Packing the China

Whether you are moving locally or moving long distance, packing the china is the same.  Once it is in the truck and stowed properly, It does not matter how long the relocation takes.  So we need to pack our fragile items for the those times that they are vunerable (i.e. being carried out to/from the truck and bumps along the road). All top rated moving companies have similar techniques.  By following these simple steps, you will be packing like a pro in no time.     Supply list: Packing Tape 5.2 cubic feet Dish Cartons Blank newsprint   Packing the China and Crystal: Tape the bottom of the 5.2 cubic feet dish carton shut. Place a thick nest of wadded blank newsprint (at least an inch thick) at the bottom of the carton. Place the largest item in the bottom, the lighter items at the top. Place all plates on edge in the containers.  Wrap each glass or teacup with layers of newsprint. Layer newsprint ... Read the rest of entry »

Driving While Flying

You are moving long distance.  The homework is done and you have chosen your out of state moving company, or an interstate van lines.  Now it is time to decide what to do about the family car.  Should we drive, sell, or transport the car?  Here are some handy tips to decide what to do.    Find out the value of your car in its current condition.  Kelly Blue Book is a great resource.  It can help customize the value of your car based off of the make, model, and condition of the car.  Most long distance moving companies will use this information to help determine the type of valuation you will need for your car while in transport.  It will also help you make a decision whether to sell or not.  If your car is worth $1,000 and it costs $1,200 to transport it,  you might want to sell it and purchase a new car at the destination. Estimate the cost of driving to your new home.  Most out of state moving companies will give you a delivery wi ... Read the rest of entry »

Naughty Doctors & Your Home Town

One of the hassles of moving from state to state is finding people you trust.  The plumber, a new vet, and a new doctor - to name a few.  This can be overwhelming.  Long distance moving is a journey with a lot of unknowns.  But now, thanks to William Heisel, you may have 20/20 when it comes to you new hometown's doctors.  He has been compiling the worst offenders of that most noble profession, the physician.  It is bone chilling to see how many articles he has written on the subject.  He even has then tagged by location (see left).   This certainly has its "titillating" factor as you read the misdeeds of those naughty doctors.  But it has its useful side.  Imagine you could find out who was and angel or a devil before you were moving state to state.  You could feel more confident.  More assured.   So dig in there.  Find out about some of the misdeeds.  As you move long distance, you will find yourself asking intelligent, informed q ... Read the rest of entry »

Out of State Recon

Long distance moving, we have been doing it for thousands of years.  New opportunities, fresh starts, and foreign lands - the stuff of legends.  And with the help of a few good websites moving state to state just got a little easier.  At City Town Info.com, they have a wide range of useful information about the town that you are moving to.  They have population demographics, career opportunities, and nearby colleges.  I did a search on my hometown to verify the accuracy - and they did a good job of hitting it. (Puyallup, WA)   Interstate moving is a good chunk of our business.  Many of the people we move long distance go in blind.  A new town, new streets, new malls, and new people - all of which can be overwhelming.  In a new town, the midnight grocery run can be an obstacle course from hell.  So I heartily recommend doing as much recon as you can.  Be savvy, Google you new nearby grocery stores, find the town parks, nail down the nearest hardware stor ... Read the rest of entry »

The Traveling Band

I am always looking for safer ways to transport our customers furniture.  Piano moving companies have tools and tricks that make the job easy and stress free.  And as local and long distance moving company, providing a pleasurable experience for our customers is of paramount importance.  This You Tube Video has my wheels turning.  They have a novel approach to tackling an age old problem, moving the piano.  Maybe I could hire them to calm my clients nerves as I get them from point A to Point B.   I am a little disappointed that I didn't think of it first.  I have Moving Guide Checklists, Moving Supplies, Moving Boxes, and Free Moving Quotes.  Why didn't I think of traveling, live music.  Oh well... You can't win them all. Read the rest of entry »

Foreclosures not Free

I cannot stand false advertising.  When something says "free", it should be free.  Now when "free" is in your name, dog-gone-it, the product you are offering should without charge.  In the moving & storage business, we build our reputation on trust.  So how can these fellows at www.foreclosurefreesearch.com get away with saying their product is free?  In fact, the only thing free is a 7 day trial.  But even at that, you have to give them your name, email address, physical address, and credit card info!  So how free is that?   The reason I am snooping around some of these sites is many of our customers are taking advantage of the current foreslosure market when they move.  Whether our customers are moving locally or out of state, buying a forclosed home is a smart choice.  So I figured I would report on some handy websites that would help with the search.  Instead I stumbled upon someone with a very hawkish and shady approach to business. 
... Read the rest of entry »

Real Estate Agent + Money Back

Finding a good real estate agent is hard.  It is more than flipping through the yellow pages and finding a flashy ad.  Realtors, like moving and storage companies, build their business on reputation.  Are they hard working, are they vigilant for your best interests.  Whether your are moving out of state or staying local, a good real estate agent, a good mortgage broker, and a good mover can mean all the world.   We have the "good mover" covered, (author shifts awkwardly hoping you'll get the joke), so what about the real estate agent?  In this case, we have you covered.  If you are moving out of state, we have partnered with Stevens Van Lines in bringing you premeir real estate agents for where you are moving.  just navigate back to our home page and and click on the "plus" slider in the top right portion of the site.  From there you can see how much you could get back by just using one of our top real estate agents.  Request a free moving quote and we can g ... Read the rest of entry »

Packing the Painting

Every work of art deserves special care.  But when it comes to oil paintings, a few extra precautions are in order.  Here is a brief understanding of how to transport your paintings.  (whether you are moving locally or from state to state, the same steps apply.)   For oil paintings, purchase specialty wrapping paper called "glassine."  This will be the paper actually touching the painting surface.  Regular papers can adhere to the oil and permanently damage the painting.  "Glassne" was specifically designed to not adhere, even in 100+ degree heat. Once the "glassine" has been applied, wrap the entire painting and frame with regular moving papaer.  Do not use newspaper, the ink from the newsprint can rub off onto the frame. Make sure to pad all corners with corner protectors. Put the painting in a picture moving box and completely seal all openings.  This will prevent dust, dirt, and grime from finding its way in. Ok, there is a quick packi ... Read the rest of entry »