Archive for July, 2010
July 31st, 2010 | 
Author: There is so much to do when you are moving it is easy to forget to cancel a few important items. Here’s a list of things that if forgotten could come back to haunt you later. Just use these ideas to help you brainstorm so you can make your own moving checklist planer.
Utilities
Utilities are the things that you had to have hooked up to your home when you moved in. Your utilities could include; electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, cable, satellite, oil, and propane.
Professional Services
Many of your professional services do not necessarily need to be canceled. You will just need to contact them to inform them of your new address. Some of these could be saved for after your move if need be. Your professional services could include; doctors, dentists, accountant, lawyer, broker, and insurance agencies.
Publications
Some of your publications will need to be canceled while others will just need your address changed. Some of your publications may include; newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and journals.
Other Accounts
Other accounts that you will need to cancel or change the address might include; post office box; pharmacy, dry cleaner, lawn service, bank, video rental store, credit card company, laundry service, auto finance company, and health club.
Keep your list in a safe place so that you can use it to get your services turned on again after you get to your new home. If for some reason you just don’t have time or forget to get all of your accounts canceled or the addresses changed then get them taken care of as soon as your can. Putting it off could end up costing you more money.
Posted in 
Tags: 
Moving trailers usually refer to a trailer that is dragged behind a car, van, truck, or even a big moving truck. These are good for moving anything from household goods to camping necessities for a big camping trip. For most of us buying and storing a trailer is not the best idea. You would need to use one often and have a good place to park it to even consider owning a moving trailer. There are many different types of moving trailers. Here are the main five types of moving trailers that you can rent.
Cargo trailer Rental
A cargo trailer is like a box on wheels. This type is available in a variety of sizes. Cargo trailers are good for when you are moving household items a long distance. They are not too hard to pull behind your car or truck because of the smaller size. You could even pull one behind a large moving rental truck for extra space. If you do not have a lot to move because you are moving into your first place or going off to collage then a rental cargo trailer is just perfect for you.
Utility Trailer Rental
A utility trailer is a platform on wheels. Some have walls or rails, and some do not. This type of trailer does not have a roof. A rental utility trailer can be used to move household items, but is best suited for building material, motorcycles, three wheelers, and skidoos.
Vehicle Trailer Rental
A vehicle trailer is much like a utility trailer because it is a platform on wheels. In a way they are the same thing, just deferent sizes. You can get a vehicle trailer that holds the entire car on it, or you can get one that only holds the front end with the back end draging on the ground. Be careful with the type that drags your back tires on the ground because if you travel very far then you can almost always count on damage to your car, and the cost associated with fixing it.
Sport Trailer Rental
Are you going camping or on a long vacation and you do not have enough room in the vehicle that you are taking for everything that you need? Rent a sport trailer to get it all there. A sport trailer is fully contained, aerodynamic, and strong enough for a fun trip. You can also use a sport trailer for household items. This is smaller then a cargo trailer, but is also easier to pull behind you car or truck.
Animal Trailer Rental
I have no experience with this type of trailer because my interest is moving things and relocation, but thought it needed a mention.
You know what you need to move so figuring out which type of moving trailer rental that is right for you should be simple once you understand what your options are.
You are moving and your budget for the move is a just about to explode. You need to rent a truck or hire movers. You need to make sure you get your bills paid early so they are not forgotten. If you have purchased a new home then you are dealing with closing costs and the cost of fixing things and painting before you move in. On the other hand if you are renting a new home then you need to pay deposits, first month rent, and possibly the last month of rent as well.
Boxes for your move is the perfect place to save money. While buying the boxes will save a lot of time, sometimes we need to save money instead. I you know a move is coming then the best thing you could do is save every box you get. I have always saved all boxes that could possibly be used in a move, but that has never been enough. If you are going to get rid of unneeded items while packing then you will also need boxes to place them into as well. Whether you have a garage full of boxes or not, here are 5 places to look for free moving boxes.
Ask Around
One of the first things you should do when you know that you will be moving is get the word out that you need any and all boxes. Ask your neighbors, coworkers, relatives, and friends. You would be surprised how much you might get. You just might find that people are glad to get the chance to clean the cardboard out of there basements and garages.
