The Moving Planner Blog

More than 40 million Americans move each year, and most movers are legitimate companies that do quality work. But what rights do you have when a dishonest or rogue mover takes advantage of the situation? Here are answers to three questions we hope you never have to ask.

What If My Mover Won’t Deliver My Goods?

If you have paid the mover 110% of the non-binding estimate or 100% of the binding estimate and the mover fails to deliver your goods, they have violated the Federal regulations for the protection of household good shippers. You should file a complaint online or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238).

What If My Mover Increases the Agreed Price?

If the mover increases the price you are not required to pay more than 100% of the binding estimate or 110% of the non-binding estimate. The mover is required to bill any additional charges 30 days after delivery of your goods.

What If My Mover Disappears with My Possessions?

You should file a complaint online or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238). You may also contact the State Attorney General’s office or appropriate enforcement agency in your State.

So you’ve decided to move. Next decision: Which moving company? Talk to several, ask questions and don’t settle until you hear all the right answers.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A MOVING COMPANY

Are their estimates binding?
Stay away from a company that only gives you non-binding estimates. There is a chance the quoted price will increase significantly when your move is over. Insist on one guaranteed price, in advance and in writing.

Will they send a representative to your home?
The mover needs to view your household contents to accurately assess your moving cost. Moving companies base their fees on several factors: weight, volume, number of rooms, degree of difficulty involved, and the time and labor the move will require. Never sign a blank sheet of paper, and always read any contract or agreement before you consent to it. Do not feel rushed to make a decision, either by phone or in person.

Are they brokers, or the direct moving company?
You do not need a broker if you are dealing with a responsible company that provides you with back-office services and honest contracts. Brokers only add cost and another layer of complication. Legitimate movers are not only easy to find but easy to verify. Check to see if they are a member of The American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) at:http://www.moving.org/.

Is the company licensed and insured?
Ask for the mover’s Department of Transport (DOT) number. Cut-price movers will almost always lack permits, workers compensation, and licenses established by law to protect the consumer from fraud and liability. Licenses have to be purchased, approved and renewed. They ensure that you will be covered by basic insurance and that you will have a clear grievance process if a dispute arises.

Will the moving company perform all aspects of the move, or do they use subcontractors?
Subcontractors do not have a direct contract with you. Agreements, made between you and the moving company, are separate. You should insist on receiving, in writing, all information about who will be doing your move ahead of time. If you are not happy with the response, look for another vendor.

Do they offer multiple tiers of service?
Does the moving company offer the service you want? Some people prefer to pack their own belongings and use recycled boxes to reduce cost. Others are willing to pay more for a comprehensive service, which may include custom crating and packing/unpacking services.

What is the company’s record with the Better Business Bureau?
Look for businesses that have been around for some time, with a spotless record. The BBB is an organization that objectively monitors businesses to ensure fair practices and consumer satisfaction. Disreputable companies will not volunteer information about their standing with the BBB. You can find out more at: http://www.newyork.bbb.org/find-a-bbb/.

Can they provide references?
Customers recommend companies and return to service providers they are satisfied with. A good company will readily provide names of past customers.

What kind of training do their people undergo?
Experts are able to use their experience to anticipate and head off potential problems. A good company will train their workers intensively in driving, packing, and, most importantly, customer service.

Do they deliver a variety of boxes and supplies?
Your moving company should offer the sale and delivery of packing materials at a competitive price. Ask and recycled boxes may be supplied, either free or at a reduced price. If you are paying the moving company for packing services, materials including bubble wrap, tape, etc. are legally considered “tools of the trade.” They must be included in the packing fee.

Does the company appoint a manager who is directly responsible for the success of your move?
Ask for an office number where you can direct your questions, especially on the move day. Ensure the move goes smoothly and complies with your written agreement. Inquire about the supervisor responsible for your move.

Do they ask for customer feedback?
Companies will solicit your feedback. It is an important resource used to improve service and maintain a company’s reputation.

One of the major relationship milestones that couples inevitably face is taking the leap into co-habitation. In order to prepare for this landmark, FlatRate Moving has prepared the below tips to provide for a smoother transition when moving in with a significant other.

Pack and Plan Appropriately – Before the big move, make sure to pack appropriately. Go through the items you have and decide what you can part with and what you need to invest in. Most importantly, discuss the big items like furniture. Decide before you move in together whether or not you really need the second sofa. Be realistic about what you can and cannot leave behind. Take advantage of old furniture by turning it into a profit and selling it via Craigslist.
Discuss Finances – Sit down and figure out who will pay for what. Are you going to combine bank accounts? Whose name will the utilities be in? Figuring out these details prior to the move will make the big move in day and subsequent transition easier.
Divide Responsibilities – Like any roommate you may have had in the past, this one is no different in terms of taking care of duties around the house. This includes cleaning the bathroom, doing the dishes, and a wide assortment of less-than-sexy tasks. Make sure you rotate and take turns in terms of who handles what, so one person isn’t stuck resenting the other. Turn cleaning time into quality time by setting aside a couple of hours on the weekend to get things done together.
Make Sure to Keep your Own Time and Space – Moving in with a significant other can become smothering if you don’t make time for yourself. Make sure to make and keep plans with friends and schedule activities and outings to keep your own individual life active. The same goes for within the apartment, keep certain space to yourself. Even when sharing a small studio, having a closest or designated area for your personal belongings will help maintain a certain level of independence.
Keep Things Exciting – When living with someone, it can take a certain level of excitement and mystery out of the relationship. Make a consistent effort to expand dates beyond the couch, and even designate certain date nights that involve an exciting night out on the town. Try new things, visit new places, take a class together. This will help your relationship to continue to evolve as you are challenging yourself and continuing to learn new things about each other.

