Moving Tips HQ

Using "Open Me First Boxes" With Your Move

2009-12-02T15:24:00.001-08:00

Two of the things that always amaze me about packing are how many things I seem to have accumulated and how many boxes it takes to pack them. This can lead to a number of challenges, including trying to figure out where critical items are when I arrive at my new place.

Fortunately, there are some relatively easy steps you can take during packing for a move that can make this process much easier.

What are Open Me First Boxes (OMFB's)?

One of the best tips you can follow is to create "Open Me First Boxes," or OMFB's. An OMFB is simply a box that is designed to be opened immediately after moving in. That's because there are certain items that hold more importance to daily life than others.

Why make Open Me Fist Boxes?

The ability to find those critical items in OMFB'S quickly and easily accomplishes a few goals:

* Saves hours of time. Searching through several boxes can consume a surprising amount of time.
* Reduces frustration. Anyone who has ever searched in vain for the coffee maker or bathroom tissue the day after a move knows just how frustrating that can be.
* Simplifies unpacking. By unpacking the critical items in the OMFB's first, the rest of the unpacking I'd made much easier and can be done on a schedule that works best for you.

How do I make Open Me First Boxes?

There are really two different kinds of OMFB's, and making both of them is easy:

* Traditional boxes. These are just like any other kind of moving boxes, but are labeled on all 4 sides and the top with a name or code for the room and a great big letter "O" so you can find them easily.

* Suitcases. For each member of the family, pick out one suitcase for their personal items, just as you were packing for a 2-night vacation in a hotel. Wrap several strands of red ribbon around the handles to identify them quickly.

How many Open Me First Boxes should I have?

Generally you should have a maximum of two per room, and only one wherever possible. Otherwise you end up with too many and you lose the advantages of the system.

You should also limit the number of boxes based on the rooms of the house. For example, a storage room or basement may or may not need an OMFB based on how much time your ordinarily spend there. The same holds true for certain closets or storage areas.

What should I put in them?

The short answer is that you should only put in them what you'll need the first few days after moving. You want to focus on things that are absolutely necessary to meet the basic needs of civilized life. Here are some suggestions, organized by room (please feel free to adjust these based on your family's needs and lifestyle:

The Kitchen

   1.      Aluminum foil or plastic wrap
   2.      Break-proof or disposable flatware, cups, and plates
   3.      Coffee maker and coffee (don’t forget the filters!)
   4.      Dish detergent
   5.      Frying pan and spatula
   6.      Pet food and bowels
   7.      Scissors
   8.      Tea kettle

Main Bathroom

   1.      Bath mat
   2.      Bath towels
   3.      First-aid kit (aspirin, band-aids, hydrogen peroxide)
   4.      Shampoo
   5.      Shower curtain and rings
   6.      Soap
   7.      Toilet paper
   8.      Toothbrushes and toothpaste
   9.    Feminine hygiene needs

Tool Room or Drawer

   1.      Duct tape
   2.      Flashlight
   3.      Flat-head screwdriver
   4.      Hammer
   5.      Level
   6.      Phillips-head screwdriver
   7.      Picture hangers
   8.      Tape measure
   9.      Utility knife

Follow these general guidelines on Open Me First Boxes and you should be in good shape with your packing. Good luck with your move!

For more great moving tips on movers, relocation, self storage and more, please click this link to be taken to Movers-Edge.com. One of our most popular articles is our FREE Change of Address Guide. Please visit us today!

· Moving checklist: The Ultimate Moving Checklist

Moving: Holding a Packing Party

2009-11-03T15:29:00.001-08:00

Moving involves a lot of work. There are utilities to disconnect at your old place and set up at your new one, changes of address to send, forms to complete and file, and packing.

Packing usually involves the most work and takes the most time in the entire moving process. This article describes how to hold a packing party to help get more packing done.

Background: What is a packing party?

A packing party is a social event where friends come together to wish someone well in their new home while helping with some of the basic packing chores.

The Steps

Here are the basic steps for holding a successful packing party:

1. Create the guest list.

2. Set the date.

3. Arrange for the food.

4. Send the invitations.

5. Plan the packing.

6. Prepare for the guests.

7. Manage the party

The Details

Packing Party Step 1: Create the guest list.

There are a few criteria you'll want to use in putting together your guest list:

· Your potential guests should know you well enough to care about your move.

· You need to be able to trust your potential guests with helping you pack.

· You should invite people you can rely on to actually show up.

· Don't invite anyone who is going to be resentful about packing or who can't enjoy the party.

Okay, now assuming there's anyone left on your list, move onto Step 2!

Packing Party Step 2: Set the date.

You want to schedule your packing party about 2 weeks prior to your moving day. That should give you enough time to prepare for the event while leaving enough time remaining to make up for any packing that doesn't get done.

Packing Party Step 3: Arrange for the food.

While I don't completely understand it, there is no denying the fact that food has miraculous powers to attract and motivate people. And now is one of those times to reward those who come to help you. If you're a great cook, break out your signature dishes. If you can't cook, try recruiting a friend who can help make the meal. If both of those fail, pizza and beer are usually good alternatives.

Remember, those coming to help deserve the good stuff!

Packing Party Step 4: Send the invitations.

I usually recommend a three wave system:

· Start with an email letting people know that written invitations are coming, but asking them to reserve the date. Be sure to mention the food and request a reply.

· The written invitation comes next. Yes, it's more trouble than email, but it makes a much bigger impression and serves a mark of respect for your guests.

· Lastly, follow up with a phone call.

Packing Party Step 5: Plan the packing.

There are a few guidelines for planning how guests can best help pack:

· To start, pick areas of your home you use less often, such as the garage or storage room.

· Bookshelves are examples of easy packing tasks to delegate.

· Pick which rooms you do NOT want packed, and make sure you have signs for those doors.

· If you want boxes labeled a certain way, have a sample box created for each room where guests will be packing.

· Don't plan to have the actual packing last longer than an hour so that guests get to enjoy the party aspect of the event.

Packing Party Step 6: Prepare for the guests.

Here are some ideas for getting ready for your guests' arrival:

· Be certain to have plenty of packing supplies on hand: boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, wide-tipped markers, scissors, and packing paper (blank newsprint).

· Have "stations" of food and drinks ready.

· Try to arrange for a music player for each packing room.

· Have assignments ready to go as guests enter.

Packing Party Step 7: Manage the party

Your most important tasks are to welcome guests, answer questions, and create as much fun as possible around the event. Make sure you're doing a little packing as well. Take plenty of pictures to send after the event.

Follow these steps and you should be off to a Farewell Packing Party success!

For more great, FREE moving articles, tips and advice, please visit our website, http://www.Movers-Edge.com. Three of our most popular articles are:

· Moving tips: 101 Best Moving Tips

· Getting Organized for Moving

· Finding Great Movers and Moving Companies

Good luck with your move!

Reducing Moving Stress

2009-11-02T15:48:00.001-08:00

Moving is stressful. In fact, the Employee Relations Council ranked moving as life's third most-stressful event (death and divorce were numbers one and two). So why is moving so stressful, and what's the best way to cope?

Sources of Moving Stress

While there are many reasons for moving stress, here are some of the biggest:

· Fear of the unknown

· Loss of control

· Loss of community

· Overwhelm

· Time pressures

The remainder of this article focuses on specific steps you can take to address these issues and reduce your overall stress level.

Moving Stress Source 1: Fear of the unknown.

You need to learn a lot about your new place, your new neighbors, your new schedule, etc. You may also be facing a change in jobs or family situations. All of these factors mean that many comfortable routines you were able to follow without thinking now involve lots of questions. Primitive centers of the brain respond to unknowns with fears.

Stress Buster 1

First, realize that this fear of the unknown is normal, and that most everyone goes through some version of it.