Grocery Stores
This is an old favorite. Produce boxes are often dirty and unsuitable, but the boxes canned foods come in are usually clean and very sturdy. Bread boxes are good for things that are light or for items to be donated or even thrown out.
Clothing Store
Clothing stores often have large boxes that are good for lighter things. There boxes are usually made of cardboard that is thin to medium in weight. These boxes are really clean and worth the effort to get.
Toy Store
I have worked in a toy store, so I will tell you from experience that these stores have wonderful boxes. Some are thin, but many are fairly thick. These boxes are clean and they get a lot of them almost daily. Another good thing about getting boxes from toy stores is that most of the time you will find the employees friendly and accommodating.
Hospitals
Hospitals are an untapped resource for boxes. Hospital boxes are wonderful. Big and sturdy and very clean. Finding these boxes can be a bit tricky. If you know anyone that works at a hospital then it will be easier. They will know or can find out the hospitals policies and where to get them. If you don’t know anyone then do not despair, you will just need to start asking around. Just remember that you are in a hospital and keep your inquiries appropriate and out of the way of any emergencies.
Finding free moving boxes takes time so relax and just keep at it. When asking employees about boxes you will get more no’s then yes’s. It will help to go when you believe the establishment will be slow. A busy employee or mangier will consider you a nuisance if they are busy.
Moving can be so stressful, there are so many things to do and keep track of. When it comes time to move I always with I could be a minimalist. That way there would not nearly be as much to move. Most of us are not minimalists so deciding exactly how to move all of our belongings is a must.
Moving Companies in the Yellow Pages
The yellow pages are an excellent place to start your search for a moving company. If you are moving a long distance then it would be a good idea to start with the larger adds. These large ads are the companies that are big and will have more locations nation wide. Call a few of them to get a quote to compare. Don’t be afraid to call a few of the companies from the smaller ads as well.
Word of Mouth tells a lot About Moving Companies
Try to remember everything you have heard from friends and family about there experiences with the moving companies that they have used. Sometimes there problems are not the norm for the company, but how the moving company handled the problem is what is important. Their customer service is going to affect you whether have a problem or not. If you call can you get through to a person? Can that person answer your questions?
Search Engines are Full of Moving Companies
If you are like me you don’t even bother looking at or even keeping your yellow pages. Search engines are truly full of moving companies. Three hundred and fifty seven million to be exact. How do you even start to find a good one? Again, start with the big ones. Try ones that you have heard of before. You might be able to get a good deal from a less known company, but check them out with the Better Business Bureau first.
You finally landed that great job three thousand miles away. With life going at the speed of light the thought of now packing up and moving is not a good one. You might need to also decide how to go about selling your house to make the situation more stressful. So to hopefully not add more to your busy schedule you will also need to decide how you will get your car or cars to your new home. Now is the time to decide if your cars are even worth the cost of moving with you. Fortunately cars are sold in most communities in many countries, so finding something to buy should not be too big of a problem. The cost may not be the best idea though.
Another option to get your car there is simply to drive it. If you are just taking one car with you and will be using a full service moving company or pod moving company then this might be the way to go. If you are going to use a you-drive moving truck then you could use a car trolley to drag the car behind. Beware that if you use a trolley that drags your back wheals on the road than expect at least a little damage when you arrive. There is also the option of one person driving the truck and one driving the car. If you choose to does this then make sure you can stop often because trading places to drive will not be an option. Driving your car yourself will take time, so if you are in a real hurry you might want to fly to your new home instead.
Car moving companies are truly the most convenient way to get your car there. Using a car moving service may cost more then driving yourself, but you would not have to drive it or drag it yourself. Car trouble will not keep you from your scheduled first day of that now job, and flying there is definitely possible. Make sure you call a few car moving companies for a quote and then calculate what your cost would be to get it there yourself. Only you know what the best decision is for your move.
In the post made yesturday we talked about what you can do to make your home appear cleaner before your move. If you have lived in a rental for a long time or are trying to get your house ready to show to potential buyers then It will be necessary to do a bit more.
