The Moving Planner Blog

With schools and universities back in full swing FlatRate Moving is preparing another installment of Mover University a.k.a. Mover U. FlatRate is committed to having well-trained, well-seasoned employees representing the FlatRate name. Therefore, they value Mover U as a way in which they can unite their staff members as one unit and ensure that they are ready to meet the distinct demands of each individual customer that they deal with. There are moving industry standards…and then there are FlatRate standards. Mover U will settle for nothing less than FlatRate standards out of its prestigious scholars.

At Mover U classes are held year round on a monthly basis and cover everything from damage prevention, proper packing techniques, language classes, how to fill out paperwork properly, and more. FlatRate’s pool of professors ensure that every team member – from the rookies to the foremen – provide the best level of service possible. Once inside, the movers participate in a number of hands-on real life scenarios including dismantling a bedroom set, properly stacking boxes, moving a piano, and more.

Students at Mover U include females and folks from all parts of the globe. To make sure we give each student ample time and attention to learn the lessons, class size is capped at about 10 students. Students tend to be giddy but tense when first learning the lessons held at Mover U, especially since graduation is not guaranteed!

So the next time you are looking for a moving company be sure to ask – - What kind of training do your employees go through? Moving is stressful enough and Mover U is just another way FlatRate Moving seeks to give you that added peace of mind.

Moving can be a simple and quick process – if you get it right. The following tips, tricks and insider secrets will give you an added edge to make sure your whole move is smooth and successful. Personally, I have used these tips and gained a lot, after all these tips are free, and they could possibly save you a lot of money.

Preparation

Use the move as an opportunity to have a clear-out. Have a yard sale or go to a car boot sale with anything you don’t need/want. Or give your local charity shop a boost. Either way it’ll make you move cheaper and easier and might actually make you some cash.
Think about the space in your new home before you move and start to imagine the best way to arrange your furniture in it. You can even make sketches if you like. This will make moving in much easier and help you feel at home.
Take any staples out of boxes before you pack them. Stray staples can scratch floors and surfaces, as they’ll probably move in transit.
Buy LOTS of packing tape (or get some from your moving company) . It’s great for strengthening boxes, won’t let them open in transit and can be easily opened when you want to with a knife.
If you have a piano think about how it’s going to get out of the house – your mover may need special equipment.
Plan where your movers can park to load and unload – the further they have to walk the longer it’ll take.
If you’re moving yourself hire something to help you move stuff in bulk such as a trolley or dolly. It’ll speed up the move and help make sure you don’t injure yourself!
Teach your kids your new address and phone number as soon as you have it.
Don’t use any special cleaning/maintenance products such as wax or oils on antique furniture for a couple of weeks before your move. They can make the wood softer for a few weeks and leave it more likely to get damaged.
If you unplug your TV a day before your move it’ll settle down to room temperature. Unplug it just before you move and it’ll retain heat – this can actually cause internal damage.
Write down instructions for any systems in your home such as central heating and air conditioning etc., and make sure the people moving in know any alarm codes. If you have brochures, guarantees or any paperwork relating to systems or appliances you’re leaving behind make sure to leave them somewhere obvious. This will make their move much easier for them.
If your new home has an alarm system ask for the code before you move!
Try to get a good night’s sleep before your moving day. Leaving things to the last minute so you’re up all night will just wear you out for the next day.

Packing

Packing starts out being fun but can soon get boring. Make yourself feel better about it by setting deadlines (i.e. a week to pack up the garage etc) and keeping to them!
Underpacking is almost as bad as overpacking and the contents of underpacked boxes are MUCH more likely to be damaged. Make sure you fill boxes with a mix of heavy and light. For more info about boxes: http://www.flatrate.com/nyc_movers/boxes.asp

Don’t leave all your packing to the last day. You’ll be up all night and still not get it done right. But don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get everything done. The majority of us will run round in a flat panic as moving day approaches. If you’re pushed for time it doesn’t matter if you just box up non-fragile items quickly or even just stuff them in bags. If this happens to you do make sure you ask your movers to take extra care or just transport these last-minute packed things yourself.
Don’t use foam ‘peanuts’ to pack round a computer – they can generate static electricity and cause damage.
Try not to wrap fragile items in newspaper, as the print will come off on them. You’ll just have to wash everything before you can put it away. And, newsprint doesn’t generally come off well in a dishwasher so chances are you’ll be washing them by hand. If you don’t want to buy wrapping materials save up magazines for a few weeks beforehand.
Don’t use newspaper to wrap around lampshades – chances are you’ll not be able to get the newsprint off again!
Get one of your removal men to do a last walk-round your old house with you before you leave. A fresh pair of eyes can often spot things you’ve left behind.
If you’re in the habit of hanging clothes or stuff behind bedroom doors remember to check them as well. This is one of the most common places people forget stuff.
Write OPEN FIRST on boxes of essential items and DO NOT MOVE on boxes you’re planning on taking with you!

