Suburban Solutions @suburbansolutions-blog - Tumblr Blog

Is the Moving Company You Are Considering Legit?

Unfortunately, there are far too many moving companies out there that are far from professional and legitimate, leaving many consumers victim of fraud. According to statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – the federal agency that oversees moving companies – there are more than 3,500 fraud complaints filed with their agency each year. The breakdown of those complaints includes:

40 percent of complaints are for damage or loss of property

40 percent of complaints are for overcharges

15 percent of complaints are for “hostage” issues, where a moving company refuse to give the customer their property

So how do consumers avoid being a victim of moving company fraud? The following tips can help:

The company will not do an onsite inspection to determine what needs to be moved and prepare their estimate

The company tells you they will determine what the cost of the move will be once all of your property is in their truck

The company will not give you an estimate in writing

The company requires a large deposit or being paid in cash before the move

The company requires your signature on documents that are either incomplete or blank

The company claims all of your property will be covered by their insurance

The company does not have a company-owned moving truck, but instead show up with a rental truck or they do not have a local address in any of their advertising or business documents.

Shop Around for a Moving Company: It might be tempting to hire the company that offers the cheapest price, but that is usually the first indicator that your move can turn into a nightmare. Obtain estimates from at least three different companies. And make sure those estimates are done after an actual in-person tour of your home, not just over the phone or via email. Check that the companies you are considering have all the appropriate professional licenses required. An apartment moving company Warminster, PA trusts should be licensed by the state and moving companies that offer interstate services must be licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The FMCSA warns consumers that if the moving company they are considering engage in any of the following, there is a high risk of fraud and you should not hire them:

Confirm What Insurance Does and Does Not Cover: Moving insurance and valuation coverage that most moving companies offer are not the same thing. Valuation coverage may not cover all of the items you are moving. For example, your items may not cover damage due to acts of nature, such as weather issues. The valuation coverage your moving company provides may not cover damage done that were contained in boxes that the customer themselves packed. Although you may consider purchasing moving insurance, your current house insurance policy may cover this type of damage, so check with your company before purchasing additional coverage. If you find that your insurance will not cover property in transit from one residence to another, then you may want to consider purchasing separate moving insurance.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Suburban Solutions for their insight into moving and how to make sure moving companies are legit.

#apartment moving company warminster pa #warminster pa apartment moving compnay #apartment movers #apartment moving company #apartment moving companies

Best Way to Pack for a Move

Most people do not move that often, so it can be a little overwhelming when it comes to packing up all of your belongings in order to move from your existing home to your new home. Whether you are moving across town or across the country, packing can be a time-consuming responsibility at a time when you have an especially long to-do list. Following the following steps can help make packing and moving a little bit easier and smoother.

The first step to moving is finding a reputable long distance moving company Washington, DC offers who will be responsible for moving all the items that you pack. It is important to remember that there are many moving companies out there and you want to make sure to take the time needed to find a trustworthy and dependable one.

Once you have decided on the company that will move you, you will then want to schedule a date for your move. Ideally, if you have a few days that you can play with where you can get in your new home and still be able to stay in your current home, those few days can make all the difference in making your move less stressful. This way you can move all your belongings, but have an extra few days to handle things, such as cleaning the old home.

Now that you have a company and a moving date, you can really begin your packing. A good place to start is by making a packing list of all the things you have. Having this list will help you stay organized and ensure you pack everything up. It can also help you decide what items you no longer want and will not be packing. The best way to do this is to go room by room, writing down the items you are taking in one column and the items that you are not taking in another. Going room to room will not only be easier for you as you pack, it will also make it easier to unpack when you are in your new home.

Moving is the best time to really go through your belongings and decide what you really want/need. Many people will have a garage sale for the items they no longer want. If that is not something you feel you have the time for, you can also donate the items. There are many non-profit organizations that will come right to your home to pick up the items. Not only do you easily get rid of the items, but the donations can usually be used as a tax deduction.

Make sure you are giving yourself plenty of time to pack. Depending on how long you have before your scheduled date, set a goal to pack so many boxes each day. This way you are not scrambling around and rushing to get everything done. Unfortunately, that is how many items get lost or broken during the moving process.

As you are packing boxes, make sure to clearly mark what is in each box, as well as what room the box will go in at your new home. This makes it much easier for the movers and much easier for you in the unpacking process.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Suburban Solutions for their insight into moving and the best way to pack.

#Long Distance Moving #long distance moving companies washington dc #washington dc long distance movers #long distance move #long distance movers

How To Search For the Right Moving Company

The idea that you would willingly let strangers come into your home and take your things is, of course, preposterous. However, this is not an uncommon scenario for many people who hire movers without doing the proper research. When this happens, the movers could lose your items, steal them, damage them, or handle them in a way that is inappropriate. This is easily avoidable, though, and with a little research prior to hiring movers, you can find the right company for you that will safely transport all your household items. When doing your research, you should keep a few things in mind to ensure you have all the necessary information and that your possessions will be in the best hands possible.

