Tag Archives: moving help

Moving Feedback – Reviews and What Movers to Trust

Our Moving Experts at Movers Near Me read 5400 reviews for licensed moving companies offering local, long distance and international transportation. The moving review feedback we found will shock you. First off, many van lines and broker OWN moving review sites like Moving Feedback, Movers Boost, My Moving Reviews, etc. Their articles are not marked as sponsored so we found it conflicting for the customer. After searching the reviews, we have fount the best long distance transportation companies and the best local transportation in your area.

Moving Feedback

Our top choices are:

Monster Movers – Monster Movers is one of only three private moving companies that are not affiliated with a van line, broker or third party that still has a high quality moving service as scored in the top 5% of every category we checked

New Generation Movers – New Generation is run by a fantastic team and they do many moves for VIPs like professional athletes and government officials

If you want to get more moving feedback and read moving reviews – you can click on the links above. Our moving feedback study based our reviews on the following factors:

  • Professionalism
  • Communication
  • Damage and Claims
  • Referrals
  • Years in Business
  • Community Involvement
  • Types of Moving Help Offered

We also looked at average moving costs and interstate transportation reports for these routes. To learn more about getting a moving quote, Movers Near Me can also help you get the best moving rates and offer you a comparison of moving services.

When hiring moving help just reading our trucking company ratings can help you distinguish full-service movers with top-notch customer service and avoid damage and loss of property issues due to unscrupulous movers.

Monster Movers offers free boxes in their warehouse before moving and will pick up used boxes after (however we didn’t use any of these services so I can’t speak directly to this experience). My kids have taken the stress out of moving and it’s understandable why they are one of the most popular companies in the area. My guys on the go were the best in terms of price and had great customer service (Tony and Ashley) who answered all of our questions.

Use these guys if you want the best price and very fast and efficient service. Excellent customer service, friendly and helpful to book and handle any major relocation need. My boys on the go were the best moves I’ve had to date and have moved a lot in my time.

The movers themselves were courteous, professional and completed the job on time. The porters pack and unpack with great care. The only very small thing that could be improved is the transition from porter to storage team. The movers were able to sort everything out at the loading dock with the leasing and front desk staff, so I didn’t even have to get out of bed in the morning to start moving.

Whether you’re moving from county to county or just around the corner, having a reliable carrier and professional mover help is essential. I highly recommend the relocation team to anyone in need of a relocation as they certainly take a lot of the stress out of moving and make it as stress free as possible.

For example, Movers Near Me does not store or deliver keys to apartments or houses, does not offer payment protection, does not certify apartments, complexes or houses, does not verify or certify that the people you are dealing with are legitimate, does not offer to hold deposits, down payment, down payments or other means, does not offer escrow services and does not offer insurance or other guarantees in relation to specific apartments, houses or related transactions. For example, if someone says they will leave the keys to an apartment or house in Move or another company to be picked up or returned, be very careful.

Moving Helpers Near Me

 Moving Helpers Near Me

Where Can I Find Movers Near Me?
We are a real brick-and-mortar moving company based in the following areas:
Boston MA –  Providence RI  – New Rochelle NY  – Hartford CT – Philadelphia PA – Washington DC – Baltimore MD – Virginia Beach VA – Atlanta GA – Orlando FL – Savannah SC – Charlotte NC – Asheville NC – Raleigh NC – Jacksonville FL – Nashville TN – Dallas TX – Chicago IL
If you are looking for moving helpers near me in those areas, we can help you! Our moving helpers are trained and ready to provide top-rated moving local or long distance moving services.
 To make sure your move goes smoothly, you can reach a real, live person here 7 days a week – no recordings!
Who are our moving helpers?

Our moving helpers are full time, trained moving crews hired by us – we do not broker moving jobs.  All of our jobs are done by our movers – they do all the loading loading, unloading and transportation jobs for a living.

Our mover help can provide labor only moves or with our own trucks. Booking a real moving company will save you a ton of money in broker fees, franchise fees, van line fees or third party booking fees.

What happens on a typical move?
Our moving helpers nearby will come in and protect all furniture with moving blankets, moving pads, shrink wrap and all other supplies needed to keep you things safe.  Moving Helpers Near Me will bring tools to disassemble and reassemble furniture on the day of your move.  We have thousands of real 5 star reviews from our residential clients and we do everything we can to get a 5 star review every time. (We don’t want to risk getting a bad review and losing business.)moving helpers near me 
MOVING HELPERS NEARBY
Below is a list of links to the best moving helpers near you.  All of the movers below are not affiliated with any van lines, brokers, franchises, etc therefore they can offer the best moving help at affordable prices.
Monster Movers handles moves in the New England area.  All locations are family owned and operated and offer packing, storage, moving help and full coverage 
Movers Near Me has private flat rate moving helpers throughout the United States for labor only moves and moves that require a moving truck or storage
Long Distance Movers Near Me operates in every state and is perfect for larger long distance moves that require extreme care
Helping Hands is a local and long distance mover in Florida providing small long distance moving options and military moves.
Movers
5/5
MOVERS
5/5
Long Distance Movers
5/5
Long Distance Moving Service
4.4/5

MOVING HELP NEAR ME

If you are moving locally, you will be looking for “moving help near me.” Local movers near you will charge by the hour which we have outlined in our video and below. Any decent moving company will also offer a guaranteed not to exceed moving help near me price or a flat rate. As you research movers near me, we have listed a few helpful moving tips for your relocation

MOVING HELP NEAR ME

Moving Help By the Hour

Moving Help by the hour is usually figured out as the time the crew starts to the time they finish plus a flat rate for travel time to and from your residence.