Moving

It’s easier to clean your new home before you move in. If you can’t do it yourself think about hiring professionals to whiz round for a couple of hours before your load arrives.
Try to move on a weekday. It’ll be less busy, may even be cheaper and you’ll be able to get hold of the contacts you might need if there is a problem such as utilities companies not connecting services etc.
Tell your movers if some of your boxes contain fragile items even if you have marked them clearly. They’ll take extra care if you warn them in advance.
You don’t need to take drawers out of chests of drawers for the move – even if they can’t be locked. To stop them falling out in transit place the item with drawers facing the wall of the moving vehicle or against a bigger item with a flat surface.
If you’re carrying heavy boxes bend with the knees and not with your back!
Have your stereo speakers loaded away from your TV – they can damage it!
Before your movers arrive try to make sure that all boxes and containers etc are stacked neatly in the room (ideally around the walls) and leave them room to maneuver. This will speed up the process.
Make sure someone is at your new home to meet the movers and to tell them where to unload stuff.
Moving is a weird mix of action and boredom. Prevent people flagging by taking regular short breaks. Feed people regularly – they’ll be using a lot of energy.
If you’re moving with kids let them loose on their new bedrooms with a couple of boxes of stuff they can unpack to keep them occupied. Alternatively give them jobs to do such as helping movers put boxes in the right rooms etc.
Don’t lay major appliances such as refrigerators on their sides – it can cause damage if they’re not kept upright.
Give your mover your cellphone number or that of your new home so they can keep in touch with you if necessary. Try and get a number for them too.
If you notice that your possessions or buildings get damaged by the movers on the day of the move tell the guy in charge immediately. make sure that the guy in charge saw the damage, and will take care of it.

After The Move

Don’t forget to tip your movers. It’s a nice touch to tip them all individually if they’ve been really helpful otherwise tip the guy in charge and he’ll sort them all out. Don’t feel you have to tip if you’re disappointed with the service they provided. (In my experience, you only tip if you are extremely happy with the service they gave you).
Give electrical items a chance to get to room temperature before you plug them in.
Expect to feel a bit ‘blue’ a couple of days after the move. It happens all the time and doesn’t mean you hate your new home – just that the move and the thought of unpacking has taken its toll on you a bit.
Call your friends and family to let them know you’ve moved safely.
If you feel up to it throw a housewarming party!
Keep your kids occupied and give them lots of attention – they’ll probably be unsettled by the move. Make time to have some fun!
Check for damage as soon as you can – some insurance policies only give you a specific time to make a claim. Miss it and you won’t be able to claim.

For more moving tips visit :http://www.themovingplanner.com/moving-planning/new-yorks-best-mover-offers-20-tips-for-sweet-summer-moves

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

As I’m sure some of you have noticed the days have started to get shorter and the cool breeze of fall has begun to waft through the air. Today at 5:18 pm EDT the official first day of fall began. Gone are the days of lounging by the pool and sporting flip-flops, it’s time to pack up the summer gear and bring out the layers of fall.

To help you prepare we are going to share some tips on how to pack and store the shorts, t-shirts, and lines that encompass summer, so next year when you emerge from hibernation you are ready to soak up the sun.

To Store of Not to Store

The first step when getting ready to pack away summer clothes is to ask yourself “do I have the space to comfortably store these items without sacrificing personal space?” If you answered no, it would behoove you to rent storage space. FlatRate Moving & Storage offers various storage options, including climate controlled private spaces. Give us a call to find out more 1-800-486-3528.

Deciding on a Container

There are two important factors to consider when deciding on how to box your belongings: Are you storing them in a climate controlled facility or are they susceptible to the elements? If you are using a climate controlled facility gathering a few clean cardboard boxes will suffice, but if you are taking the risk of exposing your belongings to the elements then a sturdy plastic tub with a latching lid should provide the extra protection for your summer clothes.

Sorting Clothes

This is a great opportunity to give a something back to your community by sorting your summer clothes and deciding what to donate. I use the rule of thumb, did I wear it more than 3 times this summer? If not, it gets tossed in the donation pile.

