The Moving Planner Blog

Dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, ammunition, etc.

Drain fuel from mowers and other machinery, and discard partly used cans of oil, paint, thinner, or other substances that might leak.

Carefully tape and place in individual waterproof bags any jars of liquid you plan to take with you.

Refillable tanks must be purged and sealed by a local propane gas dealer. Discard nonrefillable tanks. Some carriers and the military do not permit shipment of any propane tanks. Check with your moving company first.

Have rugs and draperies cleaned. Leave both wrapped when they are returned from the cleaners.

Obtain a written appraisal of antique items to verify the value. Avoid waxing or oiling wooden antiques and fine wood furniture prior to moving because some products may soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.

Think twice before dismantling your outside TV antennae; a new one may cost less than moving the present one.

Third-party servicing will likely be needed before moving such items as hot tubs, large-screen TVs, and some exercise equipment.

Talk to your moving company about PRE and POST move servicing of washer, dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, grandfather clock, satellite dish, etc.

Moving Appliances

AIR CONDITIONERS
Consult your authorized dealer or service man on your particular model. Some sealed units should be bolted down.
DRYERS (ELECTRIC OR GAS)
Check with your service man. Motors may need to be checked and secured.
FREEZERS
These appliances must be completely defrosted one or two days prior to moving. They should be dried and aired to avoid musty odor. Safety of contents cannot be guaranteed, so it is best to empty your freezer and plan meal that will use up perishable contents. Check with your service man to be sure the motor is bolted, if necessary.
REFRIGERATORS
Defrost and thoroughly dry your refrigerator before moving. This is very important. The doors should be left open several hours to air after defrosting. All pans, trays, crispers, shelves, or removable parts should be removed and wrapped individually. Have your refrigerator serviced. The motor may have to be bolted down before moving. Do not plug it in at the new home until it has been unbolted.
SEWING MACHINES
The do not need special servicing for local moving. For long distance, the driver should stuff paper in and around the machine and place paper between the lid and base to prevent rubbing.
STOVES
Stoves must be disconnected prior to pickup. Be sure gas lines are shut tightly and capped. For electric ranges, removable coils (and all other removable parts) must be packed separately.
TELEVISION SETS
Some set require that the be checked before moving. Some color TVs must be service both before and after moving. Television antennas should be removed from roof tops and disassembled (if necessary).
WASHERS
Washers must be serviced by an authorized service man. Motors should be checked and secured, tumbler action protected and fastened in place.
Source:http://www.moving.org/brochure/safety.html

Is there anything in common between your real estate realtor and relocation? “Moving your family to another town or state is a major event in your life! A professional Realtor can help you make your transition as smooth as possible” said Tami Rapaport from Coldwell Banker New Jersey. If you will be moving to a new area, your Realtor will determine what type of home, price range, and neighborhoods you are interested in. He’ll send you every home or property that is currently available that matches your criteria. Make sure when you visit, your Realtor will be ready! Ask to visit the neighborhoods and homes that interest you the most. In addition, talk about schools, sub-divisions, local market conditions, local culture… anything that is important to you. Remember: This is the Realtor job to know destination area inside and out, and make your transition as smooth as possible. To get started, ask your broker agent for a free relocation package with full of useful and important information about your new area. You should be under no obligation. Be prepared the broker agent will ask you these questions:
 

• About You: Your Name, Email Address, Street Address, City, State, Country, Zip, Phone
• About Your Move: When Are You Moving? Where Are You Moving? Why?
• About Your Home Search: Your Price Range? Number Of Bedrooms? Number Of Bathrooms? Home Size In Square Feet?
• About Your Present Home: Your Preferred Selling Price? Number Of Bedrooms? Number Of Bathrooms? Home Size In Square Feet?
• Additional Info: Concerns, Or Questions.

 

Before Your Move

One-two months before….