Movers Near Me Rates Start at:

$99/ hr for 2 men and a truck

$129/hr for 3 men and at truck

MOVERS NEAR ME ® trucks are all 26 feet. You can get an instant moving estimate on their website.

MOVERS NEAR ME ® was founded over a twenty years ago as a small local moving company with one truck, Movers Near Me has grown into a multi-service moving company serving the Boston, NYC, DC, Arlington, Atlanta, Dover, Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami, Tampa, St Petes, Charleston, Raleigh, Charlotte, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Newark , Virginia Beach, Hilton Head, Dallas, Austin, Denver, Nashville and beyond. Whether you need labor to Load and Unload a Rental Truck or container, or move local or long distance in our truck, you can trust Moving Help Near Me to provide top-notch service at affordable prices. Let us do the heavy lifting and make your move stress-free.

  •  Family owned and operated since 1999
  •  Rated A+ by the BBB
  •  Trained, CORI-checked Drivers, Moving & Packing Crews
  •  Licensed to move you anywhere in the USA within 5 days or less
  •  Over 600,000 Customers Moved
  •  Thousands of 5 star Reviews
  •  Friendly & Knowledgeable Customer support – 24/7

Moving Labor Help

Are you renting a moving truck or container in MA, FL, NC, RI, NY, NJ, DC, VA, DE, NC, SC, AL, GA or beyond and need experienced movers to load it? Don’t know who to trust in your destination city to help you unload it? Moving Help Near Me is the go-to source for moving services that you can trust.

Since 1999, we have focused on creating a simple and easy process for the thousands of customers we’ve moved. Get a fast online quote instantly, responsive customer service team to align you with the right moving services for your situation.

HIRING MOVING HELP NEAR ME

Moving Help is a MOVERS NEAR ME ®  service that connects you with one of our moving crews in your area. All moving crews are part of our private, family-owned moving company. We do not sell your info to movers that may not be qualified to do your job. Customize the service for your move with our easy-to-use moving quote form by selecting the hours, services and crew size you’ll need. Find movers who can help you move out in a few hours or at a price you have to see to believe.

MOVING HELP NEAR ME
MOVING HELP

How To Hire Moving Help Near Me

  • Enter where you need moving help and instantly find out what you’re paying. No hidden costs or fees.
  • Schedule one of our MOVERS NEAR ME ® crews based on your needs.
  • Book your move instantly online and pay after the job is finished.

Pros of Using Moving Help Near Me

  • No Rescheduling Fees ( unless same day)
  • Instant Moving Quotes
  • Over 1.5 million Moving Helper reviews to help you choose
  • Payment is made after delivery

MOVING HELP NEAR ME SERVICES

  • MOVERS NEAR ME ® mover crews can load and unload your moving truck quickly and efficiently. Our trained moving crews will safely load and unload furniture, appliances, boxes and more. They will securely load your items, so they arrive safely in your new home.
  • MOVERS NEAR ME ® crews offer packing services that will help you save time and effort on your moving day. Your service provider knows the most effective and efficient ways to pack your china, tv, frames, books, clothes, and sentimental or fragile items. They can also be booked to unpack your moving boxes once you arrive at your new home helping you get moved in faster.
  • MOVERS NEAR ME ® moving staff can provide cleaning services for you and help deep clean your entire home.
  • MOVERS NEAR ME ® crews can perform specialty moves such as a piano, a safe, or larger household items, MOVERS NEAR ME ® professional movers can help store your items in a storage unit.

Moving Help 20 Hints for Moving in the Fall

20 Hints for Moving in the Fall

Fall is the best time of year to move as the busy and usually costly summer season has come and gone, families looking to relocate before the beginning  of back-to-school are settled in, and the housing market isn’t as intense. Lower prices, lower temps, and lower competition all work in your favor. That said, you’ll still want to plan ahead as much as possible. With changing seasons come different challenges and considerations.  Below are twenty hints for moving in the fall:

.fall moving help

20 Hints for Moving in the Fall

1.  Take Advantage of Lower Moving Costs

Depending on the housing market, moving in the fall is typically much more affordable than summer. Moving companies have cleared the summer rush, gas prices can be lower, and there is more truck/crew availability.

2. Declutter Your Summer Gear

You may have a number of clothing items, swimwear, beach gear, outdoor furniture,  toys, and other seasonal items that just won’t make it to next summer. Instead of packing and moving these items, only to discard them next year, take some time to declutter and items you don’t want to pay to take with you. And, if there are old cold-weather clothing items you or your family have grown out of, consider donating those before the colder weather hits.

