Month: July 2020

Congratulations, you got that job offer or promotion. But you’ll need to pull up roots and move across the country. Along the road to this next chapter in your life, you have accumulated possessions, and you want to take them with you.

You’re not into heavy lifting and dismantling beds or packing up and sorting all those precious and useful items that populate your life. You want a professional moving company, and there are many out there. How do you choose one, and what questions should you ask?

Questions for Potential Movers

What is the company’s U.S. Department of Transportation registration number?

Companies transporting goods outside the state must be registered. You can check them out at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.

How does the moving company estimate the cost to you?

Answer a few simple questions regarding your move then get an in-home assessment of your household items. Reputable moving companies will provide the estimate in writing, which will include all charges with signatures by both you and the company rep for it to be binding.

Are there any extra or additional costs?

Check to see if the mover charges for special handling. Those charges would cover factors like specialty items that require additional attention or special packing. Some movers charge extra if their crew has to clear obstacles when loading and unloading. Let your potential mover know of any elevators, stairs, or particularly long distances they have to tackle during the move.

Does the mover use subcontractors?

If yes, ask the company for the subcontractor’s name. This information is readily available, and reputable companies will not withhold subcontractor information. They will also use reliable local movers, who have their own moving equipment.

How does the company handle and respond to complaints?

The most upfront and reputable moving companies can provide a history of complaints and claims and how they were resolved. The Better Business Bureau profiles for moving companies are at BBB.org. 

Do they provide full-service move options?

Since two moves are never the same, you might need to customize your moving services for your specific needs. Does the moving company offer full-service packing, loading and unloading, fixture installation, and furniture assembly? Do they provide a move coordinator to assist you? Assess your needs and make sure you know what services are available.

The best movers provide shrink-wrap for soft furniture as well as blanket wrap services. They will also offer efficient labeling and an easily identifiable method to unpack your household goods at the final destination. If storage is involved, look for companies that provide storage service.

Reliable Movers

For help with your move, contact us for a free quote. We can help your move be smooth and successful.

While you’re busy dealing with the logistics of relocation, and your own excitement, concerns, and fears your kids are struggling in their own way to deal with the move. Many of them dreading a future filled with question marks.

Your kids are likely to move to a new neighborhood and a new school — maybe even a new part of the country.

They might be anxious that they won’t fit in. It is hard on kids, but there are things you can do to make the move easier on them – perhaps even get them excited about it. Here’s where you need to begin.

Get Them Excited About Your New Home

If you have the opportunity, take them there in person and let them see their new home ahead of time. If that isn’t possible, use virtual tours of the home to get them excited. Show them their new rooms and ask your kids if they want to paint their rooms a particular color or decorate with a specific theme in mind.

Present the new home as a fresh slate for the “next phase” of their lives and solicit their input. It gives them a little sense of power in a situation that has them feeling powerless.

Or perhaps your child wants to keep their room as close to their original room as possible. The key is to give your child choices about the move where possible while assuring them that other important things will remain unchanged.

Explore Your New Neighborhood for Points of Interest

Share these points of interest with your kids. Don’t forget that while there are some interests all your children share, each child has unique interests as well. Make sure to include something special for each child. Points of interest to consider for your children include:

• Nearby Playgrounds

Show them places where they can go and play near your new home; the more options, the better. Most cities offer websites about community parks with pictures. Use the web to your advantage if you’re making a long-distance move.

• Outdoor Recreation Areas

Get online and see if your new community has places for outdoor adventure such as bike trails, hiking trails, beaches, fishing ponds, botanical gardens, or horseback riding.

• Historical Spots

Check to see if there are any historical sites nearby. From historic homes to battlefields or state capitals to museums, find out if there are fun spots to explore. 

• Schools 

Visit the website for their new school and let them get excited about the activities and opportunities waiting for them once you move.

And of course, you will want to locate the favorite local Ice cream shops! A kid has to have priorities.

Arrange a Visit Ahead of Time

It helps if moving day isn’t the first opportunity for your children to see their new town, new community and, new home. It will feel far less foreign to them if you’re able to include them in pre-move visits.

Addressing a New Move with Teens

Teens are a different matter altogether. They have developed their own relationships, sometimes romantic relationships, and aren’t always on board with the idea of picking up their lives and moving.

It’s important to let your teens know you respect their concerns. Offer accommodations after the move, such as frequent trips to the place they consider home and the possibility of attending college in their home state – even returning for milestone events like homecoming or prom.

Show your teen that you can embrace the future without forgetting the past. That may be the most important lesson you can teach when moving.

Making Moving Easier

Relocating is an anxious time for everyone in the family. Taking steps like these can ease the transition.

If you need help with your big move, contact us for a quote. We can help ease the challenges of your relocation.