Important Questions to Ask Your Estimator

Important Questions to Ask Your Estimator

Once you have made the decision to hire a moving company to transport your belongings, chances are that you will have a lot of questions. It’s always advised to receive at least three estimates from different moving companies. Asking the same important questions to each of the potential companies will help you to find the best movers for your relocation.

Do you provide in home estimates? Depending on what you’ll be moving, most reputable moving companies will provide an in home estimate, also referred to as an on-site.

What kinds of estimates do you provide? Depending if you have an in home estimate, or a phone estimate, the type of quote you receive will be different. There are three types of estimates

Non-Binding, Binding, Binding Not to Exceed. Make sure you know what estimate you are receiving.

Have your doc handy

Do you provide insurance? Having insurance for your move depends on what is being moved. However, having insurance is highly recommended

How long does the move take? Delivery time frames between moving companies can differ. A standard long distance move takes between 1-2 weeks. Be cautious of any company that promises to deliver in an unrealistic time.

What is your payment method? Common methods of payment are credit cards and wire transfer. Some moving companies accept cash, however, be careful of movers that only accept cash payments.

When is the Best Time of Year to Move to College or University?

Deciding on the best time to move to college or university can alleviate unnecessary stress. Typically, it's advisable to plan the move during the summer months when academic institutions have breaks. This ensures a smoother transition and allows students to settle in before classes begin. By carefully considering the best time to move, students can make their college or university experience more enjoyable and successful.

Making the Move to College or University

Is moving to college or university your next step? If you have already been accepted and know where you’ll be living, you can determine what items to move, and how to transport them. If you have a small load with only a handful of items, you might consider packing up your car and driving all your belongings. Alternatively, you could hire a professional moving company to transport your items. Most moving companies have a minimum fee. If you will be moving less than the minimum, consider finding a moving company that specializes in moving small loads. There is also the option of renting a truck and doing a DIY move. Before scheduling your move date, it’s recommended to visit the campus, familiarize yourself with the surroundings and find out where trucks and cars can be parked for unloading. If you’re moving into a dorm room on campus, visiting prior to moving day will give you an opportunity to see the size of residential lodgings, ensuring that you will only move what can fit.

Pack properly

During the packing process, remember to allow plenty of time to go through your belongings. If you’re moving out of your family home, you might experience some of the common emotions that occur when moving. If you feel that you need any help during this time, be sure to connect with friends, or others who might be going through the same experience.

- How can the internet help in planning a stress-free move?

Planning a stress-free move? Plan your move online! The internet offers a plethora of resources to streamline your relocation process. From researching moving companies to booking services, you can compare prices, read reviews, and even schedule appointments online. Additionally, you can find tips, checklists, and helpful articles to ensure a smooth transition to your new home. Embrace the convenience and efficiency of planning your move online.

What Questions Should I Ask My Landlord Before Signing a Lease?

Before signing a lease, it's crucial to ask your landlord several essential lease signing questions. Seek clarity on lease duration, terms for rent increase, penalties for breaking the lease, and maintenance responsibilities. Inquire about utility costs, pet policies, and rules regarding subletting or roommates. Understanding these details will ensure a smooth renting experience.

Plan right

Having a stressless move can be accomplished using some simple tips. Moving means change, and being relaxed and organized is key to a successful and stressless moving experience. Allow yourself plenty of time to plan and prepare for the lead up to moving day, and moving into your new home. Another great tool is to have a moving checklist, which provides a clear list of tasks to be completed. If your move will take place in a short period of time, having a checklist is sure to keep you on track. Decluttering is a great way to lighten your load and move only what is necessary. It can also lower the cost of your move as many moving companies charge for what is being moved. Start arranging your belongings as early as you can. If you will be getting rid of any items, decide whether they will be kept, discarded, or donated. As you sort through your stuff, you can begin packing things that are not used regularly. This will also speed up the packing process and continue to keep you organized.

Hire the pros

If you plan to hire a professional moving company to transport your belongings, it’s important to spend time doing some research and reading reviews. Once you have narrowed your search, start contacting and collecting estimates from at least three reputable moving companies. A very important thing to remember, if at any time you feel you need help, ask for it!

What Steps Can I Take to Ensure a Pest-Free Move?

Moving to a new home often brings excitement, but it's vital to ensure a pest-free transition. Prioritize pest control during moving by inspecting boxes, furniture, and appliances before packing. Seal any cracks and crevices in your new home, ensuring pests have no entry points. Consider hiring professional pest control services for preventative measures, safeguarding your move from unwanted visitors.

Getting ready for a move

It’s not uncommon for insects to inhabit our homes. When it’s time to pack for your move, you might start to notice pests or infestations in and around your home. In order to have a pest free move, it’s important to determine what insects they are and have them removed. The more common insects that tend to live in our homes are: cockroaches, gypsy moth, bedbugs and fleas. Bedbugs and fleas are the most problematic when it comes too moving. If they are not controlled before everything is packed and moved, it’s likely they will travel with you to your new home.

Preparing the boxes

Before you start wrapping and placing any of your items into boxes, inspect them thoroughly. If you see any sign of infestation make sure to eliminate the pests before packing your belongings. Items that tend to attract insects are: mattresses, linens, toys, clothing, some furniture items, and surprisingly, some insects infest electronics. It’s also a good idea to check the garage for any insect infestations, especially if this is an area that has been used as storage. Some insects also hide in houseplants. Even if you won’t be moving the plants with you, removing the pests will help to have a pest free move. One other area to pay attention to, is packing materials. If you’re thinking of using recycled boxes, check for insects. Bedbugs and other pests can be found living beneath the surface.

What Are Some Tips for Downsizing Before Moving into Short Term Housing?

Downsizing tips for moving into short-term housing can help streamline your transition. Start by decluttering and disposing of unnecessary items. Prioritize essentials and consider the space available in your new place. Sell or donate items that won't fit. Take measurements of the new space to plan furniture placement. Finally, pack strategically, labeling each box properly for easy unpacking later.

New home

Often, relocating means needing to find temporary housing. If you’re still in the process of looking for a permanent home, or waiting for your new home to be ready, than short-term housing might be what you need.

There are many resources available for finding short-term housing. Dependent on what you will need and for how long, many vacation rental companies can provide online availability and booking information. If you’ll want temporary housing for an extended period of time, there are options for lease agreements with companies such as: Airbnb, Homeaway, Vacation Rental By Owner, and others. During the peak seasons, keep in mind that prices for monthly rates might be higher.

If you’re relocating for a job, it’s common that many companies will take care of arranging temporary housing for their employees. If it’s required that you arrange your own accommodation, there are companies that specialize in temporary corporate housing.

Setting the location

Once temporary housing has been organized, it can now be decided what to do with furniture and personal belongings. Short term, corporate housing, and vacation rentals usually come furnished, therefore storing your belongings might be something to consider, until you move into your permanent home. If you have children, bringing any items for them is advised, such as cribs, high chairs and any other necessary items.