Put together a ‘moving list’ to keep notes of what you need do, what you’ve done etc.
Use this checklist to help you assess what you need to do and when and write out your own plan.
Buy a file to store all the documentation and paperwork associated with the move.
If you haven’t got a moving company yet, GET ONE! For more info about how to find the right moving company for you visit:http://www.themovingplanner.com/moving-planning/choosing-a-moving-company
If you need to move vehicles, pets or specialist items and you need outside help start sorting it out now.
If you need to use storage facilities look at your options and book it.
Make a list of everyone you need to notify of your change of address.
Start contacting key financial providers such as your bank or other institutions to have your details changed and to start up the process of cancelling/setting up automatic payments and/or accounts etc.
Notify schools and employers of change of address. If moving out of the area you’ll need to register your kids for a new school.
Start packing non-essential stuff (it’s never too soon to begin!) whenever you have some free time.
Buy, hire, beg, borrow or steal suitable boxes and containers to pack your stuff into.
Talk to your doctor, dentist, veterinarian etc., to notify them of your change of address or to come off their books if necessary. In some cases you may need to get copies of your records to take with you. If moving abroad ask about vaccinations etc. If you or your family (or pets) have regular medical prescriptions, get them filled to cover you throughout the moving process. If you’re moving out of the area ask for referrals to new practices.
Contact all of your insurers (home, vehicle, medical etc) to notify them of your move. Ask your home insurer for details of your existing coverage for the actual and arrange new coverage or a transfer to your new home.
Get a lockable box and start putting in important documents as you come across them.
Give all service providers such as gardeners, domestic help and regular delivery services notice that you will be moving. Cancel or change any subscriptions or memberships you have.
Send out change of address notices to friends and family if you have a firm moving date now. You’ll have less time as the days pass so it’s good to get this out of the way.
Get a form from your local Post Office for their mail forwarding service, fill it in and send it off.
Start making an inventory of your goods and take photos/videos of valuable items.
Complete any repairs to your home that you are committed to.
Two-three weeks before……

Contact utility companies and service providers to arrange to have your appliances/services disconnected and, if necessary, reconnected in your new home.
Move your packing up a gear. Take a room a day and start packing up stuff you don’t use regularly.
Take back library books, pick up dry-cleaning and think about any other similar things you may have pending in the area.
Have your car(s) serviced.
Start living off your store cupboard and freezer and stop buying frozen or perishable food – you can’t really take it with you and it’ll make the move easier.
Put aside a box/boxes for personal/essential items that you want to take with you yourself rather than have the movers take. Start putting stuff in it as you come across it. Mark it DO NOT MOVE so your movers don’t load it by mistake.
Pack up your garage and any stuff that is stored in your yard, garden or sheds.
Empty your lawnmower and power tools of fuel etc.
Dispose of anything that is flammable or hazardous.
Think about what you’re going to do with the kids!

One week before…..

Call your mover and any other companies involved with the move (vehicle movers, storage facilities etc) and confirm all of your arrangements, times etc.
Carry on packing!
Start taking apart furniture that needs to be disassembled.
Check that your new home is still set to be insured.
Make sure all your outstanding bills are paid.
One-two days before…..

Defrost and clean your refrigerator/freezer and secure major appliances such as washing machines/cookers etc. Make sure that utility companies are confirmed to disconnect services/take meter readings etc.
Finish taking apart furniture that needs to be disassembled.
Sort out any plants you’re taking with you.
Check that all the paperwork related to your house sale/rental/purchase is complete.
Close bank accounts if necessary.
Finish your major packing.
Pack up your PC and other electrical equipment. Write down the serial numbers in your moving book.
Put together a box of essentials for the move such as tea, coffee, mugs, sugar, tools, paper and pen and cleaning materials.
Make sure all boxes are clearly marked/labelled.
Start cleaning the house as you go along.
Make sure you have all the documents related to your move to hand.

During Your Move

Moving day at your old home…..

Get up early and don’t panic!
Take bedding off beds and pack it up.
Walk your movers through the house, tell them what you need them to do and take their advice on the actual loading.
Make sure your movers know where they are going.
Give the house a final clean.
Leave a note of your name, new address and contact number for the new residents of your home so they can forward any mail that slips through the cracks.
Have a final walk round to check you’ve remembered everything – do this BEFORE the moving vehicle leaves!
Make sure you have keys to your new home and drop off your current keys as you’ve arranged.
Make sure you load everything you’re taking yourself in the car and lock it!
Switch everything off, lock up and leave!

Moving day at your new home…..

