It’s easy to see the bargain when shopping around for cheap movers in Houston, but with that low price comes a bevy of red flags that one should avoid if they would like a seamless and stress-free relocation. While professional businesses are fully licensed, amateur relocation services are often not. This can put the customer’s belongings in danger in the event of damage or loss in transit, giving the individual no recourse in seeking replacement. Amateurs will commonly use hourly rented vehicles for relocation services which means they will typically rush through as many jobs as possible to minimize the cost. Professionals on the other hand will likely provide their own fleet of licensed trucks and vehicles needed for transit.
Experience is key when relocating long-distance or to an unfamiliar area. Reputable businesses that have been around the block will understand the ins and outs of a new city and will be ready for any extenuating scenarios that may come up specific to the individual’s relocation. Cheap movers in Houston are especially ill equipped to handle long-distance and international situations. These types of relocations come with specific legal guidelines that only licensed professionals will adhere to. This is not only for the protection of the company, but for the individual’s belongings as well should a problem arise.
Avoiding the pitfalls of a less than reputable relocation company can not only prevent loss or damage, but it can even save money when factoring in the additional services a professional outfit will provide, such as their own packing materials. This will lead to a more efficient relocation, while giving the individual the peace of mind knowing that their future is safe and sound.
Showing posts with label moving tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label moving tips. Show all posts
Packing Food
With a few exceptions, you want to pack only items in sealed boxes, cans or bottles. It's cheaper to replace anything else than to have to deal with a spill. Follow this packing checklist for food packing success.
What to throw out:
What to throw out:
- Leftovers
- Opened bags of frozen foods
- Opened bags of cookies, chips, etc.
- Opened jars of food and condiments (pickles, ketchup, mustard, sauces, etc.)
- Frozen meats and vegetables (if your trip is far)
- Defrosted meats
- Cold cuts
- Eggs
- Flour, sugar and other staples that are opened
- Opened beverage bottles or containers
What to take:
- Canned goods, sealed jarred goods
- Dry, boxed items like cereal, crackers, macaroni
- Sealed beverages, sealed condiments
- Sealed bags of chips, cookies, bread
- Flour, sugar in sealed bags
How to Pack Food for a Move
- Canned goods: Pack canned goods first in a sturdy box. Make sure the box is not too heavy.
- Dry, boxed items: You can pack these on top of cans and jars, or in their own box. If a package is open, place it in a large zipper storage bag to keep a spill contained.
- Unopened beverages, condiments: Pack heavier plastic bottles on the bottom.
- Sealed chips, cookies, cake: These are best in their own box or a plastic shopping bag, with heavier items like cakes and cookies on the bottom and chips and bread on top.
- Sealed flour, sugar: Use a plastic shopping bag, tied shut, for these items. Place each item in its own zipper storage bag and seal it shut with duct tape. You can then pack these safely in any box with kitchen items.
Paper Bags for Packing Glass
Use paper bags in place of newspaper for glass cups and small bowls!
Paper bags are perfect for protecting glass cups and small bowls in the moving process. Double the bags for extra protection. Bonus: there’s no ink-bleed like you’d get from newspaper.
Find Moving Companies That Are Reliable & Certified
The moving industry has many deceptive and amateurish operations, and the Better Business Bureau receives nearly 10,000 complaints every year to back this assertion up. However, anyone can avoid nearly all pitfalls by observing a few simple tips. When a homeowner needs to find reputable moving companies in their area, the best way to do it is through online reviews or real estate professionals who work closely with relocation crews. This will provide a number of workable leads for the homeowner.
If the business is willing to provide an in home estimate, has a Department of Transportation license number, are insured and bonded, and offer a legible contract, then you are likely dealing with a reliable company. If any of these elements are missing from the equation, stay far away.
Moving Tips: How to Choose an Internet Service Provider
Moving out of one area and into another often requires the painful process of changing Internet service providers. Even if you choose to stay with the same company after you move, it may not offer the same packages and rates in your new home as it did in your previous one. Most Internet providers offer different services in different regions, and few regions have the same services. Living in a rural area also brings its own unique problems.
