Category: Moving Advice

Tips on Moving to Another City Alone

When you live alone, nothing ties you up to a certain place and you can move to a new city and state easily. However, moving alone is associated with many challenges as all the responsibilities for the process lie on the shoulders of one person. It is a reason why you should start planning the relocation in advance and consider all the important issues. There are 10 simple but incredibly useful tips on how move alone in a seamless and easy way, so look through the following list carefully.

  1. Make up a checklist

The first challenge for the persons who are planning to move is what to take with them. In fact, the list can be rather long and usually consists of several chapters including clothes, cosmetics, dishware, and many other things. If you are afraid to forget anything vital, look through the following list and compare it with your own.

  1. Plan your moving budget

Moving always requires extra expenses and the first thing you should decide is whether you really can afford to move. Finding a new home, transportation, packing, and loading, tickets, inability to earn your living as soon as you arrive are only some services to pay money for. You should plan what amount of money you will need to spend on average for a moving and add 10% over for unpredictable expenses.

  1. Schedule your relocation

Moving cannot be a spontaneous decision as it is a responsible stage of every person’s life. That is why you should make up a plan and complete the tasks set according to the schedule created. You should not only set up the moving date but also prioritize the goals set and define adequate timeframes for the completion of every goal.

  1. Take only the most needed things

Many people make a huge mistake taking absolutely everything and never using some of the items moved. That is why you should think twice and re-check the list of items you are going to take for several times or you will pay for moving things that are not necessary at all. Is it reasonable?

  1. Choose a full-service moving company

Professional assistance is a necessity of you move alone. Who else will assist you with packing everything, loading it in the vehicle, and transporting to another city? However, you must be attentive choosing movers. It is better to choose a full-service company with no hidden fees. To make the only right choice, try to find high-quality moving company and compare the options that are available to you, so you will find the most suitable variant.

  1. Research a new area on the web and get acquainted with friends

If you move alone, you should realize that in your new destination, there will be no one to talk to or ask for help. That is why you should think about it beforehand. You can get acquainted with new friends from this city on the Internet, communicate with them, and meet them in person when you arrive.

Another important task is to research the new area at least on the map not to get lost and be able to find all the important destinations you might need (e.g. supermarket, drugstore, bank).

  1. Find a dwelling

It is natural that you will need a home to live in after your relocation, so it must be found before you take all your belongings and move out. Otherwise, you will need to hire a storage unit for some time and live at someone’s home or hotel. Experts advise lonely people to team up with someone local and share an apartment or home. It is cheaper than to pay for everything alone and you will get a chance to learn more about the city you have just moved to.

  1. Send your resume and get employed

Of course, you can live for some period of time spending money you have saved earlier, but it is natural that your next step must be to find a new job to earn your living. You can look through the vacancies on the web and send resumes a week before the planned move. It will increase your chances to get a job faster.

  1. Say goodbye to your relatives and friends

Whether you move out for the first time, leave your native city or town, or just a city where you have lived for a certain period of time, you undoubtedly have friends or relatives. Never forget to warn them about your plans and say goodbye to all of them. You can also take their contact information and connect with them when you leave.

  1. Focus on the benefits of the relocation

Moving alone to a new place is associated with many negative emotions. For a start, you might feel absolutely lonely, homesick and fear everything new. To cope with these troubles, try to keep yourself busy and find positive sides in every aspect of a new life. You will overcome relocation stresses and feel more confident in the new city.

How to Avoid Moving Scams

Moving is already stressful enough. It’s even worse if you end up dealing with an unqualified mover that tries to scam you.

Maybe you’ve heard of this one. The mover loads up all your stuff – and then tries to charge you more than you agreed to pay. You pay it because you want to protect your stuff.

Or, your mover gives you a date for delivery and tries to change it once your belongings are loaded. Again, you’re at the mercy of the mover because they have possession of your belongings.

You can avoid these and other scams by preparing yourself for your move. These tips will provide you the information you need to make a smart move.

How to Make a Smart Move

    • Talk to friends who have recently moved: If you know anyone who has relocated in the last year or so ask them how it went and which mover did the job. If they had a good experience contact the mover for an estimate. If they had a bad experience, you’ll be able to cross that moving company off your list.