Check everything is working such as power, gas etc – if not, call the utilities companies to find out why not!
Supervise the unloading process to get everything where you want it.
Offer the movers a drink and snack!
Clean before you start unpacking.
Start unpacking essentials.

After Your Move

Unpack logically working down from essential to non-essential items.
Reassemble your furniture when you have time.
Don’t worry about filling wardrobes immediately if you have hired/bought special wardrobe boxes. They can hang perfectly well in there until you have time to put them away properly.
Get all of your major appliances ready for use again and hook them up.
Unpack all electrical items as quickly as possible and check for damage – you may have a limited window for insurance claims.
Register to vote and for any other local government purposes.
Check your mail is being forwarded to your new address.
Register with a doctor, dentist, veterinarian etc.
If necessary change your driver’s license and car details etc.
 
Source:http://www.moving-company-guide.com/moving-checklist.htm

Moving home is often quoted as being one of the most stressful experiences we ever go through in our lives. The whole process of packing up our belongings, leaving our home and moving to pastures new is bad enough – add to that the fact that we have to entrust our possessions and their transport to complete strangers and it’s no wonder our stress levels soar!

The problem is we don’t tend to move often enough in our lives to make it a process we get used to. We’re generally all novices when it comes to moving and it shows! But, like any process, moving is all about being smart and knowing what you’re doing. You’re about to find out more about the hardest part of the process – choosing a moving company. You’ll find more information on the other ins and outs of moving on the menu on the left of the page.

Choosing a good moving company is difficult. We’ve all heard horror stories from friends and families about disreputable companies and it’s vital to sort the good from the bad as soon as you can. Wherever you live, you can guarantee that there will be various moving companies just waiting to help you out. Your hardest task is choosing one that’s right for you – it’s vital that you get this choice right. Getting it wrong can cost you time, money and heartache. Choosing a moving company is very much an individual choice and your decision should be tailored to your actual needs.

Nowadays, moving companies can offer you a wide range of services on top of their basic removal competencies. These can include packing, the sale or hire of packing materials, unpacking and storage facilities. Some companies will even pack your possessions, transport them, clean your new home, unpack your possessions and arrange them at the other end according to your instructions. These additional services will obviously cost you more money.

As a guideline you should have chosen your moving company at least 4-8 weeks before your moving day. Leave it too long and you’ll find that the good companies are fully booked and you’ll have less choice in the matter. It’s far better to choose and book your company as far in advance as possible. You should be talking to your shortlist as soon as you have an estimated moving day. Bear in mind that movers are often busy at the end of the month, on Fridays and at weekends and may charge more for these premium times. Many will tell you that they have certain quiet days – such as Mondays – they may even be prepared to offer you a discount to move during their less busy periods. It’s always worth asking!

To make the best choice, you need to think about what you want from a move – and the first thing you should do before contacting moving companies is to make a quick checklist of what you need them to do. This list will help you get the best quotes, as you’ll be able to be very exact about your needs. Examples include:

Your preferred moving dates
Are you looking to move locally, long-distance or, even internationally?
Do you want help with packing, want to hire/buy packing materials or simply want to pack up yourself?
Will you need the moving company to transport valuable or fragile items?
Do you just want to hire a vehicle to move yourself?
Do you need storage facilities?
How much stuff do you have?
How much insurance will you need?
The best way to find a reliable moving company is by recommendation or reputation. If someone you know has had a good experience then copy it! You do still need to be careful, however. If a local moving company successfully moved your mother-in-law across town, they won’t necessarily have the skills, resources and experience to move you internationally, for example. Talk to your Realtors or estate agents – they should be able to give experienced and knowledgeable recommendations. If you’re looking to move relatively close to home then a quick and easy way to spot local companies is to keep your eyes peeled on the street as soon as you start thinking about moving. You’ll see the vehicles of certain movers time and time again and you can take some comfort from the fact that they are busy.

Many of us will simply pick a moving company from a Yellow Pages type directory or from an Internet search. Some of us will simply choose a known name – i.e. a national company – and others may opt for a smaller local company. In all cases, it’s especially wise to choose companies that have taken the time and trouble to become accredited members of a moving association or trade body. You can assume from this that they take themselves seriously and you can probably do the same too. They will probably have to adhere to certain standards and you’ll have recourse to action if you do have problems. But you should still beware – if you are at all suspicious, check out their membership. You can even ask them for referrals from previous satisfied customers. You don’t have to follow up on this but, if the company seem less than keen to let you talk to people they’ve dealt with in the past, then you need to start thinking hard about whether they’re right for you.

