tonitbarrett

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Moving to a Different Office? Here’s Why You Need Expert Office Movers

Whether your new destination is a floor away from your current location or on the other side of the country, moving to a different office can cause a minor earthquake in your day-to-day work routine. Somehow, you’ll have to balance all of your regular tasks with the various mishaps that arise with relocation in order to manage moving your entire office by the deadline.

But it’s not all stress and headaches! There are many personal and corporate benefits to moving your office–such as cutting costs, improving your brand, growing your company, etc.–and the capable commercial movers you hire will make it easier for you to explore those things.

Get organized

No one will suffer more from a lack of organization than an office in the process of moving. You have company data, conflicting shift schedules, new and old lease terms, and much more to coordinate, all while trying to keep up with your everyday corporate tasks as well. Therefore, it is crucial for you to have your head on straight and every component of the moving process to be as organized as possible. Your expert office movers can bring you crates, boxes, and other necessary moving equipment that will help keep the tax files with the other tax files, and logged employee hours with the other logged hours, etc. Without these organization tools, your office will likely become the equivalent of a blender plagued by an unfortunate mixture of pure confusion.

Office movers help you stick to a timeline

Your office movers have done this a million times before, which is why they can help you create and stick to a specific timeline that will keep your office move from getting too chaotic. This includes factoring in time for efficient packing, physical relocation, dismantling furniture, unpacking, setting up the new office, and cleaning up the aftermath of the moving chaos.

A timeline can work the same way deadlines work for employees; it’s easier to manipulate a work schedule around an office move when you have a general idea of how long it will take and when you may find it disruptive. In other words, it’ll be a helpful tool that your commercial movers will assist you in utilizing.

Manage your technology

Do you remember that time the Dell guy came and set up your desktops? Or the phone company hooked up multiple office lines and made sure they didn’t interfere with your wireless router that you’ve hidden in some aesthetically pleasing way? Now, can you imagine doing all of that again yourself? Office movers are equipped to deal with your technology, by packing it appropriately, transporting it without harm, and setting it up again seamlessly at your new office location.

It may sound easy, but without the proper background and knowledge about this specific cable going into that specific outlet, you’ll find yourself spending way too much time and much too much energy on trying to figure out the odds and ends of this process. Leave it to your movers to move your electronic equipment, so that everything goes without a hitch.

Communicate about your move

It’s important for your employees to feel like they’re an important part of the team and not just an afterthought that gets sidelined by the move. For employees who have been at your company long-term especially, moving to a new office might feel a little bit like they’re being forced to leave their home. You’ll want to transition your workforce from office to office with care. Based on this, it’s important to keep them clued in as much as possible with what’s going on with the move, but understandably, you might not have time to continuously give everyone updates.

This is where your office movers come in; initially, it’s on you to make a communication schedule about the office relocation, but your movers can answer detailed questions patiently. From moving hundreds of clients a year they know the nitty-gritty details of your move, so let them take the floor on this one!

We’ve scratched the surface of what expert commercial movers can do for you, but if you’re looking to relocate your office and still are unconvinced, pick up the phone and call your local, expert office movers. They can tell you what to expect, answer your questions about anything big or small, and give you the reassurance you’re looking for.

The post Moving to a Different Office? Here’s Why You Need Expert Office Movers appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/why-you-need-expert-office-movers/

[tonitbarrett]

Relocating to Another Country? International Movers Are Here to the Rescue

You’ve finally decided to put your money where your mouth is, and do the thing that everyone says they want to do but few actually follow through on: you’re leaving the country for a new life in a foreign land.

Moving internationally is both admirable and terrifying. Some people move for the adventure. Others are required to relocate for school or a work transfer. For some, it represents an opportunity to save money or improve job prospects. Whatever your reasons, the Big Move will be an exciting chapter in your life, albeit nerve-wracking. The good news? International movers are here to help you along the way.

Why use international movers?

Moving internationally isn’t the same thing as relocating to a place that’s a few hours away from your old home, or even moving across the country. This is why it’s wise to find an experienced international mover that can help you through the whole process; someone you can trust with your belongings. Their experience should prove to be both useful and reassuring. From packing items up to shipping containers, your movers are there to assist you the whole time.

Choose international movers who understand the process

Aside from just moving your belongings, international movers can often advise you on what to expect when you touch down in your new home. These things can range from paperwork, insurance or pension plans, a new education system for your kids, and a host of other things that might come up along the way. Of course, do your own research to find out what to expect, both from the moving process itself, and what will greet you as you arrive in your new country of choice.

Get organized

To save both your future self and your movers unnecessary stress, organize your things as best you can. This includes giving yourself ample time before your move so you don’t have to rush and throw things haphazardly into suitcases. If you know that you tend to procrastinate, try to make yourself a schedule that involves only packing for a few minutes every day, but will be early enough in advance to assemble everything in a system that makes sense to you. Characterize items like electronics, school supplies or clothing, and designate a bag for each of them separately. This will make unpacking simple, and also clue your international movers into how best to handle your things.

Decide what’s important to bring, and what needs to stay behind

In keeping with the theme of starting anew, moving internationally can prove to be an exaggerated version of spring cleaning. The cleanse can be as intense or as light as you want, but there’s no chance you’ll be bringing every last possession with you on your journey.

Selling or donating items may make your pockets a little fuller, and might even give you a spiritual lift. Additionally, it may not be worth it to bring items over that will actually be cheaper to buy wherever you’re relocating. Ask your movers if you’re unsure what’s necessary to take with you; they might have insightful answers.

Learn whatever you can

From customs requirements to corporate relocations, there is a lot of change ahead of you. Your movers will already be well-versed in these challenges and can walk you through them, as well as answer any questions you may have. However, it’s also helpful to try and learn on your own. For example, if you’re expecting a language change to greet you on your arrival, it’s never too late to pick up a beginner’s book and learn some basic words and phrases before you arrive. Treat this move as an exciting opportunity to gain new skills and broaden your knowledge in a wide variety of subjects.

Breathe!

Yes, moving can be worrisome or stressful, but remember that you’re doing it for a good reason. Breathing exercises, yoga, and setting aside some “you time” are all ways to help calm you if you’re feeling nervous about your move. Think about the new culture you’re going to experience, the new neighbors you can meet, and the new sites you’ll get to see.

  Most importantly, your international movers will be by your side from start to finish, so you know you’ll be in good hands.

  The post Relocating to Another Country? International Movers Are Here to the Rescue appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/international-movers-to-the-rescue/

[tonitbarrett]

Why A Local Moving Company is the Best Way to Go

Moving can be a stressful endeavor, and the last thing you want to worry about is the minute details of packing up your house on the day of relocation.

If you have complete trust in the moving company you choose, it’ll free your mind up to think about the other tasks ahead of you. However, with all the moving horror stories you’re bound to hear across your life–the chinaware was broken, the furniture got torn, some of the items never made it to the new house–it’s natural to be skeptical when deciding if hiring a moving company is even worth it. Using a local moving company will hopefully dissuade these fears and leave you with a great solution for starting your life in a new place.

