items

One of the optional services offered by our moving company is that we can help you with packing items. It’s possible to order boxes of different sizes as well as custom boxes, depending on the personal belongings you want to transport. Our movers will come to your place, pack your stuff, transport it to a new location and even unpack everything for you if that’s what you want. This service can save a lot of time and effort as you don’t have to move heavy boxes by yourself and risk a back injury.

Take Advantage Of Optional Office Furniture Disassembly and Reassembly Services

Furniture disassembly and reassembly services can be very helpful. Our experts know how to work with different types of cubicles, offices, chairs, conference tables, and more. They will carefully disassemble your corporate furniture items, pack them in special boxes, move them to a new place, and reassemble them at the destination. This simple service saves you a lot of time, effort, and ensures that your furniture items remain in one piece during the relocation process.

Hoisting Services Can Also Be Included

Hoisting or rigging services are required when items in your possession are too large to move through the door. At the same time, the items you need to move are too large to be transported down the stairs or they cannot be disassembled in smaller parts. In this case, our movers might organize a hoisting maneuver that involves taking these items out the window. Adequate equipment and expertise are required to accomplish this task safely, so make sure that you work with our professional moving company to avoid damages.

Take Advantage of Commerical Office Storage Solutions

Relocating your entire business to a new commercial building can be a stressful operation. You might need to store IT equipment such as computers, printers, and cables to a new place until they are ready to be transported to the destination. Our experienced moving company offers affordable and flexible storage solutions. We offer secure, heated storage for both long term and short term storage needs. Our storage warehouse is constantly protected and monitored 24/7, so your entire IT infrastructure and furniture items are safe.

Our Office Movers Will Handle Fragile Items With Care

Most company owners have certain types of fragile items that require extra care. For example, laptops, audio/video equipment as well as photography accessories are very expensive and need to be handled carefully. Our movers use plenty of protective materials such as bubble wrap and special boxes. These materials are designed to minimize shocks and vibrations to your fragile equipment and prevent damage. Our specialists can help you relocate your entire business without having a single laptop scratched!

Our Commercial Movers Can Transport Your Belongings Across the Country

It’s one thing to move items from one place to the other in the same town and a totally different thing to move items across the country. When moving items for long distances, large trucks are used. Our moving company has multiple vehicles and trucks at its disposal to handle heavy personal belongings and transport them safely across the country. You get to track your stuff in real-time using a mobile application and see where the moving trucks are at any given time.

Flexible Office / Commercial Moving and Delivery Options

We offer flexible moving schedules so that that your moving process can be customized according to your needs and preferences. You can discuss with the movers and establish a picking-up schedule as well as delivery times. For example, you can arrange for certain items to be picked up in the evenings or during weekends when your employees are not there. You can also make arrangements for items to be picked up in a certain order from various parts of the city.

You can also arrange for certain personal belongings to be gathered from multiple locations such as different business stores, storage facilities, etc. This type of flexibility can make your moving process less stressful and creates a minimal disturbance in your company’s workflow.

Now You Know What Types of Services Our Commercial Movers Can Offer You!

As you can see, our commercial movers can go the extra mile to ensure that you get a customized service when it comes to company relocation. It’s important to make a plan right from the start and know how much help you need with moving stuff around. Do you have fragile items? Do you need storage solutions as soon as possible? Providing answers to these questions will help you pick the right moving company for the job.

If you’re looking for a one-stop solution to all your commercial moving problems, make sure that you contact us today! We specialize in corporate relocation and we can offer a free, no-obligation moving quote tailored to your needs.

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Moving & COVID-19

A Message from northAmerican® Van Lines

Over the past few weeks, the world has experienced a circumstance the likes of which none of us has seen before. The Coronavirus pandemic is not only threatening the fabric of our daily lives, but more importantly, the health of every member of our global community. At this time of uncertainty, we at northAmerican Van Lines, would like to reassure you of the following:

1. We recognize the gravity of this situation and are taking every possible precaution to ensure the safety of our employees, agent family, customers, and clients. More information on the steps northAmerican has taken to protect against the virus can be found here.

2. We are in this together! Communication on both sides is vital to everyone’s safety. We have directed our crews to practice “social distancing”, and we are working to ensure that they have not visited high-risk areas or show any symptoms of illness. Our network can give you the option of performing our pre-move survey virtually. If you are moving, you can help us keep you safe by limiting the number of people in your home during the moving process (packing through delivery) to as few people as possible. Should you or someone in your home have been exposed to the virus”, call your northAmerican agent right away. We’re here to help. We will do everything in our power to be flexible with rescheduling and making your move successful.

3. We’re here and available to help with your moving needs. If you are looking for a full-service mover for yourself or an employee, our agent network of moving professionals is waiting and ready to help. When you’re ready to move or ready to relocate employees, northAmerican will be there to provide the professional, quality service you’ve come to expect.