Second, there are several steps you can take to minimize the unknowns:

· Ask lots of questions of your realtor, apartment manager, moving company and everyone else associated with your transition.

· Take detailed notes from your conversations regarding your move and record them in a single notebook to keep information organized and easy to access.

· Plan time to explore your new neighborhood.

Moving Stress Source 2: Loss of control

Let's face it: seeing all your possessions go into boxes or furniture pads can be pretty upsetting. It requires you to turn over a lot of control, or perceived control, over to others.

Stress Buster 2

Unfortunately, part of the stress reduction process for loss of control is acceptance. Trying to "control" every last detail of a move is a recipe for stress overload. Instead, try to focus on a few basics that will have the biggest impact on your move's success:

· Verify your mover's credentials with the Better Business Bureau, the U.S. Department of Transportation's "Protect Your Move" website, MovingScam and Epinions.

· Focus on making sure all your boxes are fully cushioned, labeled and inventoried.

· Recruit only reliable people to help out.

Moving Stress Source 3: Loss of community

Moving can mean saying goodbye, at least temporarily, to neighbors, friends and family. It can feel quite lonely at times, and that can add to your anxiety.

Stress Buster 3

There are a few tricks for taking some of the loss of community out our move:

· Plan a "Farewell Packing Party" in which offer great food, reminiscing and lots of picture taking in exchange for help with a few boxes. :-)

· Create and follow a plan for keeping in contact, including dates by which you'll make phone calls or send email updates.

· Make sure you leave everyone with plenty of ways to contact you, including street address, phone numbers and email addresses.

· Take lots of pictures before the big day.

· When practical, schedule an "Open House" at your new place before you leave, including sending invitations and directions.

Moving Stress Source 4: Overwhelm

One of the most common sources of stress during moving is just general sense of being overwhelmed. This has more to do with the number of tasks you need to accomplish than the nature of the tasks themselves. It's marked by feelings of not knowing where to begin or jumping from task to task without completing any of them.

Stress Buster 4

Here is the best plan I know for defeating the sense of overwhelm:

· Start with a complete moving checklist (there are several good ones available for free download).

· Break the project down into smaller and smaller chunks until you have tasks assigned for each day from now until the move.

· Focus on the tasks for each day instead of stressing over the entire list.

· Place a big, red check mark next to each task accomplished, and give yourself credit for everything you've accomplished so far.

Moving Stress Source 5: Time pressures

Once you're moving day is set, there is some understandable time pressure involved with your move. And you don't want to feel rushed at the very end of the process.

Stress Buster 5

First, it's important to realize that some of the stress you're feeling is legitimate, and perhaps a little motivating to be ready on moving day. To keep yourself on track, I recommend this plan:

· Read and follow the steps in Stress Buster 4 above regarding "Overwhelm." This should put you in good shape for knowing what tasks need to be accomplished and how to lay them out day-by-day.

· Cram in the beginning, not the end- if you are laying out your tasks on a calendar, schedule large blocks of time in the beginning to get the biggest "pains" out of the way well in advance.

· Keep one or two "emergency" blocks of time in your schedule toward the end for handling the unexpected.

· Delegate some of your tasks to family members or willing friends so you don't have to do it all yourself.

· Do something every day on your task list.

While some level of moving stress is to be expected, these guidelines should eliminate a great deal of it.

Please visit our website for more, FREE moving tips, moving advice and articles on your upcoming relocation. Two of our most popular articles are:

· Moving checklist: The Ultimate Moving Checklist, filled with a carefully planned, 4-week guide on all the details you need to take care of for your move.

· Moving tips: 101 Best Moving Tips, gathered and ranked from scores of moving handbooks, websites and articles.

You may also want to visit our blogroll of top moving blogs:

· Movers-Edge Blog on Xanga

· Moving Tips Blog on Multiply

· Moving Advice HQ Blog on Blogger

· Moving Checklist HQ Blog on Blogger

· Move To HQ Blog on Blogger

· How To Move Blog on Blogger

· Moving HQ Blog on Blogger

· Moving Tip of the Day Blog on Blogger

· Moving Tips HQ Blog on Blogger

· Moving To HQ Blog on Blogger

· Relocating HQ Blog on Blogger

· Relocation HQ Blog on Blogger

· Moving Tips on Posterous

· Moving Tips Blog on LiveJournal

Good luck on your move!

Moving Myths and Realities

2009-10-29T16:09:00.001-07:00

One of the great things about moving is that so many other people have been through it before you. In fact, the U.S. Census reports that about 1 in every 9 households moved in 2008, and that was the lowest rate ever recorded.

Many of those "moving survivors" are more than happy to share their stories. Unfortunately, that can lead to a number of "old wives' tales" about moving that simply aren't accurate. This article attempts to set the record straight on 5 of those moving myths.

The 5 Biggest Moving Myths

1. "I don't have to pay the movers until after my belongings are unpacked."

2. "Any boxes will work just as well as 'moving boxes.'"

3. "The standard moving insurance will pay to replace any items that are lost or damaged in the move."

4. "Labeling and inventorying boxes is a waste of time."

5. "Packing for a move is a great opportunity for reminiscing."

Myths vs. Realities

Moving Myth 1: "I don't have to pay the movers until after my belongings are unpacked."

Moving Reality 1: Moving companies require payment in full before they unload a single box from the truck.

Moving companies work differently than most other businesses. Because their "product" is primarily the labor and service they provide in loading and unloading furniture and boxes, they are at great risk of not being paid once everything is unloaded. Therefore, they usually insist on payment in full as soon as they arrive onsite for delivery. Always check days in advance with your moving company so you don't get stuck.

Moving Myth 2: "Any boxes will work just as well as 'moving boxes.'"

Moving Reality 2: Moving boxes are specifically designed to carry more weight and resist more crushing and tearing than regular boxes.

There are still some good free moving box options, however. Rather than just going to the grocery store to pick up lower quality boxes, try these alternatives:

· local office buildings for copy paper boxes

· liquor stores for heavy duty boxes used to transport bottles

· loading docks of libraries and bookstores for book boxes

Moving Myth 3: "The standard moving insurance will pay to replace any items that are lost or damaged in the move."

Moving Reality 3: Most movers provide coverage only amounting to 30 cents per $100 of goods for local moves and 60 cents per $100 of goods for interstate moves.

Also be certain to find out if additional insurance reimburses you for declared value, replacement value or some other amount. And keep in mind that most moving insurance does not cover any items that were not packed by professional movers.

Moving Myth 4: "Labeling and inventorying boxes is a waste of time."

Moving Reality 4: While skipping labeling and inventorying will save money in the immediate term, it will cost you much more time when you try to unpack and settle in.

It is almost always worthwhile to mark each box with the room it is to be moved to and a brief description of the contents. It doesn't have to be an elaborate system, so long as it is clear and consistent.

Moving Myth 5: "Packing for a move is a great opportunity for reminiscing."

Moving Reality 5: Moving is a terrible time to sit down with cherished items and "walk down memory lane."

Because moving is so time-pressured, and because reminiscing should be a relaxed and enjoyable experience, combining the two is rarely successful. One good alternative is to create 1-3 memory boxes and mark them with a big "M." That way you can savor time with those items when you have a little more time at your new place.

And there you have our list of 5 major moving myths and their realities.

Please visit our website for more, FREE moving tips, moving advice and articles on your upcoming relocation. Two of our most popular articles are:

· Moving checklist: The Ultimate Moving Checklist, filled with a carefully planned, 4-week guide on all the details you need to take care of for your move.

· Moving tips: 101 Best Moving Tips, gathered and ranked from scores of moving handbooks, websites and articles.