Convenience

For those with a strong do-it-yourself inclination and desire to accomplish things independently, hiring a moving company might seem superfluous if you are planning a local move, though. After all, why pay for a bunch of strange men to throw your stuff haphazardly in their truck when you can make a few trips strapping furniture to the top of your car and cushioning your breakables in the backseat? The answer is simple: Convenience. Using a local moving company will take the stress off you when it feels like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders, and allow you to focus on other tasks at hand.

Local moving companies are the experts

Let’s face it: We’re not always the most knowledgeable about the appropriate protocol for various tasks, and relocating requires attention to detail. Moving is just one of those things that you might want to let an expert handle for you; while you know your house and furniture better than anyone, you don’t necessarily know the best way to transport every item. Local moving companies have the wherewithal to get your stuff where it needs to go in the most efficient way possible.

You might also be inclined to tip your movers a little extra as a thank you if they do a no-fuss job in a timely manner; it is certainly not an easy job to pull off smoothly, but somehow the experts get it done.

Accountability

Like we said before, moving is a much better experience if you can manage to have total trust in the people helping you, especially if you’re preparing for that long distance move. Long distance moving has the added cringe factor of potentially being separated from your belongings for quite some time. Your local moving company will likely be on the smaller side, and therefore more accountable; each member of the team is usually supervised directly under the owner (and sometimes, the team only consists of the company’s partners). They are looking for business, and will certainly take your customer experience into consideration when you hire them. After all, both their reputation and their wallets depend on it!

Reputation

In conjunction with the above mentioned, you’ll want to go with a moving company that does not just see you as another dollar sign. Your local movers will probably invest more time into your personal project than a moving company from out of town, because their reputation is on the line with the people of your community. Word of mouth is extremely important to the growth of a moving company’s business, and they’ll work hard to make sure their reputation in local areas is a good one.

Patience

Friendly neighborhood guys will more often than not be more inclined to answer your questions and explain what they are doing if you’re interested or concerned. You might even find yourself depressed after relocation, which is not uncommon. If that’s the case, you’ll really appreciate it down the line if your last memories of being in your old house are pleasant ones. Having that extra reassurance that the movers’ patience provides you could make your experience going forward an easier one.

A lot in common

We know that moving day has the potential for stress galore, but who says the experience can’t be fun? If you are the type of person who likes to get to know people you meet, then chatting up your local movers when they’re on a break could be really enjoyable for both parties. You might have gone to the same schools, shopped at the same supermarkets, or even had the same friends.  Local movers will usually be the most friendly, and you never know what you may have in common with them. Convinced yet? Call your local moving company today and get started with planning your future! Trust us, it’ll be worth it.

The post Why A Local Moving Company is the Best Way to Go appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/local-moving-company-best-way-go/

[tonitbarrett]

The Definitive Checklist for Moving Day

Here Are 16 Crucial Tips You Need to Know in Order to Ensure Your Moving Day Goes as Smoothly as Possible

After months of planning and worrying, moving day has finally arrived! We bet you’re super excited about finally receiving the keys to your home and starting your life someplace new. The only thing you still need to get through before you are free to unpack, design and settle in, is the actual move itself.

Follow the next 16 steps checklist for moving tips to make sure you’ve organized every single thing on your moving day checklist, including packing your belongings properly. Plan your move accurately and choose a moving company that will provide a detailed move plan with all of your items. That way you’ll know the movers have a record of all your items and will care for them. This will also help to make the move efficient and prevent any price changes.

Get a trusted recommendation

It’s important not to only rely on reviews, as there are many fake or paid reviews in the moving industry, both on the positive and negative side. Best is to trust word of mouth or recommendations from friends, family and just about anyone you can rely on. If whoever recommended the moving company had a great experience with a specific team or sales representative, you should request to use those specific service providers as well as let the company know you were referred. That personal connection may result in better service.

Seal the Deal From the Very Start

Along with a detailed inventory list, make sure to get a guaranteed price and read the fine print to make sure the price doesn’t change. This is the main reason Flatrate was founded – to protect customers when moving.

Packing

This is a fairly obvious point but it’s still important to include it on any checklist for moving day to ensure that everything is packed. Never assume the packers haven’t missed something. Designate someone to do the “idiot check,” to make sure that you haven’t left anything behind. And leave the heavy lifting and packing for professionals. Don’t attempt to pack your TV, stereo system, mirrors, pictures, fragile items, etc’.

Furthermore, if you move long distance, use professional boxes. Flatrate offers separate, especially durable boxes for the longer journey. It’s best if you empty all of your furniture into boxes to help prevent damages to both your items and your furniture and take pictures of your boxes so you remember what inside each one.  Also, take pictures of the back of your TV or stereo equipment.  That way you will know how to put them back together.

Parking

Have you organized parking for your removal van? If you have a driveway, this won’t be an issue. If not, then you might need to arrange a permit prior to the big day. Confirming times one last time with your moving service can also be good for your peace of mind.

Traffic

It’s a good idea to keep checking the traffic so you know what to expect on your moving day. While you might not have the flexibility to change your moving day, you can at least consider taking alternate routes if you’re likely to get stuck in a serious traffic jam.

Knowing where you are going is also important, even though it may seem obvious. Do you have the correct address and postcode for your new home as well as for any storage units you might be using? Don’t wait until the last minute to start Googling addresses!

Weather

Likewise, it’s a good idea to check the weather prior to your move. If it’s going to be snowing for instance, then there are several precautions you might need to put into place – such as laying down salt. Your checklist for moving needs to be adaptable depending on weather and driving conditions.

Provisions

Keep some other important provisions near the top of one of your boxes for easy access in case you don’t feel like unpacking on the first day. That way you’ll at least have things like your toothpaste, shower gel and a first aid kit at hand.

Turning Off the Lights and Locking Up

Treat this part of your checklist for moving like a checklist for going on vacation: make sure that everything is switched off, that all the windows and doors are locked and that faucets are fully sealed on your taps.

Cleaning and Sweeping

Once everything is out of your home, now might be a good time to quickly go around with a vacuum cleaner to get the place looking decent before the new owners arrive. You can also take some photos at this point so you have evidence of the state you left the property, especially if it’s a rental.

Sell or Donate Your Furniture

Moving can be very expensive depending on how many items you own, and there is a lot of money to be saved by deciding not to move everything. Look at it as an opportunity to declutter, sell your belongings, expose of certain items or donate others. Flatrate has actually partnered with the Salvation Army and allows clients to donate two boxes of their items free of charge and without having to take care of the actual donation process.

Invest in Insurance

If you have valuable items make sure you get insurance. Best is if you check with your home insurance policy first since you will always get a faster resolution that way. Speak to your agent if you have one and if they are unable to offer it to you then turn to your moving company for insurance. Any reputable moving company will provide it. Flatrate provides an option for full valuation based on the value of your items.

Keys

Make sure that you leave keys for the new owners and that you have keys for your new property so that you can actually get in. If it’s possible, test them before you arrive.

Bills and Post

This should be done a while before you move but you may want to double check on the day of the move that you have canceled all the bills for your old home and given service providers your new address. Have any post such as magazine subscriptions forwarded to your new address and update your details on any and all personal accounts.

Unloading

It’s a good idea to have at least a rough idea of where you will be storing your furniture and items when you arrive at your new home. This includes thinking about how you will fit large items through narrow doors  – will they have to go through the backyard, or will you need to remove a window? – as well as which boxes will be placed in which rooms.

