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If you’ve decided to hire the expertise of professional movers, how do you know you can trust them with all your worldly possessions? 

The key is to do your research beforehand, as with any significant life decision. Here are some questions to ask moving companies before you hire them.

Questions to Ask Moving Companies

1. How Long Have You Been in Business? 

Just because a moving business has a long business history doesn’t always mean their services are superior. But generally, the longer a company has been in operation, the more experience they have in different types of home moves. The only way to gauge this is through a proven track record of success and satisfaction. Don’t be shy to ask for references so you can research their track record.

2. What Company Licenses Do You Hold?

Confirm that the moving company has the proper licensing.

Federal law mandates that professional moving companies that work across state lines be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Interstate movers should provide a copy of their federal tariff if you request it.

In addition, check with the FMCSA to see if that particular moving company is up-to-date with their operating license.

3. Is Your Business Fully Equipped? 

Make sure that the moving company you’re considering has all the necessary equipment for the job. This includes the right size moving truck(s), hoisting equipment, moving dollies, etc. Ideally, they should also have an inventory of specialist moving tools for specific items.  

4. What Are Your Rates?

A quality moving company will provide you with a quote for your move, and discuss any add-ons with you. The last thing you want is to learn that there were hidden fees connected with your move.

5. What Do You Charge for ”Extra” Services?

Extra services may include things like packing services, flight charges, long-haul transport fees, shuttle services, and storage-in-transit — not-to-mention fuel charges, fees for the disassembly, and assembling of furniture, handling special objects, etc.

Do a thorough check of what the company considers ”extra” services and how you’ll be charged. 

6. How Do You Prevent Damage to My Belongings? 

Preventing damage to your household goods should be a top priority for professional movers. So, how do they accomplish this?

Ask about preventative measures; how do they protect furniture and fragile items? To add to this, how do they protect both your new home and old home from damage? This includes areas such as the walls, skirting, railings, floors, and door frames. Do your research on all their preventative measures. 

7. Can You Provide References?

Ask your prospective moving company for references from residential moves like your own.

Also, do your own research and check Google, the Better Business Bureau, and Angie’s List to find a variety of reviews to provide you with a true impression of their business practices.

Looking For Reliable Movers? 

If you found this article on questions to ask moving companies insightful, then explore the rest of our blog for all the moving advice you’ll ever need. 

If you’re looking for reliable and professional movers, whether it’s residential or long distance, get in touch with us at Arrow Moving & Storage for a quote.

 

There are over 120 million TVs in American households. If you’re moving soon, then chances are, you’re planning on bringing one or more TVs with you.

However, these are very fragile electronics that cost a bit to replace, so you want to make sure you move it correctly.

Read on if you want to know how to move a TV without damaging it in transit.

Prep the Set

Before unplugging, disassembling, and packing your TV and accompanying electronics, take some photos of the set-up with your phone. Note how the cables are attached and plugged in. When you arrive at your new home, refer to the images for easy reassembly.

Then unplug the TV and various electronics such as the cable box, DVR, or Roku. Dust off your TV and accompanying devices thoroughly with a soft microfiber cloth.

Pack Accessories Separately

If your TV has an attached base, remove it. Put the screws from the base in a baggie and keep it with the base.

Take any related accessories like the remotes, wires, and cords and put them in a separate, labeled box, so they’re all easier to find later. By removing all the loose parts, you’ll make your TV easier to pack and transport, as there’ll be nothing to get loose and possibly damage your TV.

Use the Original Box

The best way to move a TV is in the original box it came in. After all, the manufacturer shipped it safely in that box, which means it’s meant to withstand the ruggedness of transport.

If you’ve saved the original packaging, then that’s the best TV shipping box to use. Moving a TV will be most manageable with this, as all you’ll have to do is fit it into the styrofoam parts, slide it back into the box, and tape it back up.

