Residential and commercial moving share one thing in common: both are incredibly stressful. Other than that, these two processes feature several factors that distinguish them from each other. If you’re planning to relocate, knowing the operation’s ins-and-outs will help you cope with the expenses and brace yourself on what to expect. Lucky for you, this […]
First-time experiences invoke different emotions. Most of them will give you happy memories. Others can make you cry in a corner. Some can be exciting, while a few can even leave you traumatized. However, it’s usually a mixture of all these when it comes to moving. If this is your first relocation, take a deep breath. Relax. You’ll get through this. If this isn’t your first rodeo, then you must already know how stressful it can get.
But there’s nothing to worry about. Educating yourself will help clear up most of your concerns. That said, here are FAQs to guide you in making your move easier and budget-friendly.
Good news! Although moving will inevitably cost a considerable amount upfront, it does offer plenty of options where you can cut down costs. Cheap Austin Movers, one of the most reputable movers in Austin, shares some valuable tips:
Before you proceed, understand that an estimate is exactly as it sounds – an educated guess. However, you can trust that this figure has been calculated carefully and will hit close to the final price. If your potential movers give a binding estimate, they will provide a precise cost of your move and will honor it until the end. However, this price is subject to increase if you require them to perform additional services (like packing or furniture disassembly). On the other hand, a non-binding estimate charges you according to the weight of your cargo. To make things fair, an empty truck’s weight will be compared to its weight after adding your belongings.
Rogue movers have always been a problem. Fortunately, their modus operandi is well known. Look for the following red flags:
On top of avoiding these major red flags, remember to ask your movers for their USDOT number. This serves as their license to operate. You can then run the number on the FMCSA website to see more info about the company.
Of course! It would be unfair if there wasn’t any protection from loss. However, it might not be enough. Most moving companies have a basic coverage of 60 cents per pound of lost or damaged items. This can be disadvantageous for you, especially when an expensive object is involved.
Meanwhile, full-value protection offers more security. It usually settles for around $6 per pound. That means if the movers lose your 200-pound fridge, you could receive about $1200 in damages. Be sure to read the fine print of your coverage to understand your movers’ policy. As expected, you’ll have to pay a bit more for this kind of protection.
Keep in mind that loading can take several days, depending on your shipment size and the time of the year. Moving special furniture like pool tables, bathtubs, and pianos will also significantly affect the timeframe.
Be sure to notify your moving company of any changes in your location prior to the big day. The street in front of your home might undergo roadwork, preventing them from easy access. Movers are generally flexible with schedules as long as you don’t miss out on the details.
On moving day, make sure that your porch is clear of anything that might obstruct the movers from doing their job. Check if parts of the floor are wet to avoid slips and accidents. Keep your kids occupied and your pets tucked in their cages.
The driver will normally contact you 24 hours before transit. At the same time, your moving company will assign a customer service representative to answer your concerns. This agent will also be your ticket to tracking down your goods. You can also use your mover’s app if they have one. Remember to double-check if you’ve provided them the correct contact information.
This is usually a sensitive topic that both parties wouldn’t want to talk about. However, knowing how to file a claim properly is essential in your move. No matter how reliable your movers may seem, nobody knows what can happen down the road. Again, the process mainly depends on your movers. Make sure you understand the claim-settlement procedure before proceeding with the move. Shoot your moving company representative questions even if they sound dumb. The goal is to understand and learn how to do it. You’ll have little to no say after you drop your signature on the contract.
Naturally, it’s up to you to tip your movers. Although you’re not obligated to, it’s certainly a nice gesture, especially when they’ve done an excellent job with your relocation. An extra $4 – $5 / hour of service for every mover is considered a nice tip.
When it comes to moving your treasured possessions across the country or through several states, it is imperative to find a reliable and trusted mover that will deliver on schedule; you will want to be assured that what went into the truck is what comes out of it. Moreover, you will want the whole moving experience to be as stress-free as possible. There are a plethora of movers in the Austin – Round Rock area; choosing the best one often involves phone calls, estimates and doing your homework.