Checking the New Home

Once you arrive at your new location, make sure you ensure that nothing crucial is missing. Take a few photos of the rooms while they’re empty so you have a better understanding of what’s been placed and where. Furthermore, ask for floor and corner protection both for the home you’re moving from and your new home. Damage to the floors or corners can be very costly so you want to make sure your new home is up to par as is the home you’re leaving.

Considerations for the New Owners

While it’s not a requirement, a nice touch can be to leave a note for the people moving into your old place. You may even decide to leave them a box of chocolates to celebrate their new home. It’s their moving day too after all, and wouldn’t it be nice if someone did the same for you?

The post The Definitive Checklist for Moving Day appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/definitive-checklist-for-moving-day/

[tonitbarrett]

Make Your Move Easy With Cross Country Movers

Top Tips for Moving Long Distance to Help You Find the Best Moving Service, Avoid Hiccups and Save $$$

If you are moving across country, then you need a moving company that can cope with the unique challenges that this will create. When you move further afield, you will find that more logistical challenges present themselves and of course costs will go up too. Your job then is to spend the time looking for a company that can meet those challenges while keeping costs low.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the crucial things to look out for when choosing cross country moving and some great tips that will save you money and headaches.

Where Do They Operate?

The first thing you need to ensure is that the company in question is able to provide you with the service you need. That means they need to operate in the states that you will be moving between and it means they need to offer all of the other services you require whether that is packing, installation or something else entirely. While some companies may advertise themselves as ‘cross country movers’, that’s a title that is open to interpretation – so be sure that they can take you from point A to B!

How Long Will the Cross Country Move Take?

Another thing to look into is the amount of time you can expect to wait for your goods to arrive. If the service has handled similar relocations, then it should be able to offer not only a price quote but also a delivery window so that you can be sure precisely when your belongings will be arriving at your new address. You need to make sure that this is a guaranteed delivery window too, if you are going to be making other plans around their arrival.

The best companies will provide various allowances to deal with difficult situations. For example, some cross country movers will provide a shuttle service if the truck is too big for the street or drive. Make sure you know how much this will cost up front as well.

What Does the Price Include?

When choosing cross country movers, you of course want to get the best value for money – but don’t be won over by the first low price you see. What’s important to check is precisely what you are getting for the amount you’re paying and what the company’s policies are regarding delays and other issues. One crucial tip for instance, is to make sure that your company charges a flat rate (also called a ‘binding estimate’) rather than paying per hour or based on other moving targets. If you’re moving a hundred miles or more, then traffic can end up making a massive difference to the amount of time that delivery takes. If your costs are tied to that, then they will be very unpredictable. Instead, aim for a service that will honor the price it quotes and that way you can budget more precisely and be sure that you aren’t going to get caught out.

How Can You Get the Price Even Lower?

Even when looking at flat rates, policies can differ from company to company. Ensure that your organization charges by volume rather than weight or vice versa, depending on which will suit your particular items better. You also want to look for a price that is all-inclusive, to ensure that there are no hidden costs that will surprise you when the bill comes. Look as well for companies that offer consolidated moving, which basically means that more than one customer will use the same shipment. This is better for the environment and for the price you’ll ultimately pay.

Another reason it’s useful to check the precise cost of moving, is that you may find that once you have a quote, you can actually lower your costs by selling and repurchasing certain items. For example, if you have an old mattress that costs $500 to ship to CA, then you might do better to just sell the old one and buy a replacement for a little more. It amounts to getting a big discount on a brand new item!

Storage Options

If you’re moving a long way out from your current location, then there is a chance that you are going to need to use a storage solution to hold your items while you iron out the details. For that reason, it’s useful to find a company that also offers storage at locations convenient for your move. FlatRate can provide storage at 8 locations around the country: NY, NJ, DC, Orlando, Miami, SF, LA and Denver.

Safety and Security

While it’s not something you want to consider, the truth is the further you are traveling the greater chance there is that your items will get damaged along the way. For that reason, you need to find a company that will take extra care. This means finding cross country movers that will use the best containers (at FlatRate, for instance, we have the option of customized wooden crates) and that has a good reputation based on customer reviews. Always ensure your moving service has insurance too, so that your items will be covered against any damages.

  Keep these tips in mind when choosing cross country movers and you should find you can save money and headaches by working with the service that’s best suited to your specific requirements. The further you move, the more important it is to find the right cross country movers to work with, so it’s well-worth the investment!

The post Make Your Move Easy With Cross Country Movers appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/make-move-easy-with-cross-country-movers/

[tonitbarrett]

Top Moving Tips for Moving During the Winter

Here Are a Few Simple Moving Tips That Will Make Your Move Easier and Safer Any Time of Year, No Matter the Weather!

Moving homes can be a challenge at any time of year but when winter comes around, things can get that much more difficult. Not only do you have to take into account the same logistical issues as before, but you now also need to deal with busier roads, colder weather, rain and slippery surfaces, and possible snow.

So how can you make sure that your move goes as smoothly as possible, no matter the weather? Read on for some moving tips that will help your moving day pass by as smoothly and stress-free as possible.

Clear Your Driveways

If snow is clogging up the road, there’s not much you can do to change that. But what you can do is clear snow from your driveways (both your old and new home). This way, you won’t have to wade through thick snow and slippery ice while carrying heavy objects and you’ll reduce the likelihood of injury as a result. Throwing down some salt can be a good idea as this will help to prevent falls and snow and ice from settling. Here are some more tips for keeping driveways clear. Don’t forget your number one priority no matter when you’re moving is your safety.

Watch the Reports

To avoid getting caught in the rain or during a storm, make sure to keep an eye on weather and traffic reports. This way you can make alternative arrangements if necessary, plot new routes and generally adapt to the changing situation.

It’s also a good idea to think ahead when planning when to move and how you will be doing it. The roads tend to be even busier during the winter, so you should make more of an effort to avoid peak time.

Carry Emergency Supplies

One of the best moving tips for winter is to ensure that you have ample supplies in your car. That means things like a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a snow shovel, tires, a first aid kit, salt, flashlights and a de-icer.

We all know that cars like to steam up or freeze over right when it’s most inconvenient and this is more common during winter for obvious reasons. Keeping a de-icer at hand will prevent you from needing to run in and boil some water. Likewise, seeing as batteries are more prone to dying in cold weather, you should keep some jumper cables in your car (and make sure you know how to use them).

Look After Your Health

While moving, it’s important to make sure that you dress appropriately for the occasion. If you’re doing the heavy lifting, then you may get hot later on so make sure that you wear layers so that you can adjust as needed.

It’s also important to look after your health on the run up to the move. Immune systems take a hit during winter and since you’ll no-doubt be stressed, this is prime-time to come down with a cold or the flu. That’s going to set you back, so fuel up on vitamin supplements and make sure to stay away from people who’ve got a cold.

Wrap Items Up Well

Snow and ice aren’t the only kinds of bad weather that are more common during winter. Just as likely is that it will rain heavily, in which case you risk getting your belongings wet and potentially ruined. Make sure that you take this into account when packing and use waterproof plastic wrap where appropriate. This is one of those moving tips that is all-too-easy to forget until the heavens open up, so be prepared!