Use Specialty TV Moving Boxes

If you didn’t keep the original box, you could always buy flat-panel TV kits. These are available through your mover and other stores that sell boxes. Flat-panel TV kits are designed for various sizes and are specific to your TV’s dimensions. For most, they will hold TVs that are up to 70 inches wide and 1 to 4 inches deep.

Also, these come with foam edge protectors, which means once you slide your TV in the box, it’ll be well-protected for the move.

Avoid Using Regular Household Items

You might be tempted to save a bit of money by using regular household items to pack your TVs, such as a blanket or throw wrapped around the unit. But the reality is, a broken TV will negate the money you save by doing this in the end.

Moving a TV Safely

By knowing how to move a TV safely, you’ll be able to get your valued possession from point A to B in one piece.

If you need the help of some professional movers, then get in touch with us today. We can help both residents and businesses.

Planning for a household move involves many small details and moving parts. All of those details need to come together at the same time to pull off a successful, smooth move. That’s why you need to be prepared with the right materials and supplies.

To make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment to pack up your belongings, here’s an in-depth moving supplies checklist.

Your Complete Moving Supplies Checklist

Please note that this is a comprehensive checklist, and you may not need everything on it, depending on what you have to move. Take stock of all the belongings that are coming with you and create your unique checklist accordingly.

Boxes

When it comes to buying moving boxes, the trickiest part is figuring out how many to buy.

There are a number of helpful online calculators that can help you determine approximately how many boxes you’re going to need. And remember when it comes to buying moving boxes, it’s always better to overestimate how many you’ll need than wind up shorthanded.

It’s critical to have sturdy boxes in a variety of sizes to protect your belongings. Make sure these boxes are clean and dry. You don’t want worn or wet boxes to compromise the construction of the cardboard. 

Pack your heavier things in smaller boxes. Lighter items like clothes and bedding work well in large boxes. 

Packing Paper

Stock up on plenty of packing paper to wrap fragile or sharp items in. Packing paper can also be used as an excellent filler in the boxes, providing extra cushion and stability in each box. The ideal packing paper is ink-free since the ink on newsprint can bleed on to your belongings.

Bubble Wrap

Use bubble wrap to protect extra fragile items made of glass, ceramic, and porcelain. Leaving space in boxes for your items to shift around can lead to damage. Using paddings like bubble wrap paper will keep everything still and secure.

Baggies

Small, Ziploc baggies are excellent for storing little items that could get lost. For instance, when you disassemble something that has screws or small parts, place them in a baggie. Label the bag and store it with the item.

Packing Tape

Like with boxes, it’s always better to have too much packing tape than not enough. Also, investing in a tape gun can help make sealing boxes easier and cut back on wasted tape.

Labels and Permanent Markers

To make unpacking more manageable,  make sure you label all your boxes clearly. No matter how you decide to label your items, moving labels, colored stickers, and thick permanent markers can help.

A Toolbox 

If you plan on dismantling any furniture, a simple toolset is a necessity. A screwdriver, wrench with a variety of heads, hammer, and scissors should be included in your toolbox. Keep these tools handy; you will also probably need them on moving day.

Furniture Pads, Covers, and Wrap

Unfortunately, you can’t just box up your furniture. So, you have to find other ways to keep it all safe.

Furniture pads and covers are essential to protecting your pieces from bumps and scrapes during the moving process.

Furniture wrap can also help defend your items from the wear and tear of moving. It’s also essential for keeping drawers and cabinet doors shut and secure.

All that said, if you plan on hiring residential movers, then you probably won’t need to worry about buying any of these supplies. Your mover will have plenty of furniture pads, covers, and wrap on hand already.

Gathering Your Supplies

By following this moving supplies checklist, you’ll be able to collect all the supplies you’ll need to make your move a breeze.

Are you looking for a little more moving advice?

Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful guides, or contact our team of moving specialists to schedule a consultation today.

 

Whether you’re planning an out-of-state move or down the street, you must notify the proper people and places about your upcoming move. It’s ideal to do this earlier rather than later. That way, you won’t face potential hassles such as missed bills or service lapses.

