New year’s resolutions are usually helpful like losing weight, or quitting smoking, but our list of 3 moving resolutions (for people who are relocating this year) can be time-saving and stress relieving.  Our New Year’s resolutions break up into 3 areas; identify, organize, and discard. 

Identify

Identify is the first step in the process.  Identify means go to an area of the house like a storage area, etc and decide whether items are keep, donate, or throw away.  Make sure all members of your household buy into and participate in the program.  Put items into 3 piles.  The “throwing away” is easiest.  These items you don’t need.  The “donate pile” should be combined with other “donate” items and the “keep items” should move on to the next organize step.

Organize

Organize means anything you are going to keep should be logically stored.  Whether in boxes, tubs, on shelves, or in cabinets, an efficient system should be put into place at this time.  Make sure anything you pack into a box or tub is clearly marked with tags facing out to avoid confusion.  Use the concept of items that are seldom or never used are packed away the farthest and items that need to be accessed more often are easier to get to.  This system will help you use your space more efficiently.

Discard

Discard is the final step of the program and whether it’s throwing items in the garbage, donating to a charity, or giving away to friends or family, this step will help declutter your house and help streamline your future move.

One nice thing about the New Year’s Resolution program of identify, organize, and discard is that it lessens the load of work you will need to do when it comes to moving time.  Hope these help get you off on the right foot.

When you move into a new community, neighborhood, or building, it’s a good idea to get to know who your neighbors are.  Knowing your neighbors, and being familiar with your surroundings can provide a safer environment for you and your family besides building some new relationships that can last a lifetime.

There are many different ways to get to know your neighbors, the first one is as direct as it gets, and that is personally going over to them and introducing yourself.  It’s always a nice idea to bring a small token (cookies, candy, jam, bread, etc) to break the ice.  You don’t need to do the whole neighborhood in one day, but pick a day during the week (for maybe your first month) and get to know everyone.

Another way to meet your neighbors is host an open house, host a house party, or back yard party.  Have everyone bring a dish, or bring a drink;  keep it casual.  You can also do this at a local park, if you don’t want to do it in your home; it’s an easy way to get to know everyone around you.

The other way is less direct, but it also helps you observe your surroundings, and slowly get to know your neighbors by spending more time outside in the front yard versus your back yard.  You can get to know what time your neighbors leave, come home, who has kids, who doesn’t, etc.  Make sure to wave hello , goodbye, and when you are ready to have a conversation, try not to approach your neighbor if they are just coming home or leaving-they too have an agenda, so choose your time wisely.

When meeting new neighbors, some general rules of thumb, don’t approach them when they are coming or going. 

Keep the conversation short-do not give them your whole life in one sitting. 

Be polite, if you find you have nothing in common, talk about the block, neighborhood, shake a hand and walk away.

By getting to know your surroundings, you will know who you can turn to in case of emergency, and maybe find a friend with some common ground.

An open house or housewarming party is always a perfect way to meet neighbors, and welcome friends and family into your new home.  You are busy and have a lot going on, so keeping it simple is important.

Don’t spend months planning, you probably have a million other things to do.  If you do an afternoon gathering, it’s generally a little more casual.  If you want something more formal, then do a dinner and evening get together (you will probably end up spending more money this way too)!.

PLAN YOUR MENU 

Feel free to serve appetizers, deserts, cakes, cookies, and tea.  It doesn’t have to be a 3 course dinner, unless you are going the formal route.  If you want to have some type of heavier food served, food stations are a good option.  Having pasta and one other dish, and a couple appetizers is sufficient.  Keep your drink options limited (soda, beer, wine).  You don’t need to serve mixed drinks or have a full bar, it is a housewarming party, not a wedding.

Keep your invites either verbal, by walking over to your neighbors and telling them in person, and calling your family or friends.  You can also do flyers and drop them off.  If you don’t request a RSVP, it will keep it more casual.

COUPLE DAYS BEFORE THE PARTY

A couple of days before your party, get your house clean.  Make sure you have enough seating for everyone.  Make sure to have plates, plastic cups, paper plates, ice, and all of your food in order.  Disposable will save you from having to do 100’s of dishes at the end of the party.  If your house isn’t decorated, fresh flowers, and candles can warm up the mood in your home and have it more welcoming.

DAY OF THE PARTY

Set up tables, set up food, have deserts  ready, have ice.  Put out fresh flowers, light candles, etc.

Wait for your guests to arrive, and enjoy your party, it’s always a nice way to end the party by having a little favor for them when they leave (whether having a basket of cookies, or candy at the door); your guests can grab before they leave.