Look For the Red Flags. Sometimes, your gut can tell you a lot more about a company than a brochure. There are certain warnings signs that may present themselves when you are working with a moving company. Some of these are:

The will estimate your charges on the day of the move or the day your items arrive.

They ask you to pay upfront for the services.

They do not give you a line-item invoice for the charges.

The trucks and equipment used do not have company logos or information on them.

The website lacks necessary information, like a local address or reviews.

Look At the Recommendations. There are no guarantees when you use a moving company that people do not recommend or that has little to no internet presence. There are many websites these days that provide solid reviews and ratings of moving services, and you can also look to friends and family for recommendations.

Schedule a Walk-Through. Always conduct a walkthrough with an estimator or manager so they know the layout of the house, high-value items, and can log the amount that they need to move. It is a huge red flag if they do not provide a walk-through.

Check That They Are Insured. If they do not carry any insurance, whether they are a local or national company, run far away. No insurance means they cannot reimburse, repay, or replace items that they damage or that someone steals during the moving process. Additionally, check with your own homeowner’s insurance to see what it covers in addition to the moving company’s insurance.

Pay With Your Credit Card. Using your credit card can help in the future if there are any charges you need to dispute. Companies that only accept cash, ask for large deposits upfront, or charge for unexpected fees may have more nefarious intentions. When everything shows up on a credit card statement, you can argue charges that should not be there.

Settle Your Logistics. Your invoice should include information like arrival time and exactly when your items will arrive at your new house for setup.

Moving can be an incredibly stressful time in your life and leave you wondering “who is the best moving company in Washington, DC?” that can take that stress off your shoulders so you can concentrate on settling into your new home. If you have more questions on what to look for when hiring the right moving company, call movers today!

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Suburban Solutions for their insight into moving and how to search for the right movers.

#best moving company in washington dc #washington dc moving company #who is the best moving company in washington dc #best movers in washington dc #movers in washington dc

Top Tips For Hiring Quality Movers

There are many things that can go wrong when you move from your home: you may lose items, items may break, or the idea of getting all your boxes into the moving truck on time may be overwhelming. While this entire process can stress even the most level-headed of people, one of the easiest ways to relieve this stress is by hiring quality movers. Packing your items, loading them, and unpacking them by yourself can take a great deal of time, and when you are figuring out other details of your move—like the attractions near your home, your new job, and where the kids are going to school—having the right movers can make this life-transition much smoother. Below, you will find our top tips on what you should look for in a moving company to ensure you hire the right people for the job.

1. Always Go Off Recommendations. Even if you do not end up using the company your neighbor or mom recommended, this is a great place to start to ensure you know a company. A friend can tell you about their customer service, their first-hand experience, and if the movers did quality work. However, do not rely on these recommendations or the online reviews for an exact pricing estimate. They’ll likely only provide you ballpark figures, especially if they have not come to your home yet.

2. Always Schedule a Walkthrough. This is one of the most important aspects of getting the right moving company. If the company does not offer or include an initial walkthrough of your home, run the opposite direction. When the estimator visits your home, show them all the closets, your basement, and even your attic. The more precise you are with your walkthrough, the more precise the estimate will be. It is also handy to show the estimator images of your new home, and any complications that might come with it (multiple flights of stairs).

3. Shop Around. When getting estimates and looking at companies, have multiple on file so you can compare estimates and compare benefits. You should also check with the companies in your top list to see if they have a “not-to-exceed” estimate that puts a cap on what you will pay for the moving services.

4. Look At the Details. Just as you should be wary of any estimate that is significantly lower than the others, you should also ask for an itemized list of what makes other movers more expensive. Are there extra costs you do not need to pay for that you can perform yourself? Are other contracts leaving out information that they may upcharge after the move?

5. Make Sure the Company Has the Proper License. You want to ensure that the company you go with has their license and the proper insurance. Always double check before signing any contracts. You can find this information by looking up the company’s USDOT number through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.

Finding the right moving company West Chester, PA relies on can save you and your family the hassle, stress, and time of boxing up your items and carting them to your new home. Call movers today for more information on how they can help your family ease into their new home.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Suburban Solutions for their insight into moving and tips for hiring quality movers.

#moving company west chester pa #west chester pa moving company #moving companies #moving company #moving services #moving companies west chester pa #professional movers

Why You Should Use a Moving Service

You just received notice that you got that new job you were working hard for that is located across the country. While you’re very excited about this new opportunity, it means that you need to pack up all of your belongings and move them across the country. Moving can be an exciting time in a person’s life, but it also has a lot of challenges. There are so many things to do - find a new home, pack up all your things, turn off utilities and then sign up for new utilities. On top of all this, you have to spend time with and say goodbye to family and friends.

With everything going on in this season of your life, it may feel overwhelming to have to pack up a truck and drive it to your new home. That’s where a professional moving service can help. Here is why you should use a professional moving service.

Save Time

Hiring a professional moving service can save you as much time as you want. Traditionally, people use a professional moving service to load boxes into the moving truck, drive it to your new home, and then unload the boxes when they arrive. This will save you hours of time so you can focus on spending time with loved ones before you leave.