You already know you need to notify your friends and family, but who else needs to know?  Not sure where to start? This handy change of address checklist will let you know who you need to give a heads up to about your new residence.

The Post Office

The first people you need to notify are at the post office. You can do this in person or file the change online. Once you submit this change, anything that goes to your old address will automatically get forwarded to your new address. 

Do this at least a week before you move so that you don’t have a gap between your move and the mail delivery change. Keep an eye out for the yellow tag on your mail. Use these to know who you still need to notify of your move. 

Utilities 

You need to let utility providers know that you know longer live at one address and are now responsible for another. This includes gas, water, electric, and trash. Schedule to have your new home active in your name before you plan to move in. 

While you’re arranging for service turn-on at your new home, you should also arrange for service shut-off at your old residence. This will prevent you from getting charged for service after your move. 

Tax Agencies 

You can’t avoid paying your taxes just because you move. You’ll need to let both the IRS and your state tax agency know. You can do both of these online through the IRS website and your state’s government website. 

Social Security Administration 

Do you receive Social security benefits? If so, then you notify the SSA that you’ve moved. You can do this by heading online to fill out the change of address application. 

Cable, Internet, and Phone 

Before you have the movers arrive to load up your home, you should have your cable, internet, and phone transferred to your new home. This will ensure that everything is up and running the day you move in. 

Insurance Providers 

Notify every company you have an insurance policy with. This will ensure you get any important documents and that sensitive information isn’t compromised. 

Loan Providers 

If you have any outstanding loans, then you need to let the lender know that you’ve moved. Otherwise, you risk missing potentially important mailings about your loan. If you have a car loan, you’re required to let the lender know where the vehicle is. 

Employer 

Your employer needs to know if you have a new address. They need to send your paycheck print outs and tax forms to the right address. 

Subscription and Service Providers  

This could be your monthly pest control service or your subscription to a magazine. Make a list of all services and work your way through the list. Most will be an easy phone call or online form update. 

It can be easy to miss someone that should be on this list. This is when paying attention to the mail forwarding stickers on your mail comes in handy. 

Know Who to Notify When You Move

By working your way through this list, you’ll know who to notify when you move. Don’t worry if you miss someone; the USPS will forward mail for up to a year after your move.  

Contact our experienced team today to help with your move. 

Businesses relocate for various reasons, ranging from increased customer traffic and improved growth opportunities to simply needing more space. However, moving a company is time-consuming and disruptive. That’s why businesses making a corporate move must have a relocation plan.

Here are five helpful office moving strategies for relocating your office.

1. Create a Timeline

The first step in the moving process is to create a timeline. Be realistic about how much time you will need to prepare for the move.

Small businesses usually need at least three to six months to accomplish a move. Medium to large-sized companies will often need at least six months to a year to plan a move.

It’s helpful to create a multiple week timeline of expectations. Include the following to-dos on your timeline:

• Create a detailed budget
• Select a professional corporate moving company
• Develop an inventory list of all furniture and equipment
• Notify vendors and customers about your address change and new contact information
• Contact service providers for electricity, gas, phone, and waste management to notify them of your move and arrange the connection, installation, or disconnection of service
• Schedule mail forwarding
• Order new stationery, marketing material, and business cards with the new business information

2. Assign a Team to the Move

A successful corporate move depends on the cooperation of the employees.

Choose a person to be the in-office move coordinator responsible for all moving-related issues. Then, designate people as team leaders from other departments to check-in with this coordinator to give progress reports. Department heads and managers, for example, could be team leaders who make sure each employee is responsible for packing up their desks and personal items.

The team leaders could:

• Delegate responsibilities
• Make sure their team meets deadlines
• Confirm moving tasks are completed
• Communicate challenges to other team leaders

The moving team could also assist in identifying issues with the current office space and work to find solutions for the new office. This allows employees the chance to provide input and gives them some ownership in the move.