Turn to the Experts

It’s always a good idea to consider using a professional moving service if you have a large amount to move. Professional movers can be used to dealing with whatever weather or traffic comes their way and will have all of the tools and strategies to help you cope. Don’t struggle with moving a heavy couch on an icy driveway – leave it to the experts!

Keep all these moving tips in mind and you’ll be warmly snuggled up in your new home in no time.

  The post Top Moving Tips for Moving During the Winter appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/moving-tips-for-the-winter/

[tonitbarrett]

9 Crucial Tips for Packing and Moving Delicate Furniture

Here Are a Few Tips to Help You Make Sure Your Most Fragile Furniture Make the Trip in One Piece

Seeing as furniture is so heavy, it is sometimes easy to overlook the fact that it can also be delicate. Whether it’s an ornate stool, an antique cabinet or just a desk with lots of moving parts, moving your furniture can sometimes be just as susceptible to damage as any electrical device, so you need to be careful with how you go about moving it to your new apartment.

In this post, we’ll look at some of the things you can do to ensure that your glass tables and delicate couches arrive at your destination in one piece.

  #1: Carry High and Low

One of the first things you need to do to ensure that when moving furniture is to make sure you are able to carry it without dropping it. Try to carry your items high and low: tip the item backward at an angle and have your friend carry the top while you carry the bottom part of the furniture. Whether you’re holding a dresser, filing cabinet or shelving unit, doing so at a diagonal angle will help balance the piece of furniture and make transportation down the stairs a whole lot easier.

#2: Don’t Do it Alone

With that in mind, you also need to ensure that there is always at least one other person on hand to help you when moving furniture. If you hire movers, they should send at least two people together to handle the job.

#3: Don’t Force It!

Struggling to fit your couch in through the doorway? You could always try pushing harder but that would likely cause damage, possibly tearing fabric or breaking off handles. Better to remove the glass from a large window (which is easier than it sounds), or even to take the door off its hinges. Make space for your items, don’t force them.

#4: Plan for the Van

The same goes for fitting delicate furniture into the van before the move: don’t force it in when there isn’t adequate space. This is a quick way to scratch, snap or tear items – so make two trips if necessary.

Professional furniture movers can help with this since they’ll properly know how to place the furniture inside the van so that it isn’t harmed. If you’re trying to do things on your own, pad the ends of the van with boxes or even use a mattress to protect particularly fragile surfaces. Don’t forget to seal furniture in place too (with zip ties for instance) to prevent them from sliding around.

#5: Wrap and Pad

Whether you use bubble wrap, plastic wrap or several duvets and masking tape, wrapping your furniture is highly important. It’s incredibly easy for surfaces on cabinets and sideboards to get scratched otherwise, so keep them covered. Better yet, try and make sure your wrapping equipment is waterproof if there’s any chance the items might be heading outside in the rain.

Equally important is to pad your furniture and especially the corners of wooden items. You can do this by using Styrofoam or soft items like pillows and quilts. This way, you won’t scratch off the paint or the finish when you rest one corner on the ground. You can even use flat pack boxes to get the job done.

#6: Secure All Doors and Draws

If a drawer slides out or door swings open when the van heads around a corner, then it may be game over. This is another reason to wrap, as it will keep everything shut properly. In some cases, you may want to remove drawers and doors entirely or secure them properly in order to guarantee your moved furniture remains in tact.

#7: Disassemble Your Moving Furniture

Wherever possible, it is preferable that you completely disassemble your furniture before moving. Flat pack items can be completely taken apart and even placed in the original boxes if you kept them.

#8: Don’t Lose Pieces

One more important tip if you do disassemble your items, is to make sure that all screws and other pieces are stored somewhere sensible where they won’t go missing.

#9: Use the Pros

The very best way to make sure your delicate furniture survives relocation though is to leave it to the experts. Use professionals for furniture moving and they will take every precaution while calling on a wealth of experience. DIY is fine up to a point but not if it is going to lead to your items getting damaged.

  Follow these tips, take your time and have patience. If you are careful to do things properly and to get help where necessary, it can save heartache and expenses later down the line.

  The post 9 Crucial Tips for Packing and Moving Delicate Furniture appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/packing-and-moving-furniture/

[tonitbarrett]

5 Benefits of Using Full Service Movers When Relocating

Why Letting a Moving Service Take Care of Your Entire Move is by Far the Best Way to Relocate

When moving homes you are faced with the choice of whether to handle the move largely on your own or use a moving service. But this is not just a binary decision; you also need to decide precisely how much of the process you want to outsource. Do you hire a moving service solely for the van, or do you hire a full service moving company and get them to take care of the entire process from start to finish?

What Are Full Service Movers?

Full service movers are movers that take care of every last detail of your relocation so you simply don’t have to worry about a single thing. From packing your old home to unloading and helping you get settled into your new property, you can count on them to make sure you don’t lift a finger in the process.

Precisely what ‘full service’ entails though will differ somewhat depending on the company you use and the specific services you require. However, basic features offered by many full service movers include:

        Planning logistics of the move

        Deconstructing furniture (where appropriate)

        Acquiring boxes on your behalf and other packaging materials

        Packing all your belongings

        Carrying your belongings into the van or truck

        Driving your belongings to the new property

        Unloading the van or truck

        Unpacking your items and arranging them as per your instructions

       Installing furniture (where appropriate)

Other than having a full service moving company take care of these aforementioned services for you, you can also expect them to assist you in ways you didn’t even consider.

You’ll Avoid Living in Chaos

Living in a house filled with boxes, items scattered on the floor and deconstructed furniture you can’t avoid is extremely disconcerting. It’s not just the packing itself that is so inconvenient but the fact that you will need to start weeks or months before you intend to move – which means you’ll be living around boxes and furniture for all of that time. By using full service movers you won’t have to worry about a thing. You’ll be able to leave your belongings in your old house and have them delivered to you at your new home.

Your Items Will be Better Taken Care Of

Using a moving company to pack and unpack your belongings can help you to ensure that your items don’t get dropped and that they are stored in a logical manner to prevent them moving in the van, or being squashed by other items.

When you use full service movers, you can also rely on professional-quality packing to ensure that your items are even better protected. Add insurance into the mix and this is the best way to ensure all your items are intact when you arrive.

You’ll Avoid Injury

If you are moving out of a house with multiple rooms then chances are that you’ll have multiple bookcases, closets and other large pieces of furniture. The logistics of moving these alone are staggering and lifting such weight can also make injury a significant risk. This is especially true if you are older or if you have any existing complaints. Take care of yourself by letting someone else take care of your large items!

You’ll Save Money

Believe it or not, using full service movers can actually present you with several impressive savings. That’s because you are essentially getting bulk rates for your services and going more directly to suppliers. Movers can help you package your items more cheaply that you probably could on your own since they order huge amounts directly from wholesalers. Likewise, they charge less for the van or truck itself in most cases.

Sure, doing everything entirely on your own might save you some money, but using a moving service will provide the best possible value for your expense.

You’ll Be Able to Relax

The other question to ask yourself is just how much you value your time. Is it really worth spending months unloading your entire home and stressing with arranging a van? Think about what else you could be doing with that time and how much less stressed you would be if you could leave the entire process to a moving service!

