APEX Moving & Storage Blog

Five Questions To Ask Yourself While On The Job Hunt

DeanS — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:16:00 GMT

Joel Garfinkle put out a blog post not to long ago that puts some poignant questions to those that that are looking to change careers and go after their dream job. While the article is geared towards those that are looking to find greater purpose in their lives through their work, the questions can still apply to those just looking for a job. With over 300,000 people giving up finding a job last month alone, we need some guideposts to help us keep in the game and keep moving towards the goal of gainful employment. Below I have kept the five questions he asked and tailored the adjoining thoughts to fit anyone looking for a job. You can follow the link on career change to see the original article. 1. Can you invest hours of your free time in learning something new? If you are looking for a job, you may need to extend yourself beyond just what you did in the past. Be willing to try something new, even if you have to intern to gain new skills while you continue to look for a ...

UPDATE -- Lessons From An Iraq Vet

DeanS — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:28:00 GMT

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) ...

Lessons From An Iraq Vet - On Scammed Movers

DeanS — Sat, 12 May 2012 04:23:00 GMT

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 ...

May Is National Move Month

DeanS — Fri, 11 May 2012 01:28:00 GMT

How To Tackle Your Painting Project In Seven Easy Steps

DeanS — Wed, 02 May 2012 06:04:00 GMT

Whether you are painting a home that you are getting ready to sell or painting a place that you are just moving into, it is a monster task. It can take even longer when you don't know what you are doing. So here are some tips on making your painting project a little easier so that you can take pride in a job well done. 1. Pick the shade of paint that is right for you. Try to consider the furniture that will be in the room and find complimentary colors. If you are selling, stick to neutral colors so that prospective buyers will be able to visualize their tastes in your house. 2. Buy the correct amount of paint. Read the coverage directions on the side of the can and purchase the correct amount of paint to cover the surfaces that you will be painting. Make sure to also buy enough primer for the first coat as well. 3. Buy all the accessories that you will need: paint rollers painters tape brushes edgers roller pans roller pan liners drop clothes ...

Federal Way Wa Movers Concerned About Fire Levy

DeanS — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:13:00 GMT

As your Federal Way WA Movers, Apex is committed to the safety of this great city. Federal way is a great place to live and do business. But the Federal Way Mirror has reported that the South King county Fire Levy may be just shy of passing. With the housing crash of 2007 still rippling its effects down to the present, every sector of the economy has been hit. Cities and the budgets are no exception. But cities and counties can start to look less attractive to move to if their police, fire, and schools are anemic. If given the choice of moving to a city that has been able to invest in critical infrastructure and a city that has not… well the choice would be obvious. In many ways, spending money in your police, fire, and schools is an investment in your economic future. If you have a robust influx of people moving to your city or people deciding to stay when they move, it is a great shot in the arm for your economy. When people move to a new home, they start by fixing it up. This means that goo ...

Create More Visual Interest On Your Balcony Or Porch With A Vertical Garden

DeanS — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 05:05:00 GMT

Creating appeal in smaller spaces like a condo or a two bedroom house can be more challenging. You want to make it feel more spacious, but how? With spring upon us, one of the easiest ways to make a small home more appealing and feel more spacious is making your back porch or balcony like an outdoor living room. Looking to move - you need a buyer: When you put your home or your condo on the market, every little thing can help. You want to sell your home so that you can move into your new home. But attracting the right buyer can be hard in this economy. So finding a ways to make your home stand out is important. The Home Depot just posted this great example of what you can do to make a small space stand out with some ingenuity: the vertical garden. A vertical garden is essentially a flower box that has been especially constructed to stand vertically or hung on a wall. They walk you step by step on how to assemble a flower box with this how to video and explain all that you will need to make it ...

How To Avoid A Scam Move In Five Easy Steps

DeanS — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 03:44:00 GMT

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 ...