3. Coordinate Moving Day Itinerary

Prepare for moving day by planning every element.  Make sure that everyone on your move team is informed and knows what will happen.

Schedule a meeting one month before the move as well as each week leading up to it.

If your business will stay open on moving day, determine who will be working. Can they work remotely? Or should you schedule them to move into the new office a few days before everyone else?

4. Use Open Communication

Remember to use open communication during a move. Express expectations to employees and team members to make sure everyone is one the same page. Provide support channels and give an accurate impression of what’s ahead.

Allow plenty of time for any relocating employees to prepare!

5. Hire Movers

Experienced movers will help you create a detailed moving plan and lessen stress and hassle on employees. Professional office movers know your office equipment is vital to your business and will handle your things with care. 

They are appropriately insured and licensed so you can rest assured. With a professional moving service, you and your employees can focus on what matters most: your business. Avoid disruptions and missing office time with hired movers. 

Business Moving

Businesses have enough to think about; don’t let business moving plans be one of those worries. Get ahead of the game and make relocating your office a pleasant experience for everyone involved.

What are you waiting for? Your new office awaits!

Want to see more posts like this? Check out our blog for more!

 

Most people dread the thought of a household move. From the packing and lifting to the loading and unloading, the process is overwhelming, taxing, and time-consuming. 

There are many reasons and benefits to hire professional movers. Save your time and patience and reduce your stress level by hiring the right professional movers to make a huge difference and make your move easier.

Here are some of the reasons you should consider a professional moving company.

1. Experience

Experience is an essential component when it comes to executing a successful residential move.

Professional movers are trained to handle personal belongings properly throughout the relocation process. From your smallest treasure to your largest piece of furniture and appliances, professional movers know exactly how to expertly pack, lift, maneuver, then secure your belongings on the moving truck.

Also, professional moving companies provide you with experienced drivers who know how to transport your belongings. Whether it’s a local or cross-country move, movers know how to handle their large trucks in all kinds of weather and conditions. Professionals know the best routes to take and where they can operate.

2. Convenience

The help of professional movers provides convenience. 

Convenience is much more important than you may think, especially if you’ve never moved before. It’s easy to say you can handle it yourself. But moving is always more stressful than one imagines it will be.

Undoubtedly, you’ll plan and prepare for the move weeks in advance. But it’s not until you’re in the thick of it that you realize the high level of stress that comes with it. 

Those who aren’t experienced movers find it more difficult, tedious, and time-consuming than they estimated it would be. Avoid this headache by hiring professionals. 

3. Reliability

Many things can go wrong when attempting to handle a move yourself. The friends that you recruited to help may cancel at the last minute, or you may discover you’re in over your head partway through the task.

Hiring movers secures a reliable team of professionals you can trust to accomplish the job on time. 

4. Safety 

The wisdom and experience of professional movers also lower the chance of moving-related accidents. That goes for those doing the lifting and those around them.

For that matter, you won’t have to do any lifting at all. There’s no chance of you throwing your back out. Plus your belongings stay safe when moved by professionals who know how to lift and place boxes the correct way.

5. Various Services 

When you hire professional movers, you are not only locking in a company to do the heavy lifting. You will also be able to choose from additional services that will make moving easier for you.

Moving pros can pack, load, transport, and even unpack your belongings. You can select the services that fit your needs. In addition, many movers can assist with a long-distance move as well as provide storage solutions for things your new home is not ready for yet.

Hire a Moving Company

In today’s hectic world, moving to a new home can be a big disruption to your life. Reduce the many stresses inherent in the process; hire qualified movers to get the job done efficiently and effectively.

If you’re planning a move, let us help. Contact us today for a quote.

Even with the number of Americans moving at a record low, 9.8% of people in the US still packed up and moved in 2019. That’s over 40 million people!

If you’re relocating your household this year, there are a lot of stressors on your plate.  There are many factors to consider when heading to a new location — from deciding on a new place to live —  to securing a new job. On top of all that, trying to box items, especially ones that are easily breakable, can understandably send you over the edge.