Switching service providers requires some research and evaluation of what your needs will be in your new home compared to what is offered.
Types of Service
The first step in choosing an Internet provider is to determine what kind of service is offered in the area. Your first, and most basic, option is the dial-up internet. This isn't as common as it used to be, but basically this service runs very slow speeds through your regular phone line using a dialer. You’re probably familiar with it if you had Internet in the 90s and knew the struggle that often took place between using the Internet and making a phone call. Then there's Direct Subscriber Lines, or DSL service. This is broadband service that is also provided through phone lines, but won’t tie up your phone like dial-up.
Another popular way to connect is cable Internet. This service is provided through your local cable company and hardwired into your home. Many cable providers offer Internet in a “bundle” along with their cable television packages.
The final option is satellite Internet, which is often the only option in the many rural areas that don’t have hard-wired access to cable lines. Satellite Internet is just what it sounds like, providing access to a data network that’s delivered via satellite in the same way as satellite TV services like DirecTV and Dish.
Broadband Speed
The different types of service will provide different levels of speed. Dial-up is obviously the slowest and is rapidly becoming obsolete. DSL is a subscriber service, which means that the amount of bandwidth you are allowed is determined not only by your location to the nearest transfer switch but also the number of subscribers who are online at that time. This means you can experience slower speeds during high traffic times of the day.
Cable Internet generally offers some of the fastest speeds available and is pretty reliable. It is not subscriber-based like DSL and doesn't use phone lines, which allows for continual service as needed. Satellite Internet from Hughesnet and other providers varies in bandwidth capabilities and is limited to the direction of the receiving antenna. Many services are equivalent to the amount of bandwidth given by that of a 4G connection of a cell phone. The benefit of satellite Internet in rural areas is that you don’t have to worry about anything (except for the odd tree) blocking your signal like you would in urban settings.
Different Packages
Price is definitely a factor in choosing the right provider for a majority of households. Most Internet service providers will offer a range of packages that are broken down into levels of Internet capabilities and speeds. Thus, the faster the download speed, the more costly the package will probably be.
Basic Internet packages can come as low as $29 per month, but you will sacrifice in the level of broadband speed available to you. The best way to determine the level of service you need is to evaluate how much activity you anticipate. Those who do an exceptional amount of media streaming will likely want to choose a package that offers more bandwidth. Many choose a package thinking it will be fast enough, and then realize they aren’t able to use Netflix or Hulu due to slow streaming speeds. Those who simply use the Internet to access email and do simple browsing might not need as much bandwidth, however, and can get away with the cheapest options for connecting.
A common mistake is to simply go with the provider with the least expensive offer. While that low price is obviously very appealing, you could be making some big sacrifices to get that low price—some of which you may not even realize at first. You’ll find most providers want a contract, which often lasts a year, so you might end up stuck with them. Others will want you to bundle other services, which can be either a good deal or not that great a deal depending on the specifics of the bundle. No matter what choices are available, the right provider is the one that gives you what you need.
(Source: My Move)
Switching service providers requires some research and evaluation of what your needs will be in your new home compared to what is offered.
Types of Service
The first step in choosing an Internet provider is to determine what kind of service is offered in the area. Your first, and most basic, option is the dial-up internet. This isn't as common as it used to be, but basically this service runs very slow speeds through your regular phone line using a dialer. You’re probably familiar with it if you had Internet in the 90s and knew the struggle that often took place between using the Internet and making a phone call. Then there's Direct Subscriber Lines, or DSL service. This is broadband service that is also provided through phone lines, but won’t tie up your phone like dial-up.
Another popular way to connect is cable Internet. This service is provided through your local cable company and hardwired into your home. Many cable providers offer Internet in a “bundle” along with their cable television packages.
The final option is satellite Internet, which is often the only option in the many rural areas that don’t have hard-wired access to cable lines. Satellite Internet is just what it sounds like, providing access to a data network that’s delivered via satellite in the same way as satellite TV services like DirecTV and Dish.
Broadband Speed
The different types of service will provide different levels of speed. Dial-up is obviously the slowest and is rapidly becoming obsolete. DSL is a subscriber service, which means that the amount of bandwidth you are allowed is determined not only by your location to the nearest transfer switch but also the number of subscribers who are online at that time. This means you can experience slower speeds during high traffic times of the day.
