Tag: moving tips

Answer these questions to decide if you should really move in on completion day

Answer these questions to decide if you should really move in on completion day

Moving house can be as exciting as it can be stressful, and the chances are that you’ll have dreamt of living in that space for months before your completion day. Understandably, then, you’re probably keen to get right in there and start making that new property feel like a home. In truth, though, moving in on completion day isn’t right for everyone.

The reality is that exchanging and completing on a property can be incredibly stressful, and it’s also rife with last-minute setbacks that mean you may not even get your keys until late in the day. Rushing to get your things in will then feel more like a marathon than a major life event to celebrate, and everyone will probably be a little worse for wear at the end of moving day.

Of course, sometimes, you don’t have a choice but to move straight out of your old property into a new one. But, instead of assuming that this is your only option, it may be worth asking yourself the following questions to determine whether moving on completion day is the right choice for your situation.

# 1 – Is there much work to do in your new home?

If you’re buying a modern property like a new-build, there’s probably a minimal amount of work to do to make that space liveable. As such, there’s no real obstacle to moving in right away. However, if you’re moving into an older property, you may need to undertake at least some renovation work to transform that space into what you want. In some cases, you may easily be able to live in the property at the same time without major disruption, but improvements like rewiring, plastering or knocking down walls are all best completed in an empty property. If you think you’ll need to embark on these projects, it’s typically easiest to make sure they’re finished before moving all your belongings, or yourselves, into the space.

# 2 – Can you feasibly delay?

If you’re selling one property to move into another, you may have no real choice but to move on completion day, as you’ll need to vacate your old property for the new owners. However, if you’re renting a property right now, or are living with friends and family, then you’ll likely have a little more leeway about when you actually move in. Something as simple as extending your rental for an additional month can buy you a lot of wriggle room for a more relaxed, considered moving process. Alternatively, if you’re keen to complete work or hold off moving right away, it’s worth looking into potential storage for your belongings, and asking loved ones if they’d be willing to let you stay with them for a week or two.

# 3 – What about professional deadlines?

To some extent, your actual moving date will also depend on the professionals you need to help you complete the process. For instance, if you’re having renovation work done, you may need to delay your move for a month or more depending on predicted finish dates. Alternatively, you should talk to a removal company like W Removals about their availability. It may be that they can only move you on completion day, in which case, you’d be best off simply going ahead. Or, they may not have availability until after that date, in which case delay might be best.

# 4 – What’s your preference?

It’s also important to remember that this is your moving day, so personal preference and convenience should also come into play. You may be so keen to get straight into a property you’ve already waited for that the idea of a slightly stressful few hours doesn’t bother you. Or, you may prefer to hold off, so that you can get in and decorate/clean that space before you let your family loose. Either way, it’s important to take your own needs into account. Considering your needs in this way can certainly make your life easier during an inevitably stressful time!

Takeaway

There’s no right or wrong answer to when you should move into your new property, but these questions could, at least, help you explore your options for a moving day that’s entirely suited to your needs. After all, no rule says you absolutely need to move on completion day itself if you’re not comfortable with that. Alternatively, if you think a moving delay would make you miserable or ruin the excitement, there’s nothing to say you can’t get straight down to it and start settling in!

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Easy ways to DIY your home move

Easy ways to DIY your home move

Moving home can be pricey, and one of the biggest costs is often hiring movers. It’s not just the cost of the van, but also paying for the labour of movers who are going to help you out. For many people, it’s worth it if it means less stress and less likelihood of damage to either themselves or their possessions. But if your main aim is to save some money, you might be thinking about taking the DIY route instead. Doing it yourself may take more time, but it could be a lot more affordable if you do it in the right way.

Get some handy moving supplies

You don’t necessarily need any fancy equipment to move. If you don’t have much stuff, you can even do it with a few bags or boxes and a car. But when you have more to move, it’s much easier when you have some handy tools. Before your move, have a look at Evo Supplies to see if there’s any handy equipment that will make your move easier. A trolley or skate will definitely make it simpler to move around larger and heavier objects. You’ll also want to look at packing materials to get all of your stuff packed up.

Hire a moving van

As mentioned before, a car could be fine if you don’t have a lot to move. Maybe you only need to move a few suitcases of clothes or boxes of books. But if you have any furniture, especially larger pieces, it makes a lot more sense to hire a moving van. You can save a lot of money by hiring the van yourself and doing all the work of moving. It gives you more flexibility too, allowing you to decide when you’re going to complete each stage of your move.

Enlist the help of friends

It’s long been something people have done when it’s time to move home. Get friends or family involved, and then reward them with food or drink. It’s a favour you’re sure to return if they ever need you. Many hands make light work, and your friends can help you load and unload everything a lot quicker compared to if you were on your own. But be careful about having too many people. You don’t want there to be so many of you that you get in each other’s way. You need to be able to delegate tasks in a sensible way.