Moving is a stressful and uncertain time for the whole family, especially for household pets. Dogs and cats often have the most difficult time during a move, feeling out of place as their familiar surroundings are packed away piece by piece. Arriving at their new home causes just as much uncertainty as they are introduced to a new yard and have to locate a new favorite lounging spot.

FlatRate Moving & Storage, a nationwide leader in moving and storage, offers these tips to help your dogs and cats have a smooth transition to their new homes.

• Comfort Your Pets – Animals are great at sensing when you are feeling stressed or uncertain. Building up to and during a move, your calm and familiar voice will help to reassure them that everything is going to be okay.
• Have Something Special – Rewarding your dog our cat with their favorite treat or toy when first introduced to their new surroundings will help them relax and feel at home.
• Keep Them Occupied – Keeping animals out of the way of the movers will ensure both the pets and movers safety, while also allowing the movers to be more efficient. Plus with territorial animals like dogs, keeping them occupied will burn their energy so when they return to an empty house they are too tired to fuss.
• Use an Animal Carrier – Cats are especially sensitive to new surroundings so transporting them in an animal carrier will help alleviate some of their anxieties. When you get to your new home, simply set the carrier down, open the door, and let the cat’s natural curiosity do the rest.
• Place Familiar Things in Familiar Spots –Putting their bed, feeding dishes, kitty litters, etc. in locations similar to their old home, helps familiarize your pet with their new place.

With most buildings having various moving restrictions, coordinating a move in New York City requires some extra attention. To anticipate the special requirements many buildings have, here are some things to consider when starting the process.

BUILDING REGULATIONS
Many buildings, especially co-ops, impose strict moving policies to avoid monopolizing the elevators or inconveniencing other residents with noise. Learn about these restrictions, at both your current and new residences, as early as possible. If you are hoping to move on days surrounding the first of the month, it may be necessary to reserve a time slot. Always be sure to inform your building superintendent or doorman about your upcoming move, they can be an invaluable resource to figuring out the specific building moving regulations.

COVERINGS AND DOORWAYS
Buildings often require a freight elevator be used and protective coverings be placed, to avoid damaging floors, hallways, and elevators. At your new and old home, know the dimensions of the elevator, door openings, hallways, and staircases etc. to ensure your furniture will fit.

QUESTIONS TO ASK
•   Are there special moving hours?
•   Is it possible to reserve a time slot?
•   Are there restrictions on elevator or entrance use?
•   What precautions have to be taken to protect floors, hallways and elevators?
•   Is it possible to reserve space in front of the building entrances or loading docks, for trucks to load/unload?

We have talked in the past about the best ways to pack your goods for storage, but what about choosing the right storage facility? In this post we offer some tips to help you make that decision.

Know Your Options
There are two types of personal storage, with conventional storage you rent a room of a particular size and it is up to you whether or not the space is filled. FlatRate Moving offers another possibility. You pay per item for storage and to top it off your boxes are picked up and delivered by our courteous and professional movers.

Things to Consider
Consider facility conditions, ease of access, and hours of operation when choosing a storage facility. If possible, visit the premises to examine the cleanliness, organization, and location of available units. You can also ask for recent photographs of the facility. It is important you feel comfortable with leaving your possessions in their care.

Questions to Ask
•   Are they listed with the Better Business Bureau?
•   When can you access your possessions?
•   What kind of security systems do they have in place? (The issues are not just about your possessions, but your personal safety.)
•   Is there adequate fire and flood protection?
•   Is there air conditioning / climate control?
•   Have they had break-ins?
•   How long is the commitment period when moving in or vacating a space?
•   How much deposit is required?
•   How many elevators/loading bays do they have?
•   What do available units cost and how long are the rates guaranteed?

When preparing for a move one of the best ways to save money and defray the cost of moving is decluttering a.k.a the pre-move purge. Use moving as an opportunity to purge things that you no longer need or desire in your new home. At FlatRate Moving we will gladly help you donate your items to a local charity, but what are your options if you would like to receive money for your unwanted goods?

Holding a garage sale before your move is one option another way is selling your goods online. Selling online is an easy and fast way to get rid of stuff and earn some money to buy new things for your new digs. Check out these sites for selling unwanted items:

BlueRectangle.com – Buys used books and DVD’s, you enter the ISBN number or email them the title of the DVD; they confirm if they are buying and how much they will pay if so. They pay for shipping too. Payments are made via PayPal or check.

Cash4Books.net - Buys books in good condition. You enter the ISBN number; they tell you if they are buying and, if so, how much they will pay. And they pay for shipping too. Payments are made via PayPal.

SecondSpin.com – Buys used DVD’s, CD’s and video games in bulk too. Through an online form they tell you how much they will buy the item for. Shipping is the sellers responsibility. Payments are made via PayPal, check, or store credit.

Gazelle.com - Buys some electronics, mostly newer items. They pay for shipping (if it’s something they are buying). Payments made via PayPal, check or Amazon e-giftcard.

BuyBackMadness.com – Buys old DVDs, video games and CDs. They pay via PayPal or check.

Smashion.com – Sell your lightly (or never) worn, yet still fashionable clothing, footwear, and accessories online. Create a custom storefront and begin selling your items, with no transaction fees.

Craigslist.com - Allows you to place free ads to sell items. Potential buyers email you and you arrange pickup and payment. Sellers beware though: there are some scammers out there, so if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

eBay.com - Charges nominal fees to sell items in an online auction. Use headlines with exact brands and/or model numbers, since those are the keywords that potential buyers search with.

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.