Moving and Relocating Which Type Of Moving Service Is Right For You

If you are moving or relocating, there are a number of different moving options you can choose from. However, which one suits your requirements best? This short article examines the pros and cons of a number of different types of moving service, thereby allowing you to decide which one is right for you.

The professional moving service

The professional moving service is the one that comes to mind for most people when moving house. With this type of moving service there is virtually nothing to do on your part. Your movers pack your belongings, do the physical moving and do the unloading at the other end.

The main advantage of this type of service is a lot of the hassle is taken out of the moving process for you. However this may also be a disadvantage if you prefer to pack your own belongings in order to take maximum care of them, or, if your are trying to move on a budget.

Renting a moving truck

Renting a moving truck is one way of doing the job yourself, instead of hiring a professional moving company as described above.

The main advantage to this type of moving is that you should be able to save a few dollars. It also means that you are totally in control of your moving schedule.

If you are considering this type of service, you should also be aware of some of the potential disadvantages. For example, you may need to get an additional driving licence and insurance to drive the moving truck. You should also make sure you feel confident about driving a vehicle of this size.

Moving Equipment

If you are planning to rent a moving truck, then you may also need to hire some moving equipment if the company does not supply it. For example, you will almost certainly require dollies for lifting, and depending on what else has been supplied, you may also need ramps, ropes, padding and strapping to protect you belongings. All of these items can be rented from moving companies if necessary.

Self-service moving

Self-service moving is an ideal option if you prefer to pack your own belongings but are not comfortable with the idea of renting and driving a moving truck.

With self-service moving, a large container is dropped off at your house by the company. When you have loaded it yourself, you then arrange for it to be picked up, sometimes several weeks later. A professional driver then turns up to drive your container to its final destination for you to unpack at the other end.

The advantages of self-service moving are that you do not have to worry about driving a truck, or arranging the additional insurance or licensing.

PODS moving

The acronym “PODS” stands for “portable storage on demand” and this type of moving is a cross between a moving truck and a storage container. It is very similar to self-service moving, but this particular company claims to have a number of distinct advantages.

Some of these advantages are as follows: very competitive prices, special lifting equipment (so as not to disturb the contents of the container, once packed), and easy access to storage if required.

Storage

Whenever you are planning to move, you should always consider whether you require storage, and make plans as appropriate. It is always better to be prepared, rather than have to make plans later in a panic.

International moving

If you are moving overseas, then you will need the services of an international mover. Not only can this type of company help you with the physical transfer of your property, they also offer many value added services as well.

Conclusion

It is important to evaluate what your moving requirements are before deciding which type of moving service to opt for. Do you have a budget to stick to? Do you have any time constraints? Are you happy to drive a moving truck? Etc. Armed with answers to questions like these and the information above, you should be well on the way to making the right decision when it comes to deciding which is the best moving service for you.

About the Author

Steve H. Wentworth writes for www.movinghelpsite.com - where you can find more detailed information regarding each of the moving options listed above.

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Relocating Got Furniture

There are many businesses out there which rent furniture by the month. You need a couch? Rent one for only $40 per month. Need a lamp? You can get one for $12 a month. Now,
let's see, in one year you would have paid $480 to use the couch and you wouldn't own it. The lamp would have cost you $144 and it's the same situation ~ at the end of your lease, you still own nothing.

Most of us would think it foolish to rent furniture. But, that isn't always the case. There are situations where renting may be the best option. Consider these scenarios:

• Your company transfers you to a new location but the rest of your family is staying in your present home until the school year ends and that's 4 months away. You buy a house and live in it until your family arrives. Do you go out and buy new furniture or do you rent a few necessities in the meantime?
• Right after you get married, you move into a new home. You and your spouse haven't decided how you
• want to decorate your home. Do you rush your decisions or do you rent furniture until you find the style that will please you both?

• You graduate from college and accept a position in an unfamiliar city. You find an apartment that has everything you want, except furniture. You can't afford to go out and purchase the items you'll need right away. What do you do?

If you find yourself in any of these situations, renting all or part of your furniture may be a viable option. The thing you have to keep in mind is that it's never a long-term solution. From the figures in the first paragraph, you can see how expensive renting is over the long haul.

However, when you find yourself without furniture, short term rental may be your best option. If you don't have the cash or credit to purchase what you need, or if you only plan to be without furniture for a little while, short-term rental may be the best solution.

Most furniture rental companies offer several options from which to choose. Most of them also offer packages in
different price ranges, depending on the style and quality of the furniture you require.