How To Get A Job With These Key Moves

DeanS — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 05:13:00 GMT

There have been so many times that I have bought what was cheap only to have it break on me in a few months. I am a miser, and admittedly so. I want my dollar to stretch. But I have learned that the best way to make my dollar stretch is to buy for quality, and not price point. If I buy something for five dollars and it lasts me five years as opposed to something that is two dollar and lasts one year, I have made the smart move. It is more up front, but it is an investment. How to get a job by investing in your future: The same theory goes with job advancement. Sometimes you have to shell out money in order to make more money. Today we will talk about two scenarios that will cost you money but will pay off in the end. the first is a job interview and the second is a possible promotion. The Interview: You are getting ready to go in and go after that job that you applied for. You have done your homework and have read up on the company. You calmed your nerves and you have your resume polished. Y ...

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

DeanS — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 06:27:00 GMT

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 ...

A Step By Step List To Whip Your House Into Shape This Spring

DeanS — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 01:32:00 GMT

Here is a short list for your spring cleaning. Feel free to add to it as you see fit. This is also a great list to keep on hand for when you get ready to sell your home. Kitchen: Wipe down the range Clean out the oven Wipe down the oven hood Dust the bottom of the dish washer Wipe down the front of the dishwasher Wipe down the front and sides of the refrigerator Clean out the refrigerator Dust the refrigerator coils Defrost the freezer Wipe down all the counters Sweep and mop the kitchen floor Organize storage containers - throw out old or unused containers Dust out drawers Living Room/Family Room: Move furniture and vacuum behind Dust all hard surface furniture Vacuum all clothe furniture Wipe down all leather furniture Dust floor molding Clean window hangings Bathrooms: Wipe down all countertops Wipe down all mirrors Sanitize showers and bath tubs Sanitize toilets ...

Four Easy Things You Can Do to Get A Greener Lawn

DeanS — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 06:53:00 GMT

One of the best ways to spruce up your yard for getting ready to sell is to improve the quality of your lawn. For most people, a lawn is the majority of the yard. So if your lawn does not look good, the rest of your yard will look worse for wear. Below are a few things you can do in order to get your yard ready for that great first impression. Getting the watering right: For many lawns, the reason why they look a little green around the gills are because they are not properly watered. A lawn should be watered every two to three days to a total depth of one inch. This can be a little confusing at first, so try this simple trick. Set up your sprinkler like normal and place a pan in the yard directly were the water would hit. Time how long it takes to fill the pan to the one-inch mark. Once you have completed this you will know how long to water your yard each time. Thatching: One of the best things you can do for your yard is to thatch it once a year. ...

Three Easy Ways To Spruce Up Your Yard For Spring

DeanS — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 05:48:00 GMT

Spring is less than a month away, and that means the start of planting new plants and yard care. For those that are getting ready to put their house on the market, this is a great time to spruce up your house and get your hands dirty in the process. For those with a green thumb, this might come naturally. But for the rest of us, we need a little help. So here are some great tips to give your yard a helping hand so that your house is pleasing to the buyers eye. Give your walkway a new look: In many ways, your front walkway is the focal point of your yard. In many cases it bisects your lawn and visually leads to your front door. Why not dress it up a bit so that your walkway becomes inviting and an attractive statement. Start by clearing a patch of dirt on each side of the walkway and putting easy to care for plants in its place. Try to find plants that visually compliment your house's color scheme. If you have lighter tones on your house, pick plants tha ...

Seven Steps To Perfectly Packing The Linens

DeanS — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 05:20:00 GMT

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 ...

Easy Ways To Create Curb Appeal In One Day

DeanS — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:12:00 GMT

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 ...

The Best Way To Pack A Mirror In Three Easy Steps

DeanS — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:28:00 GMT

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 ...

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

DeanS — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:12:00 GMT

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 ...

The Puyallup Food Bank

DeanS — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:59:00 GMT

We at Apex Moving & Storage are proud to partner with a few charitable organizations around our area. We count it a privilege to give back to the community that has given us so much. One of those organizations is the Puyallup Food Bank. Here is a little of their history and who they are: The Puyallup Food Bank first opened their doors in 1972. Their mission is to raise awareness of the local need for fresh, quality food for those that are in need in our community. They are a volunteer based organization that receives food, hygiene products, and monetary donations from individuals, corporations, and other non-profits in the area. They use these charitable donations to give food directly to those in need in our community. They partner with the Emergency Food Network, Northwest Harvest, and other non-profits to make sure that each dollar given to the Puyallup Food Bank is maximized. In fact, they have perfected the process so well, that a ten dollar donation wi ...