I truly believe that the list that you will use as you’re to do list for your move out cleaning is very individual. No one could give you a comprehensive list to work for everyone and every situation. It is the best to make your own.
Here is a book that will help you on your way to make a moving house cleaning checklist and explanations of how to do the cleaning on that list.
Moving can be a lot of work, and be really expensive. Unfortunately a necessary move can come up at the most inconvenient times. What am I kidding moving house is never convenient. When it is time to move be sure to check a few of the moving van companies. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Convenience
You will need to use a moving van company that has the kind of truck or van that you want, so make sure it is available on your dates. Also unless you are just moving across town, you will need to find out how close they have locations to where you are moving from and to. You will probably be charged by the mile and you will be buying the gas so the closer the better.
Here is a trick to use. Ask for prices at different locations. The price difference could be worth paying for the extra miles and the gas. My mom used this trick to save several hundred dollars by dropping the truck off in a different town. So the above is not always the rule.
Reliability
Not all moving van companies are created equal. Check out the one you choose with the better business bureau and in online forums for complaints. Always take the complaints with a grain of salt. Some people will complain about anything. After reading the complaints you will have a feeling if the company is probably going to be ok or not. Word of mouth is truly the best way of finding a reliable moving van company, so always take note of what you hear from friends and family.
Cost
If you are looking for a moving van company and not a full service moving company, then the cost is probably a big factor. Call several companies to compare. If you are moving in the summer months then be prepared to pay more. Here are a few things to ask when you call regarding cost; Is the mileage included, what is the gas mileage of the vehicle, how much gas does it hold, Does the price include pick up and drop off, and don’t forget insurance. Check your insurance policy; it might include coverage on a rental. When you are adding up your grand total don’t forget to include what the gas should cost.
Moving in This Economy
It seems that just when you think the price of gas is about as high as it could possibly get, a few more pennies are added to the price. When you are moving whether across town or across the country gas directly affects the price of your move. With the gas prices predicted to hit five dollars this summer, now is the time to economize. Self pack moving companies is the best choice.
Full Service Movers
If you are in a big hurry and have the money to spend then you might be considering hiring full service movers. Depending on how much you are willing to spend, they will come to your house, pack your stuff into boxes they provide, load all of your furniture and boxes onto a truck, drive it to your new home, unload everything, and even put your furniture back together.
I would love to move this way, the cost would be prohibitive for many people. People that have used these full service movers have had items damaged or missing, and have even found that there mirror has been mixed up with someone else’s. Just because you have paid the big bucks doesn’t mean that these moving companies will be willing to talk to you about your grievances after you are done with your move. I have also heard of situations where the movers increase the price on you after they have your belongings, but before they have delivered them to you. People have had there things held hostage until the new inflated price is paid. Thank goodness there is another alternative.
Types of Self Pack Moving Companies
There are several types of self pack moving companies. Amenities and prices vary, so if you are really watching your wallet, call a few from each type to compare. Don’t forget that if you are moving during peek months the price will be higher and you will need to have your move scheduled ahead of time.
You Pack and Drive Moving Truck
A you-pack and drive truck is a good option if you don’t mind driving a large vehicle. If you are moving a long distance and need to take your car, then you will need to rent a car trailer or dolly. This will make driving the moving truck more complicated and if you rent a car dolly that makes the cars back tires drag on the grownd then you can count on damage and extra wear and tear on your car after you arrive. The you drive moving truck is the best option for a move across town. You will get the whole truck to yourself.
You Pack They Drive Moving Truck
The you pack they drive their moving truck isn’t as common, but is a less expensive alternative if you are moving a long distance. The idea with this type of moving is you rent a block of space on a semi truck. These trucks have special separators that the driver will put into place after you finish stuffing as much as you can into the pre-allotted space. Don’t try this one if you are not flexible with when they pick up and drop off. You will need to pack your things into the truck in a short time frame that you will get notice of the day before and then the same on the other end. You will know the days this might happen beforehand. Your belongings will be on a truck with other peoples, but the separater should keep things from being mixed up.
