UPDATE -- Lessons From An Iraq Vet

Last week we looked at a King 5 investigation on scam movers in which an Iraq Vet was charged $8,700 instead of $5,700 for his move after his items were already in the truck. We have an update.  Elisa Hahn, the reporter that broke the story, noted a few days ago that Jonathan Sheets did receive his household goods, once the FMSCA got involved. (I would also add King 5's involvement - since, I am sure, that the moving company knew they were being watched on regional TV) The FMSCA was on hand to make sure that the household goods were delivered and all Federal laws were obeyed. Anyways, it sounds like our vet was treated fairly once his items were delivered. But the cautionary tale remains, Local news stations can't cover every abuse and the FMSCA can't respond to every case. So it remains to the consumer to thoroughly check out a mover. Remember to: Check with the with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Check with the FMSCA Check with the Washington Utilities and Trade Commission (WUTC) ... Read the rest of entry »

Lessons From An Iraq Vet - On Scammed Movers

King 5 did an all-to-common piece on scam movers the other week.  In it they described how a veteran was told one price for moving, and then told another price once all his possessions were secured on the moving truck.  Let's look at the story and see if we can learn how to avoid this happening to you. Jonathan Sheets is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and suffers from PTSD.  He suffered a serious injury from an EID explosion.  He was awarded a medical retirement and was starting his life over by moving back to his parents vacant home in Gig Harbor. In order to make the move to Washington State, he contracted with Precision Moving, the lowest bidder, and agreed to a price of $5,700.  They asked for over $1,200 up front.  Once the items were onboard the truck, the total price soared to $8,700 and must be paid upon arrival. So let's look at a few items that we should discuss: He went with the lowest bidder…  Not that this is always a bad idea, but many times ... Read the rest of entry »

May Is National Move Month

How To Avoid A Scam Move In Five Easy Steps

This is a compilation of past posts that dot the blog archives. I have put them together so that the reader can more easily make an informed choice in selecting a professional mover. You can view the full post on each tip by following the links adjoining. Enjoy! Moving Companies, which ones do you call? With over one hundred different movers in the greater Seattle area alone, finding the right moving company can be overwhelming. You need a moving company that is responsive, reliable, and experienced. So many times a mover will entice you with discounted rates and big promises, only to leave you stranded and with no cash. We at Apex Moving & Storage are determined to arm you with proven techniques to finding and hiring a great moving company. Scam movers and rip off artists make it their business to look just like the good guys. They have snappy websites and slick salespeople. Below are great tools to make sure that you find one of the honest moving companies in the Seattle area. When it comes to findin ... Read the rest of entry »

Getting Ready for Spring (And Moving) With An Updated Tool Shed

Many times we dread doing yard work because instead of feeling free and productive with our workspace, our workspace in itself feels like a chore.  For many people the lawnmower is piled high with pots and tarps, the weed-wacker is buried under shovels and rakes, and they can't even find extension cords amongst all the mess. If your shed or garage looks like this, the urge to get up and be productive is probably greatly diminished.  And who can blame you, if a chore takes fifteen minutes longer than normal because of all the other sifting and sorting, most would give up before they start. Getting Your Workspace Ready: You will be amazed at what an organized workspace can do for your productivity.  Walking into clean space energizes your mind and makes you feel like you are smarter and more efficient (I am not kidding).  So here is what you can do in order to make your job easier and less stressful: Sort all your items.  Go through everything, and I mean everything, and put ... Read the rest of entry »

Seven Steps To Perfectly Packing The Linens

Many times we get started on a project and we loose sight of everything that needs to happen in order to make it a success.  The easiest way to combat this is to start with the end in mind.  If you are able to visualize the end goal that you want and then work backward to the starting point, you will have a much better chance of success. So when it comes to packing the linens, we need to see ourselves in the new house with everything neat and organized.  If we can see what that looks like, your chances of it actually happening have just improved. When it comes to packing the linens, we have to go to the end in order to figure out how we should get there.  Imagine you are in your new home with all the linens put away, they are clean and fresh and ready to use.  Each piece has its place. Here are the steps in how you get there: Take note of how much space you will have at the new place.  Do you reasonably think all your linens will fit in the new hom ... Read the rest of entry »

Easy Ways To Create Curb Appeal In One Day

Putting your home on the market can be exciting.  But getting the house ready for market can be another matter entirely.  You do not realize how much needs to get done until you look at your home through the eyes of a potential buyer. The good news is there are some simple things you can do to create an appealing look to your home and make a buying decision a lot easier for a potential buyer.  So let's jump in: Install Outdoor Lighting Fixtures: Start with updating your front porch light.  If you only have one light, try adding another.  Two attractive lights flanking your front door will definitely help to sell the house.  If you already have attractive front porch lights, an added touch is to install ground walkway lights.  These can be fairly inexpensive, but they can make a home feel well manicured and inviting.  Doll Up The Front Door:  Let's face it; the front door is one of the most prominent features of your house.  If it looks tired and worn ... Read the rest of entry »

The Best Way To Pack A Mirror In Three Easy Steps

We all dread moving mirrors.  They are fragile and many of the them are big, so they don't easily fit in a box.  As movers, we have figured out fool proof ways to make sure those mirrors get to their destination as beautiful as when they started. So follow along and you will learn the tricks the pros use to get those mirrors from point A to point B in one piece. Step One: Prep the boxes: The first thing to understand is the best box to use.  At Apex, we use mirror pack boxes.  It is actually one large box that has been cut in four so that when you put the box back together it can expand or contract to the exact dimensions of the mirror.  So the first thing you have to do is assemble each corner of the box.  Tape each corner together so that they create section of the box. Step Two: Wrap the Mirror: The second thing to do is to wrap the mirror in packing paper.  But before you do, take the time to wipe down the mirror.  Remove any dust or particles.  It is ... Read the rest of entry »

How to Pack The Dishes Like A Pro In Two Easy Steps

With all that you have to do in a move, packing the dishes is normally one of the last. It only stands to reason since they are the one thing in the house that you consistently use on a regular basis. The unfortunate thing is, last minute items are usually packed with the least amount of care. And dishes need your full attention when packing so that you are able to make sure they make it to your home in one piece. So here are two things that you can do to pack your dishes with speed and security. If you follow these two tips not only will you be package like a pro but also your dishes will come through unscathed on the other side. Tip one: Pack in layers. Think of your dish box as a layered cake. You have each layer of cake with a nice layer of frosting in-between. Except in this case the frosting is packing paper and the cake is your dishes. Do this: Put a good layer of crumpled packing paper in the bottom of the box. (frosting) Put a layer of dishes in with packing paper in-betwe ... Read the rest of entry »

How To Get Your House Ready For A Move In Five Easy Steps

Life can be stressful when you are trying to sell your home.  The last thing you want to think about is how your home looks to prospective buyers.  But the truth of the matter is, selling your home is just as much presentation as it is market value.  If a prospective buyer gets a "sense" that this is a good home to buy, most of your work is done. So how do you help someone make a decision to buy a house?  You remove all obstacles.  What I mean is you must remove anything that would stick in the back of their mind as a red flag. Let's walk down a short list of easy things you can do help a prospective buyer feel at home: Give your house the cleaning of a lifetime.  Do not be afraid to get down and get dirty.  The cleaner you house is, the more welcome people will feel.  And the more welcome they feel, the more of a pleasant experience it will be for them. Remove all unnecessary furniture.  The look you are going for is "furniture showroom.”  ... Read the rest of entry »