If there is a will...

All of these little annoyances can add up to a headache but here are some suggestions to help the process. First contact your building and ask about the move in procedures. Make sure your reservations are set and if you have a moving company be sure to communicate with them about the date and time you are moving in.

there is always a way!

De-clutter and take just your necessities. Once you’re moved in and find that you need something you put in storage or do not have you can buy it or get it out of storage. Making sure you have the space before going to get it. If you are moving on your own, try to get a two-wheel dolly or a baggage cart to take fewer trips. Talk to your building about how many elevators there are, many times they will allow you or your moving company to use the service elevator for your move in. Hiring a moving company can save a lot of time because they can put more men on the job and have to equipment to take numerous items in one trip.

Because May is “National Moving Month”, AMSA is promoting the ProMover program with an advertisement in USA Today and will run next week.  Each year more than 43 million Americans pack up their household goods and move to new homes in new communities.  More than half of these moves take place between May and September.  Please listen to  Linda Darer’s, President and CEO of AMSA, “Tips for a Smooth Move”.

As Bill was walking to the east side of our Eagle storage warehouse building, he could only help but think, ‘great just one more thing to worry about’. Much to Bill’s surprise the graffiti was a creative mural of a man letting go of his birds. A couple of days later, Marilyn had an artist come into the office and ask if he could expand and elaborate on the mural. Bill and Marilyn made the joint decision to leave the artwork just as it was.

But to this day Marilyn wonders if the artist that came into the office was the man who started the painting. Another question that Bill and Marilyn have wondered and been asked by neighboring business is the significance of the man letting go of his birds. Any ideas?

There are two popular scams these “brokers” are responsible for, first is called “hostage loads”. A “hostage loads” scam is when a customer receives an initial estimate through a broker that sounds very appealing and easy on the wallet. However, once your belongings are loaded on the truck, the moving company says the move will cost significantly higher and they will hold your items hostage until you pay the bill. The second scam is when a broker says he/she will set up a low priced move for you. The broker tells you how much the deposit is and what date the truck will be there to load, but on moving day no one shows up. The broker did not set up any move for you and has your deposit. Although not every online broker is a scammer, it is always a good idea to do your research, get recommendations, and even set up an “in home” estimate.

1. Be certain someone can be home to answer the driver’s questions. Doing a preload walk through helps alleviate miscommunication between client and driver. If the driver has any last minute questions, the client can give the best answer.

2. Label items you do no want to be loaded. This will help the driver know certain pieces don’t go on the truck.

3. Clear Walkways. Making your house hallways and walkways clear, will make the loading process faster and easier. It also eliminates potential injury hazards.

4. Pack and Label items. Labeling certain boxes will allow for ease of recognition on the other side of the move. It will allow you to specify to the driver, which boxes go into which room when unloading.

5. Emphasize special items. Any boxes you would like to be unloaded first should be indicated to the driver. Usually these boxes include things such as, kitchen supplies, bathroom pieces, and children’s toys.

6. Read your paperwork. Understanding your bill of lading and inventory before signing ensures important information is correct such as, phone number, address, and insurance. If you have any questions be sure to ask for clarification before you sign.

The first is called a Binding Not-To- Exceed, which means that even if your total weight is over what the estimate was, you will only pay for what you were quoted. However, if you weight is less then what you were quoted then your price is adjusted appropriately.

The second type is a Binding estimate. A Binding estimate means you are paying a fixed price and the weight of your move does not matter. This can be a risky estimate if you do not have an honest mover. The third and final type of estimate is a Non-Binding, which is when you agree to pay based on the price per pound of your move. Therefore you price will fluctuate depending on how much you are moving. A final note, most local moving companies will bill by the hour of work and not by the weight of your move.

1. Screen companies first. Make sure it is a reputable storage company, read reviews, ask neighbors, and do your research.

2. Take a tour. Ask for a tour of a unit to get a better idea if your items will fit and to look at the condition of where your things will be. Also how easy will it be to get stuff out and put stuff in?

3.What is the security? Depending on where your storage is being kept the security can differ tremendously. Some have locks, alarms, security cameras, or guards, but be sure to know what you are getting before you sign any paperwork.

4. Is it climate controlled? Having a climate controlled storage unit helps keep your personal items in the best condition possible because the unit will stay at a certain temperature.

5. Read the terms and policies. Whether you decide to store at a self-storage unit or with a company, be sure to understand the terms and policy agreement and ask any questions about early termination.

1) There is no need to empty all the filing cabinets, just lock the drawers or tape them shut; this helps save time and money.

2) Make sure to advise all vendors, clients, or other offices such as the post office, well in advance, about the move.
 
3) The first thing that should be moved and set up are the telephones and Internet service provider. Even if there are no desks, at least you can be in contact with your clientele. Along with setting the phones up, change the message machine to notify your current and future customers that the move is happening and when your will be in full service.
 
4) Don’t forget to update your company’s website with the new address and contact information. 

While most of the important stuff is handled by you, the business owner, you can rest assure that the moving company you hired will take care of the rest and have your business open before you know it. Meeting critical deadlines is a must; Columbine Moving and Storage will meet those critical deadlines.

]]> http://columbinemoving.com/blog/moving-your-business/feed/ 0 http://columbinemoving.com/blog/moving-pets/ http://columbinemoving.com/blog/moving-pets/#comments Mon, 05 Mar 2012 07:24:19 +0000 columbine http://columbinemoving.com/blog/?p=109 When preparing to move there are numerous things to be concerned with, packing, furniture, children, and pets. Depending on where and how you are relocating, will decide on how your pet will make the move. The following 5 tips are to help you and your pet(s) make a safe and healthy move.

1. Visit your Veterinarian. If you have to ship your pet to your new location or just driving, it is essential for a check-up. Making sure your pet is up-to-date with all vaccines and a clean bill of health. Most pet transporters will require veterinary conformation about current vaccines and healthy pets.

2. Research your new location. Some cities or counties may have breed restriction or certain licenses that are required for pets in the area. Doing your research ahead of time will alleviate stress on moving day.

3. Packing for your pet. If you are using a transport company be sure to meet all of their guidelines. Many require more then enough food incase of unforeseen delays, toys, bowls, and a kennel. Make sure to label your pets kennel in clear and legible handwriting.

4. Ask appropriate questions. Ask questions about how your pet will be handled. Will they be in front or back of the carrier? Will they have access to water? How often will you stop and take them out? Asking these types of questions will give you a clearer sense of how comfortable your pet will be.

5. Choose a reliable pet moving company. Doing the research will pay off in the end, look for companies on the USDA’s website, check reviews, and get feedback.

Although Columbine is not licensed to move animals, in the past we have been asked, and found reputable transporters for our customers.

1. Ask family and friends. Positive experiences leave a lasting impression, your family and friends may have stories to share about their previous movers that can help narrow your search.

2. Ask real estate agents. Movers and real estate agents have ongoing relationships and can provide you with a professional opinion of different companies.

3. In person estimates. A moving company that provides on site estimates allows open lines of communication to form from the beginning.

4. Check the Internet. Social media and Internet can provide another source of background knowledge. Companies that have numerous complaints are listed on these two, MovingScam.com and MovingSham.com

5. Don’t always go for the cheapest bid. Although being thrifty is intriguing, the lowest price does not always come with the best performance. Don’t be afraid to try and negotiate to get a good rate.

6. Licensed Company. Once you have found a mover and rate that is reasonable for you, make sure the company is licensed to move you. For a list of licensed movers Safersys.org.