 

    • Ask your realtor for a recommendation: Realtors should know movers with a good and bad reputation. Some will even have a list of preferred vendors, but you still need to do your due diligence as some real estate professionals have financial arrangements with the preferred movers that influence their advice.

 

    • Do your homework: There’s no substitute for doing your own research. You can find tons of consumer information, reviews and even warnings on the Internet. You can also tell a lot about a mover by visiting its website. Make sure the company has a professional approach, a physical address and a customer service contact in case of a problem.

 

    • Set up in-home estimates: The more information you give the mover, the more precise the estimate it can give you. It’s always a good idea to get three or more in-home estimates. This gives you the opportunity to meet the company’s workers and see how they deal with customers. Also, make sure offer is accurate — not based on the company underestimating the weight of your load to get your business. This “bait and switch” scam can lead to a higher price when the move actually happens. By getting multiple estimates, you’ll get an idea of the going rate.

 

    • Get it in Writing: Get a rock solid estimate or contract in writing that is detailed and covers everything. Don’t settle for a mover that says the details aren’t important and only talks about pounds, price, and distance. You need to know specifics about the issues that could cause your moving costs to go up. Also, never do a cash deal to save money. You’ll have no way to prove anything if the move goes badly or your property is damaged or stolen.

 

    • Avoid upfront payments: The more you pay before the move; the less incentive the company has to provide you with a great move. Find a company that has a reasonable deposit, but takes most of the payment once the move is completed to your satisfaction. In addition, make sure your deposit is refundable if you decide to go another route.

 

    • Check out the mover’s equipment and workers: Old trucks and unqualified workers can lead to a frustrating move. Don’t be afraid to ask the company to provide proof of employee background checks and drug testing policies. The movers will handle some of your most prized possessions and you need to make sure they have qualified workers.

 

    • Find out what to do if something goes wrong: Even if you use a quality mover, things can go wrong. Find out how you can file a claim if your stuff is damaged or stolen during the move. Different states require moving companies to reimburse varying amounts based on the weight of items that get damaged. Find out if you will be dealing with the company or a third party, like an insurance company, if a mishap occurs.

 

    • Check licensing: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration licenses interstate movers. Visit www.protectyourmove.gov to learn how to screen the companies. In addition, the site provides resources for checking the licensing of in-state movers.

 

Remember, scammers play on your ignorance and the best way to avoid a scam is to educate yourself. Following these tips can help you reduce the stress of unplanned expenses and the frustration of a low-quality move.

 

Don’t Wait Until The Holidays To Move!

With the Summer of 2012 nothing more than a memory, it is time to start planning ahead for the rest of the year. Fall is the next season in line, and this is one of the best seasons to plan a move. Summer has always been the busiest season for moving. If you have been thinking about moving, now is the perfect time. Movers.net has helped thousands of people find reliable moving companies this past Summer, and we are here to help now that Summer has past. Don’t wait until the holidays. Here are some great reasons to start planning your move now!

Moving companies will start offering better deals

Moving companies have been booked all Summer long. There were many cases where moving companies could not keep up with the demand that Summer brought on. Many moving companies were turning away business. They did not have enough trucks to handle all of the moves, and they also did not have enough employees to help manage the rush of people trying to move.

Now that Summer has gone, hiring a moving company will be much easier. Now moving companies will have plenty of free time to handle your move. Many moving companies will also start offering Fall specials in order to get some more business. They will often lower their rates to try to bring in some more business. If you have been waiting to move, this is the time to save some serious money. Take advantage of these savings before the holidays come.

Save your money for the holidays

The holidays will be here before you know it. It is time to start saving for the holidays! There is one great way to start saving, and that is by moving now. The more time that you have to save for the holidays, the better off you will be. No one wants to be unpacking moving boxes on Christmas morning. Presents are the only packages that should be opened on Christmas morning.