You may also want to visit our blogroll of top moving blogs:

· Movers-Edge Blog on Xanga

· How to Move HQ Blog on WordPress

· Movers-Edge Blog on WordPress

· Move To Blog on WordPress

· Moving Advice HQ Blog on WordPress

· Moving Checklist HQ Blog on WordPress

· Moving HQ Blog on Wordpress

· Moving Tip of the Day Blog on WordPress

· Moving Tips HQ Blog on WordPress

· Moving To HQ Blog on WordPress

· Relocating HQ Blog on WordPress

· Relocation HQ Blog on WordPress

· Moving Tips Blog on Multiply

· Movers-Edge Blog on Blogger

· Moving Advice HQ Blog on Blogger

· Moving Checklist HQ Blog on Blogger

· Move To HQ Blog on Blogger

· How To Move Blog on Blogger

· Moving HQ Blog on Blogger

· Moving Tip of the Day Blog on Blogger

· Moving Tips HQ Blog on Blogger

· Moving To HQ Blog on Blogger

· Relocating HQ Blog on Blogger

· Relocation HQ Blog on Blogger

· Moving Tips on Posterous

· Moving Tips Blog on LiveJournal

Good luck on your move!

Moving: 7 Worst Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

2009-10-29T04:30:00.001-07:00

Moving can be a very stressful process. There are dozens of tasks to accomplish in a short period of time, as well as many important decisions to make. This leads to a high potential for making mistakes.

Most moving mistakes turn out to be minor, but there are a few that can have long-term implications. This article can help guide you past the 7 worst moving mistakes.

The 7 Worst Moving Mistakes

1. Moving without a plan or a moving checklist.

2. Allowing too little time for packing.

3. Hiring the wrong movers.

4. Not recruiting the right kind of help.

5. Not labeling and itemizing boxes and their contents.

6. Not packing items safely.

7. Insuring incorrectly.

The Details

Major Moving Mistake 1: Moving without a plan or a moving checklist.

Mistake Description: Many people facing a move simply jump right into the process without fully planning ahead. Similarly, they try to manage through tasks without having a detailed moving checklist.

Why It's A Mistake: There have been endless productivity studies demonstrating that having a written plan boosts productivity, and similar logic implies that a moving checklist helps you manage the details of a move.

Mistake Impacts: The biggest impacts are loss of time, added stress, and the chance of forgetting critical tasks.

How to Avoid the Mistake: Use one of the many free, excellent download able checklists as your preliminary moving plan

Major Moving Mistake 2: Allowing too little time for packing.

Mistake Description: People tend to drastically underestimate the amount of time required to pack a home, meaning they have too little time to complete their packing.

Why It's A Mistake: This causes a mad rush just before moving day to get everything accomplished in time for the truck.

Mistake Impacts: This is a recipe for stress and for sloppy packing, potentially resulting in damaged goods at your final destination.

How to Avoid the Mistake: Allow at least 5 hours per room, and pack the 3 most cluttered rooms first. If they are completed faster than that, you can scale back your schedule. If not, you'll have enough time to complete all your packing.

Major Moving Mistake 3: Hiring the wrong movers.

Mistake Description: Many first-time movers hire the wrong moving company, usually looking for the cheapest quote they can find.

Why It's A Mistake: Moving scams are all too frequent, and many times the movers offering an abnormally low quote will hold your goods hostage on their moving truck until you come up with much more money than your original quote indicated.

Mistake Impacts: You can be in for quite a mess of fees and legal issues in these circumstances, and often the moving company will dissolve before you get to court, leaving you with no recourse.

How to Avoid the Mistake: Check out the federal government's website titled "Protect Your Move" along with websites by MovingScam, the Better Business Bureau and Epinions. Only ask for quotes from movers who come out positively reviewed on each resource. That way you'll eliminate disreputable moving companies from the very beginning.

Major Moving Mistake 4: Not recruiting the right kind of help.

Mistake Description: You decide to move yourself along with friends and relatives, but either recruit the wrong type of help or assign them to the wrong types of tasks.

Why It's A Mistake: The wrong type of help can actually make moving go slower instead of making things easier.

Mistake Impacts: You can end up enormously frustrated and wind up doing a great deal of the work yourself.

How to Avoid the Mistake: Only recruit people who meet the profile of a good volunteer. That profile has three characteristics:

· They have a talent or ability (packing, watching kids or pets, lifting heavy furniture)

· Their talent or ability matches a need you have for your move

· They are willing to apply that talent or ability to your need in a way that helps you.

Major Moving Mistake 5: Not labeling and itemizing boxes and their contents.

Mistake Description: In an effort to save time or work, people tend to skip the process of properly labeling and cataloging their boxes and contents.

Why It's A Mistake: The time saved by not labeling boxes and cataloging their contents is almost always erased by the amount of time lost looking for things at their new place.

Mistake Impacts: There are few things that waste more time or cause more frustration than the inability to find a needed item in a sea of moving boxes. That causes you enormous upset when trying to settle in.

How to Avoid the Mistake: Mark at least 2 sides and the top of every box with an abbreviation for the room, a box number (start a new set of numbers for every room you pack), and the general contents (e.g., "Juan's shoes"). It doesn't have to be incredibly detailed, but it should be sufficient to narrow any search down to, at most, two boxes.

Major Moving Mistake 6. Not packing items safely.

Mistake Description: In a hurry to get everything done, some people end up in a mad dash to get everything packed, and don't sufficiently protect fragile items.

Why It's A Mistake: Moving involves a lot of stacking and jumbling, even when done by caring professionals. Packing correctly takes more time but drastically reduces the number of items that will get ruined.

Mistake Impacts: Not packing things carefully can result in damaged or destroyed items.

How to Avoid the Mistake: Here are a few guidelines on safe packing:

· Use heavy duty moving boxes for fragile items.

· Limit boxes to no more than 50 pounds each.

· Try to get each box to be exactly filled to the top to avoid either box crushing or damage.

· Fragile items should be wrapped in at least 1" of bubble wrap.

· Double box (meaning box the item and then put that first box in a second box, both with cushioning materials) sensitive equipment like computers and other electronics.

· Use biodegradable packing peanuts, towels, rags or other old cloths to fill in gaps around items in boxes.

· Mark "FRAGILE" on boxes with delicate contents.

Major Moving Mistake 7. Insuring incorrectly.

Mistake Description: Many people facing a move either over-insure or under-insure their furniture and other items.

Why It's A Mistake: Standard moving coverage provides only $0.60 per pound of declared value, and more expensive insurance may not provide replacement value. Further, most moving insurance EXCLUDES items in boxes you packed yourself.

Mistake Impacts: Insuring incorrectly can result in serious disappoint and financial woes.

How to Avoid the Mistake:

· Check with your current insurance company to see if your homeowner's policy will cover your move or if they have another full replacement value coverage policy or rider. This is often your least expensive coverage option.

· Verify in detail exactly what is covered and what is not.

· Look for "full replacement value" for any items you would need replaced if damaged or destroyed.

· Document the contents of each box while you're packing, including specifics such as manufacturer names and serial items where they apply.

And there you have the 7 biggest moving mistakes and how to avoid them. Please visit our website for more, FREE moving tips, moving advice and articles on your upcoming relocation. Two of our most popular articles are:

· Moving checklist: The Ultimate Moving Checklist, filled with a carefully planned, 4-week guide on all the details you need to take care of for your move.

· Moving tips: 101 Best Moving Tips, gathered and ranked from scores of moving handbooks, websites and articles.

You may also want to visit our blogroll of top moving blogs:

· Movers-Edge Blog on Xanga

· aaaa

Choosing Your Moving Method

2009-10-27T16:08:00.001-07:00

Moving used to provide to present two major options: either you used professional movers and moving companies or you moved yourself. However, times have changed. Now there's a third, and increasingly popular moving option: moving with the use of portable moving and storage containers, sometimes known as pods.