3. Rethink Storage

If you live in a climate with challenging seasonal weather, reconsider the benefits of putting some items in storage during your move. This will help clear your moving truck of heavy or bulky items you may not use until late next spring or summer (like outdoor furniture, gardening tools, and barbecues), and can streamline your move by helping you pack everything at once. It will also make move-in that much easier when you arrive.

4. Pack for the Season

While you’re considering bulkier items, don’t forget about clothes and sporting gear that you may not need right away after the move. Pack seasonal items together so you can find them easily later – and make sure you’ve left out all those cold-weather items you’ll need shortly after you settle into your new place, like rain boots and raincoats, snow gear, and snow-removal equipment. If you’ve stored them away, now’s a good time to make sure they’re easy to access and unpack after you’ve arrived.

5. Unpack for the Season

If you’ve stored away crock pots and sandwich presses, large dutch ovens, and other seasonal dishes and service wear, consider talking to your movers about placing them in more accessible locations in your house or apartment upon your arrival. Instead of trudging out to the garage or down to the storage closet to find items you packed away last year, they’ll be in your kitchen or dining room, ready to be put into service for the fall and winter seasons.

6. Setup Utilities in Advance

There’s nothing worse than arriving in a new place during the chilly, wet fall to find you haven’t set up all the proper utilities like electricity and gas. Often times, waits for new accounts can be several days. Not so great when the temperature drops. So be sure you’re clear on what’s required to setup or transfer your accounts, so that you arrive to a warm, bright environment on day 1.

7. Put Down Plastic During Your Move

When both moving in and moving out during the fall, the potential to track in wet leaves, dirt, and mud increase. You want to get back your security deposit, or at least ensure your post move-out cleanup doesn’t involve plastering holds in the walls of your apartment or steam-cleaning rugs. So buy plastic painter’s sheeting, or cut open large black trash bags and tape to entryways and other pathways where movers and friends will be coming and going. When you arrive at your destination, be sure the movers wait for you to lay down more plastic before unloading your items.

8. Keep a Broom Handy

During the fall, no matter your preparation, you’re going to track in a lot of leaves and dirt. Have a broom, paper towels, and sponge mops ready so you can clean as you go. This will ease the post-move cleanup, and help to avoid tracking materials into and out of your moving truck, onto your furniture and boxes, and into your new home or apartment.

Fall Moving Tips
Fall Moving Tips

9. Clear Outdoor Pathways

Despite your precautions for protecting your existing and new home or apartment, you should take extra steps to clear the outdoor paths to and from the moving truck to avoid dangerous situations. Sweep away leaves and shallow puddles with a stiff broom, and put down flat pieces of cardboard in any particularly wet, muddy, or slick spots.  Another helpful fall moving tip requires cleaning while you go can help keep your place tidy and can also help avoid injuries you might sustain while carrying heavy items to and from your place.

 

10. And an Umbrella for that Matter

Rain is the worst for moves. There’s simply no avoiding taking your things outside into the weather to load them into the truck. So be sure you have an ample supply of umbrellas and other plastic covering to keep furniture, upholstery, and boxes dry as they’re loaded into and out of the truck. Wet boxes can break or mold—especially if headed for prolonged storage. And it’s just no fun starting out in your new place with a wet couch.

11. Dress Appropriately

We know, you’re probably used to the tried-and-true moving uniform: running shoes, shorts, and old T-shirt and a baseball cap. But during the fall you’re going to have to plan ahead or colder, and potentially wet weather. Be sure you’re wearing shoes with good traction, have a hooded rain jacket on hand, and that you’ve considered layers so you can dress up or down depending on temperature fluctuations, and how challenging your move becomes.

12. Sell Your Stuff

Start early on your vending efforts to maximize profits. Personally, we’re fans of services that allow you to make money from the comfort of your own couch (who isn’t?).

And, of course, there’s always the classic standby: Craigslist and Nextdoor.com

13. Get creative with how you transport heavy items

Heavy items are one of the main reasons people hire expensive help on moving day. After all, no one wants to throw out their back while lugging an outdated stereo system down the stairs. But trust us, with a couple of hacks, you’ll be able to keep your cash and your back.

Let’s talk about books. Your expansive, curated literary collection is impressive when it’s up in shelves; on moving day, it’s just a pain. Rather than tossing those tons in boxes, pack them in a rolling suitcase, and voila: a portable library.

Think creatively with other heavy items, such as furniture. Remove any attached parts, like legs and drawers, to make the bulk significantly lighter. And always place a piece of cardboard under a heavy item to prevent scratches on the floor. Finally, push instead of pulling -– it’s easier on your body.