An unreliable mover might leave your bed frame in storage while delivering the mattress on time. They might be two hours late in showing up or not show up at all. These reasons suggest why it is important to read the reviews and follow recommendations when selecting a mover to move your valued possessions. Experienced professionals can give you the service needed to make your move as easy and stress-free as possible.
Some companies that are located within the Austin, Texas area include the following:
Before you begin, you might want to search some sites that show movers that have been recommended and rated by customers. You’ll be able to request a quote right from the website of some of the listings. Google has a listing of long-distance movers; more specialized sites let you put in requirements.
Another site to explore is one called Consumer Affairs top-rated movers. You will find a list of local movers at this site. Thumbtack lets you put in your requirements and shows you a list of movers in the Austin area. You can then click on the name to get an estimate.
Now that you have a place to begin, you will want to call and get an estimate for your long-distance move. Most companies will come out to your home to as well as discuss the contents to be moved. Some items, like pianos, require special handling, and it will be best to meet the movers beforehand to discuss your needs. By scheduling an in-home walkthrough, the mover can better understand what you’re moving to provide you a better quote on your move. Long-distance moving prices are based on the weight of the shipment, but movers can provide accurate quotes based on a home inventory.
After you get quotes from a few movers in the Austin area, be sure to check their interstate licensing credentials and double-check the paperwork before signing with your chosen company. These small steps can make a big difference in protecting you and your belongings when moving out of state.
Most people want to keep the contents of their closets a closed matter. However, the majority of closets are in need of a serious makeover. You may be surprised to see just how much of your precious closet space you’re wasting. As you settle into your new home post-move, use these seven closet organizing tips to keep your closet from becoming an unruly mess:
Your closet is probably full of old sweaters, jeans and other clothes that you will never wear again. As a good rule of thumb, if you haven’t worn it in the past 12 months, you aren’t likely to wear it again. While there are always exceptions to this rule, it’s a great guideline. When deciding which clothes to toss, ask yourself if you would buy it again. If the answer is no, then it’s time for it to go. This Las Vegas moving company recommends downsizing your wardrobe prior to your move, if possible. Movers typically charge for their services based on the weight of the things you’re moving, so in this case, less is better. With all the money you’ll save on moving costs, maybe you can treat yourself to those new heels you’ve been eyeing.
Even in small closets, one prime piece of real estate is the door. While most people don’t consider using the door for storage, over-the-door shelving and storage are the perfect place to store belts, shoes and other accessories.
One easy way to organize your closet is to put similar items together. Using garment dividers, you can organize your hanging items like stores do. You can divide your shirts by length, separating long-sleeved and sleeveless shirts. You can also categorize your clothes into seasons. Once you’ve organized your clothes into categories, you may also want to arrange by color, so its easy to see what you have in each hue.
Does your closest have a high overhead shelf? While it doesn’t seem practical to store much up there, overhead storage bins turn this hard-to-reach area into manageable space. This is the perfect storage spot for items you don’t use on a daily basis like extra handbags and out-of-season clothing.
Another way to free up space is to add hooks to the side of your closet. This is a great area to hang jackets or other bulky items that typically take up a lot of hanging room. You can also use hooks to hang belts and other accessories for quick, tangle-free access.
If you have a small closet, sometimes removing items is your best bet. Using storage containers, you can store out-of-season items under your bed. Professional movers and organizers recommend using clear, shallow containers so you can still see the contents of each box and they’ll easily slide under the bed.
Shoes take up the majority of a woman’s closet space. By using pull-out bins, you can stack your shoes while still making them easy to get to. This not only looks better and more organized than a cluttered shoe rack, but you can also put labels on the front of the drawers to easily find a certain pair of shoes.
Everyone’s closet is different, so not all of these tips will work for you. However, you can take back more of your closet space by taking advantage of the tips that do work. Organization isn’t something that just happens; you have to make an effort. If you take the time to organize your closet effectively after you move in, you’ll have a better chance of keeping it that way.
Overview Austin is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States today. With thousands of jobs being created every year, many people are moving to the area in search of a better life for their families. Anyone who is relocating to the Austin area needs to make sure they have a couple of things done […]