Cable Internet generally offers some of the fastest speeds available and is pretty reliable. It is not subscriber-based like DSL and doesn't use phone lines, which allows for continual service as needed. Satellite Internet from Hughesnet and other providers varies in bandwidth capabilities and is limited to the direction of the receiving antenna. Many services are equivalent to the amount of bandwidth given by that of a 4G connection of a cell phone. The benefit of satellite Internet in rural areas is that you don’t have to worry about anything (except for the odd tree) blocking your signal like you would in urban settings.
Different Packages
Price is definitely a factor in choosing the right provider for a majority of households. Most Internet service providers will offer a range of packages that are broken down into levels of Internet capabilities and speeds. Thus, the faster the download speed, the more costly the package will probably be.
Basic Internet packages can come as low as $29 per month, but you will sacrifice in the level of broadband speed available to you. The best way to determine the level of service you need is to evaluate how much activity you anticipate. Those who do an exceptional amount of media streaming will likely want to choose a package that offers more bandwidth. Many choose a package thinking it will be fast enough, and then realize they aren’t able to use Netflix or Hulu due to slow streaming speeds. Those who simply use the Internet to access email and do simple browsing might not need as much bandwidth, however, and can get away with the cheapest options for connecting.
A common mistake is to simply go with the provider with the least expensive offer. While that low price is obviously very appealing, you could be making some big sacrifices to get that low price—some of which you may not even realize at first. You’ll find most providers want a contract, which often lasts a year, so you might end up stuck with them. Others will want you to bundle other services, which can be either a good deal or not that great a deal depending on the specifics of the bundle. No matter what choices are available, the right provider is the one that gives you what you need.
(Source: My Move)
Moving: How to Pack a Room
One of the most headache-ridden tasks for homeowners in this country is moving from one house to another. This gets especially aggravating when the move is across state lines instead of simply across town. Hiring professional movers is one way to make certain that this task creates as few hassles as possible, but for those who would rather do it themselves, here are a few packing tips the pros use that could make boxing up your belongings a little less strenuous.
Professional Packing Tips
Professional movers know that the most efficient way to pack a room starts with a good plan. When you're ready to get down to business, set up a table in the center of the room as a staging area. Place your boxes and packing materials near the table so they are easily accessible. Pick a starting point in the room (if there's something you're dreading, it might be a good idea to get it out of the way first) and begin packing in a clockwise direction. Packing a room is tedious, but when you've got a definite plan of action, your progress is sure to improve.
Another professional packing tip deals not with what you pack, but how you pack it. Packing boxes is more of a science than some might think. In addition to putting heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter, more delicate things on top, make sure that the boxes themselves are the right size. If you use a box that's too big, you'll either end up storing too much weight in it to maintain its mobility, or you'll end up with a lot of empty space that will take up room in your moving truck or van. It's also a good idea to try to fit items closely together in the box to prevent them from shifting during the move.
Packing Breakables Like a Professional Mover
Once again, professional movers have tasks like packing fragile items down to a science so they won't have to worry about unhappy customers. Long distance moves can be particularly hard on your breakables, so make sure you take every precaution to keep them secure.
Be sure to line your box with soft padding material—crumpled newspaper works well. When preparing individual items to go into the box, start by laying out a piece of bubble wrap or several sheets of clean newspaper. Place your item several inches below one corner and fold it over so the item is covered. Fold the item over so the backside is exposed. Wrap a side corner over, turn it over and wrap the other side corner over. Repeat this process until the item is adequately protected. If you're wrapping dishes, you can stack four to five together, as long as there is bubble wrap between each dish.
Labeling: The Most Important Packing Tip
Making sure that everything gets to its destination in one piece involves more than just careful wrapping practices. Professional movers must be diligent in keeping accurate inventory records and labeling each box. This not only helps them keep track of all the items to be loaded, but it will help you when it's time to unpack in your new home, as well. Label each box with not only a description of its contents, but what room it was originally taken from. When it's time to set up your belongings in your new place, you'll be sure of what's in the box, and you'll know where it is supposed to go, too!