14. Hire Movers You Can Trust

Moving Help
Fall Moving Help

Find Google Guaranteed Movers – they have to be licensed, insured, have an actual brick and mortar location and have high insurance.  We recommend Monster Movers serving the following states: MA, RI, NH, ME, VT, PA, DE, NJ, NY, VA, DC, SC, NC, FL, GA, TN, MN, CO, CA, OH, MI,

15. “Save the date”…  for your move

We know, we know – it’s moving day, not your wedding day. But go ahead and get into that planning mentality anyway: Pick the date and time you want to move well in advance, and you could end up saving a ton of cash. Moving in October, November or December moving both mid-month and mid-week will save you the most money as every moving service from storage to moving trucks and full-service movers – is cheaper in the middle of the month.

16. Get the weight  of every item you’re contemplating moving  

help moving
help moving

Finding out how much your furniture weighs in key to getting a guaranteed quote – find a moving calculator here.

If those two boxes of kitchen supplies are all that’s standing between you and a smaller, significantly cheaper storage unit or moving truck, it might be time to implement some tough love.This is where decluttering and a minimalist living approach to your home come in handy – the less stuff you have to move, the all-around cheaper your move will be.Are you still paying for single-use, flimsy cardboard moving boxes? There are so many moving box alternatives, ranging from delivered-to-your-door box rentals to recycled wine crates or banana boxes

When it comes time to wipe down your old apartment, instead of picking up new cleaner, use what you already have. A half-empty bottle of vinegar, a past-ripe lemon, and some old rags may be all you need for a through ceiling-to-floor clean.

17. Got pets or kids? Leave them with a friend while you move

As for kids, your move is exactly the time you should call in a favor with your family. As lovable as they are, kids and pets can cause damage during a move and make the move take longer as movers aka. friends you’ve bribed have to negotiate around them as they run around during moving.

move help
move help

18.Moving out-of-state? Find a Private, Flat Rate Moving Company

Using a private, flat rate moving company that won’t swap, sell or unload your shipment is crucial to avoiding damage, missing items or  pricing that drastically changes.

19.  Check Your Personal Vehicles

While this isn’t necessarily related to your move, relocation is a good reminder to do those things you’ve been putting off throughout the year. While there’s a lot you can do online, some things, like your car, require professional support. So take your ride for service to ensure it’s running and in good shape prior to the colder, wetter seasons.

20. Keep Personal Items with You

You should keep personal papers, social security card and other irreplaceable items with you in a suitcase.

Moving Coupons and Free Moving Gift Certificate

There are dozens of sites offering moving coupons on moving labor and moving help – but are they really legit?  Moving coupons usually come from van lines or large companies which have systems in place to trick the average consumer.  If you read the fine lines on most moving coupons – the coupons must be presented before a quote and/or before the move.  This allows the company offering the moving coupons a chance to jack up the price before taking off for your coupon.  Not so for some moving companies however.  Here are numerous moving coupons and gift certificates for moving help that you can use:

Moving Gift Certificate

Here is a phenomenal moving gift certificate – and it is absolutely free!  There is no catch whatsoever.  If you know someone who is moving this is a perfect free $100 cash off of a move in gift certificate form.

 

free gift certificate
Moving Gift Certificate

And even better a free $200 long distance moving gift certificate which costs you nothing.  Do you know someone who is moving cross country and would appreciate a moving gift.  This moving gift certificate will mean so much to someone and best of all – it’s free!

gift certificate for moving
Free Moving Gift Certificate

Moving Coupons

Now for those of you that are moving yourself and are simply looking for moving coupons to help ease the burden of moving costs, these are the best moving coupons we have found.  Overall, these could save you up to $1000 on a long distance move and $500 on a local move.  We have checked all of these  moving coupons and they are 100% reliable.

Moving Coupons
Moving Coupons

 

Coupon for Moving
Moving Coupon
Listed above you’ll find some of the best moving coupons, gift certificates, discounts and promotion codes for moving help.  To use a coupon simply click the picture- this will bring you to the website of the moving company that accepts the specified moving coupon or gift certificate.  Today’s Top Moving Help Coupons are from Monster Movers.

List of Moving Services – Prices, Inclusions and Decoding Your Moving Estimate

Moving Services – Prices, What’s Included and Decoding Your Moving Estimate

So, you have a bunch of moving estimates – all with different moving services, prices for each service  – but do you really understand it?  All moving services are not created equal by any means so we are going to break it all down for you starting with some moving slang vocabulary words, moving on to help with what moving services are availble, and of course what you should be paying for any moving service.

Moving Help
Moving Services – Moving Help

 

Moving Services – Terms

When planning a move it’s often difficult to navigate through all moving services and fees for moving services.  Here are some terms you will need to be aware of when hiring movers and getting a moving estimate:

full service mover– a mover who provides the broadest range of moving services including local moving, long distance moving, packing, crating, overnight storage, short or long term storage, etc

binding estimate– means that the price quoted in the estimate is the amount you pay for moving services regardless of your shipment weighing more or less than than estimated.  The binding estimate for moving services must accurately describe the shipment and all the services the company will provide which means you have to be completely honest with your movers. If you asked the moving company to provide additional services, such as long carry charges, shuttle servies, etc.

binding, not-to exceed estimate – the same as a binding estimate so you will pay for moving services in relation to the weight without a minimum.  If the actual weight of your shipment is more than the written estimate, you still pay the amount quoted. However, if the actual weight is less than the written estimate, you pay the lesser amount.

