The Moving Planner Blog

Here is a los angeles moving story I came across today: 

1. My movers: Manny, William, Elmer, and Dimas are the BEST!

We had an extremely long day of moving with a lot of hard to move items (60″ TV, oversized furniture, tons of DJ records, and stacks of heavy law
books) and this superstar crew made it all happen for us in the most professional (and fun) way!  You treated our items with the utmost of care, and even though we had a long set of stairs at the old apartment and FIFTY-ONE steps at the new house, everything was all delivered to their rightful places and NOTHING was broken or damaged upon arrival.  We even had a few uncertain moments where we thought we might have to put a large 3-piece Ikea closet in our living room instead of the bedroom, but Manny and the crew pulled off miracles by hoisting that beast high into the air over the stair railings and carefully avoiding the walls and ceiling to deliver the closet to the bedroom - these guys are amazing!

On a side note - the “flat rate” concept is a genius one.  If I had hired hourly movers, I would have been in a state of panic for most of the move, especially since it took approx. 14 hours!  Thank you again to the whole team.  You made us laugh and you did a job we could have never done ourselves.  We will be recommending you to everyone we know and if the time ever comes to move again, hopefully Manny, William, Elmer, and Dimas won’t remember how hard it was to move the books and closet and will come back and help us out again

2. My movers were first rate, friendly and very helpful.  I was already making recomendations to the manager of my old apartment complex before the guys left after loading the truck.  Unloading went quickly and the guys were helping me unload the wardrobe boxes and got my bed setup up as well.  This was the first move I’ve done since I’ve moved to Southern California where I was able to sleep in my bed the first night.

3. The first impression is key for me: sales was willing to take the time to answer my questions.  I don’t like to be rushed when I’m trying to understand details of services to be provided especially when I’m paying!  The movers were experienced, openminded and customer service oriented.  I do refer to the Better Business Bureau for history and background on companies, and FlatRate has an excellent rating, which was a comfort to me.  The crew called me to let me know they were going to be late due to traffic (and probably because they had to rent a truck from an outside entity since you ran out of your own trucks. That’s a good sign!) Many thanks!
4. I was extremely pleased with the service I received before and during my move.  I do have part of my furniture being shipped to Central California next week and will be able to fully answer this survey when it arrives and is inspected.  The pickup and packing of my furniture was painless and the crew was very professional and polite.

5. Ivan, Juan and Juan were very helpful, courteous and extremely fast. They helped me pack some things that I didn’t  have the odd sized boxes for and even helped me assemble various items when I got to my new home.

I think they were all very friendly and did an excellent job with packing and making sure everything was safe and secure. I would highly recommend your service to friends/family. Moving Family Tips>

6. My experience with FlatRate was very positive.  I have never needed to hire movers in los angeles before and I’d heard a lot of horror stories about movers and was nervous.
The reason I chose FlateRate was the positive customer reviews and now I can add myself to the list of satisfied customers.
Everyone was very helpful from the start.  From Marion on the phone,  Agi coming to my apartment to give me a price quote and most of all, Jake, Ray and Brian, my team of movers.  They were friendly and professional and did a tremendous job that wasn’t easy.  I was very happy with them and would recommend FlateRate to anyone who is looking for a mover.
7. We had a good experience, although the move took a little longer than we thought it would.  There were some problems with parking enforcement demanding the truck be moved, and so two of the four men moved the truck, but they were gone for about an hour.  And the two remaining men didn’t do much during that hour. Also, it took them an hour and a half to move from one location to the next, even though the locations were only 8 miles apart.  I assumed that they stopped to eat something, but they ate before they left, too…

Other than that, they were careful with our items, nothing was broken, and the guys were all nice.  I just felt like about 2 1/2 hours in the middle of the day were wasted.  I know people have to take breaks and eat, but that seemed a little much to me…

8. I hate moving and moving companies due to past experiences.
However, I LOVE FLATRATE!  Jerry and his crew were extremely professional, courteous, and efficient.  The movers let me know that they would take care of anything I needed and they did.  They moved me from a 3rd floor apartment in Toluca Lake to a house in Baldwin Hills.  I was stunned by how quickly they moved.  They gave me extra boxes, tape, etc and there was no additional charges!  Jerry also took good care of my furniture by making sure that everything was protected.