Moving Container or Pod
Moving pods are really gaining in popularity lately for good reason. You can have the pod on your property for a while so that you can pack it when you have the time, and then get them to pick it up when you are done. You can also use these containers as storage either at your place of there’s for an additional cost. In general the price to use moving containers will fall in-between the other two self pack options, so check them out. You will get the pod or pods all to your self and packed by yourself, so no need to worry about loosing anything.
Keeping organized is the best way to keep your stress levels down during your relocation. Make a list of everything that you need to do as soon as possible. Trust your list and ask for lots of help from your friends and family. Here are a few things to keep in mind while you are planning your relocation moving checklist
Decide On Your Moving Method
Your biggest moving expense is going to be the method that you move your belongings by. Whether you hire a moving company that will do everything for you, or use you pack moving pods or you pack and drive rental trucks. I even used the united states post office to ship all of my things in eighteen boxes once, which I would not recommend doing unless you have to.
Spend the time to find your moving company. Some of these companies are not reliable and are known to be dishonest. It can be hard to find out what the best ones are so ask friends and relatives or try to see if there are complaints against them on the internet.
Arrange for Extra Help
Unless you are the ultimate minimalist or an athlete you will need some help on moving day. Whether you ask some friends or hire some muscle you will need to get your help scheduled ahead of time.
Call a Donation Center That Picks Up
The best moving idea I have ever heard has to do with the items that you choose to not move with you to your next home. If you don’t have the time or interest in having a moving sale then call a donation center that picks up. You could sedule a time and date with them to come to your home a haul off what is left that they could sell in their store. You would first pack up everything that you are keeping and then invite them to take the rest. Just keep a close eye on things to make sure they don’t take anything that stays with the house or items that you may have missed while packing.
Foreword Your Mail
You don’t want to loose important mail while you are moving. A great way of keeping track of where your mail is being sent is to get a mailbox with an international mail collecting company that will give you a list of the mail that you have and let you chose what to do with it. Even if you are moving within the same country you could still use a service like this that is based in your country. It is really hard to get a PO Box in a state you do not yet live, so a service that will let you live anywhere or between places is ideal. It is a good idea to start this as soon a one month before your move, and then you could cancel and have your mail changed to be delivered to your home once you are completely settled. If you plan on having a post office box anyway you could just keep the service as it often costs the same or a little more that the traditional PO Box.
This is a stressful time, but you know that it will end and you will soon be settled in your new home.
There are so many reasons a family or individual would need to move in a hurry. There are a few areas in this country that are having a lot of house foreclosures. You may not have heard, but if you are renting a house that goes into foreclosure you will find yourself suddenly evicted without much warning. This is just one reason you might find yourself having an emergency move, but there a numerous other ones to.
Moving can be really complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. If you look at the big picture you really only need to do a few things to be ready to move, besides find a place to move to. When you look at each item that must be done think of what you absolutely have to do and let what you would normally do if you hade the time go. A list of things of what you must do.
You Must Move Your Stuff
Whatever you leave behind you will likely never see again. Grab some boxes and start throwing the things that you would really hate to loose in them first. If time permits you can go to the next stage of what you are taking with you. The next stage being what you would like to keep, but isn’t absolutely necessary. Things that I would keep in mind would be furniture, important personal records and documents, photos, your favorite clothing, and keep sakes.
You Must Have What’s Left Hauled Off
If you are in a big hurry then there will be a point that you will need to decide that what you haven’t packed will need to be gotten rid of. Call your friends and family to come take anything that they want. At least you will know your things will be going to a good home. You can then have the rest hauled off to a charity and the dump. Get as much help with this as you can to get it done quickly.
You Must Forward Your Mail
As soon as you know that you have to move go to the post office to forward your mail. If you don’t know where you will be living yet then ask a friend or family member if you can have your mail forwarded to them temporarily. You do not want your mail getting into the wrong hands.
You Must Take Care of Your Utilities
You will need to call all of the companies that provide your utilities and other services to this home to schedule when the services will end. These will likely not be turned of the day you call, so call as soon as you can. You don’t need to pay for days that you did not live there.
Take a deep breath and get started. If you find that you could not do everything that you feel that needed to be done before you left, then let it go. Except for the mail forwarding and ending your utilities, the rest should not be worried about once you are done. You did the best you could.