The Moving Planner Blog

матрациFlatRate Moving, CA – Just four years after opening up their branch in Los Angeles, FlatRate Moving Systems has surpassed their competitors once again as the most recommended movers in Los Angeles. With about half of their clients recommended to them by previous customer or building managers and another twenty-five percent repeat customers, this company must be doing something right.

(Vocus/PRWEB ) February 27, 2010 — Since 1991, FlatRate moving company has set themselves apart from the rest. They developed a totally new concept offering customers an all-inclusive, guaranteed, one-price move in order to eliminate the questionable pricing practices inherent to the moving industry, while at the same time providing quality service at competitive prices to their customers in New York. In 2005, due to their success and from this simple concept, they branched out to California with locations in Los Angeles and another in Oakland and since then have become the most recommended mover in Los Angeles and the Bay Area.

“Priding themselves on unbeatable service and a steady stream of customer referrals, Los Angeles movers, Flat Rate Moving Systems” first shaped the moving industry with their revelatory yet simple business concept: flat rate, top service. With highly trained movers and specialized trucks and equipment, Flat Rate has set new standards for the New York moving business since 1991. In 2005, they expanded their operation nationwide to include branches in California and have since set new standards for the moving industry in California.

FlatRate has become a household name in the California moving business due of their top-of-the-line technology, equipment, knowledgeable staff and manpower. Every move is treated differently because every situation is unique. Location, date, time, floor, and whether or not there are stairs or elevators are all factors taken into consideration when giving an obligation free quote and planning a move. With their nationwide network of FlatRate office and trucks, they are able to not just plan a move but also provide a window for delivery for all long distance jobs as soon as the customer books a pick up date. Best of all, the guaranteed moving quotes are always accurate. As their name suggests, the rates at FlatRate are flat and all-inclusive. There won’t be any surprises coming to you at the end because the rates are honest and accurate. They’ll ask you all of the pertinent questions in the beginning to ensure that customers get their quote right the first time around.

FlatRate Moving and storage’s meticulous and careful attention to residential and commercial relocation keeps customers returning for all their moving needs. Not only does Flat Rate avoid hidden costs with their all-inclusive, guaranteed pricing, the company also takes great care to ensure that all of your furniture and possessions arrive perfectly safe and within a reasonable time frame for all long distance moves. On their website www.flatrate.com, you can read about their customers experiences.

Flat Rate has proven that “Los Angeles Moving” no longer has to be synonymous with “stressful.” Customers say this moving company’s professionalism, competitive prices, courtesy and staff diligence all help Flat Rate live up to their name. Let New York and now Los Angeles’s most recommended movers take care of you, as this company is obviously “moving” in the right direction.

Special services

Fine Arts Storage – For both institutions and private collectors, care and storage of artwork has to be handled by professionals, who are bonded against damages and are used to dealing with objects of value. Custom crating will almost certainly be required to move the artwork safely, with padding and packing materials that are suited to the piece.

Moving Los Angeles Guide – Information and resources that will help you make your relocation cost effective, efficient, and even pleasant.

moving San Francisco – FlatRate performs local and interstate moves. So whether you’re searching for Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego movers, we’ve got you covered. We strive to provide superior service and obsessive attention to detail during every move, no matter how large or small it may be.

For more information on this company, visit their website at www.flatrate.com or call 213-404-1080.

More and more people are contacting me these days for an astrology reading because they want a new lease on life. That new lease might include a better place to live, start a home business, make money, or retire.

Sometimes they’re just fed up with the area where they live, the people they work or associate with, themselves for staying there too long, the quality of life or lack thereof, and they want out of Dodge NOW.

Astrology is one perspective on finding your best city, location, or place here or overseas. It’s not the only one. I want to point that out. Checking your daily horoscope for entertainment is one thing, making a major life change – that’s another story.

This article is from notes taken just recently from a conversation between relocation astrologer Cait Benten – that’s me – and my friend Christine Troward.

Cait, what can people expect from a relocation astrology reading?

When you contact me, I know you want to find your best city or location in which to work, have a successful career, perhaps start a home based business, raise your family in safety, or retire and so one of the first questions I’m usually asked is, “What is relocation astrology? What is it you do?”

What information do you need to do a relocation astrology reading?