Take advantage of the cooler weather

The heat of Summer is behind us, and that can only mean one thing. The cold of Winter is right behind the corner. Summer may be the busiest time of the year for moving companies, but it can get too hot! Now is the time to move. Temperatures are starting to drop, and the weather outside is starting to get a lot more comfortable. If you wait until Winter sets in, moving will be even worse. Who wants to move in the freezing cold and snow? Not many people.

Moving in the Winter can also be more dangerous. When the roads ice over and when the snow starts to fall, driving can get a little dangerous. Moving trucks don’t always operate in the snow. If the roads have iced over, moving trucks are not going anywhere. Just imagine if everything that you owned was loaded onto a moving truck and the next day a blizzard struck. All of your stuff would be grounded until the weather cleared. If you want to make a move stressful, then this would definitely do it.

Movers.net best advice to you is to avoid the crowds, avoid the cold weather and take full advantage of cheaper moving prices this Fall!

Is Albuquerque A Good Place To Call Home?

Is Albuquerque A Good Place To Call HomeChoosing which city is the best to live in is always a challenge. It really boils down to what you want. For this article we put our focus to the west of the United States. There are several great places to call home in this area, and Albuquerque New Mexico is on the top of the list. Movers.net heads out West and tries to determine if Albuquerque is a good place to call home. If you have been thinking about moving out West, you might want to take a closer look at what this article has to say.

 

A little bit about Albuquerque

Albuquerque is located right in the middle of New Mexico, and it is the largest city in the state. The city sits right on the edge of the Rio Grande. This river is over 2000 miles long, and snakes its way through several states and Mexico. Albuquerque is home to beautiful desert landscapes, rivers, mountains and valleys.

It’s Albuquerque a big city

Albuquerque may be the largest state in New Mexico, but it is not the largest city in the United States. It consists of just over 181 square miles of land and water. Most of it is land, and just under one square mile is water. There are currently over half of a million people that call Albuquerque home. If you include the surrounding population, that number rises to almost 1,000,000. You will find just over 3000 people per square mile. Albuquerque is pretty crowded.

What is the weather like in Albuquerque

If you are looking for a place to live where there is very little rain, then Albuquerque is perfect. It currently only gets around eight or nine inches of rain each year. Spring and Fall are warm, and the summer can get really hot. Winters in Albuquerque can be mild, but most of the time they are uncomfortable. In December of 2006, Albuquerque had a snowstorm that produced as much as 26 inches of snow in some areas. If you are moving to Albuquerque, make sure you bring some nice warm clothes.

How is the cost of living in Albuquerque

The cost of living in Albuquerque is a little bit lower than the rest of the United States. A mid-range meal for two at her restaurant costs under $40. One meal at a fast food restaurant costs under six dollars. A loaf of fresh bread is only right around two dollars, and you can buy a dozen eggs for less than that. Fresh poultry is right around $2.50 per pound. Fresh fruits in Albuquerque are the most expensive. You can expect to pay as much as three dollars per pound on apples.

The average monthly utility bill is pretty cheap too. It is less than $150 per month. A one bedroom apartment in the city will cost right around $650 per month. A three bedroom apartment in the city, will cost much more. You can expect to pay right around $1200 per month for three bedroom apartment. The same apartment outside of the city, will only cost right around $850 per month. The average monthly salary in Albuquerque is right under $2000 per month after taxes.

Living in Albuquerque is much cheaper than a lot of cities in the United States. If you don’t mind the desert landscape and the cold uncomfortable Winters, it might be a great place to call home.

Should You Move To Jacksonville?

Moving To JacksonvilleThere are so many great places in Florida to call home. It can be very difficult trying to decide which town or city will be the best place to call home. Many people head right for the middle of Florida and they end up calling Orlando home. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Orlando, but there may a better city in Florida to call home. If you like the big city life, then take a closer look at what the city of Jacksonville has to offer. Movers.net hit the road again. This time we asked our readers what they thought about the city of Jacksonville. The response was overwhelming. Is Jacksonville the right city for you to call home? Keep reading to find out.