9. I was absolutely thrilled with the level of service on my move. The team of Jerry, Efram and Kenny were all extremely professional and friendly, and not to mention incredibly fast! The whole process, from the time they arrived at my first place to the time they finished unloading at my new place, was about 3 hours and was much faster than I had expected. Overall I was very pleased with the entire process and would recommend Flat Rate to anyone. Thanks!

10. Awesome! Jerry - Julio - and Ray were exceptional. They were professional, polite, efficient - they busted tail without hesitation and all the time with a smile. I have two more moves in the next two weeks - as my husband and I just got married and are joing our two households into one. I look forward using Flat Rate on all the moves and I hope I can have Jerry and his crew on these moves as well.
Thank you LA MOVERS!
Michele

The time may come when it will be necessary for you to move a family member from their own home to another type of accommodation. Depending on their state of health and finances, the options generally fall into three categories:

For the Active Senior - Retirement Communities
Usually these are condo, land-lease or own homeownership of detached/semi detached homes, townhouses or apartments. There are usually recreational facilities in place in a planned community type setting.

For the Less Active Senior - Retirement Homes
Usually these are small apartments or bed-sitting type accommodations (including a small galley kitchen). Meals are available in a communal dining room although residents can prepare light meals in their own unit. Recreational activities are also available within the complex.
Nursing staff is usually available on site with physicians on an on-call basis.

For Seniors Requiring Care - Nursing Homes
Usually a private or shared room accommodation with 24 hour nursing staff available. Crafts, physiotherapy and some light recreational activity available on site.

Finding the right accommodation can be a time consuming and sometimes difficult task. Nursing homes in particular often have waiting lists. Some useful internet resources include:

www.Flatratemoving.com

www.royallepage.ca/retiring

www.seniorsearch.com

www.benefits.org/papillon

www.thecareguide.com

If the person in question is not involved in the choice of residence, it is very important to be sensitive to the impact this move will have on your relative. Take extra time to listen to their concerns. Depending on how much space they will have in the new residence, help them to choose an appropriate number of special pieces of furniture and/or keepsakes to accompany them. Ask for their opinion before discarding belongings and honour their wishes as to how some items are to be distributed among family members or to worthy charities. If the relative is moving into a non-assisted living type arrangement,  at least offer assistance in making the moving arrangements. Assist them with the sorting and any self-packing. Offer to let them stay at your home during the pre-move stage.

If the person in question is not involved in the choice of residence, it is very important to be sensitive to the impact this move will have on your relative. Take extra time to listen to their concerns. Depending on how much space they will have in the new residence, help them to choose an appropriate number of special pieces of furniture and/or keepsakes to accompany them. Ask for their opinion before
discarding belongings and honour their wishes as to how some items are to be distributed among family members or to worthy charities.

If the relative is moving into a non-assisted living type arrangement, at least offer assistance in making the moving arrangements. Assist them with the sorting and any self-packing. Offer to let them stay at
your home during the pre-move stage.

Seniors Luxury Moving

Imagine the decadence of a truly luxurious move—with everything planned on your behalf, no boxes to pack or unpack, and with even your electronics, computers and TVs connected upon arrival. The kind of move you’ve dreamed of, where all you have to do is come home.  Introducing Seniors Luxury Moving.

You are embarking on a most unpopular summer adventure, moving!

summer is the most popular time for people to move. Weather moving a short distance or across the country,proper packing is your best insurance against property damage. It’s tempting to leave everything
to the last minute. Unfortunately you can’t just throw your whole house into a beach bag and go. Better moves begin with proper planning. The reality is that, transporting goods over today’s highway systems will put your packing expertise to the test. Moving professionals offer the following advice for planning a successful and damage-free move. Packing Tips
Reinforce the bottom of all boxes. Pack one room at a time and label each box with room and contents. Fill unused space in boxes with paper or filler to prevent shifting. Mark boxes containing fragile items clearly with “Fragile”. Load these boxes on top and secure in place. Disassemble any items you can. Wrap sharp corners to prevent them from puncturing or scratching other items. Move valuables, houseplants, swim gear, and necessities with you, not in the truck.

Furniture
Protect furniture by padding with bubble wrap or blankets and securing firmly. Remove furniture legs when possible. Place wing nuts or screws in bags taped to underside of furniture. To protect against scratches, coat fine wood furnishings with wax.Stand sofas on end and secure to minimize space used. Place loose cushions in bags and use as filler between pieces. Move dressers with drawers full to avoid repacking. Secure drawers from opening during transit.