Moving Services
Moving Services

List of Moving Services

Full services moving companies should offer a variety of moving services.  Because things can change quickly when moving and waiting for closings it is best to hire movers who offer packing and storage services as well just in case you get caught in a bind.

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Overnight Storage
  • Military Moving
  • Packing
  • Custom Crating
  • Packing Material Delivery
  • Corporate Relocation
  • Piano Moving
  • Hoisting

Packing Options

  • Full Service Packing – Your moving company should have the ability to pack your entire home in detail. Movers are trained to pack your home with the utmost professionalism and respect for your belongings.
  • Piece By Piece Packing – For items that are delicate, breakable or irreplaceable in value, we encourage you to let us know so that we can pack them with the utmost care. Your moving company should offer full service or pay by piece packing services
  • Material Delivery – If you are planning on packing your own boxes, your movers should offer free material delivery.  Don’t get your boxes from home depot, walmart or the like – as expected they are usually cheap and not the best.  Your movers will have high quality moving supplies

Basic Household Moving Services

  • Loading – Loading your moving truck.  Your movers should provide moving blankets shrink wrap etc. Your personal contents are systematically loaded onto our moving trucks where they will be transported to their new location.
  • Transportation – The transport of items to the new residence
  • Unloading – Part of a basic moving service means movers will carefully place all of your boxes and furniture into each room.

Additional Household Moving Services Available That Usually Have an Additional Fee

Private local and long distance movers don’t usually charge for the services below but van lines usually do – here are the approximate fees for these moving services:

  • Unpacking – Unpacking of boxes. COST $120/hour
  • Crating – Customized crates designed to provide optimum protection for your electronic equipment, as well as large, expensive items that cannot fit into standard moving boxes and packaging.   COST $100-250/crate
  • Cars/Boats COST $1,200-$2,000
  • Assembly/Disassembly – Most moving companies incude this in their basic services but van lines will not and usually charge for this.  COST $400-$600+
  • Third Party Services – For additional assembly and disassembly services, as well as disconnection, reconnection and cleaning services, we provide third party resources who specialize in the household moving process. Again most private moving companies will do most of these things for you including disconnecting washer/dryer etc. but a van line will charge. COST $300-$1000+
  • Shuttle Services – Private moving companies do not charge for this as they usually don’t use 53foot tractor trailers for your move but a van line charges.  COST $700-$2000+
  • Storage – Varies depending on number of days/weeks/months but expect a charge.  COST $150+/month

What You Should Expect from Your Movers

  • Transparent pricing
  • Licensed/Bonded
  • Insurance coverage
  • Strong references
  • Full service options
  • Quality customer service

Moving can be a stressful task, full of its fair share of unwelcomed surprises, but what should not come as a surprise to you is the total amount you see on your moving invoice once your move is completed.  Ask your movers for a binding and binding not to exceed estimate.

How to Properly Pack Your Kitchen

How to Properly Pack Your Kitchen

Packing your kitchen is the most time-consuming room of the house to pack.  If there is any room to leave for the movers it’s the kitchen but if you are looking to save some money moving or you are simply moving yourself you will find a little sanity in this easy guide on the proper way to pack your kitchen including cups, wine glasses, plates, tea pots, pots and pans.

Before even starting to do the actual pack, here are the first things you need to complete:

Throw Out Stuff You Don’t Use

Your kids are up and grown – why do you still have a hundred of those annoying plastic popsicle makers that are sixteen for a dollar. These are not even worth the price of the box you will need to pack them

Prepare an Essentials Box

My essentials box would look a lot like this

How to pack your kitchen
Packing a Kitchen

But if you are a better person than me, you may want to pack items that you will need soon after your movers arrive with your stuff.  This should include dishsoap, papertowels, some generic pots and pans.

Before getting started with the nitty gritty of packing your kitchen, here is a quick little video that has more info about packing in it’s 1 and a quarter minute glory than any other long, drawn out packing video you will ever watch.

First Things First

Gather your materials, here’s a quick starter list for an average kitchen

5 Large Boxes : For lightweight and hard to pack items such as plastic kitchenware, dish racks, small appliances, baking tins.

10 Medium Boxes : For heavier items such as small appliances, pots and pans, silverware, contents of drawers, cookbooks.

5 Heavy Duty Boxes ): These have thick, double-walls, perfect for packing fragile items, such as plates, glasses, stemware, wine and canisters.

Paper: You should need a 15-20 lb bundle

Tape: Get heavy duty moving tape

Sharpies

5 Glass Dividers: Dividers are extremely useful for packing glasses and wine

packing wine glasses
Packing wine glasses

Pack up Kitchen Items You Don’t Use Frequently

Start by packing those items in your cupboards and drawers that you don’t use on a daily basis. It could include:

  • Food storage containers
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cookie sheets, pie pans
  • Small appliances, such as mixers, blenders, etc.
  • Cookbooks
  • Extra dish towels, dish cloths, and oven mitts
  • Special utensils, such as barbecue tongs, meat mallets, ladles, and spatulas.