Relocation astrology begins with your birth chart – what we astrologers call your natal chart. Where were you born? What was the EXACT time of your birth. Check your birth certificate. I spend long hours moving your birth chart to find what appears to be your best places in the world to live. It’s a long, exacting, and tedious process, and it takes many hours to find the best places that are a match to your natal chart.

What about those inexpensive computer programs? What are their limitations?

A computer program isn’t going to find what I’m looking for when I work on your astrology chart. There are too many variables and computer programs aren’t intuitive. This is why I interview you and ask what you’re looking for in your life, all this happens before I begin your astrology reading which I record and send to you. You listen, then we follow that up with a session where you ask me all your questions.

As I understand it, your astrology readings don’t tell people they have to move to a certain place to be successful.

I’ll tell you up front that even your most favorable location will present its own unique set of challenges. Oh that life were perfect! Before you visit or move to a certain place, I’ll encourage you to count the costs.

Relocation astrology is not about packing up and moving merely because I tell you “This appears to be your most favorable location.” I’ll encourage you to COUNT THE COSTS before you move. Are you ready for what will be a major life change? Each move I’ve ever made has required a settling in and adjustment period and I’m sure this will also be true for you.

Moving requires a lot of planning and thought before packing your things and going somewhere, doesn’t it? Moving becomes even more complicated if you’re moving overseas, although more and more Americans are retiring overseas.

You’ve moved now! Getting settled into your new area is only the first phase of many new things to deal with including a decision that may include purchasing a home, registering your vehicles, finding where schools are located, and it’s so much easier if, when you move, you already have a job lined up, unless you’re retired. If retired, how much are you going to miss seeing your children or grandchildren? Some handle this issue better than others.

Do you use Astrocartography or Vedic Relocation astrology in your work? I notice lots of people like to have their Astrocartography chart done.

I know both systems but over the years I’ve incorporated the best techniques I’ve come across. I rely on my intuition and higher wisdom though when looking at a difficult chart. That’s the only way to break through what seems like insurmountable obstacle in a person’s astrology reading.

Do you ever get the sense people want you to make the decision about what they do for them?

I won’t do that and neither will any other reputable relocation astrologer. Check my disclaimer page at http:www.astro-earth-relocation.com and you’ll see where I’m honest in telling you that “WHEREVER we move our Flatrate travel with us.” Some people, more than others, will need medical, financial, and emotional counseling and I urge you to use these professional resources if your life situation requires such assistance.

The other day a woman said to me, “I want you to send us to a place where my husband doesn’t do drugs any more.” I pleasantly but firmly had to tell her “Your husband makes his own choices in life. I refuse to be responsible for whether your marriage does or does not work.”

As a relocation astrologer I’ll tell you that our lives, no matter where we live, become what we determine to make of them. The wonderfulness of an area is dependent on you and how you treat others as much as how they treat you. Wherever you go, there you are.

A new location, however, may provide you with a new lease on life. Maybe it is time, after all these years, to get out of Dodge City and find a place you appreciate and where you are appreciated.

Do you find that some people are set in their ways and resist any suggestions, which is what they are, suggestions only, that you see as a good location to in their chart.

When you call me for a relocation astrology session I’ll use everything I know to help you find your best place or city. I’ve had a handful of clients who, after I searched and searched for days finding a match for them based on the movement of their natal or birth chart would say, “I don’t like that place.” “My children won’t like it.” My husband says the people in Tucson aren’t friendly.” I’ve heard people make judgments about places they’ve never been to, a case of being too opinionated about areas they know nothing about.

It’s odd to hear a relocation astrologer admit this but there have been a handful of people I’ve done astrology charts for and there is NO one best place for them to live and I’ve told them that. Maybe there’s a second or third best place where they would have a very good life, so just know I’ll be honest with you about my findings.

If I tell you Santa Barbara looks favorable based on your natal or birth chart and you say, “Not Santa Barbara,” or “Oh no, not Austin, Texas,” then, after I’ve pointed out all your best geographical areas I’ll say “Use your intuition then. There are no other places I know to send you.”

Why do you think relocation astrology is a valuable tool, even though you’ve told me on other occasions that it is only one of many tools that might be helpful to a person looking for that next place to call home?