There are many myths out there about moving.  These will help identify some of the misconceptions out there, so your moving experience can be better planned, saving you time, and money in the long run.

ALL CONTAINERS ARE THE SAME FOR MOVING:

Moving boxes are specifically made for packing, carrying, and holding the weight of heavy items.  You should always use quality boxes to make sure your items are protected.  Many moving/storage companies will sell moving kits, and many online box companies sell them too. ( and will ship directly to your home)

I DON’T NEED TO PURCHASE MOVING INSURANCE:

“If the movers drop it, it will be covered” is definitely far from the truth.  All states have standard movers liability for each moving company whether it is a local move, or long distance move.  If you do not purchase additional coverage, depending on the state, your goods are released at $.30 cents or $.60 cents per lb, for local (depreciated value), and interstate (replacement value)usually with a deductible).  Make sure you know your coverage options, otherwise your remedy may be limited.  Also with electronics, if the mover did not drop it, it is considered mechanical condition unknown (not proven if it worked before it was moved, and most moving companies will not test electronics).

MOVERS WILL REPLACE ITEMS IN BOX IF BROKEN AND THEY MOVE IT:

If the moving company did not pack it, and there is no damage to box, it will most likely not be covered (packed by owner or PBO).  If the box is still intact, there is no way to determine if the box was packed properly, (if not professional packed).

LABELING AND INVENTORYING ITEMS ARE A WASTE OF TIME:

While this may take you more time in your initial packing and sorting, this will save you hours and hours when it comes to looking for items, especially if you need something right away.

I DON’T HAVE TO PAY MOVERS UNTIL  ALL THE BOXES ARE UNPACKED:

Most moving companies are C.O.D, unless, a corporate account.  Some companies will collect payment before the truck is completely unloaded, or upon arrival at destination to ensure payment is made.

EXPECT ITEMS TO BE BROKEN:

This is not true, especially if you hire a reputable professional moving company.  Accidents do happen, but most reputable companies do background checks, and know who they are sending to your home.  That is why it is always a good idea to make sure you check references, get referrals.  The companies are there to make sure your items arrive in the manner they were picked up.

 MOVES CANNOT BE PLANNED:

It is always best to plan your move well in advance, and don’t wait till last-minute to hire your mover.  Do your research, eliminate items, get quotes, get references, pack ahead of time.  Waiting till the last day can make your day disastrous because you never know what could lie ahead of your day.

GETTING QUOTES IS A WASTE OF TIME:

Every moving company is different, and may have different rates and different services offered.  Don’t assume everyone does the same thing.  Make sure you know what you should expect to pay, and what services you will be receiving if hiring a professional moving company.  Remember cheapest is not always the best option.

ALL MOVERS ARE THE SAME:

WRONG! This couldn’t be farther from the truth, there are reputable moving companies, and there are “rogue” moving companies out there.  Always make sure to check better business bureau ratings (and # of complaints), get references, and referrals from friends and family.

Tis the season to be jolly, but having to move or relocate during the holidays can be very stressful.  Here are some helpful tips that can make your holiday a little more enjoyable for you and your family!

Scheduling Professional Movers: 

This is a good time especially (if you can afford it), to hire a professional mover.  This will save you time, help avoid an emergency room trip from throwing out your back before the holiday.  Make sure to start shopping for your mover in advance, many professional moving companies will shut down for the holidays, but you will have more options to choose from as the winter season is generally a slower time for moving companies.  The end of the month, however, is still usually busy for movers, so make sure to do your research, in choosing a reputable moving company earlier rather than later.

Packing in Advance:

As soon as you know you will be relocating, make sure to start packing.  This may be a good time to have a family member or friends host Christmas Dinner, New Years Dinner, etc.  If you plan on having the holidays in your own home, (or have children), make sure you leave your china, dishes, party favors  last for packing.  Start with areas ike out of season items, garages, basements, items that won’t necessarily be used for a while.  Make sure to mark your holiday items if you are going to be moving before the holiday, like Christmas Ornaments, Stockings, etc,.  Make sure you either put these sentimental items in your car, or know where they are so when you are at your new location, you can have these items up for your family to keep the holiday spirit.  You can read “When to Pack Before Your Move” for more tips.

Your New Home:

Once you have relocated, make sure to get your holiday decorations up.  Stick with normal traditions especially when it comes with little ones, the less change that children have in their routines, the more natural their holiday will seem!  Have an open house, host a dinner, make cookies, try to stay relaxed through the moving process.  This will keep yours and your family’s mood (and sanity) intact.