Read on to learn how to pack fragile items before your big move!

Use Appropriate Packing Materials

When packing fragile items, you need to start with the right materials. These include tissue paper, bubble wrap, small to medium-sized boxes, labels, tape, and markers. 

Consider using specialty boxes for your fragile items. Your moving company most likely has dish pack boxes. These boxes are extra durable, made with a double layer of corrugated cardboard. The extra-thick walls provide an added layer of protection for the items inside.

How to Pack Common Breakable Items

For unusual fragile items, you might need a little creativity when it comes to packing. Below we will provide a few suggestions.

Reinforce the bottom of your fragile item boxes with extra packing tape. Then place several layers of crumpled paper or bubble wrap on the inside bottom of the box. Put heavier objects in first so that they are at the bottom — separate layers of fragile items with more packing paper or bubble wrap. 

Once your items are in the box, fill any empty space with crumpled paper. This will prevent the items from shifting and getting damaged.

Dishes

Use small to medium-sized boxes to pack dishes since they tend to be heavy. Wrap each plate individually with paper or bubble wrap, secure with scotch tape, then place them vertically in the box. Place several sheets of crumpled packing paper between each plate to keep them stable and in place.

Glasses

Place crumpled packing paper inside each glass to prevent crushing. If the glass has a stem, wrap the stem with bubble wrap or a folded piece of packing paper and secure it with tape. Then individually wrap each glass with packing paper or bubble wrap. 

Picture Frames

Place a large “X” of painter’s tape over the glass of the frame to prevent shattering. Wrap the frames in bubble wrap then tape the bubble wrap to keep it in place. Set the frames on crumpled paper at the bottom of the box. If the frames are more than eight inches tall, pack the frames standing up instead of flat.

Mark the Boxes “Fragile”

Label your boxes “fragile” on every side. Also, indicate which end needs to be up.

Separate the boxes marked “fragile” from your other boxes. Inform your movers or helpers about the fragile things in those boxes so they can be handled with special care.

Bring In the Professionals

While moving can be a stressful chore, it doesn’t need to be incredibly difficult and grueling.

Before you get too far into the moving process, contact professional household movers to discuss your options with them. In addition to moving all of your goods, you might decide to have the movers pack and unpack for you.

Our residential moving experts offer services for people moving both locally and out of the area. This means that no matter where you intend to go, there’s always an option for you.

Contact us about any questions you may have and to set up a time for us to come and help you move your fragile and valuable items.

There’s a lot of work to be done when moving to a new home. And, if you’re not adequately prepared for it, your moving day will be one big, dangerous mess.

But don’t worry. All the common moving day pitfalls can be avoided. And we’re going to show you how.

In this guide, we’ll teach you the proper preparations and etiquette to make your move as smooth as possible. Follow these tips for a low-stress moving day.

1. Finish Packing Before Moving Day

This depends on if you’re paying for a full-service move or not. If you’ve arranged to have the movers pack for you, all you have to do is stand back and wait while they take care of everything—the packing, lifting, and shipping. 

If you haven’t made this arrangement, you must make sure you’re packed and ready for moving day. When the movers arrive, and you’re still finishing up your packing, it makes moving day troublesome for everyone. 

For one thing, you’ll be in the way of the movers while they’re trying to lift and move heavy boxes and furniture. For another, you’ll be paying the movers to wait for you to finish.

2. Have Your Travel Bag Packed

Even if you did purchase a full-service move, you still have some packing to do. First, you need your moving day luggage.

You need to pack your bathroom bag, medication, and clothes, just like you would if you were traveling for vacation. You may also want disposable tableware and any kitchen items you’ll need for dinner.

3. Prohibited Items

Beyond your travel bag, there is always a list of items your moving company will not accept in the moving van. This typically includes perishables, hazardous materials, high-value items (like jewelry), and documents/devices containing personal or sensitive information.