Packing up your belongings can also be extremely time-consuming if you aren’t an experienced mover. If you pack your boxes the wrong way your things could potentially break on the drive or when you get to your new home, you could have no idea where anything is. Plus, if you are moving from a large home, it could take you weeks to pack up all of your things - on top of everything else going on in your life.

A professional moving service is an expert at packing up homes. They are fast, efficient and will save you time. If you don’t want the hassle of packing boxes yourself, then call a professional moving service to help.

Peace of Mind

When working with a professional moving service, you can have the peace of mind knowing that your things will get to your new home safely. They are professional packers, movers, and drivers so you don’t have to worry about things breaking along the way. Having a professional transport your belongings means you don’t have to drive a large truck across the country. If you aren’t familiar with driving a moving truck, this can be a very stressful and potentially dangerous situation. You have enough change in your life, you don’t need to add the stress of packing up and driving a moving truck.

Professional Washington DC movers are also reliable. You schedule your moving day and they will be there. Many people like to get a bunch of their friends involved to help them move. This is a great idea, but sometimes friends have something come up and can’t make it. And what if you are moving to a place where you don’t know anyone yet? You’ll still need to unload the truck when you get there. A professional moving service will move you on your schedule and give you the help you need moving in.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Suburban Solutions for their insight the moving services and advice for hiring professional movers.

#washington dc movers #movers washington dc #moving companies #professional movers #moving company

When Do You Need to Hire a Professional Moving Service?

When you move, there are a number of decisions to make. Where are you going to live? How will I decorate my new home? Do I keep my same internet and cable providers? When should you change your address? There’s a lot to keep track of. Moving also has the added complexity of packing up your belongings and transporting them to your new home. Many people want to move themselves, but before you make that decision there are a number of factors to consider. Ask yourself these questions to determine if you need to hire a professional moving service.

How much time can you spend on moving and packing?

Many people don’t realize how much time is required for moving. You can’t just throw all your things in the back of a truck and call it a day. You need to pack strategically if you want to save yourself time when unpacking. You need to label your boxes, individually wrap breakables such as dishes and glasses, and organize your boxes by room. This process can take days. And with the tons of other things on your to do list - including spending time with friends and family before you move - is packing and loading up a truck how you want to spend your time? If not, you may want to consider hiring a professional moving service.

Do you have the equipment needed to move your things?

Sofas, desks, beds, appliances, and heavy boxes sometimes require special equipment to get them into the truck or down your staircase. Have you accounted for those needs when making your moving budget? Do you have bungee cords and furniture pads? Do you have enough boxes, packing tape or bubble wrap?

Also, do you have the strength to carry those heavy items into the truck? We may think we can lift our couch, but when the time comes, it may actually be too heavy. And you don’t want to put your back out or pull a muscle before you have to drive to your new home (or when you need to unload and unpack your things). Professional movers will bring everything you need to move any type of furniture - big or small. They also will bring the right amount of strong people who can lift the items that you aren’t able to.

Do you have insurance on your items?

What happens if you drop your 60” flat screen TV on your way up the stairs? Or your dishes and glasses break due to boxes shifting in the truck? Do you have insurance on your valuable items so you can easily replace anything that breaks? Most people don’t. And if your friends are helping you move and they drop and break something, it could not only damage your things but your relationship as well.

With professional long distance moving companies Philadelphia, PA offers, you can have peace of mind knowing that all of your items are insured so if anything breaks along the way you can easily replace it. These movers are also experts and packing a truck, so they know how to pack items in a way that prevents them from moving.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Suburban Solutions for their insight the moving process and advice for hiring professional movers.

#long distance movers #long distance moving companies philadelphia pa #philadelphia pa movers #moving companies #movers #professional movers

4 Tips to Help Your Moving Process

When moving there are a lot of things to get in order. And if you aren’t organized, some could slip through the cracks. Moving is supposed to be an exciting time in your life - not a stressful time. However, if you have a solid plan and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can pack and move like a pro. Here are X tips to help make your move easier.

Create a moving to-do list

Time to get your organization nerd hat out. Before you start doing anything, the most important part of the process is the planning. You’ll want to create a moving to-do list. This should include everything you need to do to move out of your old place. For example, if moving from a rental property, make sure you know everything you need to do before you move out to avoid any fines.

Put all your important moving tasks on a calendar so you don’t miss anything. Don’t forget to include tasks such as purchasing items for your new home.

Label Your Moving Boxes

When you are packing, a great way to stay organized is to label your boxes. The most important label is what room the box should go in. This way if someone other than yourself is helping you move, they know exactly where to place to boxes without you having to rummage through them. If you want to get very specific, you could also label the contents of the box so you can have a clear picture of what is in the room just by looking at the boxes.

Protect Fragile Items with Newspapers

Pack your dishes, glasses, and other valuable fragile items in newspapers. This will help protect them from any movement that might happen while the boxes are in the moving truck. You can also use bubble wrap to wrap any larger items. Make sure if you have any particularly valuable or fragile items that you do not put them in the back of the moving truck. Keep these items in a small box with you in your own car or in the cab of the truck.