Pack up the Booze

Wine and alcohol can be packed early on in the process. Select the bottles you plan on opening between now and the move, Other items you may want to pack now are food items that are in glass bottles, but are still sealed, such as cooking oils, and liquor.

 

Pack up Dishes, Cups and Glasses

Remember to pack vertically.

moving and packing
Moving and Packing

Pack the Pantry

The pantry should’ve been sorted by now, keeping only those items you want to move. Start with the spices then work your way to the larger items. Canned goods aren’t worth moving unless you’re moving yourself. Movers will not transport perishable items so those you will have to toss.

Prepare Appliances

Defrost and clean at least 24 hours in advance. Improper preparation can lead to gas leaks, broken parts, and appliances that won’t work. Moving companies will not transport deep freezers that aren’t defrosted so you will need a week to prep your freezer.

Got the original boxes and packing materials for all your appliances? Perfect, these are your safest bet and will keep all your kitchen gadgets safe. If you do not have them, you will need to make use of medium sized boxes that are made of thick cardboard, so they support the weight of your electronic items.

Before you put anything into the boxes, clean and dry every kitchen appliance. Disassemble them and pack each component separately, particularly the fragile ones. Separate these and wrap them with bubble wrap. If you do not have cushioning packing material, you can wrap them up with newspapers.

Packing and Moving
Packing For Moving

Start by placing heavier items in the box first and place the smaller items on top. As you pack up the box, fill up the remaining space between each component with wadded up newspaper. Now find the owner’s manual of each appliance, and tape this on the box. This will make reassembling everything simplier later on.

 

 

 

 

 

Top Ten Moving Scams – and How to Avoid Them

Top 10 Moving Scams and How to Avoid Them

Can you spot a moving scam from a mile away?  Most would answer no.  Moving companies can have years of shady business practices before actually being shut down… only to  open up in the next town over with a new name.  We are going to outline the top 10 moving scams and how to avoid moving scams as well as providing moving help for local and long distance moves.

moving scams
Top 10 Moving Scams and How to Avoid Them                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       The best protection against a moving scam is to stay informed and do your homework.  Moving is arduous, and having someone else do it for you doesn’t mean you can leave all the details in their hands. Here are the Top Ten Moving Scams:                                                                                     TOP TEN MOVING SCAMS
  1. A moving company that doesn’t answer the phone  with the company name that is advertised.  An example would be a moving company that is advertised “Nationwide Van Lines” but answers the phone  “movers,” something mumbled “movers” or another  generic company name.  This usually means the moving company is hiding their true name from the government, IRS, unhappy customers, etc.  It could also mean that the company has changed names which indicates they had to shut down and stop using their name to avoid – taxes, lawsuits, etc. MOVING HELP TIP: LOOK FOR ESTABLISHED MOVERS THAT HAVE — — USED THE SAME NAME FOR 10+ YEARS
  2. The low-ball quote.  This occurs daily in every city in every state.  There is no avoiding the moving scam- it’s up to you to do your due diligence in order to get an accurate moving quote.  I suggest using a moving calculator. Now, most moving company moving calculators ask the number of rooms.  This is highly inaccurate and often results in both parties arguing and moving prices increasing.  MOVING HELP TIP: — — USE AN ACCURATE MOVING CALCULATOR THAT ADJUSTS YOUR MOVING QUOTE PIECE BY PIECE FIND ONE HERE.
  3. Moving companies that ask for any more than $100 for a local move or 10% for a long distance move should be avoided at all costs.  Many long distance moving scams occur when long distance movers ask for 30-50% down.  Simple you are thinking, you can just cancel your credit card if they don’t show up, are late, break things, etc.  It’s not that simple.  Moving company scammers are so crafty they have you sign to agree to the  move.  Then, when you go to cancel your credit card, they will say the deposit was non-refundable which is usually in the fine print for the move.  Some moving documents are pages long and have multiple “outs” for movers to keep your deposit.  This scam is frequently used by agents for van lines as they have the legal support to back up the paperwork.  MOVING HELP TIP: NEVER PAY MORE THAN 10% FOR A LONG DISTANCE MOVING DEPOSIT OR $100 FOR A LOCAL MOVE – ANY MORE IS HIGHLY SUSPECT
  4. Additional moving fees are usually not included in a basic moving quote.  For example, if you get a moving quote but did not indicate one of the following, many movers will take advantage and charge you more: multiple flights of stairs, elevator, long haul, shuttle fees, taxes, tolls, etc.  Besides being up-front with your mover, you should get a guaranteed moving quote.  MOVING HELP TIP: FIND MOVERS THAT DON’T CHARGE ADDITIONAL FEES, GET A LIST OF ANY FEES THAT THEY COULD POSSIBLY CHARGE
  5. Many moving companies have great websites.  It would be normal to expect your moving company to show up uniformed, with a clean truck, clean moving blankets and provide a professional service.  The fact is, most moving companies will show up with an unmarked truck with a crew with ripped jeans and dirty moving blankets.  MOVING HELP TIP: LOOK ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO FIND MOVING COMPANIES THAT HAVE THIER OWN CLEAN TRUCKS AND CREW