When you’ve drawn up a shortlist of potential moving companies you need to start the negotiation process. You’ll find a wide variety of costs and services out there and various types of pricing. Some companies will charge you on an hourly rate, some by estimated volume based on the rooms of your current property, some by estimating what types of furniture and goods you need to move and others by the estimated weight of your load.

It’s wise to draw up a quick list before you start talking to people, as you don’t really want to be thinking on your feet here. Write down how many rooms you have, list big items of furniture and try to estimate how many boxes you’ll be packing. The easiest way to do this is to mentally go through every room in your house, list the big items and then work out how many boxes it’ll take to remove the rest of the stuff in the room. Don’t forget to think about garden furniture and the contents of your garage! Don’t worry about it being exactly right – the moving companies don’t expect it. But it won’t suit either of you if you get it completely wrong and they send a mini-sized vehicle for a juggernaut-sized job! If in doubt ask a couple of the moving companies for advice on how to estimate. You’ll be surprised at how helpful they’ll be – many will happily send estimators to your home to put together a quotation, especially if they price by weight.

When it comes to costs, you should be looking to get at least 2-3 quotes before you make a decision. Don’t just look at price but look at what they’ll offer you for the cost. It may be more cost effective to pay a little more to get more services. Don’t be afraid to ask them about how long they’ve been in business, their experience or for customer referrals. Talk to them about how long it will take to move you. DO ask them about their insurance cover and claims protection and how far it extends (and doesn’t!). You should NEVER choose a moving company that doesn’t have adequate insurance. It’s also important to get a quote in writing and to make sure that you completely understand how the quotation works. This is one of the times in your life when it really does pay to read the small print. For example, some moving companies won’t cover you for damage if you pack goods yourself unless they play an obvious role in damaging them. You must make sure that they not only explain your quote to you but that you get a full copy that includes any relevant terms and conditions, bills of lading etc. It’s also good to ask how many people will be assigned to your move – the more there are, the quicker it’ll go. Most people generally find that 3 is an ideal number – this gives you 2 people to do most of the loading/unloading and 1 to sort out the vehicle. It also means that somebody is with your possessions most of the time for added security.

You need to be particularly careful if your moving estimate is based on weight. This type of quotation has specific problems, as it is hard to estimate the weight of goods before you actually weigh them. In these cases, an estimator will generally work out the weight for you before you are given a price. But, your goods will be weighed once they are packed up and, if the weight is higher than the estimate, you might be liable for extra costs. In these cases always check first about how the moving company’s system works and establish how binding their quotation is or isn’t. If you run into problems here, you really will be stuck between a rock and a hard place. Refuse to pay excess charges and the mover will simply hang on to your possessions until you resolve the dispute. It’s vital to spend time here assessing the company. For example, you have the right to be present when your goods are weighed to check the accuracy of the process and you can ask for a reweigh if you aren’t sure – make sure that the company agrees to this upfront.

Once you have talked to your shortlist of moving companies and have read through their quotes, you’ll be ready to make your choice. You may simply choose on cost or may prefer to go with the company with which you feel most comfortable. Once you’ve made a decision you’ll probably be asked to sign some kind of confirmation that outlines your agreement. This is always a good idea, as all parties then know where they stand. All you need to do now is get ready for your moving day – just don’t forget to give your movers a call a few days beforehand to confirm your arrangements!
 