This article explains the pros and cons of all three options, and helps you decide which one best fits your needs. Here is a guide on how to determine what solution is right for you:

The Basic Steps

1. Identify your moving needs.

2. Prioritize your moving needs.

3. Identify your moving resources.

4. Learn the pros and cons of each moving method.

5. Evaluate each moving method.

6. Choose the moving method that's right for you.

7. Sign your moving contract.

Choosing Your Moving Method Step 1: Identify Your Moving Needs

At first it might seem silly to have to physically "write down" your moving needs. I know that I like to believe I can keep track of everything in my head. However, the physical act of writing down your objectives can help a lot. Some sample needs would include:

* Prioritizing and organizing your move.

* Packing and/or unpacking

* Carrying heavy pieces of furniture.

* Transporting goods across long distances

Choosing Your Moving Method, Step 2: Prioritize your moving needs.

The next phase of choosing what you need is assigning a priority to each of the needs you outlined in Step 1. There's no need for anything fancy here. If you already know that everything you listed is critical, you can consider this step completed. If not, write down a "C" next to the critical needs and an "S" next to the secondary ones.

Choosing Your Moving Method Step 3: Identify your moving resources.

Moving resources are the assets you have available to assist in your relocation. The basic idea is to list things you can use to meet some of your moving needs from Step 1. Examples might include:

* A relocation budget from your new employer.

* A large group of friends or relatives who might be willing to help.

* Access to a large truck.

You'll use these to identify which critical needs you still have that aren't being met.

Choosing Your Moving Method Step 4: Learn the pros and cons of each moving method.

As I mentioned previously, there are 3 primary moving methods you could choose:

· "Full service moving"

- Description: This option uses moving professionals to handle all the loading, transportation, delivery and unloading for your move.

- Pros: This option gives you the highest level of service up to and including packing and unpacking.

- Cons: Service can be expensive. A local move of a studio apartment starts around $800, while a 4 bedroom home moved cross country can easily top $25,000.

- The right answer for: those who have financial means to cover the expense and needs for a full-service solution.

· "You Pack Moving"

- Description: Essentially, this form of moving provides you with a storage container at your present location, which you load with all your furniture and boxes. Then depending on your contract, they will pick up the container and drive it to your new location, where you unload all your possessions.

- Pros: You can save a fair amount on your move because you provide all the labor (although many firms can recommend where you can obtain additional help if you need it). It also provides the convenience of arranging for the transportation for you.

- Cons: This option still requires much of the labor of Do It Yourself Moving, and has many of the expenses of full-service moves.

- The right answer for: those who have the ability to much of the packing, loading and uploading, but don't want to deal with the hassles of driving a moving rental truck to the new location.

· "Do It Yourself Moving"

- Description: The full DIY process requires you to rent a moving truck, pack and load the truck, drive to the new location, unload and unpack.

- Pros: This is by far the cheapest option for local moves; however, it can quickly grow in expense when mileage charges are taken into account. Be very careful to calculate what the final total will be for long distance moves.

- Cons: Moving is a great deal of work, and this option puts all of the responsibility, as well as the labor, in your hands. Many people underestimate how much work is involved, especially if they have accumulated a large number of possessions over time.

- The right answer for: those who have a small number of light furniture pieces and only a limited number of boxes to move. It also requires that those moving either be in good physical shape or have a large number of volunteers who are (smile here).

Choosing Your Moving Method Step 5: Making the choice and moving forward.

Now is the time to pull it all together. The first objective is to go back to your list of critical moving needs and figuring out which ones can't be met by your moving resources. Those remaining needs should drive most of your decision. To maximize your savings, use the moving method that meets the most of your critical needs at the lowest cost.

Once you've made your decision, it's time to select your provider, sign the contract, and set up your moving day. Good luck on your move!

Please visit our home page for advice on moving, movers and relocation.

How to Move: Once You're Set Up...

2009-10-26T12:13:00.001-07:00

There are certain steps that everyone who's moving needs to follow just after getting set up for the process. This article walks you through the details of the next phase, which forms the bulk of the move up through settling in. Here are some of our best recommendations:

The Steps

1. Start packing!

2. File your change of address.

3. Eliminate items from your move.

4. Manage your moving day.

5. Start settling in.

The Details

How to Move Step 1: Start packing!

Packing always seems to be most laborious and time-consuming part of a move. We all seem to have many more possessions than we first estimate, and the time involved with packing them seems to constantly grow. Here are some basic packing tips:

· Start packing as soon as you can- it always seems to take longer than you'd expect.

· Eliminate as many items as you can by donating to charity and holding a moving sale- it will save you a lot of time in the long run.

· Pack a suitcase for each family member as if you were going on a 3-day trip, and keep the suitcases with you instead of on the moving truck.

· Create one or two "Open Me First" boxes for each room, containing the items you'll need immediately on arrival at your new home. This will save you a lot of time and stress.

· Label each box and all 4 sides and the top with an abbreviation for the room and a box number for that room. You'll avoid lots of frustration constantly answering the question of, "Where do you want this box?"

· Focus on just one room at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed.

· Hold a "packing party" with friends, family, and anyone else you can recruit. Have lots of free food and music to entice the party-goers.

· Keep all boxes to under 30 pounds where possible and always less than 50 pounds. Having a bathroom scale by your side when packing makes this much easier.

These packing tips should get you off to a great start.

How to Move Step 2: File your change of address.

It's important to let everyone know when and where you're moving. Follow these basic guidelines to ease the process:

· Confirm you new address.

· Create a contact list by collecting names and addresses of people you want to notify.

· File your change of address with the post office.

· Set up your phone number for your new place.

· Decide if you want to block "junk mail" and telemarketers, and file with the correct agencies to protect your contact information.

· Start notifying your contact list.

· Notify anyone whose mail arrives at your new address with a yellow address correction sticker.

This should get your change of address process running quickly and smoothly.

How to Move Step 3: Eliminate items from your move.

We recommend that people moving eliminate as many items as possible from their move. In fact, we recommend that you have eliminating 1/3 of your possessions as a goal. Have a charity donation truck (such as Disabled American Veterans, The Purple Heart or The Salvation Army) come and take away any items that you no longer need.

Better still, have the truck come pick up items immediately after you hold a moving sale. A moving sale is a great way to eliminate unwanted items and pick up some spare cash in the process. Here are some of the basic steps for holding a successful moving sale:

· Pack separate boxes in each room for your "moving sale" items as you pack up everything else.

· Stuck on how to price things? Start by dividing the original price by 5 and then discounting for any damage.

· It's easier to make categories of items all the same price, such as "all clothing $4 each." It also saves hours of time creating tiny price tags!

· Make arrangements in advance to have a charity donation truck arrive at the closing time of your moving sale to take away anything that wasn't sold. The charity gets donations, and you clear out of any items that didn't sell by the end.

· Price everything to be easily divisible by 2. This allows you to hold a "1/2 price clearance" during the last hour of the sale, and clear out lots of remaining items and pocket cash you might have missed otherwise.

· Have lots of spare change (bills and coins) on hand on your person (not in a box that can be stolen at the sale).

· Start advertising at least 2 weeks prior to the sale.

· Recruit as much help as you can stand for the big day. You can use assistance for watching tables, helping customers move items and answering question.

Following these simple guidelines should help make your moving day a successful one!

How to Move Step 4: Manage moving day.

· Make sure your cell phone is fully charged. One thing you definitely don't want to be on your Moving Day is "unreachable."

· Start your day early. You'll want to make sure that one of the things you don't pack ahead of time is your alarm clock.

· Recruit as much help as you can stand.

· Use sitters- Kids and pets are your treasures, and they deserve to have full attention, but on moving day you'll have other priorities.

· Food is your friend- Whether you have professional movers or friends and family, having coffee, orange juice, and bagels or donuts available will make it easier for everyone to get started on Moving Day.

· Keep cell phone numbers ready and programmed into your phone. Be certain you have the cell phone number of the driver of the truck entered into your cell phone, and that the driver has yours.