Do your research when hiring a moving company

If you have too much stuff to move on your own or don’t want to deal with the hassle of renting your own truck and driving to your new home, you should consider hiring a moving services company. There are many different options available to you - national moving services and local moving services. Make sure you do your research on which one works best for you.

Pro tip: You should hire one of the moving companies Washington, DC offers at least a month in advance if you can. You want to get on their schedule as soon as possible to not only work with your moving timeline but to ensure the best rates. And if you are able to be flexible with your moving date, you can find the best price.

By planning ahead, you can make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Suburban Solutions for their insight the moving process and tips to make it go smoother.

#moving tips #long distance moving tips #long distance movers #long distance moving companies #washington dc moving companies #moving companies washington dc

7 Things to do When Moving to a New Home

Moving into a new home is an exciting time. It’s a new space you get to decorate and make your own. Packing up your old home and moving into your new one it can be overwhelming to know where to start. You have boxes everywhere, but what do you do first? Here are seven things to do when moving into a new home.

Clean out your fridge

Before moving into your new home, you’ll need to tackle your refrigerator. Packing up food is difficult enough. You don’t want to have to deal with packing up the food you don’t eat or is expired, so clean out your fridge before you start packing.

You’ll also want to stop buying any groceries a week before you move out. This will give you time to eat the remaining food you have and not add any additional items to pack.

Do your research on moving companies / hire your moving company a month in advance to get on the schedule-cheaper rates

Keep your cleaning supplies separate

When packing, make sure you set your cleaning supplies aside. You will need these for cleaning your old place before moving out and for your new place. If you have a chance to go to your new home before the moving truck, you should spend some time cleaning the house. Clean the floors, bathrooms, and wipe down the countertops. This way, you will have a nice clean home when your family arrives.

Have Ziploc bags on hand

You never know when you find small items that you don’t want to just throw into a suitcase or box. Keeping Ziploc bags handy is a great way to keep your things organized. These are also great for storing screws, nails, and other small items you don’t want to lose in the move.

Make Beds First

When you get to your new home, make your beds up first. Keep the boxes with your sheets, pillows and blankets in a place you can easily access. Making up your beds first will help make your first day easier. After a long day of unpacking, the last thing you want to do is dig around for your sheets and make up the beds before you go to sleep.

Plan ahead

Change your address a few weeks before you move if possible. This will give you some time for your mail to be forwarded and for you to catch anything that you may have forgotten to change. Make sure you update your address with the DMV, on your car title, your credit card, bank account, and any subscriptions you have.

Don’t forget to schedule to turn on your water, power, and internet services at your new home. You want everything to be taken care of before your move-in date. While you’re scheduling your new service, don’t forget to turn off your old service so you don’t end up paying additional bills.

There are a lot of moving pieces when moving into your new home. These seven things, and considering hiring one of the long distance moving companies Alexandria, VA offers, will help make that transition easier for you and your family.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Suburban Solutions for their insight moving and things to do that make the transition easier.

#long distance moving companies #long distance movers #moving companies alexandria va #moving companies #alexandria moving companies

Signs You Have Hired a Less Than Reputable Moving Company

For people moving to a new home, it’s not uncommon to be looking to save a dollar in the process. Buying a new home is costly, chances are the idea of overspending on a moving company’s services may be less than enticing. This is a primary reason so many people find themselves allured by the services of companies or individuals looking to cut a deal for moving services. Having the ability to identify when a moving company has quoted you a price that appears to be well below what average movers may charge should prompt you to do your research.

A Deal That’s Too Good to be True

Choosing a mover is one of the most important aspects of planning a move. Obviously when searching for the right moving company, you will be looking for a company that can give you a deal that is cost efficient. Unfortunately, there a number of scam artists out there, especially when it comes to moving companies. Being able to spot red flags may prevent you from dealing with a mover who is less than reputable:

Their prices are too good to be true

They are not certified

They do not have the appropriate insurance

The price changes by an exorbitant amount later on

They do not have a website and you are unable to find any customer reviews

Although you will be looking for a company that can provide you with moving services at a good price, choosing a company that has poor business practices is likely to be a mistake.

Save Yourself Time and Money

Moving on your own can come with a number of hidden costs. When all is said and done, you may find yourself wishing you had just acquired the services of a certified and reputable moving company. Have a clear conversation with the moving company of your choosing ahead of time, you may learn that many things you would have to pay for if you were to move on your own are actually configured into a quote provided by a moving company. Without a reputable moving company, you could be making a costly mistake. Movers without insurance or who do not come with the equipment to move your stuff ultimately will cost more for several reasons:

Your stuff could get damaged with no recourse

You may have to rent all the materials for the move in addition to paying someone to move your things

Your property could get damaged if careless movers are trying to squeeze items into small spaces or scrape or bang furniture against the walls or door frames.

