Tag: California moving companies

Important Steps to Take Post Moving Day

Prior to moving day, you have spent a great deal of time planning, organizing and packing. When the big day finally arrives and the moving truck pulls up ready for action, you are probably more than ready to get the long, strenuous and stressful day ahead of you overwith so you can kick back and de-stress in your new home. But once moving day has drawn to a close and you look around your new place at the piles upon piles of boxes towering around you, you will quickly realize that you’ve only completed half of the moving battle. Before your stress level starts to creep back up, here are some ways to make the process much easier.

Steps to Take

There are five steps to take to officially complete your move:

  1. Unpack
  2. Shop
  3. Update registrations
  4. Eliminate packing supplies
  5. Write a review

Unpack

As you look around your new home, you probably feel a bit overwhelmed and wonder where you should start the post-move process. The best way to start is to begin unpacking. It probably sounds torturous to unpack all those boxes you just packed, but it must be done. The bright side is that unpacking is typically much easier than packing.

While you can tear into any old box, it’s a good idea to start with any “open first” boxes that contain the essentials you will need during those first few days after your move. These items will typically include toiletries, chargers, and some clothes.

Another thing you want to unpack first is your bed/bedding. If your bed requires assembly, the more promptly you tackle this task, the better! The last thing you want after a long and exhausting day of moving is to prepare for bed then realize your bed isn’t together and you can’t figure out where you packed your bedding. So make these items at the front of your unpacking list.

When packing for your move, you were probably told to pack one room at a time for the most efficiency. While you can do this when unpacking, a wiser choice may be to unpack a bit of each room at a time. This way you can distribute your time and effort into putting away all of your must-haves first while you organize and set up your new space.

Shopping

Moving into a new place is exciting. You probably have all sorts of ideas about decorating and can’t wait to get started. But before you start buying everything you see, opt for the better option – to take it slow. Take the time to really consider what items your new home needs. This is especially true when picking out expensive items like furniture that are difficult to decide upon and even harder to take back.

Another thing to think about is this: just because your home is new to you doesn’t mean you should only fill it with new things. Consider using items you’ve placed in storage. If you have a lot of stored items, removing some to use in your new place could mean you can pay less for a smaller storage unit.

After-Move Updates

If you moved to a new state, there will be a number of extra things you will need to take care of that someone who moved locally won’t. These things include:

  • Finding a local supermarket, pharmacy, hospital, school/daycare, doctor and dentist.
  • Collect numbers to the ER and nearest hospital, and police and fire stations.
  • Register your vehicle.
  • Renew your driver’s license.

Eliminate Packing Supplies

Don’t wait until you have officially unpacked your last moving box to begin clearing out empty, or leftover, packing supplies. Instead, clear them out as you go. Some boxes can be broken down and stored for future needs, while others can be tossed in the recycling bin. You may also want to ask around to see if anyone nearby is in need of boxes and supplies and is willing to take them off your hands.

Write a Review

When your move is finally all said and done, and there’s nothing left to do but enjoy your new home, you should consider writing a review on the moving company you used. Doing this while your move is fresh on your mind will make the task much easier. It is also an excellent way to inform others who are in the process of moving about your experience.

For all your moving needs, click here.

What to Know When Moving a Bed to a New Home

Can you guess which piece of furniture in the home is favored by most? If you guessed the bed, then you’re correct! If you think about it, is there really any wonder as to why? It’s the only piece of furniture in your home that is associated with total relaxation, peacefulness and contentment. Who could resist such an inviting spot?

There is just one situation that can move such a beloved piece of furniture from the top of your love list to the bottom, and that’s having to move it. Beds, especially those of queen- and king-size, are incredibly heavy and awkward. Managing to move them across a room can be a struggle, but moving them to a completely new home is quite a feat. To make the moving process easier, and to ensure your bed survives the relocation in good condition, there are some things to consider, like if your bed is really worth moving and how to properly pack it. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about moving a bed.

Is it worth it?

When you are planning to move to a new home, the first thing you’ll need to do is figure out which items are worth taking with you. Before you jump into the hardship of packing and moving your bed to a new location, first ask yourself this – is it worth it? Here are some things to consider:

Condition. Take a look at the overall condition of your bed. Is it fairly new or very well preserved? Is it comfortable and nice to look at? Answering these types of questions will help you decide if your bed is really worth the move. If you answered yes to these questions, then you should definitely spend the money and make the efforts to take your bed with you. However, if your bed is old, worn out, damaged, or you simply don’t like it, it’s really not worth the ordeal of moving it.