Source:http://www.moving-company-guide.com/

Unless you run a small office, the chances are you will employ a company of professional movers to manage an office move. Office moves are different to home moves – they generally involve more expensive equipment for example – and it’s a good tip to pick a moving company with a background of successful office moves. As always, if you don’t already have contacts with experienced companies, your best tip is to get referrals form other people. Ask the facilities managers at your current and future office for two-three names. They should be able to put you on to some reputable and reliable companies and to warn you away from the bad ones! You can also ask other companies in your building or neighborhood for referrals if they have moved recently themselves. You should always get at least three quotes and ask for and check testimonials. If the thought of managing your own move is just too much for you, you can employ a moves consultant to manage the process on your behalf. Their services don’t just cover the physical move but also all the other stuff you need to think about before and after the moving process

The services on offer from office movers aren’t that different to those you’ll be offered for a home move. You may even find that the company you hire does both. Office moves just tend to be heavier and harder. What you will find is that you need more moving personnel, as there tends to be more heavy furniture, boxes and equipment involved. You will, almost definitely, need to hire special crates or boxes from your moving company. The smallest offices can collect large volumes of paperwork and other stuff. This is extremely vital to the smooth running of your company. Pack it up in special crates in an organized way and it’ll be much easier to unpack at the other end and get up and running immediately. It’ll also be adequately protected during the move.

Costs will also vary from company to company. Some will charge an hourly rate and some on estimated volume/weight. You may also find that you’re paying a premium if you opt to move during non-working hours such as in the evening or at a weekend.

Office moves also generally involve the transportation of multiple valuable equipment such as PCs, copiers and other machinery. Chances are you won’t have kept every box for every piece of hardware in your office so you should hire suitable containers from your moving company to protect your property in transit. If you have a lot of PCs you may prefer to hire a specialist to disconnect them, pack them up and then set them up again if you don’t have these skills in house. If you lease equipment it’s also worthwhile checking your agreement in case they mention what you need to do to move it. Some leasing companies will not allow you to move equipment yourself and may insist that they do it for you (and they’ll probably charge for it!).

Also, take time to talk to your movers about how they load their vehicles to best protect your property. Ask them what they need you to do and what equipment they use that can help you. They may, for example, simply tell you to lock filing cabinets rather than empty them as they can use equipment to move them easily even when full. Some will insist that desk drawers be emptied even if they can be locked as the contents are generally easily damaged.

Time is a constant driver with an office move and you need to prepare well. Basically, the longer a move takes you, the longer it will be before you can get back to work. You will need to get moving companies into your office to assess how big your load will be and to talk you through what they can do and what you need to do. It’s always worthwhile planning out your new office space in advance and giving the company a copy so that they can simply slot desks and furniture in the right place as they are unloaded.

In-depth insurance is absolutely vital for office moves and you need to discuss the mover’s policy and check out your own before you come to a decision. With office moves, insurance isn’t just about equipment and furniture – it’s also about vital paperwork, records and the information stored on your computers. You’ll find that most movers won’t insure you for these items and you need to make sure you back-up data and make adequate provision for your paperwork during the moving process. If you need to pay extra to get the coverage you need, pay extra. If you lose something vital you’ll effectively be losing business. It’s also a good tip to get a policy that will pay you for lost business and time lost if something does goes wrong. This isn’t generally offered as standard. You also need to know about liability coverage. If movers damage your office building during the moving process (and it’s easily done!) you will generally be held responsible so you need to know you can claim the costs back. Read the mover’s terms and conditions CAREFULLY. It’s the exclusions and restrictions that will, as ever, tell you what coverage you may really need!

Source:http://www.moving-company-guide.com/moving-office.htm

Industry leader marks 15th year with five national locations, new and improved Website, and anniversary discounts for customers nationwide.

New York, NY (PRWEB) September 20, 2006 — Fifteen years ago, a guaranteed, one-price quote was almost unheard of in the moving industry — until New York’s Flatrate Moving (http://www.flatrate.com/) came along. Flatrate has helped to shape the industry ever since, and now celebrates its 15th successful year in business with a new and expanded national website (http://www.flatratemoving.com/) serving all locations, and a new discount to thank its customers, as well.

“Flatrate Moving changed the way the moving industry worked, and empowers customers with a hassle-free new approach to the moving process,” says Eric Klepar, General Manager of Flatrate Moving. “We’re proud to say that Flatrate’s excellence and honesty within the moving industry have made our company the mover of choice in New York City today.”

In 1991, moving customers too often found themselves at the mercy of bait-and-switch tactics and unscrupulous companies. As a result, entrepreneur Sharone Ben-Harosh founded Manhattan’s Flatrate Moving Systems in direct response to an often confusing industry that didn’t offer customers the simpler pricing options they wanted most. True to its name, Flatrate met this demand, and its unique new “flat-rate” approach proved so popular that the company quickly flourished, achieving rapid success through customer word of mouth.