    Moving Company You Can Trust
    Finding Good Movers
  6. All moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of the goods that they transport. However, there are two different levels of liability that apply and you should be aware of the charges that apply and the amount of protection provided by each level. MOVING HELP TIP: FIND A MOVING COMPANY THAT OFFERS BOTH TYPES OF COVERAGE
  7. After your move is complete, you will have 15 days in order to file a claim.  After that, the window of opportunity has passed.  Many moving companies work with a claim company that will strictly adhere to the 15-day window.  The problem is, most consumers are not aware of this window and it is usually written in fine print on the contract. MOVING HELP TIP: MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR CLAIMS IN WRITING TO YOUR MOVERS WITHIN THE 15 DAY TIME LIMIT
  8. Federal law requires one of two kinds of moving contracts. A non-binding estimate means the company cannot require payment of more than 10 percent above the original estimate, due at delivery.  It also goes the other way – the moving company expects a certain amount going so your price will be only 10% lower at most. A binding estimate is supposed to be a guaranteed price for the move and all extras.  Some moving companies will charge by the cubic foot.  Well, essentially you can easily add hundreds of cubic feet on to a move by not packing tight.  Moving companies, especially containerized movers are notorious for packing to add less weight and more cubic feet. MOVING HELP TIP: GET A QUOTE BASED ON WEIGHT
  9. Say no to low-ball bids. Watch out for rogue movers who get your business with bargain-price estimates. After filling the truck, they hold your possessions hostage until you pay thousands more. “Hostage load” movers tend to be smaller, unlicensed companies that may advertise on Craigslist or roadside signs. You’re safer checking listings on moving.org, a website run by the industry’s trade group. For moves between states, go to protectyourmove.gov, a federal watchdog website that verifies interstate moving companies’ licenses and complaint histories. One way to save is by moving midweek or in the middle of the month, in the fall or winter.  Rogue movers are rampant in the summer and fall months.  When moving the famous “you pay for what you get” advice is especially true.  MOVING HELP TIP: GET ESTIMATES FROM MULTIPLE SOURCES AND CHECK WEIGHTS WITH AN ONLINE MOVING CALCULATOR TO MAKE SURE YOUR MOVERS ARE IN THE BALLPARK
  10. When hiring a van line, there are many dynamics involved.  Your items will be picked up by one vendor, loaded, offloaded into storage, picked up by a truck, possibly swapped onto another truck or offloaded/reloaded at another storage facility, and eventually delivered by another vendor.  The damage and loss that occurs with van lines is incredible.  The first moving company could wrap and protect your furniture perfectly but no furniture can withstand constant loading and offloading.  Many van lines have gone bankrupt or merged with other van lines.  If you don’t purchase full replacement coverage, any loss will be valued at $.60/lb/article.  Van lines offer full replacement coverage at a much higher ( approximately 80% higher) than a private moving company because they expect loss.  MOVING HELP TIP: FIND A PRIVATE FULL SERVICE LONG DISTANCE MOVING COMPANY AND AVOID VAN LINES

If you’re among the 35 million Americans relocating this year, add the need to avoid cons to the other stressors that result from moving. About 3,600 complaints out of 800,000 moves were filed last year by people who hired interstate movers, you will need to heed some advice to make sure you are not a victim of a moving scam.

 

HOW TO AVOID MOVING SCAMS

 

Know your paperwork. Keep a copy of everything you sign — especially the “bill of lading,” which is a legal document that acknowledges the carrier is in possession of your cargo and serves as a receipt. An “order for service” lists what the mover will do, as well as pickup and delivery dates, and an inventory list shows each item you shipped and its condition (cross-check it after delivery). With nonbinding estimates, movers may be legally allowed to inflate charges about 10 percent. Binding estimates provide a fixed price but tend to be higher. Movers typically provide minimal insurance; before buying replacement-value coverage, check if your homeowners policy covers items lost or damaged during a move.

 

1. Ask your friends who they have used
You can research a mover online until the cows come home, but the fact is that websites are easy to put up and take down, online testimonials are easy to fake, and Internet credentials are just words. Talking to a friend or family member, or soliciting the advice of a trusted real estate agent, are better ways to obtain the names of reputable companies.
2. Check your movers out
There are several options for investigating movers, including government sites like ProtectYourMove.gov, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) site, FMCSA.gov. There are moving scam sites that are actually owned by moving companies.  Xpress Movers owns mymovingreviews.com.  MovingScam is owned by a van line.  Be careful there are many moving scams out there.  It is best to hire movers that your friends have hired, you have seen in action or have a third party moving company reviews site like customerlobby.com that does not alter reviews based on payments.