· Have correct payment ready and waiting. If you're using professional movers, on Moving Day keep in mind that almost all of them will expect and demand payment in full and in cash before they will unload a single box from the moving truck.

· Directions- You need to have directions and a map ready for anyone will be driving between your old place and your new place.

· Label the rooms at your new place.

Following these steps should make your actual moving day easier to manage.

How to Move Step 5: Start settling in.

Once you've completed your move it's time to begin the settling in process. One of the best ways to feel more settled is knowing where key locations in your new neighborhood are. Here's a list of 12 key places to locate near your new home:

· Shopping center/ mall

· Hospital/ emergency care center

· School

· Day care center

· Library

· Post office

· Grocery store

· Pharmacy

· Convenience store

· Hardware store

· Dry cleaner

· Car repair center

Once you know where each of these locations is, you'll start to feel much more settled and less "up in the air" after landing at your new place.

And there you have the 5 basic steps for how to move after you get set up.

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· Moving checklist: The Ultimate Moving Checklist

How to Move: Getting Set Up

2009-10-23T02:49:00.001-07:00

Moving just seems to come naturally for certain people. They seem to have every detail perfectly planned, memorize the exact contents of every box with ease, and have all their belongings unpacked within hours. This article isn't really for those people. :-)

Instead, this article is designed to offer the basic steps of moving to those who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by the moving process.

This first article focuses on the important steps for getting set up for your move so you're prepared for the hard work ahead!

The Steps

1. Plan your move using a moving checklist.

2. Decide whether you will be moving yourself or hiring professional movers.

3. Select your moving day.

4. Reserve your moving truck or moving company.

5. Get your packing materials.

The Details

How to Move Step 1: Plan your move using a moving checklist.

Moving is an exercise in managing a large number of details in a short period of time. You need a powerful tool to help you in that process. Fortunately there are several free moving checklists available to fill that role. Be sure to download one and use it to manage those details effectively.

How to Move Step 2: Decide whether you will be moving yourself or hiring professional movers.

Professional movers offer an enormous amount of convenience. However, they are often fairly expensive. Here are some factors to consider:

· If money isn't a consideration, reputable, professional movers are the way to go.

· If you have a smaller place currently, such as a studio apartment, you're much less likely to need professional movers.

· Many heavy pieces of furniture should point you toward using a moving company.

· Having lots of friends and family willing to help limits your need for professional movers.

· If you've lived in your current location for more than 3 years, you're more likely to have accumulated more boxes that might require movers.

· If you have a medical condition such as a bad back or heart condition, moving is NOT the time to test your recovery- let the professionals handle it.

How to Move Step 3: Select your moving day.

Your moving day will influence many of your other decisions. Here are some guidelines:

Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekends are the hardest and most expensive times to rent. You typically need to book these months in advance.
Weekends are more difficult to book than weekdays.
Weekdays are often better options in case you need to reach other businesses (during their business hours
The middle weeks of the month are easier to reserve than the first and last weeks.

How to Move Step 4: Reserve your moving truck or moving company.

The best moving companies and moving truck rentals fill up quickly, so you'll want to make sure reserve yours early.

If you're going to hire professional movers, you'll want to follow these steps for finding great movers:

Get referrals from local real estate agents and friends who have moved recently.
Only consider movers that are licensed, bonded and insured.
Investigate your potential movers through the U.S Department of Transportation, MovingScam.com and the Better Business Bureau.
Evaluate a minimum of 3 movers based on in-home estimates of goods to be moved.
Price isn't the only factor- extremely low bids indicate a desperate mover.
Ask for written "Binding Not-To-Exceed" estimates.
Avoid "rogue movers"- if you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts!

If you're going to rent a moving truck, here are the basic steps:

Determine days you can move.
Identify how large a truck you want.
Select your rental agency from nationally recognized chains.
Confirm your reservation and put down a deposit, if required.

How to Move Step 5: Get your packing materials.

You'll need to have some basic packing supplies before you begin packing. These include:

· Moving boxes

· Packing tape

· Bubble wrap

· Biodegradable packing "peanuts"

· Packing paper (like newspapers, but without the damaging inks)

And there you have the 5 basic steps for getting set up for your move. For more FREE moving tips, articles and advice, please visit http://www.Movers-Edge.com. Two of the most popular articles there are:

· Moving tips: 101 Best Moving Tips

Good luck on your move!

Self Storage: What NOT To Store

2009-10-21T02:19:00.001-07:00

Self Storage: The Rules of What NOT to Store

Remember that the owner of a self storage unit has ownership rights over every storage unit on the premises, including the one that you may be renting. That means that most of the rights, as well as the responsibilities, of ownership still belong to that owner. When you rent a self storage unit, you are agreeing to abide by all the rules of that self storage company. Every storage location is different, so be certain to check the regulations at your individual storage facility. Here are some of the basic items your storage unit company is likely to prohibit:

· Animals (including pets): While this would seem to be pretty obvious, you'd be shocked at what some people try to store. Despite being outright cruel and irresponsible, keeping animals in storage units is very likely to kill them, and at minimum the animals are likely to severely damage the units.

· Firearms and ammunition: There are a few problems with storing firearms or ammunition in a storage unit. The first problem is that in the event of a fire these items can be explosive, endangering the lives of rescue workers and others. The second problem is that these items invite potential theft. The third issue is that many state and local laws expressly prohibit these items from storage units.

· Flammable liquids: Again, fire is the main concern here, and therefore all kinds of flammable liquids (gasoline, kerosene, diesel, motor oil, turpentine, oil paints, etc.) are prohibited, and usually by law as well as your rental contract.

· Perishable items: Food is the most obvious culprit in the perishable items category, but it also includes beverages and plants.

· Hazardous items or waste: While I am a bit puzzled as to why someone would risk storing hazardous waste in a self storage unit, it does bear to keep in mind that anything that might be hazardous is likely to be prohibited from being stored. A general rule of thumb is that if an item can cause harm if someone is exposed to it, it isn't allowed to be stored in a storage unit.

· Illegal items: While I would think that this would be obvious to everyone, I include this for the sake of completeness. Illegal items such as drugs, drugs paraphernalia, stolen items, or any other property that is illegal to own may not be stored in a storage unit. You'll want to check with the manager of your specific storage unit for a complete list; however, if you're in doubt, you should assume that you shouldn't be putting it in your self storage unit.

· Objectionable items: The objectionable items category is a broad one, and includes anything that they produce undesired odors or sounds, especially if those odors or sounds can be detected outside of the storage unit. The storage unit owner may expand this category to include other items.

· Items prohibited in your contract: As you have probably gathered by now, self storage unit owners have a wide berth in terms of determining what can't be stored. That's why it's a good idea to read the contract in detail, even though most of us just race to sign on the dotted line. Not knowing what's prohibited could end up causing your items to be left on the street- so please be careful!

And there you have it- the items to avoid storing in your self storage unit. For more, FREE moving tips and articles, please visit our blogroll of top moving blogs:

· Moving Tips Blog on Multiply

· Moving Advice HQ Blog on Blogger

· Moving Checklist HQ Blog on Blogger

· Move To HQ Blog on Blogger

· How To Move Blog on Blogger

· Moving HQ Blog on Blogger

· Moving Tip of the Day Blog on Blogger

· Moving Tips HQ Blog on Blogger

· Moving To HQ Blog on Blogger

· Relocating HQ Blog on Blogger

· Relocation HQ Blog on Blogger

· Moving Tips on Posterous

· Moving Tips Blog on LiveJournal

Good luck on your move! :-)

Self Storage in 5 Easy Steps

2009-10-20T03:26:00.001-07:00

Moving is always a time of transition. This is especially true when that transition involves moving to a place with less storage space. It might be a place with fewer bedrooms, the loss of a basement or attic, or more people living without more room. Whatever the cause, you might be faced with self storage requirements.