Today, the unique business model Flatrate introduced has generated a host of imitators nationwide, and helped to usher in a popular “flat-rate” trend industrywide. Flatrate, however, remains the original, and its five locations include some of the nation’s busiest and fastest-growing metropolitan areas, including New York, Los Angeles, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Miami and Southeastern Florida. Whether within a city block, or across an ocean, Flatrate gets it done, making even long-distance moves a complete pleasure.

The company’s new and improved national website supports this vision and provides a hub for its five separate locations, via http://www.flatratemoving.com/. The site will also offer a wealth of information, tips, and other enhanced online support to prospects and customers worldwide.

Furthermore, to celebrate its 15th birthday, Flatrate is using its new and improved website to offer customers a special discount on move prices through the end of 2006. To take advantage of the discount, users simply go to http://www.flatrate.com/ and click on “Special Rate Days,” or go directly to http://www.flatrate.com/nyc_movers/specialDatesList.asp. A list of “special rate dates” will appear, on which customers will receive a significant discount on the price of their overall move.

Flatrate’s fifteen years haven’t been without their share of challenges. Like many New York companies, it found much to overcome after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. When the terrorist attacks occurred, Flatrate’s headquarters was located on 100 Maiden Lane — just a couple of blocks from the World Trade Center, and in an area heavily impacted by the collapse of the towers. The entire area was closed and inaccessible for over a month after the tragedy, and even after reopening for business, Flatrate found itself, like many NYC movers, struggling for business in an atmosphere predominated by moves out of, not into, New York City. But the company persevered, and soon found itself on the track to success once again. One year ago, Flatrate moved to a new and larger location in SOHO — a prime location with easy access to customers in all five boroughs and beyond.

In June of 2006, the general public voted this same New York flagship location a prestigious Best of Citysearch (BOC) Award as “Best Mover 2006.” In addition, Citysearch reviewers and reporters also chose Flatrate as #1 in a separate editorial honor for the company.

A History of Community Involvement

Flatrate Moving offers a strong history of community involvement. In 2004, the company launched the “Furnish a Future” program, created in partnership with a nonprofit organization that helps the formerly homeless to get back on their feet, and utilizing unwanted or donated furnishings to help homeless or needy families find a new start in life. Also known as “Furnished Home,” with this program Flatrate has, to date, donated furniture, trucks and moving men — thousands of dollars and man-hours, helping to furnish the homes of formerly homeless families.

In this same spirit of lending a hand, Flatrate also donates two dollars per customer feedback entry received to their site, to the Cancer Recovery Foundation Project (CRF). This program provides an incentive to customers to keep in touch about their experiences while also helping to set the company apart from its competitors. Flatrate happily repays this kind of in-depth feedback by donating dollars to CRF for each valuable feedback entry. For more information, or to take part, please visit http://www.flatrate.com/nyc_movers/feedbacks.asp.

For more information on Flatrate Moving’s New York location and fifteen years in business, or for terrific tips for your upcoming move, please visit http://www.flatrate.com/. To view the company’s new and improved national website serving five locations nationwide, please visit http://www.flatratemoving.com/.

Source:http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/9/prweb440206.htm
 
 

I just wanted to add to this forum since I was researching it a lot when I moved two months ago from NYC to a small town in Il.
We were moving right in the midst of the high moving season and eventhough we were moving from a 3Bdrm in Manhattan to a town house in Il some reputable companies (Bekins, Dahil, Central Moving & Storage) gave us the cold shoulder after their evaluator were gone. Flatrate was actually only the second choice because of the limited interstate experience here on the forum.
However, aside from small mishaps (my credit card was charged twice but the amount was refunded after 3 days – infact the foreman himself made me aware of the error). Our entire furniture paintings etc arrived without a single scratch. We had full service incl. packaging.
I have to give big thanks to the crew that packed & picked up the stuff. Rafael and the rest of the young polish guys did a tremendous job in over 90 degrees NYC sweltering heat. The haul was then delivered by a independent driver (no flatrate-truck) named Willy who was also great.
Overall I think we were really lucky.