What Are the Key Differences Between a Commercial and Residential Move?

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 […]

How Can I Move Cheaply? And Other Moving FAQs Answered

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.

How Can I Move Cheaply?

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:

  • Consider a DIY move. This is the most straightforward approach to saving money. However, it’ll require more time and commitment on your part to pull off. Not to mention the risk of damage and accidents will be higher.
  • Get creative when packing. Instead of buying new materials, use existing ones in your home. Try cramming your books in suitcases, pad furniture with old sheets, or store your laundry in clean trash bags for more space. The internet provides many ideas for creative, budget-friendly packing if you don’t know where to start.
  • Find the perfect time to move. Relocating during summer will cost you a lot due to increased demand. Moving during the fall and winter is the cheapest, but you’ll have to deal with unfavorable weather and road conditions.
  • Downsize your home. It’s irrational to bring along something you rarely use or don’t need anymore. It’ll only add to the cost as it consumes valuable space in the moving truck. Learn to let go of extra utensils, old appliances, and items you haven’t used in the last six months.
  • Sell your extras. If you’ve decluttered correctly, chances are you’ll have plenty of items to throw away. Sell those and make some extra cash to cover your expenses.
  • Hire full-service movers. Contrary to a DIY move, movers might seem costly at first, but you’ll find that they’re actually more cost-effective in the long run. They can cut downtime so you can immediately get back to work. Additionally, they can save you from additional repairs due to damage or medical bills if you get injured.

How Accurate Is an Estimate?

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.

How Do I Hire the Right Movers?

Rogue movers have always been a problem. Fortunately, their modus operandi is well known. Look for the following red flags:

  • Asking for a large deposit before starting the move.
  • Not sending an agent to your home to get an estimate.
  • The company does an in-home estimate, yet the price seems too good to be true.
  • Using a different company name in the contract from what they introduced to you. 
  • Lack of online presence/ shady websites.

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.

Is There Protection from Loss of Items or Damage?

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.

How Can I Prepare My Home for Moving Day?

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.

How Can I Track My Shipment?

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.

How Can I File for Claims?

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.

Should I Tip My Movers?

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.

Long Distance Movers in Austin – Round Rock Metro Area

The Importance of the Right Moving Company

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.

Mistakes Can Happen

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.

Austin and Round Rock Movers

Some companies that are located within the Austin, Texas area include the following:

  • Genesis Moving Austin, 4809 Cabob St, Austin, TX 78744, (512) 621-1327 (Genesis Moving) This locally owned Austin company gets great reviews on Yelp and Facebook from dozens of happy customers.
  • Big Easy’s Moving Austin, 6132 US-290, Austin, TX 78749 (512) 589-7320 (https://www.facebook.com/BigEasysMoving/) – This company’s movers go through extensive training and even offer furniture assembly/disassembly at hourly rates.
  • Einstein Movers, 3904 Warehouse Row Suite B, Austin, TX 78704, (512) 815-8781 (Einstein Movers). Started by two best friends and A&M grads, Einstein Movers serves Texans with locations in Austin, the DFW area, San Antonio, and Houston.

Getting a List of the Best Long Distance Movers

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.

Finding the Best Mover for Your Situation

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.

Moving & Storage Company Shares 7 Tips for Organizing Your Closet Post-Move

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:

1. Out With the Old

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.

2. Maximize Your Door Space

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.

3. Garment Division Labels

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.

4. Storage Bins

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.

5.Add Hooks

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.

6. Move Items Out of Your Closet

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.

7. Clear Shoe Boxes

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.

So You Moved to Austin, Now What? A Newcomer’s Guide to the City

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 […]