Jacksonville is big

There are several big cities in the state of Florida, but the city of Jacksonville takes the crown as the largest. Not only is Jacksonville the largest city in Florida as far as population goes, but it is also the largest city in Florida in terms of overall land size. Jacksonville takes up 885 square miles. That makes Jacksonville the largest city in terms of area in the entire United States. This area is divided amongst land and water. 767 square miles of it are land, and 116 square miles of it are water. The population in Jacksonville is just over 800,000 people. That means that there are about 1000 people per square mile. Jacksonville is big, but it is not very crowded.

How is  the local economy in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville economy has two things going for it. The St. Johns River, and the Atlantic Ocean. This is the place in Florida where the two meet. The St. Johns River is the largest river in the state, and in the early days it was how a lot of people and supplies got from North Florida to South Florida until Henry Flagler brought the railroad. That changed everything, but today the port of Jacksonville is still one of the largest and most used ports on the East Coast of the United States.

How is the cost of living in Jacksonville

The cost of living in Jacksonville is right on par with the rest of Florida. You can expect to pay right around $40.00 for a meal for two at your average restaurant. A meal for one at a fast food restaurant will run right around six bucks. A dozen eggs will cost just over $2.60 and a loaf of bread will run around $2.25. Apples and Oranges will cost approximately $1.50 per pound.

Living in the city is not too expensive. For a three bedroom apartment you can expect to pay right around $1300 per month. That same apartment outside of the city will cost just over $1100 per month.
The average monthly salary is right around $3500.

Jacksonville is a great place to call home. You can get a taste of the big city life without all the crowds that a big city like New York has, and the cost of living is moderate when compared to other large cities.

Thinking About Moving To Tampa?

Moving To TampaThe Gulf coast of Florida is known for its miles of white sandy beaches, and beautiful blue waters, but it can be really difficult choosing which part of the Florida West Coast will be the best place for you to call home. There are over 770 miles of great coastline to choose from, and each mile is just as beautiful as the next. How can you possibly make a choice? Movers.net has gone to work for you once again. We have asked our users which area on the Florida West coast they like the best, and the most popular choice was the city of Tampa. Is Tampa right for you? Keep reading to find out.

The facts about Tampa

Tampa sits on Tampa Bay. It is one of the largest ports in the entire state of Florida. It is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, an NFL football team, and it is also home to a wide range of other sports teams as well.

Before the city of Tampa existed, the area was military fort for the United States Army. This was in 1824. Like most of Florida at this time, the addition of railroad tracks made a huge change to the city. The railroad tracks helped the city grow by bringing in more industries, one of which was the cigar manufacturing industry.

Tampa has been voted by Forbes as the 5th best outdoor city in the entire United States. It is now known all over the world, and it is constantly growing. The population of the city itself is right around 350,000 people. If you include some of the other surrounding cities like Clearwater, and St Petersburg, the population grows to over 2.5 million people. It seems that everyone is interested in living in Tampa.

The city of Tampa sits on approximately 170 square miles of land and water. There is roughly 112 square miles of land, and the rest is water. The people are packed in at around 3000 people per square mile. It can get crowded, but there are plenty of places outside of the city that are not quite as crowded.

Can you afford to live in Tampa

The cost of living in Tampa seems to be really close to the rest of the country. You can expect it pay just over $2.00 for a loaf of bread, and a dozen eggs will cost you just under two bucks a dozen. Apples and Oranges will cost around $1.25 per pound. You can expect to pay around $4.00 per pound for fresh poultry.

Utilities are little higher than other parts of the country because it gets a little hotter in Tampa. The average monthly utility bill is right around $370 per month. A three bedroom apartment in the city will cost right around $1500 per month. That same apartment outside of the city will cost you right around $1200.00. There is a premium price for living in the city.

Is Tampa the right city for you? These city facts should help you make a better decision. If you are still uncertain, the best thing to do is take a vacation to the city of Tampa. You may find its charm irresistible.

Moving To The Florida Keys Can Be A Way of Life

Moving To The Florida Keys

Florida might be a great place to live, but there are definitely some places in Florida that are much better than others. One of the most popular vacation destinations in the world is The Florida Keys. Some people never want to leave once they get a small taste of what life is like in the Southern most part of the United States. Are the Florida Keys the right place for you to call home? Movers.net will help you decide in this informative article.