• The bedroom package usually includes a double or queen-size bed, night stand and lamp, and 1 chest.
• A living room package provides a couch, end table and lamp, cocktail table, and a chair.
• A dining room package includes a table and 4 chairs.
• A complete home package includes all of the above.
• You can also rent any accessories you may need, including cookware and china, rugs, additional lamps, TV's, stereos, etc.

As long as you rent only what you need and do so for as short a time as possible, furniture rental may be the solution you need. But, don't forget to calculate the cost of your rent or mortgage along with the cost of your furniture rental before you decide which package to choose.

If money is an issue, one question you need to ask yourself is this: do you really need the most expensive package or can you get by with the more generic and economical choice for 2 or 3 or 4 months? Unless you plan to do a lot of business entertaining, the answer is obvious.

In short, furniture rental can be an economically sound solution to your problem, if you use your common sense and don't get in over your head. It beats sleeping on the floor any day!

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Tips for Packing and Moving

Moving out of Mom and Dad's for the first time? Moving out of that cramped studio apartment and into a new house? In order to make your packing day run smoothly, there are ten serious essentials that you'll need.

Good quality boxes are a must. This is probably one of the most important things that are taken for granted. A proper packing box should be sturdy and made up of cardboard that is not easily bent. Most removal companies and companies that specialize in packing boxes will have good quality boxes for sale.

With good quality boxes, you should have a good quality tape made for sealing packing boxes. This will ensure that the tape won't break or come unstuck during the moving process. A good quality tape should be tough enough to resist center seam splitting, even when the boxes are being handled roughly. This kind of tape can be purchased at any hardware store.

Don't pack your boxes with newsprint. It has a tendency to rub off on items that you wrap and can stain and damage your belongings. Instead, use tissue paper or bubble wrap when packing your breakables. You can buy these items from packing stores.

An inventory is so important during moving. Make a comprehensive inventory as you go along. This will save you time and hassle in the long run, especially if you need to fill out an insurance claim after the move. Number each box and keep a list of everything that you pack into each box. Take the lists with you and keep them in a safe place so you don't lose them.

Clean as you go. Moving can be a great time to go through all your belongings and throw out or donate items that you no longer use or you don't want any more. A general rule is that if you haven't used or worn something in the last year, you should probably throw it out. Keep separate boxes or piles for items that you want to donate and keep trash bags handy for garbage.

Remember the correct way to lift. An injured back is extremely painful and, depending on the severity of the injury, could take up to a couple of months to heal fully. When lifting, it's important to follow these simple instructions to help avoid injury. Start by gently warming up your muscles by doing some basic stretching. Next, bend your knees and while keeping your back straight, lift with the legs. To put heavy items down again, bend your knees and slowly lower it to the ground while keeping your back straight. If you have had back trouble in the past, you may want to wear a lower-back support brace as well.

Packing is hard work so it's essential to remember to keep your energy and hydration levels up by eating healthy and drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

As we all know well, packing can be extremely tedious and boring, so add a little fun to your day by listening to your favorite radio station or CD. A great song can help boost energy, and you know they say time flies when you're having fun!

Take a break! It might be tempting to work nonstop to get everything done quickly, but it's more beneficial to take a fifteen minute break every two hours. You will feel refreshed afterwards and be able to work more efficiently afterwards.

Set aside plenty of time. Don't try and cram all of your packing into a couple of hours. If you can, try and set aside a whole weekend. The more time you have to pack, the better the job you will do. Rushing things will only make you stressed and do a bad job, which may cause items to break while in transit. Take your time to ensure that everything is packed properly and safely.

Amanda Baker writes for All Things Pondered: http://AllThingsPondered.com

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Ten tips to save money and hassle when you move

Relocating your family and your life? Here are some tips to have your finances and your sanity, from the career coach who literally wrote the book.

1. Hire the pros. Resist the temptation to save a few bucks by hiring Uncle Larry and his pickup. You need a genuine receipt to deduct moving expenses and, if Uncle Larry drops
a box, you'll find that one crushed toe can be very expensive.

2. Move small -- but conserve. Toss the boxes that haven't been opened in the last five years. Keep expensive, hard-to-replace items. You may need a parka in Florida someday. If not, you'll find a Salvation Army there, too.

3. Let the movers pack as much as you can afford, especially mirrors, pictures, glass and other breakables. Movers pack faster than you do and they don't stop to reminisce about Aunt Gertrude and her crocheted lampshades.

4. Find a temporary place to live. You'll feel less pressured if you can say, "No problem. We have reservations at the Sumptuous Suites Inn." If you get lucky, you can always cancel.

5. Get clear on what you want. Before you move, visualize your perfect new home. -- or at least the "must haves:" "room for a garden," "sunny windowsills for the cats," "a door wide enough to accommodate my couch." You'll be more likely to make the right decision the first time.