History has shown that we can come through unbelievable challenges as a nation–and be stronger for it. Let this crisis be no different. Take care of yourself and your family and be safe.

You may also be interested in reading: A note on Covid 19 and how we are taking care of our community

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Moving House Myths Busted

When it comes to moving, there are a lot of people who will claim to be experts with tons of advice on what you should do. But the reality is this: many ideas we have about moving and the best way to move are actually myths.

There are a lot of things you can do to make your move quicker and easier. But one of the best things you can do is to ignore these myths and go with actual facts that can assist with your move.

Here are moving myths we’re busting:

It Costs More to Hire Professional Movers than to Move Yourself

When you look at this on paper, it may seem to be true. After all, yes, a moving van rental does cost less than hiring professional movers.

But this doesn’t take into account a lot of “hidden expenses” when you decide to move yourself. To start, you will need van equipment such as a dolly, furniture pads, and moving straps. Most of these items will be extra rental items.

Besides the van, you’re also going to pay for the gas and vehicle insurance for the van. If you’re going a long distance (or doing an overnight move) you can add in road tolls and overnight parking costs. If you’re doing a long-range move, you’ll also need to pay for food and lodging on the trip. And if you’re planning to use friends for the move, you’re going to need bribes like lots of pizza and beer.

But the biggest expense is simply the cost of your time. How much is it worth to you to not have to break your back to move? When you look at it from this perspective, the costs make hiring professional movers a great investment. Check out our article on 6 tips for finding a moving company you can trust

2. You Don’t Need to Label Everything

We aren’t sure exactly where this myth came from, but it’s a bit of advice that started popping up and it’s absolutely insane. If you are moving, you need to label everything.

You don’t want to get to your new home and have to search through everything to find one or two essential items you need right away. It’s also a good idea to get an inventory app so you can track every box, knowing what’s in each of them, and what rooms they should be placed in. Doing this will make your move so much easier and also make the unpacking a relative breeze.

Don’t Believe Everything You Hear About Moving

These three myths have been spread by word-of-mouth and social media for years. But the reality is that following these bits of “advice” can actually cost you in time, money, and energy.

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How to Avoid Surprise Moving Charges

Whether you’re moving to another city, state, country or just moving a couple of blocks down the road, the process of moving is still a rough one. It can take its toll on your nerves.

But it should not take its toll on your wallet. Unfortunately, sometimes the bill you get for a professional move is not the last word on the costs.

There are many hidden costs that you need to be aware of so that you can avoid those companies that would try to overbill you.

Packing Costs

The first big hidden cost involves packing up your belongings. In order to avoid this fee altogether, then you simply need to pack your own items yourself and have them ready when the movers show up.

Most moving companies will not cover any possible damage to these items, however. (After all, it could have already been broken when you packed it in the box.) If you do have movers pack your belongings, you’ll end up with two charges—one for the time it takes the movers to pack and one for the supplies such as boxes and tape that is needed.

Watch Out For: An unscrupulous moving company could try to claim you need special packing boxes or more boxes than are necessary just to pad this fee out.

Disassembly/Re-Assembly Fees

Another possible fee you could be hit with is a fee to take apart your furniture and then put it back together. In order to avoid this one, simply take the furniture apart yourself and have it ready to go. Then, when you arrive at the new home, have the pieces placed in the room you want and don’t have them assemble the furniture.

Even if a company doesn’t “charge” for this, you could end up with a higher cost if the company does charge by the hour. After all, it will take more time to break down and reassemble the furniture.

Heavy Items & Disposal Fees

If you have one heavy item that cannot be easily moved with a dolly or hand truck, then you’re probably going to see a tacked-on fee. This includes large pieces of furniture like pianos or pool tables. Some of these may even require a specialized mover to ensure that the product is not damaged during the move.

Disposal fees have been cropping up a lot lately with companies that are really trying to add to the bills. This fee is meant to include “the safe disposal” of packing materials such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. This one has been added since the “green” environmental movement has picked up steam, so you may want to ask about this one before you get the final bill.

Miscellaneous Fees

This one is where they say that the “devil is in the details.” Miscellaneous fees can cover a whole host of things. For instance, if you need to delay delivery to your new house, you may be asked to pay a storage facility fee.

If you have a narrow driveway or entrance to your home, you may be charged a fee for transferring the items from a smaller van that will fit into a larger one that can carry more stuff (or vice versa). If you live in a second-floor apartment and don’t have elevator access, there may also be a charge to carry your things up several flights of stairs.

For all of these fees, the lesson to be learned is that all those who are moving should read the fine print before they sign any contract. Know exactly what you are getting into and what fees are reasonable.

Some companies will try to add more on, but your contract can prevent this. But please know that the majority of professional movers are above board and will not charge hidden fees. Did you enjoy this article? You might also like our tips and timeline for a low stress move

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