Three Ways To Stand Out From The Crowd In A Job Search

DeanS — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:43:00 GMT

In this job economy, finding any job, let alone the right job, can be more than a challenge. With possibly hundreds of people applying for one job, it can be tough to get noticed. That is why you need a few tips and tricks to help you get noticed and stand out from the crowd. Let's face it, if all you are doing is going online and submitting your resume to prospective employers, you are in for a rude awakening. Millions of other people are already doing that. So what you need is a unique approach that helps you to stand out from the crowd. Here are a few things you can do to point a big neon sign right at you so that you will be at the head of the line for the job that you want: The right resume. The traditional resume is on the way out. Just listing your employers, the dates you worked there, and your responsibilities are not enough. The best thing you can do for yourself is to make your resume a brief timeline of the past accomplishments and projects yo ...

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

DeanS — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:32:00 GMT

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.” ...

The Easiest Way To Increase Work Productivity

DeanS — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:23:00 GMT

and it is also the hardest way, by the way Stress, we all deal with it in one form or another. And to be sure, stress can be a real killer if it is prolonged and sustained. But there is one kind of stress that is especially debilitating for the mind: financial stress. Over 21% of American employees reported “high” or “overwhelming” levels of financial stress in a recent poll. Twenty-one percent. Psychologists say that when that level of stress is reached productivity goes way down. And when productivity goes down, the loss of a job due to poor performance goes way up. Thus causing more stress about finances. And the effects do not stop there. For many people they turn to other things to medicate their pain. They will use things like food, cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs to try and drown out the stress. And this will further lead to productivity loss on the job. So the easiest way to avoid the productivity loss is to decrease your stress of fin ...

How To Survive A Group Interview

DeanS — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 04:31:00 GMT

In this job market there are hundreds of applicants for one job opening in many cases. More and more employers are opting to conduct group interviews in order to weed out the lesser qualified candidates. So chances are you may find yourself in some type of group interview if you are in the fight for a while. And if you are little shy and don't do well in group settings; this might be a little stressful for you. The good news is that group interviews are relatively easy to get through as long as you remember a few simple rules to follow. Here they are in no particular order: They are looking to see how you react and interact: Since a company's culture is created by the people it hires, they will be looking to see how you interact with the other prospects as well as their questions. Take some time to mingle with the other prospects. Get to know their names, make eye contact, and shake hands. Remember to smile as you speak to them. You want visible signals that yo ...

The Moving Journal - Your Life Saver

DeanS — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:59:00 GMT

Moving ranks as one of the more stressful things you will do in your life. Between deciding on a new house, packing up everything you own, learning new patterns, and getting your new home situated - there is a lot to do. And if you are anything like me, when I get stressed out my brain shuts down. That is why we need something outside our brain to keep us organized. We need a place where we can store all the information we need to complete our move from A to Z. Enter, the Move Journal. A move journal is a place where you can keep all the phone numbers, estimates, and to do lists you will need as you move. It is a great way to keep organized. Follow along and learn how to create your own move journal. Store everything in there A system is only as good as how you use it. That is why it is important to store all needed information in it. The journal you choose should have a folder for loose papers such as estimates. It should be small en ...

How To Make Your Small Kitchen Feel Bigger

DeanS — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:46:00 GMT

We all like the feeling of having space. No one likes to walk into a room and feel cramped. But when it comes to square footage, you cannot bend the math. If you have a small kitchen, unless you are ready to do a remodel, you are not going to come up with an extra one hundred square feet by clearing off the countertops. But there are simple tricks in creating the feeling of a more spacious kitchen. So follow along with these three easy steps to make you kitchen feel like you have twice the space. Let in the light Nothing beats natural lighting. It makes a room feel more inviting and open. You may not have skylights and large windows, but that does not mean you are stuck. Look at the window dressings you have. Are they light weight and do they allow light to filter through? If not, invest in sheer material. It will let light in but still give you privacy when you want it. Get furniture that fits Having furniture that fits in a room is paramount.& ...