Go through your sandals and flip-flops, bearing in mind that most inexpensive flip-flops are only good for one season. Save yourself the storage room and toss the worn flip-flops. You can easily pick up a new pair next year for usually less than $5. Once you have the keepers, clean them with a damp cloth to get the dirt and sand off and place them into a storage container.

Time to Pack

By now you have sorted though all you summer clothes and have a “keeper” pile. Now make a dark and lights pile and wash and thoroughly dry all your clothes. This will ensure your clothes are fresh, clean and ready to wear next year. Once the clothes have been washed and dried, sort them into tops and bottoms. Carefully fold the tops and bottoms and place them in the storage bins. Take some tissue paper (I use the tissue from gift boxes) and cover the top of the clothes. Place a dryer sheet on top of the tissue paper and either snap the lid shut or tape the box up.

With the holiday season approaching we wanted to share with you some wise thoughts on getting yourself organized for new moves and fresh starts:

Tip 1:
Streamline — the trash can is your friend. Use the move as an opportunity to throw away stuff that you never use. Sell, give or throw it away.

Tip 2:
Use packing materials that you own. Put everything you can into your suitcases and the plastic storage bins gathering dust under your bed. Wrap anything fragile in sheets or stuff it between pillows. If you still need boxes, ask for some at a liquor store; they’re sure to have them. Buy beer while you’re there. You’ll need it for tip 3.

Tip 3:
Bribe your friends into helping. Tell them you’ll make it worthwhile by having a new-house-inaugural-party.  Make sure you keep a positive attitude. If you’re whiny, your friends aren’t going to want to help, and the only company you’ll have left will be heavy boxes.

Tip 4:
Buy markers and label and organize your boxes. Keep a master checklist and write on each box what you’ve put inside (e.g. fine china, shampoo, etc). Color-code your box labels by room — this will make things easier when its time to settle.

Tip 5:
Keep a “last-to-go” box. This should include things that you use all the time, as well as important move-related documents. Throw some snacks, aspirin and water in there, too. The last thing you want to do when you have a headache is rummage through your suitcase.

Finally:
Don’t procrastinate! Moving is a step-by-step process, so get started now.

Get ready! Get set! Go! With a new season in full motion, we are going to be sharing all of our secrets!! We are committed to making your moving experience as stress-free and smooth as possible.

Who? FlatRate + Elite Moving at the forefront of the moving industry.

What? Flatrate + Elite Moving is the largest moving company in New York! They train their movers in the finer techniques of being a first-class mover for a first-class moving company!

Where? Flatrate + Elite Moving now offers its hassle-free, customer focused services to the New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles areas, and we are expanding steadily across the country.

When? Rain or Snow – Residential to Commercial – Local to Cross-Country to Overseas; FlatRate + Elite Moving eliminates the questionable pricing methods that are inherent in the nature of other moving companies. After coming to personally look at all that they would be moving, they calculate a set price that will not change during any point of the swift moving process. The company is committed to integrity and to earning the goodwill of it’s customers by being able to meet the needs of any move, anytime, anywhere.

Stay tuned…

The following tips often help children get used to the move before, during and after a family relocates.

Tips

Include the children in making plans for the move. For example, take them house-hunting with you.

Help your children learn about the new area.

Through play-acting with dolls, boxes and a wagon, children can get a feeling of “moving”.

Let the children help decide how their new rooms are to be arranged and decorated.

Encourage children to exchange addresses and phone numbers with their friends.

Prepare a package for each child containing snacks, some clothing, a few favorite toys and maybe a new toy,for the move.

Take a “family break” as soon as the major unpacking is done. Don’t try to do everything when you arrive, take everything slowly and let things get on track.

Parents should spend time after the move listening to each child about new schools and new friends.

Follow progress in new schools. Accompanying your children to school the first few days may ease tension.

Any lingering abnormalities (loss of appetite, insomnia, constipation, diarrhea, menstrual disorder) should be reported to a doctor.

If your move involves suburban to rural, or vice versa, caution children about new situations they will face.
Source:http://www.moving.org/brochure/children.html

Give Early Notice

When you are moving out of state, it is important to give early notice to your children’s schools that you are moving so they can prepare the necessary documents you will need to take to the new schools. You also have to let utilities, internet, and telephone companies, your bank, credit card companies, the electoral board, and other important agencies know that you will be moving and provide them with your forwarding address. If you have any magazine or other subscriptions, let them know well ahead of time that you are moving as well.

In addition to letting schools and agencies know that you are leaving, you should also let them know at your final destination that you are coming. Make sure to let new schools know when you are arriving so your children can start attending as soon as you get settled. If possible, try to get your new state driver’s license issued prior to your arrival.