Electronics
Use original boxes for computers, stereos or televisions whenever possible and follow manufacturer’s instructions for moving. Wrap each piece with bubble wrap or foam packing material. Immobilize any moving parts. Remove all cables and cords and label for easier reinstallation. Tape electrical cords to backs to prevent plug damage. Compact discs, video and cassette tapes will warp in a moving truck in hot weather.

Major Appliances
Defrost, clean and dry refrigerators/freezers days before moving. Utilize the interior space for lightweight or crushable items. Disconnect and empty hoses for washing machines and place in the tub. Immobilize the tub with a moving brace or by placing towels/blankets between the tub and sidewall. Tape electrical cords to backs of machines to prevent damage.

Glassware / Dishes
Individually wrap each piece in sturdy boxes. Plates should be packed on edge not flat. Purchase “dish packs” for best protection. Wrap fine silver in cloth or silver paper.
Wall Hangings/Lamps
Wrap wall hangings individually with bubble wrap, blankets or towels. Place on edge in protective cartons. Remove shades and bulbs before packing lamps and place them in sturdy cartons, loading them on top.

If you’re among thousands of people who have picked up and moved their family to a new home or a new community, you have fresh memories of some of the ups and downs or thrills or frustrations of moving. Drawing from personal experience moving in Los Angeles, I know there are lots of ways to help make your household move easier and more smooth. Read here for help to get your life, and your possessions, organized for a peaceful and exciting move.
Make a list.
Write everything down! You’ll thank yourself later. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for the job. You’ll place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on your list. Don’t put the list down unless it’s in a place you’ll call Packing Central. This is where you’ll find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies.
When describing the box contents, be specific — “A-D files” is better than “files”, and “Tulip dishes” rather than “misc. kitchen“.
Have plenty of supplies.
Don’t make me say this twice– you’ll need LOTS of boxes–probably more boxes than you think, and having enough boxes will make your life easier! (If you buy your boxes from a moving company, you can always return unused boxes for a refund. If you got them free from the grocery, just toss any leftovers.) Have about 10 boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies. You’ll need strong plastic packing tape to close up the boxes securely. Use unprinted newsprint (newspaper can stain your items) or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household good. Again, you’ll need lots more supplies than you think, so get extra so the packing can go smoothly. Return any unused supplies after the truck is packed.
Utilize wardrobe boxes.
These tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging. Call your mover to ask the width of the wardrobe boxes they’ll be bringing. Then measure the clothes in your closets (including coat closets) to see how many wardrobe boxes you’ll need. You can also use them for closet storage boxes, shoe boxes, and other bulky items such as fabric bolts, large baskets, or gift wrap tubes.

Don’t make the boxes too heavy to lift, however. One mover told the story of someone who put a bowling ball in a wardrobe box! When the box was lifted off the truck the bottom gave way, sending the bowling ball on a wild ride down the ramp, across the street to the gutter, then down a hill where it finally came to rest in a roadside ditch. (Is that a strike or a spare?)
Strategize wardrobe box use.
Moving companies will be happy to deliver boxes ahead of your moving day. Or if you’re doing the move yourself, get things organized as early as possible. A few days before your move, fill some sturdy handled shopping bags with bulky closet items such as shoes, sweaters, belts, and jeans. On moving day, fill the bottom of the wardrobe boxes with some of the shopping bags, then add your hanging clothing. Pack hanging items tightly so things won’t move around and fall off of hangers. Finally, cover the shoulders of your clothes (a dry cleaning bag works well), then add a few purses or sweaters on top. You’ll have fewer boxes, and closet items remain together. Also, the shopping bags will make it easier to retrieve your belongings from the bottoms of a tall wardrobe box.
Color coordinate.
Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for dining room, etc. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number. In your new home. Put a matching sticker on the door to each room. The los angeles movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the desitination. It’s also helpful to post a big sign on the wall in the room where you want boxes stacked, (”Boxes here please”) to keep them out of furniture and traffic areas.
For MORE moving tips, go on to Page 2 and find out more about strategies for filling wardrobe boxes, making a cleaning kit, and using “personal” boxes.
Insist on keeping things together when you or the movers are packing boxes. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with tape or placed in small envelopes — to keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf brackets with a bookcase, a special wrench and bolts with the wall unit. Keep larger corresponding items (such as a cable TV cord) in Ziplock bags, and tape these to the underside or back of the item. As a backup, have a “Parts Box” open on the kitchen counter and fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets, or nails that are removed from any items of furniture. Keep this box with you, or mark it well with a rainbow of colored stickers so it can be easily located on move-in day.
Pack ahead.
Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. If it’s summer, get your winter clothes out of the way. You don’t really need 5 radios or TV’s around your house for the last few days there. Box up your shampoo and extra toothpaste and live out of a travel cosmetic case for the last week or two. Pare down cooking utensils and food supplies to bare essentials. Wastebaskets can also be packed (put things in them!) while you switch to using plastic grocery bags (hang them on a cabinet door or door handle to collect trash.) Packing Tips>
Consolidate cleaning supplies.
If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. Clean anything possible ahead of time (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room as la movers empty it.
Use your luggage.
Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. Even for local moves you’ll be able to quickly spot your navy suitcase holding your favorite sweaters, whereas “Box #189″ might remain elusive for days.
Safeguard valued items.
It’s a good idea to keep valuable possessions, such as silverware, collections, or antiques, with you. If you have a long move and no room in your car, bury the items in a box titled “Misc. from kitchen pantry”. Either way, check your homeowner’s insurance to see how you are covered during the move, and if you need additional insurance from the mover. Also, find out what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of loss. Safety tips>
Keep important papers with you.
Your list of “important” papers might include: birth certificates, school records, mover estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps, and more. Don’t leave these with the mover. Keep them with you!
Personal boxes.
Use brightly colored storage tote boxes, one for each person. Let each family member fill theirs with items they’ll want ‘right away’ in the new home — a set of sheets, a towel, a couple of extension cords, a phone, nightlights, address book, pens and paper, keys, kleenex, and travel cosmetic case, and so on.
Moving may not be the most fun you’ve ever had, but planning ahead will go a long way toward making the process bearable.