Save yourself time, stress and money on your self storage/ mini storage needs with the tips in this article.

Self Storage: The Basic Steps

1. Identify the size of the self storage unit you'll need and how long you'll need it.

2. Make a "Self Storage Feature List" of the features you'll need (climate control, security, location, 24 hour access)

3. Develop a list of potential self storage locations. Check your list against _______.

4. Visit top self storage locations and compare them against

5. Make your final choice and sign the contract.

Self Storage Step 1: Identify the size of the self storage unit you'll need and how long you'll need it.

Just to point out the obvious, you'll save money and time by putting fewer, smaller items into self storage. That means you're better off doing one or more of the following with excess items:

· Sell them at a moving sale.

· Donate them to charities such as Goodwill, The Salvation Army or The Purple Heart.

· Give them away to people who can use them now and value them.

· Store them with family or friends IF it's for a very brief time and they're willing.

Once you've eliminated what you can, it's time to figure out how much space you'll need. Self storage units vary from one location to another, but here are some basic sizes and guidelines, adapted from "The Storage Place Inc" website:

· 5' x 5': holds a small number of boxes or small bedroom furniture.

· 5' x 10': holds a few pieces of furniture, including a couch.

· 10' x 10': holds the contents of a small, one-bedroom apartment.

· 10' x 15': holds the contents of a small, two-bedroom apartment.

· 10' x 20': holds the contents of a small, two-bedroom house or a small car.

· 10' x 25': holds the contents of a larger, two-bedroom house or a larger car.

· 10' x 30': holds the contents of a three-bedroom house, or the contents of a 36-foot moving van.

· 10' x 40': holds the contents of a four-bedroom house.

Use this list to narrow down the size of space you'll use.

Self Storage Step 2: Make a "Self Storage Feature List."

After deciding on the size of self storage unit you'll need, to identify what features you want to go with it. Think of it as a "shopping list" for comparing self storage units.

It's a good idea to break down the features into 3 categories based on how important they are to you:

* A - Absolute musts. If a self-storage unit does not have this feature, you won't consider it.

* B - Better to have than not. These are features that would be plusses, but not required.

* C - Couldn't care less. As the name would imply, these features may exist, but don't really matter to your decision.

Here is our list to help you get started:

· convenient location

· climate control

· 24-hour direct access

· monitored security cameras

· security guards on premise

· sprinkler system

· alarm system

· insurance available

· payment methods accepted

Self Storage Step 3: Develop a list of potential self storage facilities.

Now that you know what you’re loking for, it’s time to begin the search process. You can kick off the process by investigating five of the most popular self storage companies:

· Public Storage

· U-Haul (yes, the same company that offers truck rentals)

· ExtraSpace Storage

· United Stor-All

· U-Store-It

Check your self storage candidates against the Self Storage Feature List that you created earlier. Any facilities that are missing “A – Absolute must” features should be crossed off.

Self Storage Step 4: Visit top self storage locations and compare them against one another.

Yes, I realize that actually taking the time to visit each of your top choices isn't convenient. However, there are things you will discover by visiting that you wouldn't otherwise. How does the location look? Does the neighborhood seem stable? Is the facility as easy to reach as you imagined? What's the condition of the existing storage units? Does the place seem well-maintained?

Take notes at each facility and clearly mark which property you're visiting. Eliminate from your list any of the locations that seem sketchy.

Self Storage Step 5: Make your final choice and sign the contract.

If you've followed all the previous steps in this article, this final step should be relatively easy. Try to order each of your final candidates by how well they did in each category. If you're finding it difficult to choose your top pick, try eliminating your least favorite option first, then repeat the process until you have your final pick.

Please note that the price of the monthly rate is a very important factor, but it isn't the only factor. There's something to be said about paying for peace of mind- if you lay awake at night worrying about the safety of your belongings, you've made the wrong choice.

Speaking of rental rates, be sure to ask your self storage facility manager if they provide any of the following discounts, programs or bonuses that might apply to you:

· First or last month free

· Rental discounts for seniors, students, or military personnel

· Discounts on related items or services such as moving boxes and supplies, rental trucks or moving companies

When signing the final contract, you may be offered insurance coverage. Make sure that you aren't already covered by your homeowner's insurance, and be very clear about exactly what is covered, whether damaged or stolen items are reimbursed at replacement cost levels, and what any deductibles may be. Ideally you wouldn't be storing anything of value in an unattended storage unit, but if you are, you want to make certain you aren't paying for insurance coverage that doesn't fully protect you.

These steps should allow you to have a successful self storage rental experience.

For more, FREE moving tips and advice, please visit our BlogRoll of moving blogs:

· Moving Tips Blog on Multiply

· Moving Advice HQ Blog on Blogger

· Moving Checklist HQ Blog on Blogger

· Move To HQ Blog on Blogger

· How To Move Blog on Blogger

· Moving HQ Blog on Blogger

· Moving Tip of the Day Blog on Blogger

· Moving Tips HQ Blog on Blogger

· Moving To HQ Blog on Blogger

· Relocating HQ Blog on Blogger

· Relocation HQ Blog on Blogger

· Moving Tips on Posterous

· Moving Tips Blog on LiveJournal

Good luck on your move!

· Moving checklist: The Ultimate Moving Checklist

Moving: 12 Places to Find Near Your New Home

2009-10-15T06:12:00.001-07:00

When settling into a new place after a move, there are several local shops, services and facilities you might want to locate. Here are a dozen of those locations for you to put on your post-move checklist:

· Shopping center/ mall. This one is fairly obvious. You'll want to find a place that allows you to combine several errands at once, saving time, money, stress and energy consumption.

· Hospital/ emergency care center: This is one that most of us would prefer not to think about. However, it’s also one that you don’t want to scramble for in a crisis. Note that in recent years a number of emergency care centers have opened. These centers aren't usually part of a hospital, but can handle many emergency situations and send you to a hospital if the situation requires that.

· School: If you have school-age children and aren't home schooling, make sure you know where the school is, where the closest bus stop is, and what type of safe routes exist between your new place and the school. Try to arrange a tour for your kids.

· Day care center: If your kids will be in day care, now is a good time to investigate local centers. Be sure to find out what the hours and late policies are, and determine what driving times will be like from both your home and work.

· Library: Take advantage of both central libraries and branches close by. Not only can you save on the cost of books and magazines, you may also be able to borrow movies and music, get free internet access, make photocopies, pick up local postings, find community groups to join and more.

· Post office: If you haven't filed your change of address with the post office, now would be a good time for that. You may also want to choose to have a post office box for certain categories of mail. Check out their hours as well as finding your closest mailbox and its pick-up times.

· Grocery store: Unless you're in a rural area, you may find you have several options for purchasing your local groceries. As you visit a few, sign up for any discount card programs they have. Also make a note of their prices, coupon policies (double coupons, for example), selection, specialties that may interest you (bakery, pharmacy, flower shop, coffee bar, etc.), how busy they are, and their days and hours of operation.

· Pharmacy: Finding your closest pharmacy is obviously important, but you may also want to check into factors such as where the closest 24 hour pharmacy (especially important if you have small children or chronic medical conditions), cheap programs for generics (such as the WalMart $4 promotion), and pharmacies as part of other stores where you'll be shopping regularly (like the grocery).

· Convenience store: For most people, the selection of a convenience store will be based on location alone. Whenever you run out of a staple, like milk, it's good to know what's nearby until you can make it until the grocery store next.

· Hardware store: Whether you're moving into a studio apartment or a mansion on the hill, there always seems to be a need for a hardware store. Lowes and Home Depot are the two most common "big box" retailers of hardware (check online for coupons or stop by the customer service desk and ask for one), but you might want to check for neighborhood retailers. If that doesn't work, keep in mind that many large retailers such as Wal-Mart and Sears carry most of the basics.