How to Go After That Promotion in Three Steps

DeanS — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 04:23:00 GMT

You are apart of a stable company and you want to move up. You have a promotion in sight but getting noticed is a challenge. How will they know you are the right pick? This is the challenge of millions of Americans. We all want to succeed, but many of us don't know how. So below are three tried and true methods of getting noticed and getting that promotion. Follow along and pretty soon you could be in an interview as one of the top picks. Show up to the Company Picnic Sounds kind of silly, I know. But your bosses hold these things for a reason. They want to see who is invested with the company. And nothing says "commitment to the company" like putting in face time at company events. Of course, it does not have to be the annual picnic. Any time the company has a social or corporate event, be there. Make sure to interact with your co-workers. And above all, interact with your superiors. Just make sure that it is natural. ...

Three Tough Interview Questions and How To Ace Them

DeanS — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:35:00 GMT

There is nothing worse than being faced with the generic boiler plate interview questions. They are so simple, and yet the make the strongest person break out in a sweat. Why? Because so much is riding on how we answer them. After all, if we can fake a smile and keep our voice from cracking, we may just have a shot at being gainfully employed. The best way to ace these questions is to know them and practice your answer. Any professional athlete will tell you that the reason why they can do anything effortlessly is because they practiced hard when no one was looking. So below are three of the most popular questions interviewers ask and how you can, with practice, give a polished answer. "Tell me a little about yourself?" I always wanted to start my answer with, "Well, I was born at a very early age…" But the truth of the matter is that the person conducting the interview does not want to hear your complete life story. They are mainly concerned with a brief recap of your wor ...

Packing the Bedroom

DeanS — Sun, 22 May 2011 00:28:00 GMT

OK, packing the bedroom can be a daunting task. Wading through all the clothes, knick knacks, books, kid's toys, and accumulated "stuff" can make the most sturdy heart faint. Since we have some experience moving people in Seattle and beyond, we have developed a precision plan to tackle the mountain and make a manageable project. Follow these easy steps and getting your bedrooms ready will be a breeze: Create three piles: Create space for three pile: Keep, Throw, and Donate. Belongings, like our waistline, tend to grow with time. It takes discipline to keep both in line. So making the hard decision up front is tough, but it will save hours during the move. Decide what needs to get tossed, donated to Good Will, and what is important enough to make it to your new place. Use the one year rule - "If you haven't used it in a year, toss it." Pack a First Night Suitcase: The first night in your home will be chaotic. Take time to pack what you will ne ...

Setting the Record Straight

DeanS — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 21:26:00 GMT

Avoiding Scam Moving Companies in Seattle When finding moving companies in Seattle, A lot of people look online for their top picks. But a lot has been going around about internet moving scams and how to avoid them. Let's face it, the internet is the perfect place for slight-of-hand artists to hang out. With over 80% of shoppers starting their relocation search online, these guys are going to be around for a long time. The problem is, when most people are comparing moving companies in Seattle they tend to look at the bottom line - money, instead of what could save them thousands - quality. With unregulated virtual bulletin boards, reverse-auction sites, and find-a-mover web services, many get duped into thinking that getting the best price is the least expensive way to go. But consider this one trick of discount movers and you can see how cheap does not mean least expensive: All moving companies have a “released rate” valuation coverage. This coverage is how t ...

The Housing Bubble in Seattle

DeanS — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 22:02:00 GMT

A Moving Company Finding Its Way in the Seattle Market Fox News reported on February 22, 2011 that moving companies, on the whole, have shed 40 percent of its business since the end of 2007. And even though the Seattle area was able to stave off the effects of the house bubble bursting for a while, we caught up with the rest of the nation, quickly. The news for moving companies has not been a rosy one since then. The majority of people moving have been doing so because of a distressed situation. Foreclosures, loss of job, reduction in pay - all do not add up to people having the money to pay for a quality mover. In this time, quality moving companies, including yours truly, having been courting businesses, industrial firms, the Department of Defense, and other non-household goods clients to round out our portfolio of customers. Business must go on, and we are banking on that as corporations push forward to advance the recovery. It looks as is the glut of for ...