Hi everyone I just wanted to give an update on summer moving planning. It seems that the major moving companies are already booked up - leaving not a lot of truck rooms or storage space for July - August move. Flatrate spokeman said they are doing everything they can, calling every reliabe man we know, and making a full whole hearted effort to make your summer move the best move they possible can. You can try to schedule move date here and hope for good!

Here are superb tips that will help people prepare for their best move ever tips:

1. Don’t wait:  Start packing 3 to 4 weeks before your move.
2. Start by packing the things you use least, such as books, seasonal clothing or sports equipment, and knickknacks.
3. When packing for a Summer move, bag items that may soften in the heat, such as candles, soaps, etc.
4. se the opportunity to organize, getting rid of outdated items you don’t use.
5. Use strong cardboard boxes — small boxes for heavier items, large boxes for lighter items. Don’t overpack.
6. Don’t scrimp on Packing Tape (and always buy more than you think you’ll need).
7. Pack your books flat, alternating bindings so they stack evenly.
8. To stay neat, concentrate on packing one room at a time, stacking finished boxes against one wall.
9. Use your computer to print out labels indicating each box’s source room, and attach to each completed box (also saving valuable unpacking time).
10. Pack alarm clocks, medication, valuables, urgent items in a separate, clearly marked box or bag.  Make copies of important documents such as wills, contracts, and passports.
11. Always wrap nuts and bolts in a clearly labeled plastic bag.
12. Empty dressers completely (furniture tends to break more easily if not emptied first).
13. Beware of hidden costs from less scrupulous movers.  To avoid additional charges on moving day, (A) provide movers with a copy of your inventory list before quote, and (B) get a guaranteed, all-inclusive price in writing, before the move.
14. A good mover should quilt and secure furniture and large items, and help to pack and unpack major electronics. They should also provide wardrobe boxes on moving day.
15. One less-known item:  Most movers will not reassemble Baby Cribs, for important safety reasons, so make sure to have a knowledgeable person ready to do so.
16. Keep a complete inventory list of everything to be moved. Jot down serial numbers on all electronic equipment.
17. Wrap dishware and glasses individually. Bundle flatware in groups of three, then wrap. Separate dishware with packing paper (newspaper may leave ink stains).
18. Do not pack flammables like aerosol cans, paints, or gasoline.
19. Carefully dispose of gasoline and oil from machinery beforehand.
20. Don’t pack perishables like frozen foods, produce, or plants; transport these yourself.
21. Don’t place soaps, sprays, polishes, and medicine in the same box as food.  Don’t pack heavy items with dishware.
22. Take care of your moving team in the Summer heat.  Keep chilled water or soda available so they don’t dehydrate.  If you’re delighted with your move, don’t forget to tip upon completion.