Size. Another thing to consider before moving your bed is its size. So whip out a tape measure and take accurate measurements of the bedframe, mattress and box spring. Then, measure all doors, hallways, staircases and sharp turns of both your old home and your new one. If the bed won’t fit, or will be an extremely tight squeeze, you may want to leave it behind.

Distance. If you are moving across town, it makes perfect sense to take all of your furniture with you. But if your move is long distance, the cost to ship heavy items, like a bed, could be quite hefty. There is also the risk of your bedframe and mattress being damaged during a several-day transit. Unless your bed is of high sentimental value, or a family heirloom, you may want to consider selling it before the big move.

How do I pack a bed?

If you decide it’s worth the money and effort to take your bed with you to your new home, you will need to figure out the best way to pack it so it will make it through the moving process unscathed. When relocating to a new home, beds are one of the most difficult things to pack and move, and the larger and heavier the bed, the more difficult it becomes. To properly prepare your bed for shipment, you will need specific packing supplies and a number of hand tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Mattress bag
  • Moving boxes
  • Moving blankets (or other large, thick and soft fabrics)
  • Packing tape
  • Basic household tools, like a screwdriver
  • Sealable plastic bags

Once you have collected the necessary supplies, follow the steps below to ensure a safe and efficient relocation.

  • Remove all bedding – pillows, bed covers, sheets, blankets, etc. Pack them all in separate moving boxes and be sure to label the boxes as “bedding” for quick unpacking post-move.
  • Remove the mattress from the frame. To do this, grip the mattress on each end (you on one side and a helper on the other), then move it to the edge of the box spring. Carefully lower one end of the mattress to the floor while raising the opposite end. Avoid excessive bending of the mattress, because it can result in damaged springs.
  • Once you have the mattress up and out of the way, go ahead and remove the box spring.
  • Disassemble your bed (frame, headboard, etc.) as far as it will go, using the appropriate tools. Be sure your bed is fully dismantled before the move. This will make it easier to remove it from your home and into the moving truck. It will also reduce the risk of damage.
  • To prevent wood frames from dents and chips, or to prevent metal frames from being scratched or scratching other objects, wrap all pieces in moving blankets. Then wrap all mattresses in quality mattress covers.
  • Place all hardware pieces (bolts, nuts, screws) into separate sealable plastic bags. Then, securely attach them to the bed piece they belong to.

Moving a bed is tough, but with the right tools and know-how, you can get the job done quickly, safely and efficiently. For more moving tips and tricks, click here.

Top Tips for a Winter Move (Part 2)

As you discovered in our previous blog, winter is the hardest time for a relocation. You also learned a few perks to moving in winter, as well as some helpful tips to make your winter move more efficient. For this blog, we will continue to provide more tips to ensure a successful winter move by focusing on safety.

Keep Walkways Clear

The winter season is a time of increased danger, whether you’re driving or even just walking down a few simple steps, the biggest risk factor being slipping due to ice and snow. Along with these potentially risky activities, moving also poses many dangers, from injuring yourself to breaking valuable possessions. This is why safety is such an important factor when moving during winter.

One of the best ways to provide winter moving safety is by clearing all major walkways, like the driveway, sidewalk and other areas around your home that accumulate snow and ice. A failure to clear these spaces greatly increases the chance of someone slipping while carrying a heavy box or bulky piece of furniture. This can lead to bad falls and serious injuries. The best way to avoid injuries and damaged items is to break out a shovel or snow blower and some bags of salt or sand, then get to work.

If you are moving locally and have access to your new property before the move, you should go ahead and free important areas of snow and ice. Also, don’t forget to clear a designated space for your moving truck so you can quickly and easily get to work when moving day begins.

Keep Your Home Safe and Clean

If you followed our first safety tip, all major walkways are clear of hazardous snow and ice. Now that the exterior is taken care of, it is time to focus on securing the interior.

On moving day, many areas of your home will be heavily trodden on by a countless number of feet repeatedly going in and out. This will bring in snow, sleet, sand, water and so on. As a result, safety is put at risk. The best way to eliminate interior injuries during your move is to use preventative measures.