How to Avoid Scam Movers This Winter (tip 7)

DeanS — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 07:29:00 GMT

OK, you have done your homework and you have had your Seattle area movers come and give you your moving quotes. Unfortuantley, even after all that work, it can still be hard to read people. It is hard to decide, are they just nervous or shady? Are they jittery or just excited for my business.

How to Avoid Scam Movers This Winter (tip 6)

DeanS — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 07:04:00 GMT

By this stage of the game you should have two to three strong picks. By looking at the records of local movers at the BBB, movingscam.com, yelp.com, and your local Chamber of Commerce - your homework is done. Now it is time to set up your moving quotes. Make sure you have a minimum of two and a maximum of four moving quotes. Two to four estimates will ensure that you have a sufficient amount of information to choose from. I normally recommend two to three as the fourth can just be information overload.

How to Avoid Scam Movers This Winter (tip 5)

DeanS — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 06:41:00 GMT

When it comes to knowing a companies reputation in the community, no one beats the local Chamber of Commerce. Since they deal with companies day-in and day-out, they get a sense of how other businesses view the mover in question. It is not always a fool-proof method of getting to know a mover, but you can normally find out:

How to Avoid Scam Movers This Winter (tip4)

DeanS — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 22:37:00 GMT

An online review site that is quickly becoming a great resource for narrowing down the perfect mover is Yelp.com. They offer a soap box to any one who wants to rate an experience they have had with a company. You see the good, the bad, and the ugly with these reviews. But, with over 83% of the reviews being 3 stars or higher, this site is more an opportunity to see the good side of a company than the bad.

How to Avoid Scam Movers This Winter (tip 3)

DeanS — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 21:41:00 GMT

By now, if you have followed tips one and two, you have found three to four movers by scouring movingscam.com and the BBB. But checking scores and looking at reviews will only get you so far. You need to ask questions, get answers, and ask more questions. You need live people with first hand knowledge.

How to Avoid Scam Movers This Winter (tip 2)

DeanS — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 21:13:00 GMT

Now that you have found three or four moving companies that have passed the muster of the BBB, it is time to double check your homework. Not everyone will report their bad experiences to the BBB, so it is good to look in more than one place.

How to Avoid Scam Movers This Winter (tip 1)

DeanS — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 05:21:00 GMT

When it comes to avoiding scam moving companies, nothing beats some good ol' detective work. Poking around a companies past performance is the best way to know how they will perform on your move. And no one does a better job of keeping track of companies than the Better Business Bureau.

Packing the China

DeanS — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:01:00 GMT

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 ...

Driving While Flying

DeanS — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:11:00 GMT

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 ...

Naughty Doctors & Your Home Town

DeanS — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 23:49:00 GMT

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 ...

Out of State Recon

DeanS — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 04:32:00 GMT

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 ...

The Traveling Band

DeanS — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 04:23:00 GMT

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.

Foreclosures not Free

DeanS — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 00:25:00 GMT

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. ...

Real Estate Agent + Money Back

DeanS — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 04:41:00 GMT

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 ...

Packing the Painting

DeanS — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 04:18:00 GMT

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 ...

Moving Your Car (the prologue)

DeanS — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 22:27:00 GMT

When you are moving from state to state, the family 'mobile can be a big hassle. Driving it yourself is an option, unless you want to avoid hotel hopping by flying to your new home. Selling it is an idea, but in this economy people aren't just flocking to buy new cars. So what is a safe and reliable third option? Having your friendly, state to state movers transport it! I will be putting out a few articles on moving your car. Moving and storing your car is part of how we make you move convenient and less painful. Hopefully these articles will help you decide if transporting your car is the right option for you. So stay tuned, some great articles are coming. We want you to know that when we hand you a moving quote - we are moving at your speed.