3. Ask about additional fees    Your movers should be upfront with all additional fees and what your your moving fees should depend on.  Here is a quick video for long distance moving costs which are more complicated than local moving costs

 

4. Get multiple estimates and use an online calculator to check
Shop around and get three estimates, in writing, after the aforementioned home visit. This is especially important for state to state moves, where the logistics are even more critical. Walter cautions against simply accepting the lowest bid. “It can be a red flag if one of your three bids is much lower than the others.”says Walters. “It’s not always a scam, but ask yourself why is it so low.”
5. Don’t pay your bill upfront
Some companies require long distance moving deposit as high as 50% percent of the total move, especially for a state-to-state relocation. Reputable companies should not require you to pay everything, or even half, upfront.  Opt for 10% as a maximum deposit.

Moving scams are the worst.  Usually movers will scam people out of a few hundred dollars.  A significant amount but not enough to spend hours of time to report, hire a lawyer or even more time-consuming – go to court.  They understand this so you must be prepared to use this knowledge so you don’t become a moving scam victim.

Moving Perception Vs. Reality – Find Moving Help Here!

The Reality of Moving – Find Moving Help Here!

Many times the reality of moving is replaced by beautiful pictures of new shiny trucks and movers with ironed shirts and electronic clipboard.

moving help

Moving Help However, 99% of the time you will end up with a couple of guys in ripped clothes in a truck that looks like it was last serviced in 1993.

moving scam
moving scam

Even van lines who “adhere to standards” have unprofessional vendors in their network.  So now the question is who to trust for your move.  What moving company can you really trust for a stress-free, professional moving experience everytime?

We can help you find movers with brand new trucks, professionally trained moving crews at reasonable prices!

movers near me
Movers Near Me

We have developed Mover-Help.com and MoversNearMe.com to provide our customers with professional, prescreened full service moving companies at reasonable prices  Our instant moving quotes allow you to compare moving companies  and their services including: loading, unloading, packing, unpacking, specialty moving, crating, and coverage.  Follow our three easy steps to finding a great mover near you.

  1. Find Movers – Read customer reviews and compare prices and recieve quotes for INSTANT moving services. All local and long distance  mover prices are emailed and have GUARANTEED quotes so there will be no surprises during your move
  2. Compare– No waiting. Receive local moving companies and their contact information immediately, call them directly and discuss your move – you can use our compare movers tool to accurately gauge your moving costs.
  3. Moving Time – You are in complete control of your move! Our moving companies  does not receive payment until the moving services are completed to your satisfaction.  * There is a $100 deposit for local moves and 10% deposit for long distance moves which are 100% refundable.

MoversNearMe.com allows you to get instant moving estimates from prescreened moving companies

  • Instant Moving Estimates. Competitive prices for moving services.
  • Lowest Moving Company prices. No hidden fees. No additional charges.
  • Unedited customer reviews. Read comments directly from customers.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. All your money is refundable if you cancel your order.

 

Mover Help 

We connect people with a reliable moving labor to provide packing help, unpacking help, loading help, unloading help, cleaning help and even driving assistance. You can choose from any or all of the moving services you need.  Our moving crews provide unpacking, packing, loading, unloading, labor only moves, full service moves, long distance moves and local moves.

 

Should You Help Your Friends Move?

Should You Help Your Friends Move?

Have you ever wondered how strong of a friendship you and your bestie have?  You can gauge your comraderie by their level of help during a move.  Let’s put it this way  – if there was a ceremony for friendship the “friendship vows” would be  ” in moving and in chillaxing.”   Check below for our “Should You Help Your Friends Move?” guide – also an accurate evaluation of your bromance.

Everyone who has moved while in college or shortly thereafter knows how precious moving day help can be.  Let us help you find out if you should help your friends move:

TYPES OF FRIENDSHIPS and RESPECTIVE MOVE SCORE

  1. Enabling Friendship:  Move Score 8                                                            This friendship is a special bond between buds that empower each other to do the impossible.  This friend will boost your ego and are definitely one of the best types of friends to call for a move.
  2. Hot and Cold Friendship: Move Score 5                                                           The Hot and Cold friend is like a corked bat. Your hot and cold friend may show up, show up late or not at all but they do, they will easily provide that extra umph to get you home.
  3. Class Clown Friendship: Move Score 3                                                              One of the worst friends to help with a move – this friend loves pranks and those are not appreciated while moving.  Also, you will be so busy laughing – nothing will get moved.
  4. Bromance: Move Score 9                                                                                              You know that friend who completely admires you for whatever reason.  This is the best friend to invite for a move. This friend will do the entire move for you – to show up and just to be around your awesomeness
  5. Drinking Buddies: Move Score -10                                                                        Just.  Don’t.
  6. The Long Distance Friend: Move Score 6                                                       If you are moving long distance and actually hiring long distance movers – the long distance friend is a great for moral support – mainly because they won’t actually have to do any heavy lifting.

Helping your friends move can make or break a friendship.  Your patience will be tested but after all the back-breaking effort – you’ll become better buds after a move together.  Just don’t forget the pizza and drinks.

Of course, you could avoid all of the moving drama by hiring local movers, movers within 100 miles of your original residence or long distance movers.