Even though I’m a little more expensive than some other astrologers, I’ve been unbelievably busy since starting Astro-Earth-Relocation five years ago, so I don’t solicit or advertise for clients any more.

Reputation is everything?

It helps, but you only build a reputation by doing great work for your clients. Most of my business is now word-of-mouth recommendations from former clients.

Do you tell people they must move to find success or love, make money, or be happy?

No. Nor do I tell them they have to make this move by such and such date. I do tell my clients to ask themselves, “What would happen if you were happy now and didn’t move at all? Would that disappoint you?” Some people are restless for change. That’s not a good reason move. Happiness is an inside job; you have to provide your own inner cabin pressure no matter where you live.

I’ll close my article about relocation astrology, which I do hope you’re curious enough to try, just to experience this kind of unique astrology reading, with a quote from my friend James Clayton Napier uses to open his marvelous article Business & Career: Know Your Ruling Star which you can read on the web:

“Know your Ruling Star. One man [or woman] is better received by one nation than another, or is one welcome by one city than another. He finds more luck in one office or position than in another, and all though his qualifications are equal or even identical. Let each man know his luck as well as his talents. Follow your guiding star and help it without mistaking any other for it. Know how to transplant yourself. There are nations with whom one must cross their borders to make one’s value felt.”

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.

Last week we shared a few tips for the milestone of moving in with a significant other.  Just as moving in together is a major step, moving out often creates even more uncertainty.  As industry experts and leaders in the moving industry, FlatRate has seen it all. Based on experience as well as diverse knowledge of the industry, the company has compiled the following tips for to survive moving-out.

Divide Mutual Items Peacefully – Over the course of your relationship and time as roommates, you likely compiled a lot of items that are mutually owned. Instead of consistently fighting over what belongs to who down to everything from the big furniture to a tiny dish, make a point of taking time to sit down one afternoon and figure out exactly what is shared and what is own. From there, try to peacefully divide the items, and if an agreement cannot be reached, sell the item and split the cash.
Figure Out Leasing Arrangements – Dealing with the lease, particularly if the relationship ends before the lease expires, can be one of the biggest hassles of all. Take care of this first and be sure to figure out who will stay and who will go, and if you both want out, immediately start posting on roommate boards and asking around for a subletter. And when all else fails, break the lease. The lease needs to end almost as soon as the relationship does.
Seal Up Any Finances – Since the relationship is coming to an end, it is best to discuss and figure any and all finances before parting ways for good. You don’t want to be chasing down an ex for money or being forced to stay in each other’s life because you didn’t square away finances from the get-go. Along with dividing stuff, this is one of the most important conversations to have. It might seem too difficult in light of emotions, but timing is crucial.
Rely on Your Network of Family and Friends – Breaking up can be especially difficult when your boyfriend/girlfriend was also a roommate. Now more than ever you need to rely on friends and family to help get you through difficult times. This might involve sleeping on someone’s couch or having your friends help you find a new roommate and new place. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Get Rid of Leftover Evidence – After dating someone for awhile, there is a lot that reminds you of the significant other and these memories multiply after living together. If you are staying in the old mutual place, redecorate and revamp to make the place brand new. If getting a new place, leave behind anything that reminds you of them and pick up a few new pieces to give your new place a personal touch.

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.

Flying during the holiday season can be stressful, exhausting and consumed with unexpected delays and crowded airports. The last concern of a weary traveler should be whether or not their belongings will make it round- trip in one piece. Here are a few helpful tips and tricks to help your gifts and packages arrive safe and sound:

1. Transporting Gifts:

If you’re a big gift giver, you may want to send the gift ahead of you. This way you have more control. You can chose the best shipping carrier and spend extra time properly packing gifts. This is probably the best way to avoid the hassle of lugging gifts with you on the plane.

2. If you do decide to take gifts on board:

If you can, think small and flat…think gift card. If you are traveling by air, do not wrap gifts. Airport security will be required to inspect your gifts, especially if there is something in your package that they cannot identify by X-ray.

If you have room, you can put your gift in your luggage and check it to avoid the hassle of security. If your gift is breakable, pack it with bubble wrap and make sure that the airline personnel label it with fragile stickers so it is handled with care.

Take into account:
Every airline has a different procedure, weight and size restrictions for checked baggage. So it is best to check with your airline first.