 

Tell me more about the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are actually a large group of several islands located at the Southern most tip of Florida. Each island is connected by one roadway that spans the entire length of the island chain. It is a tropical paradise unlike any other in the world.

On one side of the Florida keys you have the Atlantic Ocean, on the other side you have the Gulf of Mexico. No matter which way you turn, you will be surrounded by beautiful blue green turquoise colored waters. It can be really difficult to not want to take a quick dip in these beautiful waters.

The Florida Keys consist of just over 135 square miles of land, and over 80,000 people are calling these islands home. Over 30% of the entire population lives on the furthest south island called Key West. This island is actually closer to Cuba than it is to Miami. Many people have a very difficult time leaving KeyWest because of the beautiful Sunrises and Sunsets, and the carefree lifestyle.

There is no shortage of things to do. You can sit in the sun and relax with a book, or you can throw on a mask and snorkel and go for an underwater adventure. The area is also home to some of the best fishing spots in the world.

When the sun sets, many of the small islands come to life with exotic parties and festivals. Some of which are known all over the world.

Is there anything to be concerned about

Living in the Florida Keys is great, but you can’t have all of this good without a little bit of bad mixed in. The cost of living in the Florida Keys is a little higher than the rest of Florida. It costs companies more money to truck all of the supplies in, and they pass these costs onto the residents. Many people don’t mind paying higher prices. The laid back lifestyle is worth it to them.

The Florida Keys are also threatened by Hurricanes and Tropical Storms almost every year. Some years they are threatened several times. There are many times when evacuating is mandatory. This can cause problems because there is only one road that leads in or and out. Evacuating can take as long as 24 hours. The area will often be flooded after hurricanes pass, so returning to your home in The Keys might not be that easy. Are the Florida Keys right for your next home?

Know this When Thinking About Moving To Atlanta

Atlanta is one of the only true cities of the South. Everything is a little different in this city, and it is a great place to live. Reality television has really put Atlanta on the map. The popular show The Housewives of Atlanta has made the city even more popular, but it was a great place to live long before that television show made its way to the airwaves. If you are thinking about moving to Atlanta, Movers.net has a few tips for you that will make things a little easier.

Just the facts

Before you pack everything up and make the big move to Atlanta, read these facts about the city. Atlanta is big. The city currently has a population of over 400,000 people, but there are several smaller cities all around Atlanta. This area is known as the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. It is home to over five million people. All of these people are packed pretty tight into the area. If you are looking for a place with wide open spaces, and very few people, then Atlanta is not it. If you don’t mind the hustle ab bustle of the city life, then you will be right at home in Atlanta.

Things are just peachy

The state of Georgia has adopted the peach as the official fruit of the state, and the city of Atlanta takes peaches pretty seriously. There are more than a dozen streets that are named after the fruit. This can make it really difficult for someone that is knew to the area. It may take a little bit of time to learn the difference between Peachtree Street and Peachtree Ave.

Finding work in Atlanta

If you are moving to Atlanta in hopes of finding some work, then you may be out of luck. The city currently has a pretty high unemployment rate when compared to the rest of the country. In early 2012, the unemployment rate in Atlanta was over 9%. This put it over the national average. The economy of the city is very healthy. It just might be difficult to find work there. In one year the total amount of money generated in Atlanta exceeds 300 billion dollars.

Where should you move

The heart of Atlanta is very much like any other large city. It can be more expensive to live inside the city than it is to live outside of Atlanta in one of the smaller neighboring cities. There are dozens of them to choose from. You could choose: Austell, Gainesville, Dunwoody, or the high class neighborhood of Buckhead. The only problem with living in one of these little cities is having to drive to downtown Atlanta. If you work in Atlanta, but live in one of these smaller cities outside of Atlanta, you will face some of the worst traffic in the world. Be prepared to sit in your car for a while.

Atlanta is a great city to live in. These tips should help you make a better decision on whether or not Atlanta is the right city for you.

How Can You Find The Most Affordable Movers That Service Your Area?