If you’re thinking of hiring movers to load the van and transport your items to your new home, why not pay a little more and get them to handle the entire thing for you?

The post 5 Benefits of Using Full Service Movers When Relocating appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/benefits-of-using-full-service-movers/

[tonitbarrett]

New York Moving 101 – The Complete Guide to Moving to the Big Apple

Challenges That You Face When Relocating to New York and How You’ll Manage to Overcome Them by Choosing the Right Moving Company

  Are you moving to the Big Apple? New York is surely one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world to live in and is full of things to do, career opportunities and people to meet.

It’s also a bit of a logistical challenge though, bearing in mind that it’s such a busy area. For that reason, spending some extra time planning your move beforehand and considering some of the unique challenges you’re about to face, will likely pay off. Read on to discover some useful tips and advice to help you find the best New York moving company out there.

  Practical Considerations for Apartments

If you’re moving to New York, chances are you’re going to be moving to an apartment in a large block. That means that you’re probably not going to be on the ground floor and you might have to contend with some rather narrow corridors and possibly a lack of street parking. This is something that you should certainly research prior to your move, as the more information you can give your moving company in this regard, the smoother moving day will be.

If you don’t have large doors or corridors to move your furniture into, this could possibly mean you’ll be required to remove windows and lift heavy furniture items like sofas up to your floor from outside. You might have to look at how much weight the elevator is able to hold too and whether it is suitable for carrying your heavier items.

If you are buying furniture for your new home, then you should think seriously about the most suitable options. Modular sofas can work well for example, as they allow you to break them down before carrying them in. At the very least, it’s important to ensure that you will have more than one person on hand to carry the furniture up multiple flights of stairs.

  Storage Options or Storage

If you’re moving from a big house in suburbia to a small apartment in New York, then you might also want to consider keeping things in storage. Using a storage unit can be a useful way to keep your items safe while you arrange for larger items to be transported.

You can also combine storage with a short-term apartment if you need to move quickly. This way, you can find yourself a base of operations while you look for more permanent living arrangements.

Never make the mistake of moving to an apartment without first visiting it in person. Don’t forget that the reality of moving to NYC is quite different from what you see on TV and that’s especially apparent in the size of many apartments.

  Timing Your New York Moving Day

As the most populous city in the US with a population upward of 8.4 million people, New York can get rather busy. Even more surprising is the density, which is around 26,400 people per square mile. This is felt in terms of the pedestrian traffic, as well as the number of cars on the road – so if you want your move to go as smoothly as possible, then you need to plan ahead and ensure that you’re not trying to move during rush hour or during other busy events.

  Finding the Right Company

Even with the best planning in the world, you will still struggle to completely avoid traffic, which is why you should only move with a moving company that offers a flat rate. That way, even if you do get held up in serious traffic, you won’t be charged more than agreed and you won’t find yourself constantly having to check your watch. Look for a New York moving company that is familiar with the area and that will know the quickest routes, best times to travel and easiest ways to find parking.

While this might sound like a lot to consider, it’s nothing that an experienced moving company won’t have dealt with before. Do your research, find the right service, and you should have no problem getting set up in your exciting new home!

  The post New York Moving 101 – The Complete Guide to Moving to the Big Apple appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/new-york-moving-101-complete-guide/

[tonitbarrett]

How to Choose the Best Moving Company for You

Simply put, most people do not like moving. Despite the excitement of moving into a new home and the endless possibilities it brings, the process of moving in and of itself is often grueling, redundant and tiresome. A lot of us have moved countless times, and wrapping kitchenware with newspaper never gets fun. Luckily, there are particular aspects of the move you can outsource, so to speak, even if you are moving across the country. By that we mean you can hire the best moving company to do the heavy lifting for you, quite literally.

By employing a moving company to assist you with your transition, you allow yourself to be more forward thinking, strategizing where you would like to put everything so you are not just plopping everything in the new home and then having to move it all again. The only problem is that you have to find the best moving company around, and that is not an easy task either. We have a few tips for you to help you find your best help possible.

Ask Around

In other words, get recommendations. Your friends, family, co-workers and other peers are ideal sources of information for finding a good company to employ for your move. As a matter of fact, 92% of people take kindly to word-of-mouth marketing, and it makes sense. If your friend is recommending you a company, it is fair to assume that they received a well above average product and/or overall service experience for them to give the thumbs up. The best moving companies will do all the talking for themselves, and their satisfied customers will continue to do the talking for them.     

Weigh Out All Your Options

This is the true beauty of a competitive market. You do not have to give a single moving company your business. Rather, you are choosing which company in particular is best to suit your needs. Based on convenience, pricing, added amenities, and a handful of other factors, you can shop your business to a lot of companies in your area and pick which one you would be most interested in doing business with. A lot of, if not all companies can offer you in-home estimates, so this could also be a deciding factor in your quest for the best moving company in your area. The best case scenario is to come to an agreement on a flat rate. That way, you can conclude the move with no surprises from the original quote. Another deciding factor is looking up the company, whether it is on Yelp or other sorts of company rating webpage and base your decision on the consistency of other customers’ experiences.   

Make Sure Everything Lines Up

I am sure you have all heard some of the horror stories where moving companies are flat out scamming hopeful clients in need of help. For instance, take a Texas scam company that was more or less holding people’s furniture and other belongings hostage after loading up the moving truck. In New York, a group was taking people’s furniture and running off with it. All of these situations involved the victims saying there were undoubtedly red flags behind the entirety of these interactions.

To avoid all of this, make sure the company you are thinking about hiring is legitimate, reputable, and has all the proper paperwork in line to carry out the services professionally and within the full context of the law. Another way to avoid this type of nightmare is to be sure to start your research well ahead of the moving date. That way, you are not put into a position of desperation and you will not feel as if you have to overlook severe warning signs just to get everything moved at the necessary time.

Finding the Best Moving Company For Your Needs

All in all, moving is not the most fun and/or easy process. With the right moving company, a lot of the stress that goes into a big move can be easily alleviated. By asking around among family and friends for recommendations, you are likening your odds of finding a trustworthy company that will do an outstanding job. If that does not work, you can compare and contrast companies based on prices and other customer reviews and make your choice based on that. In any case, it is best that you make sure all the information on the company lines up to protect yourself from potential moving company scammers. For safe measure, be sure to secure all your most valuable items during the move. By following these steps, you are insuring yourself the opportunity to have a pleasant and seamless move.  

  The post How to Choose the Best Moving Company for You appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/choose-best-moving-company/

[tonitbarrett]

Scared of Moving Day? Professional Movers Are Here to Help!

Find Out Why Professional Movers Are Precisely What Your Moving Day Needs and Deserves.

Sometimes, the act of moving – taking everything you own and organizing it into transportable boxes to be stacked in a van – can seem like an overwhelming task. Whether you don’t have enough space to arrange your belongings, enough time to get them all into place or enough muscle power to lift them, moving can certainly be a daunting task.

This is where professional movers come into the picture. Outsourcing your moving ordeal to a team of experts is the best thing you can do, from both a financial and practical perspective. Read on to learn why using professional movers is the way to go if you’d like to enjoy a stress-free moving day.