Your possessions could get lost or stolen

The moving truck you rented may get damaged

You could be responsible if the mover you hired is injured

Moving companies Washington, DC chooses are efficient in a number of respects. They can save you time and the headache and backache of moving heavy items on your own, especially if you choose a reputable moving company to get the job done.

Moving is a stressful process, not only will you want to make sure the job is done efficiently, you will want it to cost as little as possible. Although finding a cost effective moving company is desirable, hiring a company or person who is offering you a serious cut on the price doesn’t necessarily mean it will save you money in the long run. Take the time to search for a reputable moving company. Anyone providing you with a quote that seems like a ridiculously good deal, may be something to question.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Suburban Solutions for their insight into moving and signs that your moving company is not reputable.

#moving companies washington dc #movers washington dc #moving companies dc #movers in dc #Dc Moving Companies

A Moving Company for Your Next Big Move

Have you ever accessed the services of a moving company before? If the answer is no, professional moving companies are all too familiar with the types of questions you may have regarding moving company services. Buying a new home is a large expense, it can be difficult to make the decision to access a moving company, especially if you are trying to keep costs down. When you are closing on your house, without a moving company, you will feel the need to be in two places at once. Moving day can involve a significant time crunch, one that may leave you feeling stressed. Hiring a moving company may help to alleviate some of the stress you may be experiencing. Here are questions we are often asked regarding moving services:

How well should I pack things in my house?

Take the time and care to carefully pack your belongings. In the long run, this will protect your belongings from damage, help streamline the organization process and result in the movers spending less time packing your stuff and more time moving it. Ultimately, taking the time to pack your home beforehand will save you both time and money. By organizing your move you may be able to efficiently engage in the process in stress free manner. Preparation is key when it comes to hiring movers. Here are some tips that may help the process go smoothly:

Measure all doors and hallways to ensure that your furniture fits

Set aside anything fragile or valuable that is at a higher risk for sustaining damage

Protect flooring and carpets by covering them as movers track in an out, this can help prevent added mess.

Wrap any fragile items in bubble wrap or paper

What happens if something is broken?

This is a common worry to have which is why it’s so important that you choose to go with a reputable moving company. By choosing a company without insurance or without the proper certifications may mean that you have hired someone without the necessary experience. This could be disastrous. If this happens to you, you will likely need to file a claim with the moving company you hired. Also, gather as much evidence as possible verifying the damage. Once you have filed a claim, a reputable moving company should take measures to make it right.

How can I find a moving company that I trust?

If you are planning your next move, take the time to research moving companies. It’s always a good idea to check references or ask people you know for recommendations. This may prevent a serious issue later on, especially if you go with a less than reputable company. Take the time to:

Review their website

Schedule a time for them to assess you belongings, they should be able to provide you an idea as to the cost for their services

Find out how they charge

Ask them questions regarding their insurance. Some moving companies cover the bare minimum insurance which could impact your ability for compensation if your belongings are damaged.

Hire a certified moving company to do the work for you. This may help to ensure that you are choosing a reputable company.

If you are planning your next move, contact the top professional moving companies Philadelphia, PA offers to discuss the ways in which they can be of service for you. This could be a huge weight off your shoulders, giving you peace of mind during this big change.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Suburban Solutions for their insight into moving and tips for hiring a moving company.

#moving companies philadelphia pa #philadelphia pa moving companies #movers philadelphia pa #moving compani #movers #long distance moving companies

Tips for Throwing a Successful Garage Sale

Garage sales are one of the best ways to declutter and get rid of stuff you no longer need. You might even make some extra money that can be used to help you move. If you're serious about this, it is important to take some time to think about the sale and how it will be arranged. The following tips will help your garage sale go more smoothly and be successful.

Planning for the Garage Sale

To hold a successful garage sale you will need to select the right date and time for the event. Many people choose a weekend because it is when most shoppers will be out looking for a good deal. You might even find out whether there is a community garage sale event going on; these can be very advantageous.

If your garage sale will be held over a holiday weekend, consider starting the sale one day before. For example Friday - Saturday, 7 A.M. until 1 P.M. Don't forget to look out for major events, like a fair, that could distract shoppers from your sale. Also, most people receive their paychecks on the 15th and/or at the end of the month, making the first week of the month a good time.

Another consideration is the season. If you're moving in the autumn, then a late summer or early autumn sale will be appropriate. Bare in mind, people tend to do more shopping when the weather is cooler. That being said, you will need to plan the sale around the time of the year you are moving.

Gathering Your Items

If you have extra space in your home, make it an area for the items you want to sell. As you go through your belongings, place it it the space. This will help you to organize everything for the move, and also allow you to gather enough stuff to make your garage sale look full.

Inside your "garage sale room", organize items into boxes; for example: toys, odds and ends, books, glassware, electronics, and so forth.

As the day of the sale draws near, be sure to go through your basement, garage, attic, closets, and other spaces. Items that you do not use might be perfect to sell. Remember, the less you have, the easier your move will be. If you're using a moving company, downsizing can also help you to save money.