How Can You Find The Most Affordable Movers That Service Your Area

Finding a good moving company is not that difficult. Finding a great moving company is not that hard either, but finding a great moving company that offers their exceptional services at affordable prices can be quite a challenge. Not all movers are the same, and they don’t offer the same prices for their services. Some moving companies will disclose all of the charges up front, and others will try to hide or even sneak in some extra moving costs once they have loaded all of your belongings onto the moving truck. Movers.net has put together this list of tips that will help you find the best moving company at the best price.

Don’t fall victim to low priced moving scams

Most people will just choose the moving company that has the lowest rate that they can find. This can be a huge mistake that can end up costing much more than they had ever hoped to pay. There are some moving companies out there that do not operate honestly. They will advertise really low prices in hopes of luring people in. These low prices look so good, that it can be really hard for people that are shopping for the best deals on moving companies to pass them by. Once you have signed the contract, the moving company will start adding extra charges to the final bill, and they will hold all of your stuff hostage until you have paid the bill in full. This is why it is not always the best idea to choose the cheapest moving company. You will be paying more in the end.

How can you find the cheapest moving companies that you can actually trust

In the past, you would have to spend an entire day researching all of the local moving companies that offered their services to your area. Your local phone book was the only way to find the moving companies that handled your area. Today, things have changed a lot.

Now you can find every moving company that services your area right from your computer or smart phone. You could be laying comfortably in bed the whole time you are looking for a moving company, and it will only take a few seconds of your time.

At Movers.net we have done all of the work for you. There is no need to spend an entire day looking through a phone book just trying to narrow down which moving company you should choose to handle your move. We have done all of the work for you. All you need to do is fill out one quick and easy form, and our computer system will handle all of the shopping for you.

We have already found all of the honest affordable moving companies that service your area. Once you enter your information into our secure form, our computer system will compare your data against all of the moving companies in our database. This all happens in just a few seconds of time. Our system will find several matches that fit your information. This is the best way to find the most affordable moving company in your area, and it only takes a minute of your time.

Can You Afford To Live In New York City?

Can You Afford To Live In New York City

Millions of people think about packing up and moving to The Big Apple every single day. It is not called the greatest city in the world for nothing. It has everything to offer, and more. There are a few things that you need to think about before you actually decide to move. The very first thing that you need to consider is the cost of living.

 

 

Can you afford to live in New York City

It can be really difficult to determine how much it will cost to live in a new city if you don’t already live there. There is one easy way to learn a little bit more about New York City. Take a vacation there. Spend a little bit of time on the streets. This will give you a good indication of the cost of living. It may not even be in your budget!

Simple things like a gallon of milk cost much more in the city. Here is what you can expect to pay on some of the more common daily items. A dozen eggs will cost you $3.30. Apples are around $3.70 per pound. An average bottle of wine will cost just over $12.00, and if you smoke you had better quit before you move because a single pack of cigarettes will cost over $12.00. These are just common everyday items, but what about other expenses?

Transportation costs

New York is small and most people choose to walk everywhere. This is great exercise, and it is also a great way to learn a little bit about the city. If you have to drive your own car, the cost of gas is currently around $3.50 per gallon. A monthly buss pass will cost you around $105.00. Getting around in New York City is not all that expensive if you walk, or take public transportation. Avoid taxis. They are expensive.

What about your utility costs

There are other costs that you must factor in as well. The average electric bill for a small apartment is just over $120 per month. High speed internet access will cost just under 50 bucks per month. There are a lot of places that offer free WI-FI, so finding affordable internet is easy.

Housing

Most people that choose to live in New York City live in apartments. The price range of apartments can range drastically depending on where you want to live. A three bedroom apartment in the center of the city will cost almost $5,000 per month. A three bedroom apartment outside of the city will cost you just over $2500 per month. It really makes a difference what part of the city you are going to call home.

If all of these costs fit nicely into your budget, then the next step is to pick a moving company. Movers.net has made finding moving companies that service New York City fast and easy. Don’t forget to factor the costs of moving into your cost of living in New York City. Have fun, and enjoy living in New York City!