6. Don't be bullied into a housing decision. Better to lose an opportunity than be trapped in the
house-from-hell. Breaking a lease or just moving to a different address will be expensive and time-consuming.

7. Have a friend on call. Your friend will be able to say things like, "That house doesn't sound like you. Are you sure?" and, "Hang in there!" Want more? A coach, counselor or consultant will be more objective -- and you won't have to worry about imposing on someone's good nature.

8. Get a driver. You have ten addresses and a map. You feel like taking the first place you see just because it's such a hassle to find your way.

Well, search no more. A taxi or car service usually will allow you to book two or three hours. Ask for an experienced driver who knows streets and neighborhoods.

9. Get references. Sure, the person advertising "Job Needed Desperately" might be the best handyman you ever hired -- but why take the risk? Ask the key questions: "Who have you
hired? What happened?"

10. Keep a camera handy. If you're renting, take pictures of the yard (half-mowed?), the kitchen (cracked tiles?) and the entire unit. You'll have a good case for getting your deposit back. Did the movers throw something into a box without padding? Get a picture.

Take pictures of you and your family moving into your new home, boxes and all. Six months from now, you may actually want to look at them.

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Move 9 items Increase Life Potential 9 times

Quick Feng Shui Enhancers for 2006: Year of the Dog

Happy Chinese New Year! May the year of The Dog bring you the comfort of loyalty, companionship, and deepened relationships.

You most likely already know that with Feng Shui, the Chinese art of placement, you can move furniture, use different colors, and place accessories in specific areas of your home to Increase Wealth, Deepen Love, and Improve Health.* But, I bet you didn't know that your Feng Shui also changes every year. Now, before you think that you have to redecorate every year, you don't! All you need to do is move 9 items in your home according to a sage-old formula. No formulas today, just the quick concept with what to move and where to place it!

Concept of Yearly Energies: Generic to everyone, unlike your basic Feng Shui,* there are nine yearly energies ranging from the best of the best, to the worst of the worst. Each of the nine energies sit in each of the eight magnetic directions with one in the center position of your home. Explained in a different way, each of the nine equal-sized sectors or areas in your home has an energetic influence with specific attributes that change every year. One sector will have the best energy, one will have the worst, and each of the others has a value in between.

What to Move and Where: The key is to enhance the good energies to make them even better and reduce the bad ones so you are not under their detrimental influence. Segment your home into nine equal sections as if you were putting an invisible tic-tac-toe board directly on top of it. Each square has a different directional location determined by a compass, each with a specific energy (North, South, East, West, Northwest, etc.). Look around your home to consider what existing items in your home that you can move to each of the nine areas to maximize this year's potential.

In the:

East: place "moving water" such as a fountain or fish tank to enhance "new beginnings and/or recognitions along with scholarly and academic endeavors."

Southeast: place "moving metal" such as a metal windchime (preferably with 6 or 7 rods) or chiming clock with a metal sound to seduce "sickness" (the second worst energy).

South: place "still water" such as a glass vase or something blue (a blue, glass vase is perfect) to reduce "cutting energy." Cutting may mean broken bones, cutting your skin, and even cutting with your tongue so be careful and think before speaking in this area.

Southwest: place something made of wood in this area to help future good fortune. Because the southwest is energy of "intimacies and relationships," create a double-good move by placing a wood sculpture of a pair (pair of lovers, dolphins, doves, etc.).

West: place "moving metal" such as a metal windchime (preferably with 6 or 7 rods) or chiming clock with a metal sound to seduce "severed fate and bankruptcy." (This is the worst energy - it is best to avoid this area as much as possible).

Northwest: place "quite metal" such as a metal bowl, sculpture, or accessory to reduce "arguing and bickering energy."

North: place "moving water" such as a fountain or fish tank to enhance the best of the best energy. Whatever the room, good things will happen here. You may even have unexpected good luck specific to what room it is in.

Interestingly, the morning after I moved the bed with our heads pointing North (because of this year's best energy, it has good Flying Stars, and is one of my husband's good directions), the first words out of his mouth was, "Whew, I slept great!"

Tip: Always prioritize sleeping direction to combine good yearly energies, natal Flying Stars, and one of the best directions for the "more fragile" person sleeping in the bed. Here's the best way to discover your natal energies in one convenient place! http://www.jamilin.com/content/view/469/248

Northeast: place something made of earth such as anything made of ceramic or stone to enhance my "just right" favorite energy which I call "ease and graciousness."

To enhance "bright future" energy in the center, place "moving water" such as a fountain or fish tank to enhance the best of the best energy.