One preventative measure you can take is placing large pieces of cardboard on the floors of high-traffic zones, and securing their edges with tape so they are unable to move. This simple trick will do two things:

  1. It will increase traction between you and your movers’ feet so the risk of falls is decreased.
  2. Floors will be protected from damage.

Dress Appropriately

When moving in winter, it is very important to dress as appropriately as possible in order to protect your body from moving injuries as well as from the climate. But dressing for a winter move can be somewhat difficult. You don’t want to be too cold when you go outside, but you also don’t want to burn up when working inside. Here are some tips:

  • Don’t overdress, because you will risk sweating too much and potentially catching a cold.
  • Protect your fingers and hands with durable work gloves.
  • Wear protective shoes that provide traction and support.
  • Wear semi-loose clothing so your movements will not be restricted.

Turn on Major Utilities

When all is said and done and you have managed to transport all of your belongings to your new home, there is one thing you will hope you didn’t forget to do – turn on all major utilities. This task is extremely important because if you fail to have your utilities turned on at your new home prior to moving in, you will be without electricity, heat and water – a major problem when moving in cold, wintery temperatures.

When having your utilities connected, be sure to have them turned on at least one week prior to moving day to ensure they will be up and running when you arrive at your new home.

For more moving tips and tricks, check out our blog, here.

Top Tips for a Winter Move (Part 1 of 2)

 

The winter season is quickly rolling in. For many, this means frigid temperatures, icy rain and snowfall that grows from a few flakes to a mountainous pile outside the front door. One activity that can be hard to accomplish in winter is moving. In fact, a winter move is the toughest type of relocation there is. But it is not always avoidable. If you are planning to move this winter, it is a good idea to prepare ahead of time for the tasks to come. Here are some tips to make your winter move a success.

1. Consider Your Options

Due to the harsh conditions brought on by winter, it should come as no surprise that moving during this time poses many risks. If you are moving locally, you may be considering a do-it-yourself move. This means packing – and transporting – all of your belongings by yourself or with the help of friends, family and a rental truck. While a DIY move is pretty straightforward, the problem is that winter weather is unpredictable, changing from mild to severe in the blink of an eye. When it comes to planning ahead for a winter move, the weather forecast will be your most valuable source. If the forecast says you will be hit by a blizzard on the day of your move, don’t risk it! Instead, opt for a reputable moving company that is trained to deal with cold weather conditions.

2. Hire Professionals

When moving to a new home, you have two choices: do it yourself or hire professional movers. First, consider all aspects of a winter move, and then decide which route is best for you and your family. A self-move can be gratifying and also cost less; however, attempting to move yourself under winter conditions is generally not worth the risk of personal injuries, property damage or harm to valuable possessions. Hiring professional movers will eliminate all of these risks.

Hiring professional movers also comes with several more benefits. Here are a few of them.

Excellent Prices: You may not know this, but moving in winter is much cheaper than during other times of the year. Most people choose to move in summer, which escalates prices of moving companies. But during the off-season of winter, prices drop significantly, which means great savings for you.

Experienced Movers: Along with lower prices, moving in winter also comes with the advantage of getting the most experienced movers for your relocation. What does this mean exactly? Well, during busy times, like summer, moving companies often have to hire more movers just to keep up with consumer demands. This can lead to less experienced helpers being hired so the company will have enough hands for all of its jobs. But in winter, less jobs are available to moving companies, which means you are guaranteed to always get the most experienced movers available.

Negotiations: Since the winter season can be such a slump for moving companies, many are more likely to be negotiated into an even lower rate. This means a chance for additional discounts, a larger range of moving services, free packing materials, and more.

3. Pack for Cold Weather

Are you a good packer? Are you efficient at wrapping and labeling boxes, etc? If you answered yes, that’s great – and it will make for a much more successful moving experience. But, as wonderful a packer as you may be, there is something you may not have considered before, and that’s packing for winter verses summer, or other milder season. The main difference when packing between these two seasons is that temperature plays a very big factor in how certain possessions should be packed. While your home may be warm, outside temperatures can drop extremely low, even inside a moving truck. As a result, delicate and fragile items are put at a high risk of being damaged or broken – especially when in transit. Some items to keep in mind when packing for a winter relocation, include:

  • Plants
  • China and glassware
  • Musical instruments
  • Antique furniture
  • Electronic equipment

For more important tips for your winter move, continue on to our next blog!