  What Do Professional Movers Do?

If you’re moving homes for the first time, then you might be wondering precisely what a moving service can do for you. Actually, the specific services can vary depending on the company and depending on your specific needs. In general though, movers can:

        Help you box up your items so that they’ll be easy to stack

      Offer short term or long term storage solutions for your belongings

      Carry your possessions onto the van

      Transport your belongings to the new home

      Unload your items and carry them into your new house

   Set up and install  your electronics

  You don’t need to use all the services provided by your professional mover, but there is no doubt that choosing to use professional movers is a good idea if you want to ensure a smooth moving process that will help you avoid property damage.

Why a Moving Service is the Smart Choice

  If you’re planning on handling the move entirely yourself, then you’re going to have to start packing long before the exchange of contracts. That means you’re going to be living out of boxes for the next few weeks and spending your evenings packing instead of bidding a proper farewell to your old home, or preparing the logistics of your move.

Living out of a box, or a few boxes for that matter, makes it rather difficult to enjoy your last days in your home. Add that to the simple fact that the way you pack your belongings is inevitably going to be less effective than the way a professional service would handle the job. Best to leave it to the professionals to pack your items more efficiently, meaning that they will reduce the chances of any items getting damaged and ensure the maximum quantity can fit on the van.

When it comes to loading, their expertise continues to be a huge asset. Using professional movers means that nothing gets dropped and no one puts their back out. You’ll be able to rest easy while trained professionals take care of everything for you and all that’s left for you to do is to follow the van and turn up at your beautiful new home.

By fitting more into a single van, by avoiding damage and by packing into fewer boxes, you can actually stand to save money by using a moving service. Even if that doesn’t turn out to be the case, the real question to ask yourself is just how much you value your time and health. Why live out of boxes, spend countless evenings packing and then injure your back when there are experts out there who can help?

FlatRate offers many different moving services, including local moving services, long distance moves and even international moving services. Whatever the need, you’ll find the solution for your moving needs with us.

The post Scared of Moving Day? Professional Movers Are Here to Help! appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/scared-of-moving-professional-movers-are-here-to-help/

[tonitbarrett]

Scared of Moving Day? Professional Movers Are Here to Help!

Scared of Moving Day? Professional Movers Are Here to Help!

  You’d be surprised, but sometimes moving alone can actually cost you more. Here are the main reasons why you should hire professional movers to do the heavy lifting for you.

  Too often, we make the mistake of trying to save money by doing things ourselves. While there are instances where this can be a smart way to reduce expenses, it more often proves to be a false economy. This is the case when it comes to moving.

While you could try to save yourself a minor expense by loading your own boxes and borrowing a van, in terms of value, you will still be getting the worse deal versus choosing to hire movers.

Read on to learn why outsourcing is actually the smarter option when it comes to moving apartments.

There Are Hidden Costs to Moving Yourself

Choosing to move your own items can actually end up costing more than you expect. Such costs include:

      The cost of boxes

      The cost of fuel

      The cost of hiring a van

      Any time taken off from work

      Any damage caused to belongings

While some of these expenses apply in both scenarios, when you hire movers you get bulk rates on your boxes and packaging and much cheaper van rentals. Fuel costs can be reduced by getting a flat rate too, as you won’t end up spending more if you get held up in traffic. The whole process will be quicker and most importantly, professional movers will be able to insure your belongings against damage. In short, the cost saving will definitely be worth it, and that’s even accounting for the tip.

This is an important consideration for anything thinking of moving themselves but it’s even more important for commercial relocations, where you need to stay focussed on running your business, as well as for long distance moves.

Using Professional Movers Makes Sense if You Value Your Time

Most people would agree: time equals money.

Most people work between 8-9 hours a day to earn a living, so that they can spend their evenings enjoying the fruits of that labor, unwinding with their family and perhaps enjoying a TV show. If you’re not spending that money in order to protect your free time, then it raises the question as to why you worked so hard in the first place.

It can feel like a ‘waste’ to spend money on services that you think you’d be able to do yourself but don’t underestimate the value of your free time. You don’t get enough of it and you need it. Packing and moving an entire home’s worth of belongings is no small endeavour either; this is especially true when there is so much other admin to be done.

Professional Movers Prevent Accidents

If you don’t value your time, then perhaps you value your health more. Moving homes can actually be dangerous and could potentially cause you an injury if you don’t know how to lift heavy pieces of furniture. Yes, you can find instructions on moving heavy objects like pianos, but unless you do this every day, you run a very real risk of putting your back out.

Hire Movers to Make Your Moving Day a Happier Occasion

Moving tops multiple ‘stressful life events’ lists and for good reason. This is a huge financial commitment, administrative task and lifestyle change – especially if you’re moving to another area, or moving in with a partner for the first time. It can be enough to test even the calmest and most level-headed personalities.

Using professional movers simply removes one of the biggest causes of stress. And that’s a very worthwhile benefit, as moving should be one of the happiest days of your life. Instead of waking up on moving day and feeling stressed that nothing is packed, you can instead wake up and know that all you need to worry about is getting yourself to your new home. When you consider the savings you make in terms of your emotional wellbeing, physical health, peace of mind and time, that fractional extra cost really doesn’t look like much.  

  The post Scared of Moving Day? Professional Movers Are Here to Help! appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/professional-movers-are-here-to-help-you-move/

[tonitbarrett]

Top Things You Need to Know Before Hiring Long Distance Movers

Follow These Simple Tips to Ensure That Your Moving Day Goes by Flawlessly

Moving homes can be a true test of your patience, especially if you’re embarking on a long distance move. Not only will you have to get used to a new city but a new home as well.

The logistics of securing a property hundreds of miles away and then organizing the relocation of your possessions is something you can’t fully appreciate until you’ve tried it. There is no doubt that one of the most panic-inducing aspects of moving homes is seeing all your worldly possessions packed into a van and driven away. That’s a lot of trust you’re putting into a company you’ve likely never used before.

This is why it’s so important to do your research before the big move. In this post, we’ll be looking at some of the most important questions you need to ask before hiring long distance movers and securing their service.

Do They Have Insurance?

Undoubtedly, one of the most important things to check with any moving company is their insurance situation. A professional moving company should be covered for the items they’re transporting for you, meaning that if there is any sort of accident, they’ll be able to immediately compensate you for the damage. Of course, you won’t need that insurance in an ideal world. But even with the best company in the world, accidents do happen and that’s why it’s so important to ensure that you’re protected. With FlatRate, the safety of your items is our #1 priority. Even though you shouldn’t send bills or documents with value, FlatRate does offer customers a special safe box solution.

Are They Licensed?

Also critical, is making sure that the company you are using is licensed. If you are moving between states, then the company needs to have a US DOT number, which is a license number from the United States Department of Transportation. You can search the database here to make sure that that number is valid.

What Are the Reviews Like?

Just because a company is insured and licensed, that doesn’t mean that they’re going to show up on time or handle your belongings with due care. The best way to get an idea of the quality of the service is to read customer reviews. Check online to read testimonials that will make you feel confident about your choice of company.

What Are the Payment Terms?