Lest We Forget

DeanS — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:34:00 GMT

When we move, we have so many things on our mind. Wouldn't it be nice that as we pack, cross off moving checklists, and call around to different moving & storage companies - that someone would give us a checklist of items we may forget about? Well, over the next few weeks, I will be giving you some items that are classically overlooked. Copy and Paste them to your list or email this to a friend, we want you to feel prepared. Change of Adress: Grab a Change of Address form from the Post Office and give your new address to: Banks · Checking · Investments · Loans · Savings Church, Synagogue, or place of worship Credit Cards Friends & Family Health Care Providers · Dentist · ...

Out of State, In the Right Mind

DeanS — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 04:21:00 GMT

Let's face it, moving can be a bear. Moving out of state can be even worse. But moving doesn't have to be a headache. It can be enjoyable, even exciting. Planning, however, is the key ingredient. So if you are planning that long distance move, here is the first installment of tips on how to make turning the page to a new chapter an easy one. 1. Talk to a moving company early in the process. Have a moving company come and give you a free moving quote. This will help you understand how much it will cost, right now, to move. Have them explain how moving costs work. How do they charge? Is it by the weight? What other costs are involved? This will identify areas where you might be able to tighten your belt. 2. Moving Furniture. Take stock in the furniture you have. Is is worn, soiled, scratched, or dented? If so, make a list of the items you want to replace. Hold a garage sale, take them to Goodwill, or give them awa ...

Moving Your Piano

DeanS — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 21:17:00 GMT

When moving your piano inside your house, it is always good to hire a professional piano moving company. They should be able to provide you with a free moving quote that would allow you to make an informed decision. But for those looking to jump in with both feet and do it yourself, here are some helpful hints: Pad all door jams: Grab old blankets and painters tape and pad all corners and door jams along the path of the piano. This may seem like extra work. It will save a lot of finger pointing when it comes time to squeeze the piano through the doorway. Pianos tend to have a mind of their own and love to jump toward corners when you least expect it. Pad your piano: Take the time to pad your piano. This will create a necessary barrier between your piano and all other surfaces. Rent a piano dolly & straps: Yes, most pianos have wheels. A lot of those wheels, however, are old, worn, and can scratch hardwoods and tear carpet. ...

Sanity Saver: the Overnight Bag

DeanS — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 04:14:00 GMT

I think hands down the biggest stress reliever, and the most overlooked, is the overnight bag. Yes, I know – it’s just a bag. But this could literally save your marriage. The average person will do due diligence in finding the right mover, will carefully pack the china, and will make sure the phone and cable have been switched over. But imagine the move is done, you are in your new home, and now it is time to eat dinner and go to bed. You realize you have no idea which box the dishes are in, the bed linens are M.I.A., the toilet paper was packed by your spouse (and they have no idea where it is), and your kids don’t care about excuses – they just want food and sleep. It is at this point you realize your fatal flaw – no one packed an overnight bag. Might I humbly suggest the following: · Grab a good sized duffel bag · Put in the following: o Paper plates o ...

What did you say?

DeanS — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:02:00 GMT

Since I am always skimming the Internet for all things “moving” – I tend to come across some interesting takes on my industry. Below is an example of someone who knows little about the moving industry or the English language: “Moving home is not a fun chore. It is a challenging and difficult work. It is difficult enough to make your too much tired and stressful. In fact, it can be one of the most stressful times of your life. But when it comes, you have to it. But you can reduce the level of stress & tension on your move. In order to reduce the stress level you can find a good & good removal company and let them arrange your move conveniently and in very hassle-free & comfortable way.” (Emphasis mine) My goal is not to poke fun, too much, but to illustrate how people can have opinions on something – but it does not make them an expert. Now whoever this poor bloke is, he is well intentioned and if you weed though the garbled English he raises a few good points i ...