Tips

The more you are selling, the more inclined people will be to stop

Be sure to advertise your event in the local newspaper, on social media, Craigslist, and other advertising spaces

Place a sign outside of your house

Be sure to post signs that direct people to your house

Price your items individually

Be prepared to negotiate

If you don't know what to ask for, use online guides

A few days before the sale, get small change from the bank

Have a change box at the sale

Tables look professional and display items nicely

If you don't have tables, lay items on a blanket

Have plastic bags for shoppers who need something to put their item in

Final Tip: Anything you don’t sell can be donated to your local donation centers. This can give you peace of mind in knowing you won't be moving into your new home with stuff you don't need or want. Professional Washington DC movers offers can help with the items you do want to keep and move to your new home.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Suburban Solutions for their insight into moving and tips for garage sales.

#washington dc movers #dc movers #moving company washington dc #movers washington dc #movers dc #moving company dc #movers in dc

How do I color code my upcoming move?

Planning and organization is crucial for a smooth, stress-free move. A moving company can get your items from Point A to Point B with ease, and can even pack and unpack your belongings if you choose. But, what if you want to pack your own items? You might wonder how you can do so while ensuring everything stays organized? This is when the color coding system can make a huge difference in the process.

By color coding your boxes, one of the top long distance moving companies Alexandria, VA offers will know where to place your boxes when you arrive at Point B. This system is not only full of color, but will make your job, and the job of your movers, much easier.

Assigning Colors to Every Room in Your New House

To begin the color coding system, you'll want to follow these steps:

1. Create or Obtain a Floor Plan

Using a floor plan of your new house, assign a color to every room or area of the house. Don't forget about the basement, attic, garage, or other storage areas. If you don't have a floor plan, draw a simplified version to use as a general reference.

2. Choose a Color for Every Room

Your colors should not be too similar; otherwise, it could cause confusion for you or the moving company. For example white and beige might not be a good idea. Rather stick with colors like red, blue, green, yellow, pink, purple, and orange.

Color Coding the Boxes

After you've created a floor plan and assign colors to every room, begin to pack up your belongings - room by room. Once each box, tote, or container has been packed, you can color code it by any of the following methods:

Packing Tape - Many stores offer a pack of colored packing tape, this is one of the best ways to color code your items.

Stickers - Office supply stores, and even moving companies, may be able to provide you with blank colored stickers. Usually they are smaller, so place one on every side of the box so the movers don't miss it.

Markers - Colored markers are another way to mark the box. As a fun idea, if you are packing up your children's' rooms, ask them if they would like to decorate their own box.

Coordinating the Move

After you have packed and color coded all of your items, you can review the plan with the moving company to ensure they know where everything goes.

It will be useful to place the same colored tape, sticker, or colored paper on the doorways or doors of each room in your new house. This will act as a reference for the movers and make everything go smoothly. Be sure these colors are at eye level or higher.

If your new house is multiple levels, you might want to place the color code of each floor on the stairwell to avoid confusion.

By having this effective system in place, the moving company and you will know where every box belongs. This will help to unload the truck as fast as possible, and make the unpacking process nice and easy.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Suburban Solutions for their insight into color coding systems and moving.

#Long Distance Movers #long distance moving companies alexandria va #moving companies #movers

Times that Might Require Special Moving Services

You might think that a moving company is only for packing, loading, delivering, and unpacking items. However, some moving companies offer special services that may be needed before, during, or after a move. Whether you're moving near or far, you might benefit from special moving services.

Full Cleaning - When it comes time to move, you might easily forget about the need to do a deep clean of the house or apartment you are leaving. You might want to consider cleaning services if:

You don't have time to clean

You don't like cleaning

You want to get your deposit back

You're trying to sell your house

You want your office to look great

Crating - Sometimes a strong box is not enough for certain items like artwork, breakables, and odd shaped belongings. Hiring a moving company might be a good choice for custom crating if:

You have non standard shaped items that won't fit into ordinary boxes

You are donating artwork to a collection or museum

You need to ship something fragile to a new location

You have costly equipment that requires special packing

Vehicle Transport - When you move, you might wonder how you'll get your cars, boat, ATVs, or other vehicles to the destination. We can help to move your vehicle with open or closed trucks. You should consider a moving company when:

You need to have your boat moved to a marina

You purchased a car or boat in a different location and cannot pick it up

You are moving out of state and don't want to drive to the new location

You own a special vehicle that is not drivable

You have a collection of cars and want them to arrive damage-free

Disassembling and Reassembling - During a move there will likely be many items that need to be disassembled. For example furniture, couches, children's playground sets, trampolines, above ground swimming pools, jacuzzis, appliances, and so forth. These might also need to be reassembled at the delivery point. Ask your moving company about their disassembling and reassembling services, especially when:

You don't have the physical strength or knowledge to carry out the task

You're not sure if disassembly is required

You lack the time to get the task done

Consider Hiring A Moving Company For All of Your Needs

In addition to the above special moving services, many moving companies Washington, DC offers have services for packing, unpacking, DIY packing materials, storage facilities, junk removal, donations, labor only moving, and more.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Suburban Solutions for their insight into special moving services.