Read more: http://www.homeadvisor.com/article.show.Moving-How-to-Pack-a-Room.12079.html#ixzz2pvbQkOf9
Professional Packing Tips
Professional movers know that the most efficient way to pack a room starts with a good plan. When you're ready to get down to business, set up a table in the center of the room as a staging area. Place your boxes and packing materials near the table so they are easily accessible. Pick a starting point in the room (if there's something you're dreading, it might be a good idea to get it out of the way first) and begin packing in a clockwise direction. Packing a room is tedious, but when you've got a definite plan of action, your progress is sure to improve.
Another professional packing tip deals not with what you pack, but how you pack it. Packing boxes is more of a science than some might think. In addition to putting heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter, more delicate things on top, make sure that the boxes themselves are the right size. If you use a box that's too big, you'll either end up storing too much weight in it to maintain its mobility, or you'll end up with a lot of empty space that will take up room in your moving truck or van. It's also a good idea to try to fit items closely together in the box to prevent them from shifting during the move.
Packing Breakables Like a Professional Mover
Once again, professional movers have tasks like packing fragile items down to a science so they won't have to worry about unhappy customers. Long distance moves can be particularly hard on your breakables, so make sure you take every precaution to keep them secure.
Be sure to line your box with soft padding material—crumpled newspaper works well. When preparing individual items to go into the box, start by laying out a piece of bubble wrap or several sheets of clean newspaper. Place your item several inches below one corner and fold it over so the item is covered. Fold the item over so the backside is exposed. Wrap a side corner over, turn it over and wrap the other side corner over. Repeat this process until the item is adequately protected. If you're wrapping dishes, you can stack four to five together, as long as there is bubble wrap between each dish.
Labeling: The Most Important Packing Tip
Making sure that everything gets to its destination in one piece involves more than just careful wrapping practices. Professional movers must be diligent in keeping accurate inventory records and labeling each box. This not only helps them keep track of all the items to be loaded, but it will help you when it's time to unpack in your new home, as well. Label each box with not only a description of its contents, but what room it was originally taken from. When it's time to set up your belongings in your new place, you'll be sure of what's in the box, and you'll know where it is supposed to go, too!
Read more: http://www.homeadvisor.com/article.show.Moving-How-to-Pack-a-Room.12079.html#ixzz2pvbQkOf9
What Is The Process When Using Full Service Moving?
Full service moving is available to customers who need local, long distance, and international relocations. If a company is going to assist in an international move, there are certain services the carrier should offer. These include ensuring that all belongings are properly wrapped, packed and crated if necessary, expediting export documentation and customs clearance, scheduling ocean and air freight and providing for storage if necessary. Local carriers commonly work with other transporters for international relocations. If so, the customer should check the credentials of both companies.
JT Melia Moving and Storage has been helping people transfer their homes and businesses in and out of the Houston area for over 40 years. Family owned—they are known for their gentleness with prized possessions. When necessary, they team up with a reputable carrier to assist with long distance and international transfers. This is a proven relationship of peers that should inspire confidence.
Once the decision to use a full service moving company has been made, what happens next? A representative will come to the home or business to do a full pre-relocation assessment. The quote will include the estimated man hours, total weight, and cost of needed packing materials. Also included should be the approximate times for packing, loading the truck, transit, and final delivery date. The customer has the option of packing any or all of their belongings or leaving all the details to experts like JT Melia.
American Moving and Storage Association, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the Better Business Bureau have websites with useful information in regards to all types of relocations. They can also be a helpful tool in researching possible carriers.
JT Melia Moving and Storage has been helping people transfer their homes and businesses in and out of the Houston area for over 40 years. Family owned—they are known for their gentleness with prized possessions. When necessary, they team up with a reputable carrier to assist with long distance and international transfers. This is a proven relationship of peers that should inspire confidence.
Once the decision to use a full service moving company has been made, what happens next? A representative will come to the home or business to do a full pre-relocation assessment. The quote will include the estimated man hours, total weight, and cost of needed packing materials. Also included should be the approximate times for packing, loading the truck, transit, and final delivery date. The customer has the option of packing any or all of their belongings or leaving all the details to experts like JT Melia.