The cost of an interstate move is usually based on the weight of your belongings and the distance they are shipped, plus the amount of packing and other services that you require.

To help you anticipate the cost of your move, movers will give you an estimate of the price. Be sure to get written estimates from at least 3 different companies so that you can compare their services and prices.

The charge that you will be billed for your move is based on the weight of your shipment, the distance that you move, and the other services that you require. Your bill will be higher or lower depending on how much your shipment weighs and how far you move.

Help the movers calculate the cost of your move by showing them every single item to be moved. Don’t forget to go into the attic, basement, garage, shed, and closets and under beds. Reach a clear understanding about the amount of packing and other services needed. Anything omitted from the estimate but later included in the shipment will add to the cost.

Most movers offer two types of estimates:

1. non-binding
2. binding.

Non-binding estimates

Non-binding estimates are not bids or contracts. Instead, a non-binding estimate is an approximation of the cost based on the mover’s survey of the items to be moved, with the final cost determined after the shipment is weighed. Since a non-binding estimate is based on the actual weight of your shipment (rather than the estimated weight), the price will usually be lower than a binding estimate. However, when you receive a non-binding estimate there is no guarantee that the final cost will not be more than the estimate.

Under a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot require you to pay more than the amount of the estimate, plus 10 percent, (or 110% of the estimate amount) at the time of delivery. You are then obligated to pay any remaining charges for any additional services that you requested or that were required to accomplish your move that are over this 110% amount 30 days after your shipment is delivered, if the services or quantities were not included in your estimate.

Many movers also provide binding estimates. A binding estimate means that you are obligated to pay the price set forth in the binding estimate even if the shipment weighs more than or less than the estimated amount.

Binding estimates

All binding estimates cover only the goods and services listed on the estimate. If you add items or request additional services, the mover may revise the original estimate before your shipment is loaded or, if you request additional services after your shipment is in transit, your mover will bill you for these added services 30 days after your shipment is delivered, if they were not included in your estimate. In addition, all movers reserve the right to charge for services necessary to accomplish delivery, even if those services are not requested by the shipper. For example, additional charges will apply if you are not prepared to accept delivery and the shipment is placed in storage, or if a smaller (shuttle) truck must be used to accomplish delivery because your new home is located on a narrow street. Again, your mover will bill you for these services 30 days after your shipment is delivered, if they were not included in your estimate.

Not-To-Exceed Estimate

Another type of estimate used by many movers is the Not-To-Exceed Estimate. This type of estimate is called various things by various movers, such as Guaranteed Price or Price Protection, but the end result is the same — an estimate based on a binding estimate or on actual cost, whichever is lower. Like a binding estimate, a not-to-exceed estimate must be provided to you in writing and is binding on the carrier.

Not-to-Exceed estimates differ though in that the binding estimate amount becomes the maximum amount that you will be obligated to pay for the services listed on the estimate. This maximum amount alternates with the tariff charges applicable based on the actual weight of the shipment, with the customer paying the lesser of the two amounts. When you accept a not-to-exceed estimate, the move is performed at actual weight based on the tariff rate levels, with the binding estimate representing the maximum charge that you will have to pay.

To get an idea of how much your move will cost – log on to our www.moving.org web site and select the Mover Referral Service to get estimates from AMSA professional movers.

Our Mover Referral Service will help you find local professional movers who will provide you with free inhome estimates. That’s the best way to get estimates of what the price will be for your individual move.

Get more than one estimate and watch out for low-ball movers! If a mover you are considering tells you that he can move you for an unrealistically low price be careful. It could mean he will suddenly remember some extra charges once your shipment has been loaded on the truck, the doors have been padlocked and he is ready to drive off into the sunset with all of your worldly possessions.

Or, if a mover you are considering refuses to provide you with an in-home estimate and tells you he can provide an accurate estimate over the phone without ever seeing your home and your furniture – choose another mover.

And remember, it’s not just the price; it’s the total value of a professional move.

When you are discussing your estimate with your mover, be sure to ask about the arrangements for paying for the move. It is customary for movers to require that charges be paid in cash, by certified check, or by money order. Most movers will not accept personal checks. Some movers will accept payment by credit card. However, do not assume that because you have a nationally recognized charge or credit card that it will be accepted for payment. Ask your mover before your move.