Important Documents to Collect Prior to Your Move

Considering the magnitude of the moving process, it can be a challenge to effectively plan and organize all of the complicated aspects of your approaching relocation, along with handling all of the laborious moving-related tasks. Along with key issues to take care of, like these, you also need to gather all of the necessary paperwork. All things considered, paperwork may seem like the simplest task to complete on your moving checklist, but it often proves to be more time-consuming and nerve-wracking than originally anticipated. Not only does collecting and organizing all records and papers need prior, during, and immediately after your relocation take time, effort and diligence, but you also need to keep it safe. It is important to keep in mind that procedures for issuing and/or updating documents can take a long time to complete, so preparing paperwork as early as possible is your best bet to eliminate any potential problems when moving day arrives.

Documents to Collect Pre-Move

While some of the documents you need to take with you when moving are already in your possession, some will need to be retrieved from different institutions. Here is a list of the documents you will need:

Personal IDs. Personal IDs include:

  • Birth certificates
  • Passports
  • Driver’s license
  • Social security cards
  • Marriage/divorce certificates
  • Military documents (I/A)

Be sure to gather all personal IDs for yourself as well as for each member of your family. Some of these documents will be needed during your relocation, so be sure to keep them on hand at all times.

Moving Documents. If your relocation includes hiring a moving company to transport your belongings, you will be provided with important moving documents. These include a signed contract, along with a binding estimate, inventory list, moving-guide pamphlets, etc. These documents will be needed frequently throughout the moving process, so keep them secure and easily accessible during your relocation until moving day. When moving day arrives, place all moving-related paperwork in a secure spot, such as a lockbox – just don’t leave it behind by mistake!

Financial Documents. Financial documents include:

  • Credit cards
  • Bank statements
  • Savings account statements
  • Bank transaction statements
  • Income tax papers
  • Tax receipts
  • Tax deduction bills
  • Loan papers

Be sure to keep all financial documents in a designated folder and away from potential prying eyes. Also, keep track of all moving receipts because moving-related expenses can be used for tax deductions at the end of the year.

Property Documents. If you are moving into a home you purchased and/or out of one you sold, you will have a mountain of property-related documents to keep up with, such as:

  • Selling and buying agreements
  • Lease copies
  • Mortgage documents for new and old homes
  • Property insurance policies
  • Auto insurance cards
  • Registration documents of motor vehicles

Medical Records. To keep everyone healthy, it’s important to visit your doctor shortly before your move so you can obtain all medical documents needed post-move Also, be sure to transfer all prescription medications, and obtain dental records from your dentist’s office. If you have pets, you’ll also need to retrieve copies of veterinary records and vaccination certificates.

School Records. If you have kids, don’t forget to collect their school records. This is important because you will need them to enroll your kids into new school systems after the move. If your child is applying for college, be sure to request certified copies of his/her school transcripts.

Documents Needed When Moving Abroad

If you are moving abroad, you will need to gather a somewhat different set of documents. They include:

  • Valid passport
  • Visa and work permit
  • International health insurance policy
  • Immunization records
  • Pet information and vaccination certificates
  • Emergency contact list, including the address and contact details of the U.S. embassy in your new country

It is also a good idea to obtain an apostille stamp on all important documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, degree certificates, professional licenses, etc.) when moving abroad. This will assure foreign officials and government agencies that your documents are legit.

For everything you need to know about your upcoming move, ABC Movers can help. Click here to visit our blog or contact us at 800.771.0151.

Things to Keep in Mind When Moving with Pets

When you plan to move with your pets, the process involves a lot of things. Starting from the rules, documents required, local ordinances, and getting a permit, you need to be aware of all the important things. First and foremost, it is vital to plan a pet-friendly journey so that you can enjoy a peaceful and comfortable move with your pets. The infographic titled, “How to Move with Pets?” talks about the various important things related to moving with pets.

Every state has different rules, laws and regulations regarding pets and may require special permits for certain types of pets. Therefore, you must get all the details in advance about the laws and regulations for pets in the state where you are moving. Also check the local ordinances with the city clerk’s office; there are some zoning laws that may forbid certain animals in the residential area.

Most states also require a rabies tag for dogs, cats and other exotic animals. It is also important to get health certificates and other records of your pet from a renowned veterinary doctor as you may be asked to present these documents when moving to a new place with pets. Also, make sure that your pet wears a collar with tag that includes the pet’s name, owner’s name and the destination address. For more details about moving with pets, please refer the given infographic.