Most moving companies base their local moving quotes on the time it’ll take for them to pack up the contents of your household and transfer it to the new location. The Movers would also be willing to give you a general quote online for you to compare, however for a more accurate quote, a live estimate is probably best. This would allow the estimator to do a walk through of the area and see exactly how many items need to be moved.

If you are getting your quote over the phone the first thing to do is to see how much you have to move. It will be easier to go room to room making a checklist while still on the phone, with the local movers listing all the furniture you have. If the local moving business is good they’ll also ask you questions like “Is there any artwork? Or how many lamps do you have? Do you have any office furniture etc. They’ll also ask you to estimate the number of boxes you have, and even though this may be a little difficult for you an experienced estimator should be able to come to a conclusion. Once they have this information we need to move on to the destination. The mover will ask questions regarding where to deliver the product, are there any restrictions, What floor is your apartment on? Is your home on a one way street? By getting these details correct, there can be a difference of 25% to 35% on your quote so make sure you cover as much information as possible.

Once your estimate has all this information the movers should be able to give you a quote which includes the pricing and how it was determined, the approximate time it’ll take for your move and approximate cost of materials. Our Moving Resource guide recommends that you get at least 3 quotes for comparison before you decide on a mover and you should get everything in writing so there’s not confusion later on.

Moving Resource – Rental Truck Tips

You can also get your move completed by doing it yourself. Unless your’e making the move international you would need a rental truck to help with your relocation. Some things to watch out for when your renting a truck.

Moving Resource: Decide what size rental truck you need before you call

Trucks come in all shapes and sizes but if your not careful you may end of with a truck that’s either too small to carry all your belongings to your new house or a truck that’s too big and you have wasted space. You can use our Move Calculator to see how many cubic feet of household goods you need to move. Once you know how many items you have, you can get the appropriate truck. Give yourself a 20% margin since not all furniture fits perfectly.

Moving Resource: Questions to ask when comparing Rentals

What is the per day rate? Is there a Grace Period?
What are my insurance options?
Are moving blankets and dollies included in the van?
What is the per mile rate?

These are some of the questions you should be asking before you rent a truck. If you have any more questions feel free to go through this guide and browse through the information we have here.

Long Distance Moves or Interstate moves are generally based on weight and distance so a visual onsite estimate by a professional moving company is definitely the best method to get an accurate quote.  It’s a good idea to get 3 different companies to come out and provide you with quotes for validity.  Understandably, movers probably wont’ want (or need to) come out and look at a small studio or 1 bedroom apartment but for anything 2 bedrooms and up, I’d get the onsite long-haul moving quote.  If you have a smaller move and only need a phone estimate, read Long distance Moving Quotes over the phone: What you can or Should Expect.

Just like with long distance moving quotes over the phone, you need to determine how much you need to move and the level of service required (packing, etc), the logistics of your current and future residence, and the distance between  two points (determined by zip codes).  Find 3 movers with good references, good Better Business Bureau Ratings, and set up your onsite estimates.  Schedule them separately so you can compare apples to apples.  When you schedule your onsite estimate, make sure you leave yourself about an hour for each moving company to complete.

When your move estimator arrives at your home walk with him/her and go room by room to determine what is going to be moved, and what services you require (packing, etc).  The estimator will record what furniture you are moving on a cube sheet (either paper or computerized) and calculate how many boxes you have or will have upon completion of the packing.   Accuracy is key; make sure the estimator visits all areas of your home; including all rooms, garage, basement, attic, cupboards, and closets.  This way you have a better chance of removing unwanted surprises and costs at delivery.

After you visit all areas of your home, your move estimator will either sit down and calculate the quote (which is good because then you can ask some service related questions) or get the quote back to you at a later day (by email, mail or another appointment).  The good part about having the quote completed onsite is convenience and that you will have a hard copy of your quote in hand.  Always make sure all long haul estimates are given in writing and spell out what services (and their related costs) are to be performed.  The long distance moving estimate should include origin and destination address (at least zip code) packing materials, and possible packing costs, Line haul (load, transport and unload charges), possible fuel surcharge, move day materials (furniture and floor protection) and insurance options.  Make sure you get insurance options and costs spelled out on your estimate.

The logistics of your current and future home need to be revealed to the long haul move estimator as things like flights of outside stairs, long distances to the home and even the possibility of a shuttle (or transfer of the shipment onto a smaller truck to unload or load) can all affect the price of the move.  The distance between your current and future residence is the easiest part of the quote as mileage is determined by zip code.