· Dry cleaner: You may or may not have regular dry cleaning needs; however, many local dry cleaners offer other valuable services such as alterations, shoe repair, and cleaning and storage of bulky items like comforters. Finding out what's available is usually worth the trip.

· Car repair center: One thing you want to avoid at your new place is being stranded without a car if that's your primary means of transportation. You'll probably want to have locations for two different kinds of repair shops: one dealership for your make of vehicle to take care of the complex repairs, and a general repair shop for the day-to-day tasks. This combination should take care of the most likely car issues.

And there you have it: one dozen places to locate near your new home. For more, free moving tips and advice, please check out the following resources:

· Tips for moving: 101 Best Moving Tips

Good luck on your upcoming move!

Why are moving boxes so expensive?

2009-10-10T16:33:00.001-07:00

Moving Box Question:

Why are moving boxes so expensive?

Moving Box Answer:

Moving boxes can cost more than other boxes for any or several of the following reasons:

· Materials and construction. Moving boxes are made to be more rugged, often using what's called "double wall" construction. The materials and methods used to accomplish this are more expensive, making the boxes more expensive.

· Convenience. Under the stress and urgency of a move, many people are more interested in getting their boxes quickly and easily than doing a lot of comparison shopping. That means retailers of self storage units, moving truck rentals and similar moving services don't have much incentive to compete on price. That keeps those prices higher.

For more FREE moving resources, please visit one of the following blogs:

· Relocating Blog on Blogger

· Relocation Blog on Blogger

· Moving Tips on Blogger

· Moving Tips on LiveJournal

· Movers Edge Blog on Xanga

Posted via email from moving-tips's posterous

How to File a Change of Address With The U.S. Post Office

2009-10-07T07:11:00.001-07:00

Moving can be a stressful time. There are dozens of tasks to track and accomplish, and there never seems to be enough time to get it all done. In the midst of all this, you don't want to neglect telling the right people about your new address and phone number. This article will describes the steps involved in filing a change of address with the U.S. Post Office, which types of change of address are available, and how to choose which type to file.

The actual filing of a change of address form with the post office is what many people think of when it comes to the topic of “change of address.” Filing that change of address accomplishes two main goals:

· It directs the U.S. Post Office to forward mail sent to you old address to your new address.

· It allows companies that subscribe to the National Change of Address Service (or NCOA) to be notified of your new address.

Change of Address Types: Permanent vs. Temporary

There are two types of address change you can file: a permanent change of address and a temporary one. Now, a good question might be, “Why would I file a temporary change of address instead of a permanent one? It comes down to controlling your privacy.

The information in a permanent change of address is made available to all those companies who subscribe to the National Change of Address service while information filed through a temporary change of address usually isn't. So, if you file a temporary change of address with the post office and notify each person or organization who sends you mail individually, you’re in charge of who knows that you’ve moved. It also means that it’s more difficult for “junk mailers” to find you.

Keep in mind that you face a trade-off. If you file the permanent change of address, you have a “safety net” in case you’ve forgotten anyone, but you risk the chance that more junk mail may find you. If you file the temporary change of address, you can potentially cut down on junk mail, but you could end up missing out on notifying everyone before the temporary change of address ends, and you will also miss the large number of coupons and discounts forwarded only to those who have filed a permanent change of address.

Change of Address Methods

The post office offers both a traditional, paper-based form (free) for address changes and an online filing option ($1 fee to discourage fraud). You'll need to specify when your move is taking place, as well as whether the move is for just one person or the entire household.

It's a good idea to file 4-6 weeks in advance, although many post offices can begin forwarding mail after just a few days. You'll definitely want to have your mail taken care of so that none of it is arriving on Moving Day itself.

IMPORTANT NOTE: A post office change of address DOES NOT take care of everything. There are a few notable shortcomings to the process:

· Limited mail types. The post office will be forwarding first class mail and most periodicals. It does not forward "standard mail" (formerly known as bulk permit mail or just "bulk mail.")

· Limited time. Even a permanent change of address filing only lasts for 6 months (although it can be renewed for another 6 months). Therefore, definitely register with the post office, but also use a secondary service and/ or notify important contacts individually.

For more FREE moving tips, articles and advice, please visit the following resources:

· Moving Advice HQ on Blogger

· Moving Checklist Blog on Blogger

· Moving To Blog on Blogger

· How to Move Blog on Blogger

Posted via email from moving-tips's posterous

Untitled

2009-10-04T08:33:00.001-07:00

Moving Box Question:

How many moving boxes will I need?

Moving Box Answer:

Every household is different, which makes every move different. That also means that there can be a large amount of variation in the number of type of moving boxes they’ll need. For example, if you have a large number of filled bookcases, you’re likely to need more small boxes to hold all the books (larger boxes can’t take the weight of heavy books without breaking). If you’re a “pack-rat”, that also means you need more boxes, just as you do if you have been living in the same place for a larger number of years.

That being said, here is a table of recommended box quantities:

· 1-2 Rooms:

· 7-10 Small Boxes

· 3-5 Medium Boxes

· 3-5 Large Boxes

· 2 Dish Pack Boxes

· 1-2 Wardrobe Boxes

· 1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

· 3-4 Rooms:

· 15 Small Boxes

· 8-10 Medium Boxes

· 6-8 Large Boxes

· 2-4 Dish Pack Boxes

· 1-2 Wardrobe Boxes

· 1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

· 5-6 Rooms:

· 20-25 Small Boxes

· 12-15 Medium Boxes

· 8-10 Large Boxes

· 3-5 Dish Pack Boxes

· 3-4 Wardrobes Boxes

· 1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

· 7-8 Rooms:

· 30-40 Small Boxes

· 20-25 Medium Boxes

· 12-15 Large Boxes

· 4-5 Dish Pack Boxes

· 4-5 Wardrobe Boxes

· 1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

One of ways to save money on moving boxes for your move is to purchase moving box packs or bundles. Most online moving box websites, as well as retail locations that focus on selling moving boxes (such as self storage and moving truck rental locations), offer boxes in these packs. They often also include things like packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and black markers.

You should always check to make sure that you will need all, or most, of the boxes that are included in any kit. You should also check to be certain that returns are accepted if you don’t use all the boxes that you purchase. It’s always better to have a few extra boxes and not need them than to run out of boxes as your deadline approaches. By arranging to purchase your boxes from a retailer who accepts returns, you can have those few extra boxes handy without worrying about over-paying.

Here are the guidelines on the box sizes mentioned above. NOTE: Box sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so if you need exact dimensions, please verify the sizes before you purchase them!

· Small moving boxes: approximately 15" x 12" x 10"

· Medium moving boxes: approximately 18" x 15" x 12"

· Large moving boxes: approximately 18" x 17" x 20"

· Dish pack boxes: approximately 18" x 18" x 28"

· Wardrobe moving boxes: approximately 24" x 24" x 40"

· File boxes: 15” x 12” x 10”

Two other notes:

For more free moving tips and advice, please visit the following moving blogs:

· http://Moving-HQ.blogspot.com

Moving Boxes: Is there anything special about moving boxes vs. any other kind of box?

2009-10-02T15:48:00.001-07:00

Moving Box Question:

Is there anything special about moving boxes vs. any other kind of boxes?

Moving Box Answer:

Yes. There are two main differences between moving boxes and many other boxes:

1. Moving boxes are constructed to be much sturdier than an ordinary cardboard box. Cardboard boxes are usually measured using two different scales: one is called the ECT, or Edge Crush Test, and the other is called the Burst Strength test. The ECT measures the degree to which a box will hold its form and how well the boxes can be stacked one upon another. The Burst Strength test is measured in pounds, and identifies how well a box can hold together. Moving boxes usually carry a higher score on the ECT scale (meaning a score of 32 or higher) and the Burst Strength Test (a value of 200 pounds or higher), demonstrating that they are better alternatives for the demands of a household move. That allows them to hold more weight (about 65 pounds) while resisting tearing or crushing.