3. What Else to Pack:

Once you determine the details of your trip, your bag pretty much packs itself. Take into consideration the amount of time you will be gone, the destination, any activities, etc. Since it’s the holiday’s, be prepared for formal AND informal situations. This includes evening wear, long pants, dresses, shirts and blouses, which should be packed in plastic dry cleaner bags to limit wrinkling. Also, remember to roll pajamas, t-shirts and other casual wear to fit into the nooks and crannies of your suitcase. But, be careful and don’t cram your suitcase full. You will end up with an additional charge from the airlines or even worst…underwear strewn on the belt of the baggage carousel.

FlatRate Moving was recently written up by GreatStartups.com, despite usually being focused on startups they recognized a great company and couldn’t help but share it with their readers.  Below is an excerpt of the article, for the entire article click here.

Founded in 1991 on the foundation of enacting a unique, flat-rate pricing method, FlatRate has catapulted itself to the forefront of the moving industry. FlatRate provides customers with a single all-inclusive price for any and every type of move, which 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, FlatRate calculates a set cost that will not change during any point during the moving process.

Building upon its success as New York’s largest moving company, FlatRate also offers its hassle-free, customer focused services to the New Jersey, Washington D.C., Miami, San Francisco and Los Angeles areas. The company is committed to integrity and to earning the goodwill of its customers by being able to meet the needs of any move, from residential to commercial, and from local to cross-country or even overseas moves.

FlatRate has revolutionized the moving industry by creating careers for their employees. Amenities for movers include marble bathrooms, health benefits and immaculate working facilities. Not exactly the typical workplace environment for so-called movers. More: http://www.flatrate.com/new-york-about-us-job-opportunities.html

The company also has recently launched an elite service – much like a 1st class flight – ensuring every last detail is taken care of for the customer. There are no boxes to pack or unpack, fine wine and art moved under climate control, and electronics, computers and TVs connected upon one’s arrival home.

FlatRate has won critical acclaim, loyal customers and several awards, including multiple CitySearch “Best of Citysearch” (BOC) Awards in 2006 and 2007.  In 2007, FlatRate was the honored recipient of the prestigious Forbes Enterprise Award.  Recognized as an outstanding business, having demonstrated visionary practices, standards and achievements, FlatRate Moving remains committed to achieving excellence as today’s leading mover of choice.

FlatRate owns, operates, and maintains a fleet of approximately 55 trucks. An on-site repair shop, managed by the fleet manager, allows for the close supervision and care of all vehicles.

To accommodate every type of move, they have several different sized trucks, including a trailer for long distance relocation. Each truck is equipped with GPS and stocked with well-maintained equipment, including a toolbox and dollies. Their “Elite” trucks are outfitted with lift gates.

You can get a detailed price quote right online. So if you move is due to downsizing, growth or just a desire for new digs, Flat Rate Moving is the company to handle your move.

I have searched the web and dictionaries for misspelled words of moving companies. This is the list I found:

1. mving companies

2. moing companies

3. moving companys

4. moving comanies

5. moving comapnies

6. moving copanies

7. mooving companies

8. moving compamies

9. moving compaines

10. moveing companies

11. mvoers

12. mover’s

We recently shared some of the steps we take to protect your belonging during a move. As movers we are constantly encountering unusual and irreplaceable items that not only have a significant personal value but are priceless too. Here are a few irreplaceable items that we encounter and how we insure a safe and secure transport to your new home.

Fine Art & Antiques Handling:

• All special art and antique items are noted, photographed and carefully packed.
• Custom crates are designed and built to protect each item through out the move.
• Art and Antique storage is provided where needed during the move, via highly secured, protected and climate-controlled storage facilities.

Wine Collections:

• Our skilled moving specialists will secure your wine collections in individually padded custom wine boxes.
• Wine transport on special temperature- controlled trucks is available at your request.
• If storage is required, your collection will be stored in a secure and climate-controlled room to keep your special vintages safe until arrival.

Piano Moving and Setup:

• Our experienced team can easily move any type of piano, from upright, to Baby Grand, or Grand Piano
• We’ll pad, protect and relocate your piano to your new home in pristine condition, using precisely engineered hoisting services wherever necessary.
• We also offer climate controlled transport and storage.