Once all of this information is received your long distance move quote can be completed.

Make sure you get specific (or at least a range) of load and delivery dates and your recourse if these dates aren’t met.  Also verify what type of quote, you are receiving adjustable (weight and distance), not to exceed (where the price can go down but not over a certain amount) or binding (the quoted amount is what you will be charged).

A good question to ask before choosing who will complete your long haul move is who will be hauling my shipment.  There are generally 3 different options.  A self haul is when the company or agent that gives the quote hauls the shipment, This has its advantages with regards to familiarity and potentially better communication.  The second option is a “system” move while the booking agent puts your move into their van line pool of shipments to be covered by a hauler within the van line family.  For instance a move booked by a local mayflower agent may be hauled by a mayflower driver from another state.  The third option is what’s called a brokered move where the mover who quotes and books the move can’t or won’t handle the move so they “broker” it to someone who can.  This can be a complicated process and great care should be taken if choosing his method.

With all onsite long haul moving quotes get everything in writing, sign all documents, and refer questions to the American Moving & Storage Association www.moving.org  at 703-683-7410 or to the FMCSA www.fmcsa.dot.gov (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)at 1-800-832-5660 .

Interstate moves or what most people call “long distance” moves are based on weight and distance.  They can be priced as a space reservation or by an “expedited” rate but for our purposes we will figure that interstate shipments are rated on weight and distance if they cross state lines.  Similar to a local move estimate you need to determine how much you have to move, the level of service you require, (packing, etc), the logistics of your origin and destination, and the distance between the 2 points. 

 If you need a packing quote for packing boxes in addition to your move quote, I would strongly suggest an onsite estimate.  If you can’t do an on site estimate, make sure you go room by room listing everything both furniture, and packed or potential boxes.  If in doubt, count high.  Explain in detail things like how many feet of closet space you have (for wardrobe boxes), how many kitchen cabinets, and or storage shelves/book shelves you have, etc.  Give as much detail as possible and include garages, storage closet, etc.  The more detail you give on what you have gives the phone estimator a better chance to calculate the number and sizes of boxes accurately.  If you aren’t accurate and your shipment is larger, you risk having higher charges or what’s called an “overflow” where all of your shipment does not fit on the moving truck and other arrangements have to be made by the mover for what’s left over.  This is a potential problem, and should be avoided at all costs.  It’s not a bad idea to get 3 different moving companies to give you interstate phone estimates to establish the validity of the quotes.

The second part of the long haul moving quote process is determining the logistics of your current residence and your future residence.  Things like what floor you live on, how many steps it is up to your unit (if applicable) how close the moving truck can get to your house or building all factor into the potential costs.  If the moving truck can’t get within a certain distance of your residence, there may also be what’s called a “shuttle” charge where the shipment has to be transferred to or from the moving truck on a smaller vehicle (that can get closer to the residence).  Long twisting driveways, traffic and parking restrictions, and gated communities are things that can cause a shuttle (and its associated cost).  Building restrictions, dock restrictions, truck height restrictions, elevator rules all need to be revealed to the moving company to make sure there aren’t any surprises (and additional costs) at destination.

The final component of the interstate move quote process is the distance from origin to destination calculated by zip codes (so make sure you have your future homes zip when you call for a moving quote).

These three items should give a moving company enough information to provide you with a long haul moving quote.

There are, however, some things to request, ask about, and confirm prior to booking your move.   First, keep all email correspondence and get your quote in writing.  There are different types of quotes you can get so read the fine print.  You can get a quote for actual weight where the truck is weighed before and after to determine the actual weight of your shipment. You have the right the law to view the weighings (or re-weighings) if you desire.  You can get a ‘not-to-exceed” quote which means your quote can go down but will not exceed a certain dollar amount.  Lastly, you can get a binding quote which means what is quoted is the final price.

A good question to ask before booking a long haul mover is who will be hauling the shipment. This can be big in determining who will be handling your move. Ask if your shipment will be a self-hauled (moved by the company or agent you booked with), a shipment handled by another agent in the van line system(Allied, United, Paul Arpin, etc), or if it will be a brokered move where he person (broker) you book with determines which moving company will be moving your shipment.  Be very careful when booking a move with a broker, as sometimes control and accountability can be lost.  In all cases try to get a contact person who you can stay in communication with throughout the move. 

Depending on the size of your move, you will usually get a definite loading date, but “delivery spread” or window of dates that you will receive your shipment, or when your items will be delivered within.  Make sure you get a delivery “window” in writing and ask what your recourse is if those dates aren’t met.