So Good You Must Refuse

DeanS — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 04:42:00 GMT

Here is an article by Michelle Singletary from the Washington Post. In it she gives the pitfalls of using online moving brokers. Here is a quick excerpt: “There are several broker scams. In one, a broker will promise to arrange the move for a low price. You pay a deposit or fee. You are given a date and information about the mover. The scheduled moving day comes, and the mover never shows. Turns out the broker did not arrange a mover. Your calls or complaints to the broker go unanswered.” Unfortunately, this is all to common. A quick definition that will save you a lot of time and heartache: A moving broker is someone who is independent of the people doing the work. They simple find the workers and match them to the job. A moving agent is someone affiliated with a group of workers and is held accountable by a governing body called the van lines. If you are moving out of state, always go with an agent of a van lines. They norma ...

Limping to a Brighter Future

DeanS — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:00:00 GMT

In a recent article aobut our economic recovery, Brian O'Connell of Mainstreet.com quotes the Brookings Institute: “If future job growth continues at a rate of roughly 208,000 jobs per month, the average monthly job creation for the best year for job creation in the 2000s, it would take 136 months (more than 11 years),” says Brookings. “In a more optimistic scenario, with 321,000 jobs created per month, the average monthly job creation for the best year in the 1990s, it would take over 57 months (almost 5 years).” Another 5 to 11 years of the slow grind to recovery? Perhaps we need this time to evaluate our part in this whole debacle. If a republic democracy is representatives enforcing and enacting the will of the people - what does that say about us? In our headlong search for money, did we forget that life is unpredictable, uncertain, and largely unknown? We maxed our credit cards and mortgages - spending like drunken sailors on shore leave. So ...

The Inner Life of a Dog

DeanS — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:27:00 GMT

(courtesy of ihasahotdog.wordpress.com) OK, so I am not one who is normally given to schmaltz, but this picture got me thinking. Just how much do dogs really understand of our larger world? They certainly know more than we give them credit for. For instance, they know the precise moment that you are most comfortable, and then ask to go to the bathroom. They know how to cock their head at the perfect angle to get the greatest amount of milk bones. And they know how to scare the liver out of you by barking at the UPS truck while you are taking a nap. (apparently men in brown shorts are their arch nemesis) So again, I ask you, do we need to re-examine how much our furry companions understand?

Save Money, Move Smart

DeanS — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 21:14:00 GMT

Let’s face it; transplanting your life anytime is hard. But if you can be a little flexible, you could save yourself some stress, time, and most importantly, money. Here are some things to consider:

Jet Lag Zombie

DeanS — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 21:05:00 GMT

Ok, check this out: the average American sleeps an hour less each night than those living 40 years ago, says Q13 Fox News. And Dr. Pascualy, Director of Sleep Medicine at Swedish Medical Center says that chronic sleep deprivation makes it difficult to do just about everything. Here is a snippet of his conversation with Q13:

Bank Secret

DeanS — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:55:00 GMT

Ok, I just came across an interesting site called banksecret.org and it claims to have products that can reduce your mortgage time from 30 years to nine years in some cases.

Moving Smart: Long Distance

DeanS — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:50:00 GMT

Moving can test even the most time-conscious planner. For instance, it may be tempting to bypass getting an in-house and written estimate

Saving Thousands: Bi-Weekly Payments

DeanS — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:26:00 GMT

This is crazy. Crazy because it should not be this easy to save tens of thousands of dollars! All’s that it takes is a little research and discipline, but here it is:

To Buy or Not to Sell, That is the Question

DeanS — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:19:00 GMT

I just read a poignant article that was written about a month ago by David Green. I found it insightful. In it he gives a brief synopsis of who will most likely fair the best, and the worst, in this coming economy.

Lemonade out of Lemons:

DeanS — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 20:07:00 GMT

There is this fellow that, as a hobby, decorates the downed trees in his area with intricate wood art. He does not do it for money, he simple wants to enhance the lives of others through his medium: wood.

Tracking Down the Perfect Agent

DeanS — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 19:45:00 GMT

Using the right real estate agent is key in getting into your new home fast. The question is - how can you find the right real estate agent for you?

Pack Like the Pros

DeanS — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 05:19:00 GMT

Here is a little “one page wonder” for you “do-it-yourself” packers. Follow these directions and you will be packing like a pro in no time: