6/4/08 Moving News

Fuel Prices Affect the Moving Process

A move will cost more than it did a year ago. Van line providers use the published government rates to determine a surcharge. That surcharge fluctuates and is applied to state-to-state moves. It will be reflected in your written estimate. The fuel surcharge is essential for quality service providers to ensure that their service is not compromised by cutting costs in other areas, such as labor.
The Move Advocate works with national van line providers with a proven history of quality and integrity. You will receive multiple complimentary move estimates through The Move Advocate, you can be assured of an aggressive discount without compromised quality. If you have questions about how the cost of fuel is factored into your move estimate, a professional moving coach will be available to discuss it with you.
For more information, visit www.moveadvocate.com

5/2/08 Moving Tips

Lowes' Unpack With A Plan

1. Unpack Essentials First
If you packed with a plan, you should have a few boxes of essentials marked to be unpacked first. These boxes should include items like toiletries, pet supplies, basic tools, cleaning supplies, a couple changes of clothes, snacks, and so forth. Go ahead and unpack these boxes right away and distribute these essential items to their respective rooms (for example, put toiletries in the bathroom).

2. Clean and Prep Your New Home
Though it's tempting to dive right in and start unloading boxes, it's a good idea to clean, prep, and get organized. Here are some moving tips to help you prepare to unpack at your new home:

* Before you start unpacking in earnest, take the time to clean the house thoroughly. It's much easier to wipe down shelves, clean windows, and mop under appliances before your personal belongings are in place. For cleaning tips and tricks, see our series of articles on "New Home Cleaning Tips."
* Take the time now to complete any prep work. You can line kitchen and bathroom shelves with paper. You might also want to take the time to install closet systems in bedroom closets, if necessary. Once these jobs are done, you'll be able to unpack and put items away more quickly and efficiently.
* You'll also want to think through the best places to put certain items. For example, in the kitchen, plan to put dishes and glassware in the cupboards above the dishwasher, coffee cups above the coffeepot, vinegars and oils near the stove, and knives and cutting boards near your primary workspace. Plan to store infrequently used items, like the fondue pot and punch bowl, in out-of-the-way cupboards and cabinets. Deciding what goes where - not just in the kitchen, but throughout the house - before you begin to unpack will save you time in the long run.

3/1/08 Moving Tips

Gather Cleaning Products
Use plastic containers to consolidate your cleaning supplies into one location. Save out the ones needed for last minute cleaning post move. Pre-clean cabinets and appliances as you empty out their contents.

Luggage as moving boxes
Luggage is a great boxing material. Pack all your "in case of emergency," items, in case the moving truck is delayed, and put it in your car away from other boxes for the truck. Don't forget to keep all your important papers with you. Any extra luggage should be used for life cycle papers, contracts, bank records, current bills, contact phone numbers, maps and more.

Protecting valued items
Check your homeowner's policy to find out if you are covering during the move. If more coverage is needed purchase some from your moving company. Keep your home inventory sheet with you and be sure to have photographs of all valuables that will be packed with the movers in case you need to file a claim. When packing valuables in boxes to send with the movers, identify the box with an label like "bathroom cleaning products."

I need it now
Each family member should pack a self identified box with items they will need as soon as you arrive in your new home. Towels, sheets, extension cords, telephone, pens and paper, etc.

2/22/08 Moving Tips

Make a list.
Write everything down! Create a computer numerical form with a space to fill in box contents. (Or use a spiral notebook.) Correspond the box number with your form. Be specific about the contents.

Bulk up on packing supplies.
Either purchase boxes from your moving company, you can return unused ones, or ask your grocery store. Save out at least 10 for late packing of every day items, such as sheets, towels, cleaning supplies. Use either unprinted newsprint or bubble wrap to protect boxed items. And over buy packing tape. Even after the move the uses for any extra, should you be lucky enough to have some, will arise.

Use wardrobe boxes.
These overly large boxes are great for other lightweight items. The fear here is overloading. Blankets and other linens are great for packing protection as well. Often the lower space in a wardrobe box is empty. This is a great place to add other packaged items from your closet. Pack everything tightly so the clothes don't end up in the bottom of the box. Toss in a few decorative pillows to fill the top gaps.

Identify each room with a sticker.
Coordinate boxes and rooms with identified stickers. Make it a Disney theme or a state.

Pack items together.
Think of unpacking groceries and how nice to find boxed items with boxed, refrigerated with refrigerated. Packing for moving works just as well with this in mind. Use what ever packing container works: ziplock bags, grocery bags, pillow cases, etc. Also create a parts box. Keep it out to the last for all those "items" you find when everything is out of the home, such as screws, cable cords, extention cords and the like.

Start packing as soon as possible.
Remember the old year rule? Anything you haven't touched in a year should be donated? Same principle, different rule. Anything you haven't touched in a year, pack now. Begin to think of your last two weeks as a vacation and transfer day to day living items to a suitcase. Cooking should become a camping exercise with best cookware, silverware and dishes boxed away. Create a three box system for all the things not moving with you: Donation, Recycle and Trash. As you pack, make liberal use of these boxes. You will be happier when you arrive to your new home.