For a full list of prohibited items, refer to your moving company. You’ll want to have these items moved or packed before moving day, so you’re not in the way.

4. Stay Clear and Available

Give your movers space on moving day so that they can do their job. You can prepare for this before moving day by parking vehicles out of the way of the moving vans and building entrances. 

Also, clear the pathways in your home of boxes, trash, or other trip hazards. Stack boxes in an organized line against the wall. Make everything accessible for the movers. 

Being out of the way doesn’t mean gone. You need to be present the whole day of the move in case the movers have any questions or concerns they need to discuss with you.

5. Keep Children and Pets Out of the Way

Have a plan in place for your children and pets on moving day. You can’t leave them free to run around while the movers have their arms full of heavy things. This is hazardous to the movers, your children and pets, and your possessions.

It’s best to have pets contained in crates or carriers on moving day. Or have somebody watch them at another location.

Children can remain with you if you can watch them and make sure they stay out of the way. But you (and they) may want to have them stay with a friend or family member that day.

6. Label Boxes Clearly

Boxes should be labeled clearly, especially the fragile ones, so movers know what to expect. Make sure you have the room destination marked on each box.

7. Don’t Overpack Large Boxes

Large boxes are awkward to carry, especially if they are loaded with heavy items. Too many heavy things in a large box will make it too heavy.

Make sure you pack lighter weight, bulky items in larger boxes. Things like pillow and comforters are ideal in large boxes.

Make Moving to a New Home Easier

Moving to a new home is challenging. Don’t make it harder than it has to be. Follow these tips to make moving day easier.

Now, read Making Moving Easy: Simple Unpacking Tips.

You may find de-cluttering before a move as another chore to get through. But, you should see it as an advantage to moving.

By getting rid of unwanted and unneeded belongings, moving becomes an easier and cheaper process. Don’t forget that weight, along with mileage and labor costs; all contribute to your moving costs. With fewer items to load onto a moving truck, you’ll save more money and time.

One of your options for de-cluttering is to hold a moving sale. Understandably, you may have hesitations, especially if you’re pressed for time. Here, you’ll learn why a garage sale before a move is worth the extra effort.

How a Well-Planned Moving Sale Pays Off

Rather than discarding usable items, it’s better to sell them and earn some extra cash. Plus, if you’re able to sell a lot, you may even have enough to cover some of your moving costs. 

Another benefit of holding a yard sale is you’re prepping your new home to be clutter-free and organized. Since you’re only bringing the things you need, clutter doesn’t have a chance to accumulate yet. If you make sure it stays that way, then maintaining a clutter-free home over the long-term shouldn’t be a problem.

Some Tips for Holding a Moving Garage Sale

One thing you have to remember about moving sales is if you can’t plan them right, it’s better not to hold one at all. Just as planning is the key to a successful move, you’ll want to spend some time and effort organizing your moving garage sale. 

This should start with evaluating items you can sell. A good rule of thumb to follow is if you can’t donate them, you probably shouldn’t sell them. Think older TV sets or old copies of Reader’s Digest magazines. 

And of course, if something’s broken, dirty, or in otherwise poor condition, don’t bother selling it. Recycle it instead. 

Other things to plan include the date and time of the moving sale if you need special permits from local authorities, advertising, and pricing.

What to Do with Leftovers

If you weren’t able to sell everything, you might consider posting them on auction sites. But, make sure you still have some time to do this before your actual move.

Another way to deal with the unsold items is to donate them. The good thing about this option is if you get a receipt, those leftover items can be tax-deductible. 

Bonus: If you make donating a part of your de-cluttering routine, it’s going to be a lot easier for your home to be clutter-free.

Need More Moving Tips and Advice?

Now that you know some of the benefits of holding a moving sale, why not take this opportunity to learn more about moving and storage?

For more moving tips and advice, check out simple unpacking tips and essential things to consider when moving to a new area.

You may also browse the site if you need information on our moving services and the areas we serve.