American Moving and Storage Association, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the Better Business Bureau have websites with useful information in regards to all types of relocations. They can also be a helpful tool in researching possible carriers.
Finding Affordable Moving For Relocating
When the customer is remaining local or within 100 miles from the point of origin, rates are typically based on the volume of items to be transported. The amount of property involved will impact the amount and size of the trucks, the number of employees necessary, and the time frame the process entails. Additional fees may apply for large items, packing supplies, and challenging locations at either point. On average a full service company currently charges $150-170 to handle the contents of a 4 bedroom home.
Those facing long distance relocations are usually charged according to the weight or cubic feet of items being moved. Each case varies from the next, yet the average apartment has 2200 to 3200 pounds of contents, while a 4 bedroom home may be closer to 12,000 pounds. A more precise estimate and binding agreement can be achieved when the company does an on-site inspection. Decreasing the amount of property to transport by way of sales and donations, and locating free packing materials can play a role in a more affordable moving experience.
With so many other expenses that come along with relocations it is imperative to maximize the savings when hiring a professional, affordable moving service. To meet any budget and time constraints a comprehensive online search and multiple estimates will prove to be beneficial. Working with a reputable company can help ensure the usually daunting process will be a reasonably priced success.
The Importance Of Bubble Wrap When Relocating
How is it better than newspaper?
It is more than effective; it excels at protecting fragile objects. The barrier of air has more flexibility than paper, so it moves and bends with pressure. Porcelain, glass, and other fragile materials are safe when secured with the air pockets. Plus it is easy to add more protection by simply wrapping more layers onto the item. A little bit of packing tape and the item is ready to be transported without worry of breakage.
It adds a high level of insulating protection to the move. Fragile items may be sensitive to extremes in temperature changes. Going through a carwash on a hot day can crack windows and windshields, and the same hold true for fragile materials. It’s possible to protect items from changing temperatures by using bubble wrap.
It is clean and doesn’t leave any residue on the skin or the belongings. Newspaper has ink on it that transfers easily to other objects. Valuables take special care, and washing ink off a valuable belonging can take quite a bit of elbow grease.
Driving from one store to the next in an attempt to obtain a bunch of free newspapers takes a lot of gas and time. Yes, it is free, but the real cost can add up once the price of gas and time are put into the equation. Bubble wrap is cost effective and is purchasable at just about any hardware store or shipping store. Stick with the product that works.
Tips for When You Get into Your New Home
Moving can be crazy. Boxes and possessions are thrown about in the house. Your first urge might be to start setting up and decorating, but before any of this make sure the home is secure. An unprotected and vulnerable household can be a target for burglars.
As soon as you get settled into your new home, take a walk around and make sure exterior lights are installed and working properly. Lights on the outside of your house and in the yard or surrounding area can greatly reduce the risk of your new home being burglarized because there is added visibility to your property.
Test all the fire alarms and change their batteries to ensure they will protect your family and home in the case of a fire. Another great step is to make response plans in case of a fire to figure out where you and your family will exit the home. Here are more tips on how to protect your home from fire.
Advertise that you just installed a home security system (even if you didn’t) to ward off potential burglars. Having an alarm system can greatly reduce the likelihood of your home getting broken into and can even cause a burglar to flee when the alarm sounds before they can take anything. Even just the sticker or sign on your property advertising the system’s presence can prevent burglars from entering in the first place.
If you don’t have a fireproof safe, get one and place all your personal and financial documents, jewelry and cash in it as soon as you get into the house. Don’t leave these items packed up in boxes because they are easy targets for burglars.
When moving to a new place, you may have purchased new valuables such as electronics—don’t leave these boxes next to your trash, advertising that you bought a 60-inch flat screen television, as you may just be inviting the unwanted by showing off what you have inside.
Most importantly, walk around the home and make sure all locks work and all windows are shut before you spend your first night in the house. A shocking statistic is that almost 33.1 percent of all burglaries are through an open or unlocked window or door. By simply locking your doors, you are reducing the chance of burglary.
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