Source:http://www.moving.org/before/estimate.html

Ask about their rates and estimates

Ask about their rates and estimates. Most movers offer estimates based on rate per pound and distance. For short distances moves, some movers have an hourly rate. If you are moving long distance, the company must charge by weight. Don’t hire a company that bases their estimate on cubic feet. Find out if the estimate offer is binding or non-binding. With a binding estimate, the price that is quoted in the estimate is the amount you pay. Even if the weight of your shipment exceeds the weight quoted in your estimate, you pay the same amount. With a non-binding estimate, the mover is not bound to the price quoted in the estimate. In most cases, the cost of your move will be more than what was quoted in the estimate. When getting an estimate, make sure you receive a copy in writing. Also make sure that the estimate includes all charges and that both you and the mover both sign it.

Source: http://movingcompanieshelper.blogspot.com/2009/08/moving-5-questions-to-ask-before-hiring.html

Moving Hazards Stickers you can buy

Read this section before doing your own packing and loading. It is important that you understand which items you can and cannot ship. There are rules and regulations that govern all movers to help ensure safety. There are also items you should not pack yourself, for example you may need professionals to pack up your exercise equipment correctly. The following list serves as a guide only on what not to pack. If you have any specific questions contact your mover.

When you move, not only are there many things that you have to remember to pack, there are also a lot of things that you have to remember NOT to pack. If you’re responsible for packing your belongings during your relocation, you need to keep your safety and the safety of the moving truck and personnel in mind.

Here are eleven items that you shouldn’t pack when moving. Although some of these tips might sound obvious, plenty of people have had to learn what not to pack the hard way. This advice will prevent you from making the same mistakes.

1. Household cleaners

When mixed with other chemicals in the back of the moving truck, household cleaners such as bleach can give off dangerous fumes and even cause fires. Keep in mind that temperatures in the back of a moving truck can get very high in a short period of time. Such high temperatures can lead chemicals to turn into harmful or even fatal gasses.

2. Lighter fluid

You should avoid packing lighter fluid because it is highly flammable. In the back of a hot moving truck, it could combust and burn.

3. Fertilizer and Weed Killer

Got a green thumb? If you’re planning on packing away your gardening tools to have them loaded into the back of the moving truck, don’t include the fertilizer or weed killer. Just like the substances listed above, fertilizers and weed killers are highly flammable and cannot be kept in hot conditions, particularly over the course of a long trip.

4. Perishables (moving the kitchen)

Food, plants, and living things should not be packed away and transported in a moving truck because they can die or get spoiled. Foods that you shouldn’t pack include frozen foods, produce, opened packages of food, and refrigerated food. Sealed packages of dry foods are probably fine.

5. Ammunition

This might sound obvious but you shouldn’t have ammunition transported in the back of a moving truck. A deadly situation will arise if the ammunition gets hot. If you need to pack and transport ammunition, only do so in a cool, air-conditioned vehicle. Also be sure to keep the ammunition separate from your firearms.

6. Car Batteries

Car batteries are not suitable to transport in the back of a moving truck because they can leak and become a fire hazard. Furthermore, car batteries can cause injuries and burns to moving personnel if they leak.

7. Moving Documents

You may need to refer to your moving documents at some point during your move, but there is no way you will find them if they are packed away among dozens of boxes. In case a problem arises or you have a disagreement with your mover, it will be convenient for you to have your moving documents on hand.

8. Cash, Wills, Deeds, Jewelry, and Other Valuables

Don’t pack any of your valuables away in boxes that the moving truck will be transporting. There’s simply no guarantee that they won’t get lost or stolen so to be on the safe side, carry them with you.

9. Flammable, corrosive or explosive items:

• Acid
• Gasoline Poisons
• Charcoal
• Lighter Fluid
• Fertilizer
• Paint
• Car Battery
• Matches
• Nail Polish
• Nail Remover
• Bleach
• Aerosols
• Kerosene
• Pool Chemicals
• Chemistry Sets
• Fireworks
• Motor Oil
• Thinners
• Weapons
• Ammonia
• Propane

10. Dispose of perishables

Such as food and plants that may die or spoil in transit. You should empty your refrigerator and freezers for at least 24 hours before loading. Keep the appliance doors open so the appliance will dry out and prevent the growth of mold and odor.

11. Articles not accepted for transportation

Movers assume no responsibility should these items come into his/her possession without his/her knowledge. Although these articles do not create a physical threat, it can create problems if your shipment is delayed or items lost.

This can be avoided if all irreplaceable, sentimental items are carried with you. For example:

• Address Books
• Files
• Personal Video Tapes
• Air Line Tickets
• Accounting Statements
• Photos
• Albums
• Car Keys
• Research Projects
• Tax Records
• School Records
• Check Books
• Jewelry and Sterling Silver
• Coin collection
• Market Stocks
• Stamp Collection
• Computer Disks
• Medicine