#moving companies #moving services #moving companies washington dc #dc moving companies #washington dc movers #moving company dc

Tips for Planning a Cross Country Move

Planning a move across country is quite possibly one of the most stressful experiences people endure. There are a number of ways to mitigate this. Taking measures to reduce stress, efficiently pack, carefully protect fragile items and utilizing moving services may make the entire process go much more smoothly. Here are some tips you may find helpful if you are planning to pack your entire life and move a significant distance:

Tip #1

Moving can be seriously costly, especially if you are moving across the country. If you are relocated for a new job, you may want to speak with your employer in regards to how they might be able to help. Some companies provide new employees with a relocation stipend to help offset the cost of moving.

Tip #2

Take the proper time to research and strategize your moving plan of action. There are a number of ways to plan this out. Plan accordingly to save yourself the headache of the unknown if you choose to forgo a moving company. If you are planning a DIY move, you may want to consider the following:

The truck rental

The cost of lodging, food and gas

Whether the rental company will charge you for additional mileage

You will have to carefully pack your belongings into a truck

Mapping out an appropriate route

Whether you will need to rent moving equipment to move your belongings on and off the truck

Moving on your own will likely result in a number of hidden, unexpected expenses. Be sure to spend time calculating your budget for your move, making sure you give yourself some extra wiggle room.

Tip #3

Speak with a moving company to determine if they will accommodate a move across country. There are a number of moving companies nationwide that can provide this service. You will need a price estimate from them so that you can determine if using the services of a moving company fits within your budget. A moving company will be able to foresee things you may not have even considered. The advantage to a moving company is that you won’t have to worry about ancillary expenses that you had not planned on.

Tip #4

Get rid of as many unneeded or unwanted items as possible for your move. This is especially the case for people moving a significant distance. Moving is expensive, moving across country is even more expensive. The last thing you want is to haul a number of your belongings across the country that you could have gotten rid of ahead of time.

Tip #5

Consider moving your more valuable, precious or fragile possessions on your own. When it comes to belongings, most things can be replaced. However, we all have belongings that we deem as irreplaceable. This could include items such as:

Jewelry

Family Heirlooms

Photographs

Artwork

Collectibles

To prevent these items from getting lost or damaged in a move, take extra care in packing them. It is also recommended that you transport these items yourself rather than putting them on a large moving truck. This will ensure that you are able to keep them safe.

Moving doesn’t have to be the nightmare it’s sometimes made out to be. Whether you are relocating for a new job, looking for a change or moving closer to family, putting in the proper planning may help make the process much easier in the long run. Contact one of the top certified, fully insured long distance moving companies Alexandria, VA relies on so that they may be able to assess your situation and provide you with a price estimate for your next move.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Suburban Solutions for their insight into moving and tips for planning a cross-country move.

#Long Distance Moving #Long Distance Moving Company #long distance moving companies alexandria va #alexandria moving companies #movers #professional moving companies #packers and movers #moving services

Hiring a Reputable Moving Company

If you have recently purchased a home and are planning a move, the expense of a moving company is usually one that people try to avoid. After all, buying a home comes with its fair share of expenses. Many people may go through the process of a big move without taking into consideration the hidden expenses that come with moving. Despite this, there are a number of benefits to hiring a moving company. When planning for your next move, you will want to make sure that you appropriately research possible moving companies. The last thing you need is to deal with complications surrounding the moving company that you hire.

Signs You Have Hired the Wrong Moving Company

Hopefully, you hire a reputable and trusted moving company. If you find yourself questioning whether or not the moving company you chose is the right choice, taking a closer look at the company you hired will be important. Hopefully, you will be able to remedy the situation before it’s too late. The following are indicators that the moving company you chose to employ may have not been the best choice:

If the moving company you hired cannot provide you with references and/or you can’t find any information about them.

Make sure that the moving company can give you a clear estimate of the cost. Although most moving companies charge by the hour, be aware that this can add up quickly.

Hiring a moving company that isn’t licensed can be a huge mistake. Failure to do so could result in some sketchy situations. By doing so you put yourself at risk of your items not being handled with care, which could result in potential damage. In some situations, companies that are not reputable have taken off with a client’s belongings or even tried to sell them off.

Never pay a mover the full cost for their services up front. You risk them not showing up the day of the move. It is common to pay a mover a deposit up front but this should only be a small percentage of the total cost.

If you have chosen to go ahead with a less than reputable moving company, it can be the same as hiring a couple of strangers off the street. Although it may save you a few bucks, the headache that follows could be long lasting. By hiring movers that aren’t licensed you risk your belongings being lost, stolen or damaged as a result.

Owning a business can come with some snags. Stuff comes up and accidents happen, going with one of the licensed long distance moving companies Philadelphia, PA relies on won’t leave you guessing about price or whether or not we will show up on the day of your move.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Suburban Solutions for their insight into moving and how to hire a reputable moving company.

#long distance moving companies philadelphia pa #philadelphia pa moving companies #long distance movers #long distance moving company #moving compan #packing and moving #tips for packing breakables

How can I pack my china and crystal glassware?