With all contracts, make sure you read, understand and sign all documents you need to and if in doubt, direct questions or concerns to the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) www.moving.org at 703-683-7410 or the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration), www.fmcsa.dot.gov at 1-800-832-5660.

As stated before, on site long haul moving quotes can be more accurate than long haul moving quotes on the phone, buy if you follow these guidelines you’ll increase your chances of having a successful move.

Mickey Mouse “The Moving Day”
This is one of my favorites of all times. Mickey and Donald battle the uncooperative furniture and angry sheriff on moving day.

Popeye Moving Aweigh
Popeye has some interesting moving techniques in this animated classic.

Popeye “A Haul In One”
Popeye and Bluto are hilarious movers trying to impress Olive.

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Sesame Street “Moving Day Classic”
Sesame Street has an original spin on moving day and the havoc it can have on a childs’ emotions.

Mr. Bean and The Piano Movers
Mr. Bean gives his piano movers quite the workout in this moving day classic.

Betty Boop and Grampy
Betty Boop runs into some careless piano movers in this classic black and white.

In most states a “local move” or “intrastate move” is based on time so if you get your quote over the phone there is certain information that your local moving estimator should gather.  A visual “onsite” estimate is usually more accurate but for small moves like studio or one bedroom apartments a local quote can be given over the phone and still be good. There are generally 3 areas that should be covered to insure the proper information is conveyed to the move estimator.  Those areas include how much do you have to move, what are the logistics of your origin and destination, and how far and what type of drive is it from your origin to your destination.  This is assuming you don’t need your boxes packed for you.  If you do, an onsite estimate is a better idea.

The first area to cover is how much do you have to move?  You need to determine what’s in each room (not just how many rooms you have) so it’s best to go from room to room while on the phone with the local move estimator listing the furniture (and boxes) you have.  Each room is different so the more detail the better (even the smaller items matter).  Any local estimator worth his or her salt will also ask questions prompting you like is there any artwork? Are there any lamps? (what style, what size, etc).  Calculating your number of boxes can be difficult for a novice but the estimator should, again, ask questions, like how many linear feet of closet rod do you have (for wardrobe boxes), how many, and what length shelves  of books do you have? (For book boxes) how many cabinets do you have in your kitchen? How full are they? Of what? (for dish packs and large cartons).  These questions can help figure out the most difficult part of your local or intrastate moving quote.  Once you complete what’s in your apartment (or condo) your local moving estimator should check with you to see if you have any storage either in the building (or off site) or any garage or outdoor items like patio furniture, bikes, grills, or sports equipment.  It doesn’t matter whether you think something “isn’t much” or “isn’t a big deal”, the more precise you can be with your list of goods to be moved; the more accurate the local move estimator will be on his or her moving quote.

The second part of the local moving phone estimate equation is the logistics of your origin (where you live now), your destination (where you are moving to), and any restrictions that need to be followed related to the move.  Your local move estimator should find out what floor you live on, whether it’s an elevator or walk up (and the number of flights or stairs that are involved).  All these factors can affect your quote so be as detailed (and truthful) as possible, misinformation can only hurt you in the end.  Other questions should be is there a dock or loading area in the building? how far is it from the building to the truck parking (known as the push by movers) what is the distance from your unit to the elevator, etc? It sounds nitpicky but the logistical aspects of your move (on both sides) can make a difference of 25% to 35% in the time it can take to move out or move in.  Other areas of interest include are there time restrictions? If you live in an elevator building, do you have to make an elevator reservation? and is it exclusive use?  Are there height restrictions for the truck to get into the dock?  Do you have closing times?  The more information you give the better chance you have to get an accurate phone quote.  This is often the most over looked part of the local phone estimate process.

The third part of the local phone estimate is the distance and type of drive it is from your origin to your destination.  The local move estimator needs to get addresses (or at least neighborhoods) and the mileage between the two points to determine the time it will take a moving truck to get from point A to point B.  For instance, ten miles in a rural setting goes much faster than ten miles in a tight urban area.  Remember, in all traffic conditions a moving truck takes longer than a car to travel the same distance.

Once the local phone estimator retrieves all this information, he or she should be able to give you a quote including pricing (and how it’s determined), approximate length of time of your move, moving truck size, and approximate cost of materials, etc.  Also, if you can get 3 estimates you can compare and validate the quote you go with.  Like with any other part of the moving process, the more knowledge you have and your moving company has, the better decision you will usually make, and the more prepared your moving company will be to do you move.  Remember, you should always get the moving quote in writing after getting a phone estimate to insure there is no confusion.