Be organised and methodical

Take an organised approach to your move. Long before moving day actually arrives, start thinking about how you’re going to do it. Use lists and spreadsheets to organise the tasks you need to do and everything you need to pack. There are different ways to pack up your home, whether you do it room by room or perhaps pack things in different categories. Your move will go a lot smoother if you’re methodical in your approach.

Moving without the help of professional workers can save you money, but it’s also more work. Make sure you’re prepared to do it all yourself.

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Alternatives for moving items not accepted by moving companies

Alternatives for moving items not accepted by moving companies

Moving house is an undertaking rife with stress, anxiety and minute, sometimes overlooked details. Among these details is the sobering fact that there are certain items that moving companies refuse to transport. Whether due to regulatory restrictions, insurance issues or the intrinsic danger some objects pose, the vast majority of moving companies impose limitations on what they can handle. This post seeks to provide alternatives for transporting items not accepted by moving companies, ensuring all your belongings reach your new home, unscathed.

The challenge

After selecting a moving company such as cross country movers Los Angeles, typically based on factors such as cost, reviews and proximity, homeowners often encounter a significant challenge. They begin the daunting process of packing their belongings, only to discover that the chosen moving company has restrictions on transporting certain items. These limitations are not arbitrary; rather, they are carefully defined rules that homeowners must adhere to. Understanding these restrictions is crucial to avoid last-minute complications and delays during the moving process. Therefore, homeowners should thoroughly communicate with their chosen moving company to ensure a smooth transition.

Why moving companies refuse to move certain items

The restrictions on certain items stem from various factors including legal constraints, safety concerns and insurance provisions. Perishable goods such as food and plants are typically prohibited due to their tendency to decay, potentially attracting pests during transport. Hazardous materials like explosives, flammables, toxins or corrosive substances pose safety risks not only to the moving personnel but also to other items being transported. Additionally, high-value items such as jewellery or important documents may be deemed too risky for the moving company’s insurance coverage due to the potential for loss or damage. Therefore, it’s essential for homeowners to be aware of these restrictions and make alternative arrangements for transporting such items if necessary.

Alternatives for transporting items not easily handled by moving companies

Having identified these restrictions, the question now remains, how does one transport items that moving companies refuse to transport? A number of alternatives exist.

Private transportation

For the invaluable or sentimental items, private transportation may be the safest option. Slip your jewellery, private documents, photo albums or other small sentimental items into your suitcase or bag when you travel to your new home. Not only does this provide more peace of mind, but it decreases the chances of these items being lost or damaged.

Specialised moving companies

Although standard moving companies may reject certain items, specialised moving companies or couriers provide a great alternative. They have the experience to correctly and safely transport fragile and valuable items such as antiques, pianos and fine art. It’s crucial, however, to meticulously check such firms’ insurance and references to validate their offerings.

Post or parcel services

Smaller and lighter items barred by moving companies can be shipped via post or parcel services. Ensuring careful packaging and obtaining insurance coverage can mitigate the risk of damage or loss. This alternative method provides a secure means of transporting restricted items while adhering to safety regulations.

Hiring a car or van

A larger item that is unsuitable for moving companies but too valuable or awkward for postal services might be best transported through hiring a car or van. A weekend hire could allow enough time to safely move these belongings at your peace.

The procedure

It’s important to acknowledge that utilising these alternatives necessitates careful planning and organisation. Begin by sorting your belongings well in advance, specifically identifying items that may present challenges for moving companies. Pack these items separately and label them clearly to avoid any confusion later in the moving process. By adhering to appropriate packaging and safety standards, you can minimise the risk of damage during transportation. Taking these proactive steps will help ensure a smoother and more successful relocation experience.

Understanding rules and regulations

Furthermore, it’s essential to grasp the diverse rules and regulations pertaining to the transportation of restricted items. Some substances, particularly those deemed dangerous or potentially hazardous, may be governed by specific national or international regulations. Failing to adhere to these regulations could result in substantial fines or even legal consequences. Therefore, it’s imperative to stay informed and compliant with these guidelines to avoid any potential penalties or legal issues during the moving process.

Final thoughts

The relocation process can be a tiring and challenging task. The realisation that some of your items are indeed those that moving companies refuse to transport may feel like a spanner thrown in the works at an already convoluted time. However, with careful planning and the use of aforementioned alternatives, stress can be minimised and a seamless move executed. Remember, the goal is to start your new chapter with all your treasured possessions intact and undamaged. So, familiarise yourself with the rules, start planning early and use the suitable alternatives to make your move as smooth as possible.