Deepen Feng Shui: Depending on the room that each energy is occupying, whatever happens in that room will be influenced by that energy. For example, if the East area is your bedroom, there may be new beginnings in your relationship. If East is your office, you may have new beginnings an/or recognitions that relate to projects especially ones that include writing.
My Yearly Success Map, oriented according to the direction your house, makes it even easier �. http://www.jamilin.com/content/view/28/248/

Next year gets even easier to maintain your good Feng Shui: These items and the locations will help increase good things in your life all the way through February 3 of 2007. After that date, the energies move according to the formula that I told you about. Make sure you are on my newsletter http://www.jamilin.com/content/view/48/234/ so I can give you the new energies in 2007 where all you'll need to do is move the same nine items; how easy is that?

I sincerely wish you only good things!

*To clarify a popular misnomer, there is not one Feng Shui map generic to everyone. For consistent Feng Shui, if you moved in your home between 1984-2048, there are 2048 maps and only one is specific to you and your home. This is the map to decorate your home with. Learn more: http://www.jamilin.com/content/view/469/248

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Moving Out the No Tears Way

Leaving a home can be emotional. As the rooms gradually empty out its contents into packing boxes, you can't help but feel a sense of sadness. It's not just some roof over walls you're leaving but countless, un-exchangeable memories with your loved ones that took years to build

Cry all you want, but make sure it's because of nostalgia, and not because of stress. Yes, stress. Here are a few tips then to make house moves as no-tears as possible

Discard like a devil. So you're sentimental and you don't want to ever throw away that wooden rocking horse. Consider if you've got space for it in the new house you're moving in. If you think it'll just remain in the basement anyway, and then discard it right now. Or you might want to hold a garage sale. Get rid of junk and make fast buck at the same time.

Pack like a care bear. You'll need lots of newspapers and bubble wrap for this. (Remember, never a dull moment with bubble wrap) Wrap and stuff glasses with newspapers. It's good if you had saved your appliances' original boxes because that's where they're safest. You can also wrap breakables in towels or sheets. The thing to remember here is that if you want your things to survive the trip to the new house, go the extra mile in packing them.

Label like a vandal. You'll need markers for this and a patient wrist. Ideally, you should label boxes (on top and sides) with names of where they're going in the new house to make it easier for the movers. To make it easier on your part, label the boxes with their original location in the old house as well. That way you know where you can get anything.

Prepare like a true boy scout/girl scout. Make lists of things to do, and plan ahead. Don't scrimp on the moving company that you'll hire. They've got hardy and friendly folks who'll save you from the backache. But if you're up for the challenge, and you want to get real intimate with the process, you can also rent a moving truck and do the hard work yourself.


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Plan Your Move 4 to 5 Weeks Prior to Your Move

As your move date is getting closer there are more issues that require your attention. In this phase, 4-5 weeks prior to your move date, you will start zeroing in on your move needs and start making the following arrangements:

Packing

If you choose to pack yourself, this is the time to make sure that all packing supplies are ready. That includes boxes, shrink wrap, bubble wrap, etc. Start packing items that you don't use very often or items you know that you won't use until you move. If you are moving with your kids, it is a good idea to get them more involved and allow them to help packing. Be sure to supervise them while they are packing.


Changing Your Address

This is the time to prepare a list of all of those you want to notify in regards to your new address.

Post Office: follow this link to complete a "Change of Address" form (https://moversguide.usps.com). You can also visit your local post office and obtain that form.

Friends and Family: send a letter or email your new address.

Utility Companies: such as telephone, trash, water, power, etc.

Banks: update your address on all accounts including checking, savings, loans, and credit

Credit bureaus: make sure that your credit report stays updated.
Equifax: http://www.equifax.com
TransUnion: http://www.transunion.com
Experian: http://www.experian.com

Insurance Companies: update your new address on all of your policies.

Health Care Providers: including your doctors, dentist, pharmacy, etc.

Local and Federal Government Agencies: the IRS, DMV.

Other authorities, clubs, associations and organizations, including, newspapers and magazine subscriptions, and your church / temple

Don't forget to make arrangements with all service providers in the new location as well. Provide all service providers with your arrival date and try to set activation and deactivation dates accordingly.

Get Familiar

Check with the DMV as for issuing a new driver's license or I.D. card, and ask about car registration requirements.

Jony White is a relocation consultant for California New York Express, a leading moving company since 1995.

California New York Express specializes in the New York � Los Angeles � San Francisco routes.

To learn more about this moving company and the relocation services offered, visit www.moveeast.com or call 1-888-680-7200

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