2. Moving boxes come in specific designs to help solve specific problems associated with moving:

· Wardrobe boxes. These tall, deep boxes with built-in bars for hangers are ideal for transporting clothes from closets without causing damage or wrinkling. They are also extremely easy to use. In most cases, you can lift clothes straight from your closet hanger bar directly onto the hanger bar of the wardrobe box. Tip: You can use the bottom section of wardrobe boxes to transport shoes, which will cut down on the total number of boxes you’ll need. Recommendation: We recommend these boxes.

· Dish packs. Sometimes called "cell boxes," these units separate and protect dishes and glassware with internal dividers. They do a great job of keeping things for the kitchen organized. Tip: Dishes should be packed on their edges, as if they were in a dish drying rack, and stemware should be packed standing up, not on its sides. Recommendation: These boxes are very helpful, but not absolutely necessary.

· File boxes. Designed specifically for transporting papers in file folders, these boxes often come with interlocking tops. Tip: You might wonder why you would need file boxes if you already have your files neatly stored in your file cabinets. The main reason is that files are incredibly heavy, and that file cabinets were never designed to be moved with files inside them. This combination leads to moving disasters, where file cabinets break and/or spill all their contents during a move. Even if the cabinets and files survive intact, the people who move them can end up with serious injuries. Recommendation: We strongly recommend file boxes.

· Picture frame boxes. Designed to protect and transport large pictures and mirrors during your move, these boxes are often quite long, wide and flat. And other than trying to flatten other boxes and tape them together, they are one of very few options available. Tip: It’s tempting to try to put multiple pictures together in the same box; however, they often get scratched or damaged if your do. Recommendation: We recommend picture frame boxes.

These two differences separate moving boxes from most other boxes. If you end up getting free or used boxes for your move, you might want to check the stamps on the box bottoms to see if they meet the standards for strength, and to keep an eye out for the specialty boxes. This should put you in good shape for your upcoming move or relocation.

For more FREE moving tips, articles and advice, please visit the following resources:

· http://MovingAdviceHQ.wordpress.com

· http://Moving-Tips.posterous.com

· http://Moving-Tips.livejournal.com

· http://Moving-HQ.tumblr.com

· http://MoversEdge.xanga.com

Moving Day Tips and Tricks

2009-09-28T06:08:00.001-07:00

Moving is a lot of work. It involves a lot of time, work and planning to be successful. So when it comes down to your actual Moving Day, you want things to go easily. These tips are designed to make your Moving Day easier.

Make sure your cell phone is fully charged. One thing you definitely don't want to be on your Moving Day is "unreachable." That goes for both you and everyone else who will be participating in your big day.
Start your day early. You'll want to make sure that one of the things you don't pack ahead of time is your alarm clock. Set it for a wake-up time that's well before your help set to arrive.
Recruit as much help as you can stand. There are plenty of things to be done on Moving Day, even if you have professional movers showing up. Make sure that each person has at least a general idea of which things are going and what rooms they are going to in your new place. Have them help answer questions, run last minute errands, serve food- whatever will take the most stress off you.
Use sitters- Kids and pets are your treasures, and they deserve to have full attention. On Moving Day, that full attention should be from sitters, not from you. It will make things easier on everyone.
Food is your friend- Whether you have professional movers or friends and family, having coffee, orange juice, and bagels or donuts available will make it easier for everyone to get started on Moving Day. It will also help reduce burnout as the day wears on.
Keep cell phone numbers ready and programmed into your phone. Be certain you have the cell phone number of the driver of the truck entered into your cell phone, and that the driver has yours in case you get separated or have a problem. That holds true for everyone else who might be lending a hand on your move.
Have correct payment ready and waiting. If you're using professional movers, on Moving Day keep in mind that almost all of them will expect and demand payment in full and in cash before they will unload a single box from the moving truck. Make sure you have payment ready and in a form that they will accept as soon as they arrive at your final destination.
Directions- You need to have directions and a map ready for anyone will be driving between your old place and your new place. Have several copies ready just in case you need them.
Label the rooms at your new place. Tape a sheet of paper on the door of each room at your new place, using the same name you used on your box labels (such as BED1 for bedroom 1, etc.). This will cut down on a lot of unnecessary questions when unloading the truck.

Following these basic tips can make a huge difference in making your Moving Day a smashing success! For more FREE information, you might want to check out these blogs on moving tips:

· One of our Wordpress moving blogs (http://www.movinghq.wordpress.com)

· An excellent Blogger moving blog (http://www.moving-hq.blogspot.com)

Moving Truck Rental Guide

2009-09-21T11:23:00.001-07:00

The moving truck rental is going to be one of the most critical tasks you'll need to accomplish if you're moving yourself. If you're not careful, it can also be time-consuming, stressful, and expensive. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be that way. With the tips in this article, you should be able to make things easier on yourself.

Moving Truck Rental: Step 1- Determine days you can move.

Having a larger number of potential days available for your move gives you many more options. The day you pick can determine not only whether a truck is available, but how much you'll be charged. Here are the guidelines:

Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekends are the hardest and most expensive times to rent. You typically need to book these months in advance.
Weekends are more difficult to book than weekdays.
The middle weeks of the month are easier to reserve than the first and last weeks.

Moving Truck Rental: Step 2- Identify how large a truck you want.

There are a few factors you should consider in determining the truck size you'll need:

the quantity of boxes and furniture you need to move
the availability and prices of trucks on your moving day ·your comfort level with driving very large vehicles (don't underestimate this one)

Trucks range in size from 10 feet (ideal for a 1-bedroom apartment) up to 26 feet (can handle up to a 4-bedroom house). Avoid the temptation to get a size larger than you need. Most rental agencies can help you determine the ideal size.

Moving Truck Rental: Step 3- Select your rental agency.

Three of the most common names for truck rentals are Budget Truck Rental, U-Haul, and Penske. Some car rental firms, such as Enterprise, offer large vans or trucks in specific locations. Make a short list of rental locations close to you. Then call and find out:

which trucks they have available on your intended moving days
which payment options are accepted, especially if you're planning on using anything other than a certified check or money order (many individual locations do not accept cards like American Express or Discover, and some don't accept credit cards at all)
operating hours, including the time when the truck needs to be returned before being charged extra ·whether they offer "one-way" rentals, if that's something you need
initial deposit(s)
base rate per day and/or hour
charge per mile (watch out for this one- many companies offer a low daily rate but charge a fortune for the miles)
cost for gas
additional fees for insurance, moving pads, hand truck, twine, etc.
any other charges (be polite, persistent and direct in making sure they have provided with ALL the costs. You might want to try a phrase such as, "So if I show up with only that exact amount, down to the penny, in my pocket, I will be able to pay the bill in full?")

Now that you have all the critical information, determine which truck option most closely meets your needs and budget. Once you've made your decision, you need to make your reservation, and sooner rather than later. This is especially true if your desired date is over a weekend or a holiday, in that those slots fill up first.

Moving Truck Rental: Step 4- The Big Day

Plan to be in line at the rental truck location at least 15 minutes before they open, in that the paperwork portion of the transaction can sometimes be lengthy, and if only a few people are in line in front of you, you could be in for quite a wait.
It's also a good idea to take a copy of your insurance card with you if you normally keep it in your car- you don't want to have to fool with a fine from a traffic officer.
Be sure to check the truck thoroughly for damage prior to signing the final contract, and mark any damage on the appropriate form.
Finally, try out driving the truck around the parking lot before heading out to make sure you can adequately control the vehicle. If there's an issue, you'll want to know before getting into traffic.

Once these steps are done, you should be on your way to a smooth moving truck rental experience!

Please visit us for more information on moving truck rentals at http://www.movers-edge.com/Truck-Rental-for-Moving-s/34.htm. />