If you've decided to pack your fragile items on your own, it is essential you learn how to box these things so they don't break during the move. China, crystal glassware, and other fragile items deserve your utmost attention. They are not only valuable, but could also hold a sentimental significance. Whether you're packing crystal wine decanter or your mother in law's china set, the last thing you want to do is open up a box only to find everything in pieces.

As a professional moving company, we recommend hiring a team of movers to take care of the packing and transport. However, if you're keen on doing the packing on your own, we've assembled some quick tips from our top movers.

How to Pack China and Crystal Glassware

1. Gather heavy duty cardboard boxes that are small to medium size. You can ask your moving company if they can provide you with some. Seperate your boxes into individual categories (i.e. plates, glassware, etc.)

2. Insert cardboard dividers. Place the dividers inside the boxes that will hold your fragile glassware. These add extra protection and keep your glassware from hitting one another, and breaking.

3. Wrap your glassware. Using bubble wrap, foam, or another type of cushioning, wrap all of your glassware in a protective lawyer. You might even place a cushion on the bottom and top for extra support.

4. Wrap your dinnerware. Once your glassware has been packed, it's time to pack your dinnerware. Wrap each item in its own cushioning (i.e. foam or bubble wrap). Secure the item with packing tape.

5. Secure the box. Before you pack your dinnerware, add a thick layer of cushion to your boxes.

6. Pack your heavy items first. Place any larger, heavier items (i.e. serving plates) first. This will prevent smaller items from getting broken. Next you can place medium items into the box. Followed by your lightest items. Your box should not be overflowing and have space in between the dinnerware and closing sides.

7. Fill in the empty space. Using protective cushioning, fill in any empty areas of the box. The more cushioning, the better. Place extra cushion on top and then secure the closing sides of the box with tape.

After You Pack Your Boxes

Label all of your boxes using a thick, permanent marker. Terms like "FRAGILE", "THIS SIDE UP", "TOP", AND "BREAKABLE" should be used.

Mark the room in which the box should go to upon arrival.

Pick up the box and gently "shake it". If anything moves or makes noise you should add more cushion.

Are You Ready to Move?

All this goes without saying that china, glassware, and any other fragile items are best moved by one of the professional long distance moving companies Alexandria, VA relies on. This ensures your belongings get to their destination in one "piece".

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Suburban Solutions for their insight into moving and packing dishware.

#long distance moving companies alexandria va #long distance movers #long distance moving companies #alexandria moving companies #movers #alexandria movers

3 Benefits to Using a Moving Service

Moving is an exciting time in a person’s life. A new place means new opportunities, new friendships, and a new home. However, moving can also be stressful. Stacks of boxes and bubble wrap, hours of packing and organizing, and the multiple trips hauling your things to your new place can be a strenuous process. Especially on top of having a full time job and raising a family.

With the right help, moving doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are three benefits to using a professional moving company.

1. Know your belongings are safe and secure

Did you know a professional moving company can also pack your things for you? You don’t need to worry about spending hours packing up your belongings or worrying if you’ve packed them correctly. A professional moving company will make sure your things are packed securely so they arrive at their new home safely.

Many professional moving companies also make you sign a legal contract. These contracts are designed to protect you and your belongings in the case a mover accidentally drops a box or some other accident occurs.

WIth professional moving company, you can rest easily knowing that your fine china and your big screen TV will make it to your new home without a scratch.

2. Save time

Packing up your home can take days, weeks, or even months depending upon the size of your home. You can spend your evenings and weekends surrounded by bubble wrap and boxes. Hiring professional movers saves you time by allowing them to pack and move your things. This frees you up to do the other things that come with moving such as setting up your electricity, cable, and internet.

Professional movers allow you to spend more time with your family and less time wrapping your dishes in newspaper.

3. Reduce stress

While moving is exciting, it can also come with a lot of stress. Starting a new job, finding a new house, figuring out a new routine. Packing, moving, and unpacking your home is an added stress. You need to make sure your boxes are properly packed so your items are secure. If you are moving yourself, you need to make sure the boxes aren’t too heavy for you to move. And if you do have heavy items, such as large boxes or bulky furniture, you need to find some way to transport them (without getting hurt).

By hiring a professional moving company, you can have the peace of mind knowing that your belongings are packed correctly and your valuables are safe. Professional movers also have the appropriate tools to transport your heavy items so you don’t have to worry about straining your back or damaging your items.

If you are about to start the process of moving, it’s important to weigh your options. There are so many things to think about when you are moving. Packing and securing your valuables doesn’t need to take up all your time. Hiring professional movers Alexandria, VA counts on can take that part of the process from you so you can focus on spending time with your family during this exciting time. Take the stress out of moving. Call one of our moving professionals today.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Suburban Solutions for their knowledge about the moving process and benefits of hiring professionals.

#moving #movers #professional movers #professional moving company #professional moving companies #moving companies alexandria #moving company alexandria #movers alexandria va #long distance moving company #long distance moving

Trending Blogs

Recently Viewed Blogs

Suburban Solutions