Once you’ve decided what company you will be moving with, it’s time to discuss payment terms. The ideal scenario is that you pay a flat rate based on your inventory, and not weight, as this way you’ll know exactly what the job will cost up-front, and know they’ll be no hidden fees that may surprise you along the way.

Other long distance movers might charge you based on the distance or the weight of your belongings. This makes things less certain, as it means the price will be dependent on the route the company takes and the traffic on the particular day and time.

Many companies might add additional costs associated with your move. This could include parking, for example, labor or even the cost of boxes. There can even be hidden fees when it comes to having your possessions packed by a professional. That’s why you should mention in advance to your moving company if you will require special crating for expensive furniture, artwork, antiques, glasses and marble tables.

Whereas other companies won’t compensate customers if the delivery window is delayed, FlatRate provides a guaranteed window of delivery.

How Big Is the Van?

Don’t forget to make absolutely certain that all your belongings can fit in the moving van before you agree to a specific price. Ask the company about their maximum capacity and make sure they are fully aware of the precise items you intend on moving. It’s easy to underestimate just how much space you’re going to need, and preparing in advance can make everyone’s lives easier.

Can They Park and Access Your Building?

It’s also important to discuss with your long distance movers where they are going to park and how they’re going to move your furniture and other possessions. If you have a narrow doorway, for instance, they may have to remove your window to get your sofa out. With FlatRate the customer never needs to get a moving permit. Consider the circumstances for both properties and make sure they know exactly where and when to arrive and what tools they need to bring.

Making Sure Things Go Smoothly With Your Long Distance Movers

When it comes to a long distance move, it’s well worth spending a little time researching your options including ways to pack your possessions properly or cutting down on costs.  When you’re moving across the country it’s strongly recommended that the company you decide to go with has a branch in the location that you are moving to. If they don’t then the moving company leaves it up to the driver to find any mover to unpack your belongings, which can sometimes cause unforeseeable problems.

Furthermore, when moving long distance all companies use one truck for multiple deliveries to the destination city to lower the fees for the customers. However, if you insist, FlatRate has exclusive delivery available.

Making sure you go over these aforementioned points will guarantee you work with a company that will arrive on-time and provide you with the best quality of service from start to finish.

The post Top Things You Need to Know Before Hiring Long Distance Movers appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/things-to-know-before-hiring-long-distance-movers/

[tonitbarrett]

How Much do Movers Cost?

How Much do Movers Cost?

From packing your possessions and deciding what to leave behind to the actual moving day, everyone who’s ever moved apartments knows just how stressful the whole process can be. That’s exactly why you need a reliable and professional moving company to get the job done.

Before choosing your moving company, there are a few things you should know. For starters, if you are moving locally, moving companies calculate the cost of moving your possessions based on inventory or by the hour.  With FlatRate Moving we charge a flat rate that is determined by how much inventory you are moving.  This type of move eliminates surprises and hidden fees when your move is completed.  Another popular move is long distance, with FlatRate you are charged based on your inventory and with other companies they charge by weight.

However, keep in mind that the biggest cost with most moving companies, is time. If a company bills hourly there could be unforeseen problems that might drive up the cost. Hourly and weight-based moves are estimates, and there are ways in which moving companies, unlike FlatRate, hide fees. These type of companies supposedly offer you the best rate according to the estimated time it’ll take them to move your home, but they are actually offering you the worst possible price. They are well aware of the fact that they’ll end up having to charge you more for unexpected issues.

Some companies, though, offer a flat fee, giving customers the most control over the cost of their move. By working with a moving company that offers a flat rate, you know in advance what is included in your move, and you also know that there will be no hidden fees.

Make sure there are no hidden fees

  When moving with a company that doesn’t offer a flat rate, you are risking frequent hidden costs. These include long carries, tickets, parking permits, tolls, gas, stair carry etc’.

Since most moving companies bill customers by the hour there are bound to be unforeseen problems that might occur and drive up the cost. The biggest time consuming issues tend to be elevator restrictions and traffic jams.

Other than being charged by the hour and having your movers get stuck in traffic, when your move is not all inclusive you are also at a risk of added charges for materials such as blankets, paper, and tape. These can run up to $150-$300 depending on the size of the move. Furthermore, not planning for the right amount of movers can in turn make your move longer than originally estimated. If you’re paying by the hour that can burn a serious hole in your pocket.  

Know your move

Once you’ve figured out your move type (local, long distance or overseas), decide on the date of your move, the amount of inventory, how fragile your items are and make sure to provide your movers with a detailed list of your inventory.

When determining how much your movers will cost, make sure you understand what type of moving services are available to you. Here are some services that may drive up the cost: packing or unpacking, debris removal, white glove services, carpentry, plasma removal or installation.

It’s crucial that the customer understands what their items are worth to them to determine what type of quote they need. There is a large spectrum surrounding the cost of something, and there is always a correlation between cost and quality. The cost of your move is in direct relation to the quality of the move.

How much do our movers cost, and what you get

When moving with FlatRate you are guaranteed a seamless experience, and no hidden fees. Your cost is all inclusive and includes the following services from us:

        A detailed customized move plan

        Travel, tolls, parking tickets/fees, fuel

        Light assembly and disassembly

        Corner and floor protection

        Wrapping and protection of all furniture

        Stereo/electronics protection and packaging

        Television protection and packaging

        Lamp protection and packaging

        Picture/Mirror/Rug protection and packaging

        Wardrobe box packaging

        Disposal of all materials used by FlatRate

        Guaranteed price

Just to get your mindset around the movers’ costs, here is a range of different types of moves that we’ve done:

        Elite 1 Bedroom no packing – $1,850-$2.200

        Elite 1 Bedroom with packing – $2,350-$2,700

        2 Bedroom without packing – $2,7000-$3,200

        2 Bedroom with packing – $3,800-$4,500

        1 bedroom move from NYC to LA $2350-3300

        1 bedroom move from NYC To MIA $1900-2500

        1 bedroom move from NYC to SFO $$2350-3300

        Small studio within the city  $350-550

        Same Building small studio $300-400

        Small One bedroom $500-700

If you’d like to learn more about what FlatRate can do for you on your big moving day, get in touch. There really is no need to have to worry about getting your prized possessions from your old home to your new one when you’ve got a professional company behind you.

The post How Much do Movers Cost? appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/how-much-do-movers-cost/

[tonitbarrett]

Doing the Most Good

Written by Brianne Manz at Stroller in the City

Festive lights, Christmas trees, crowds of shoppers and piles and piles of gifts are all thrilling parts of the holidays. My kids love to pour over the toy catalogues and make endless lists of items they want. With three kids and countless relatives the gifts tend to flood into our already packed apartment. And as much as I want my children to enjoy the holidays and play with all their new toys, I also want them to acknowledge how lucky they are and to give back when they can. A few weeks before Christmas each year, I go through their toys and clothes with them, and separate the ones they no longer play with or fit into, so we can donate them. It isn’t just about space saving; it is about doing the right thing.

The holidays are a perfect time to appreciate what we have and to take some time to reflect on those less fortunate. We are so lucky to have our health and happiness, a roof over our head and food in our kitchen. The gifts and toys are an incredible bonus to our already amazing lives, so it is crucial that we never take these things for granted and always do what we can to help those in need. Whether it is starting a toy or coat drive during the holidays or organize a mass clothing donation to your local Salvation Army or charity—it is important to get the community involved and support each other.