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Tips for shortlisting a moving company in 9 steps

Tips for shortlisting a moving company in 9 steps

Many circumstances can force people to leave their homes and move to another location – unaffordable rent, job-related migration or wanting to be closer to a loved one. That’s why moving is one of the most stress-inducing events in a person’s life. However, you can overcome much of the stress of moving by hiring professional movers.

Reliable movers will transport your belongings to your new home in another city, state or country and make relocation a stress-free experience. But finding the right movers can be difficult. In America, the moving services industry has grown by 0.4% in the last five years, so people have many options from which to choose. This post will help you shortlist a moving company in nine easy, simple stages, right here:

  1. Watch out for common moving scams

Moving scams aren’t that common, and only a handful of Americans fall victim to this type of fraud. However, it’s still smart to know how to recognise these cons and keep your belongings safe from fraudulent moving companies. Here’s how you can steer clear of being swindled:

  • Don’t work with movers who ask for a large deposit up front
  • Ensure your moving professional has a valid, physical address
  • Ask for their U.S. DOT number and then confirm it with the FMCSA
  • It’s better if they’re a part of organisations such as the Moving & Storage Conference
  • If the moving company offers an extremely low estimate, it’s likely they’ll scam you later
  1. Get recommendations from different sources

Most homeowners think it’s enough to search online for local movers. In reality, Google may not give you the best names in the moving services industry with just one click. Search engines will mostly show some of the best SEO-friendly sites on the first page, which is not a bad thing per se. But you should ask your family and friends for recommendations.

Many Americans will suggest Coleman Movers as your ideal moving partner. Serving customers since 1914, the company is known to handle residential, commercial and international relocations. Their skilled workers will pack, load and safely transport your belongings to your destination.

  1. Check for reviews, testimonials and work history

Check online reviews for all moving companies you are considering. These reviews will help you find the most trusted moving partners in your area. However, there are tricks to evaluate a mover’s trustworthiness from its online ratings. For instance, 4.9/5 isn’t a very impressive rating when it’s only based on a few dozen reviews. However, when it is based on 800+ reviews, you know the company’s worth considering.

Similarly, you should check external sites such as Quora, Reddit and Facebook to find testimonials, as a moving company can very easily post fake testimonials on their websites. Check their track record, work history and overall experience.

  1. Make sure they serve the area to which you’re moving

Not all movers facilitate commercial or long-distance moves. Similarly, not all moving companies provide their services nationwide. You should ensure the service provider you’re considering covers the state/s you live in and are to which you’re moving.

Professional movers cover more than twenty states and different cities to give customers a seamless relocation experience without any stress-inducing events.

  1. Interview different movers and get free quotes

After collecting the names of different local movers, it’s time to narrow down the list. Contact these movers, get free estimates from each, and compare their quotes to determine which company seems ideal for your situation.

Many companies will give you a number to call or ask you to fill out a form. Their agents will reach out to you and give you an estimate. Don’t sign up for the first name you find on the internet. Do sufficient research.

  1. Investigate hidden and additional charges

Some dishonest movers love to slip some hidden charges without your consent. Watch out for the following ‘fees’ when finding the ideal moving company:

  • Complexity fees: Movers may charge you more based on the complexity of your movers, such as your new home not having an elevator
  • Administrative fees: Getting you a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to cover liability issues
  • Additional mileage fees: When your relocation plans accommodate more distance
  1. Only work with licensed moving professionals

Working with a random moving company might not be safe. You must ensure a moving company is fully licensed, listed on BBB and employs professionals. Never hire movers who aren’t licensed to work in the moving services industry, or don’t have sufficient accreditations. Just work with well-known names in the local relocation industry.

  1. Carefully read the fine print of the moving contract

After finalising your deal with the moving company, don’t forget to read the fine print of your contract. It may contain some hidden, additional details you might not like. Even though trusted movers aren’t guilty of hitting customers with extra fuel expenses or insurance charges, it’s better to read the contract before signing it. Make sure the fine print of the finalised version of your moving contract is exactly what you’ve agreed on with the moving company. If you spot something that’s unclear or wasn’t discussed before, have them edit the contract.

  1. Rent storage units and carry all essentials in person

Here are some additional tips to make your mover-hunting journey easier. You can reduce your burden by renting a self-storage unit. These temperature-controlled storage facilities can hold your clutter for months or even years. You can dump all the junk, bulky and useless objects in these storage units and transport fewer items to your new home. This trick will make movers charge you less for fewer objects, and then you can transport your excess at your convenience in the future.

Also, carry your essentials on your person when travelling to your new home. Don’t trust movers with items such as jewellery and important documents.

Conclusion

If you’re planning to relocate but don’t know how to hire local, reliable movers, this blog explains how to find the right moving company. Follow the above-mentioned guidelines, and you’ll find the best people for the job. Ask for recommendations, check online reviews and work with licensed movers. That’s how you can ensure a smooth move to a new location.

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