One of my goals as a mother is to raise compassionate, honest, generous and socially conscious human beings. I have made an effort to expose my kids to different cultures and traditions and most especially I show them that giving your time, effort, money and goods to the less fortunate is important and essential. I also like to support companies and brands that take social responsibility seriously and give back to the community.

Moving is also a great opportunity to take stock of your life and your stuff and consider donating gently used items to those in need. The best time to purge household goods, clothes, furniture that you no longer have use for is when you are moving. When I think about our next move, maybe to a bigger apartment, maybe to a house…I am happy to know that FlatRate Movers in New York City has partnered with the Salvation Army on their UPCYCLE program. FlatRate will provide you with boxes for donation items that they will drop off for you and then bring you the donation receipt! Not only does FlatRate completely take the effort and stress out of moving—you can feel good about booking with a company that gives back to the community.

My children were so happy and proud to give back we packed three boxes worth of toys and clothes to send to the Salvation Army! These are valuable lessons for them to learn and I hope they continue donating and volunteering into their adult lives.

The post Doing the Most Good appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/doing-the-most-good/

[tonitbarrett]

How to Get Your Security Deposit Back

Moving out of an old apartment is exciting…but it can be a stressful time, too. On top of all the other things you have going on, one thought will definitely be on your mind:

I sure hope I get my security deposit back.

Let’s set one thing straight:

Getting your security deposit back isn’t about hoping.

It’s not about wishful thinking.

It’s about knowing exactly what your former landlord will want to see when they open the apartment door after you move out.

Consider the following if you want to end your lease on good terms, and increase your chances of getting your entire security deposit back.

Document Everything When You Move In

The process of moving out actually begins before you even move in.

When you move into a new apartment, your landlord may or may not give you a checklist of things to take note of – from small issues like scratches or dings, to major problems like leaky faucets or broken appliances.

In the excitement of moving into a new place, it can be easy to rush through this list if everything looks “good enough.” But this is exactly what can come back to bite you years later. Sure, you know the toilet always had that crack in it – but if you didn’t document it when you moved in, you might be held responsible for it.

To avoid all this, make note of every little problem you see immediately upon moving in. Take picture. Heck, make a video while you do your first walk-through.

You’ll thank yourself years later when your landlord claims you caused damage that had actually been there way before you moved in.

Wear and Tear…Or Major Damage?

Speaking of damage:

You need to know the difference between normal wear and tear and outright destruction of property.

This one’s a little subjective, as it largely depends on your landlord’s outlook. But let’s assume your landlord understands that things deteriorate over time.

But that also doesn’t excuse you, the tenant, from negligence.

For example, if the seal on the apartment’s windows has started falling apart, it’s most likely not your fault. But if you were trying to fix it and ended up breaking the entire frame…that’s on you.

When moving out, know what you should – and should not be responsible for.

Make a Checklist

Okay, now we’re getting into the actual process of moving out.

Just like when you moved in, your landlord may or may not give you a checklist of things to take care of before you hand in your keys.

If they don’t, make one yourself.

Consider everything you can possibly think of that is within your power to fix or, at the very least, that you should notify your landlord of.

Make this list before you actually start doing any work. This will keep you on track and ensure you don’t overlook anything when the apartment starts to look “good enough.”

Make Repairs

Once you know what needs to be fixed, it’s time to get to work.

Again: know what’s within your power to fix. Don’t mess with the electricity, plumbing, or structural aspects of the apartment. Instead, focus on cosmetics.

Patch up any holes and dings in the wall.

Return walls to their original color.

Replace broken shelving or door and window frames.

Chances are, the cost of making these repairs pales in comparison to your full security deposit. Keep that in mind if you have to shell out a hundred bucks or so to fix up your old place.

Clean Deeply

Once you’ve made repairs, it’s time to clean.

And when I say clean, I mean clean.

Air the place out.

Sweep and vacuum spots you never even glanced at while living there.

Scrub the walls, floors, bathroom fixtures and kitchen appliances completely.

This is where you should go above and beyond. Your landlord will likely be hiring a cleaning service after you move out anyway, but putting in the extra effort could earn you some brownie points when your landlord takes a final walk-through.

Stay for the Walk-through

Once you’re ready to hand in your keys, there’s one more thing you need to do:

Accompany your former landlord while they assess the apartment for damages.

This will help mitigate any discrepancies between your checklist assessment and theirs – whether on the spot or later on.

Take care to approach this final encounter not as a way of covering yourself, but as a way of showing the landlord that you care about the property. Show them you want to make sure you’ve done everything you can to prepare the apartment for its next inhabitants.

A small gesture like this could go a long way to getting your security deposit back.

The post How to Get Your Security Deposit Back appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/how-to-get-your-security-deposit-back/

[tonitbarrett]

Tips for Moving Your Fine Art and Priceless Sculptures

All art deserves to be treasured — real deal or faux.

And if you are lucky enough to own a genuine Van Gogh, Michelangelo, or a simple imitation, transporting any form of art during a move takes preparation.

After all, you don’t want to have any surprises once your beautiful bronze sculpture or priceless gilded framed Renoir gets to its final destination.

To better your chances of all your art arriving damage-free or heaven forbid missing in action, be sure the journey begins correctly.

Begin with an Experts

Start by hiring a top-of-the-line professional and experienced mover to ensure your art will arrive safely and unharmed.

Here are some tips to take into account before your precious art hits the moving van.

Firstly, make sure you plan for your move far enough in advance and set up a visit for movers to take inventory and offer pricing before the actual move day.

Ask your moving company if it transports valuables such as paintings and other forms of valuable art even if the pieces are replicas.

Make sure the company is insured in case anything happens during the relocation process.

Find out if your own insurance company covers any damages to paintings, sculptures, glass, etc. If it doesn’t, you can seek out a fine art company that may insure your items with a separate policy.

Take an inventory of all your art valuables: Make a list before the move for your own records, as well as for the moving company. Log all items in a journal and put it away for safe keeping including: Description, condition, weight, dimension, and any other pertinent information about each item.

Take multiple photos of the items at various angles and in different scenarios so you have a visual record of each piece.

If you do the packing yourself, remove all art from walls, cabinets, etc. Pack each item in proper crates, with heavy padding and/or shrink wrap, or appropriate packing materials for each art piece.

You may also inquire if your moving company can accommodate packing the art items for an extra fee if you don’t want to do it.

Some art may need to be placed into storage, so you should ask your moving company to recommend  a space that is secure and monitors humidity and or temperature levels if this is the case. You might also want to ask if the company’s trucks are temperature-controlled in case the items are to be transported on the moving van.

In the end, working directly with your moving company is the best way to ensure that your beautiful paintings, sculptures, and other art valuables make it safe and sound to their final destination.

If you have questions, the moving company you hire should be able to answer and assist you so you feel comfortable with these important items that will be transported.

Remember at the end of the day, your relocation should be easy, carefree and worry-free whether it’s a household filled with glorious antiques, exquisite fine paintings, or just your sentimental valuables.

The post Tips for Moving Your Fine Art and Priceless Sculptures appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/planning-to-move-here-are-the-top-places-families-are-landing/