What are the major risks of moving by yourself?

If you’re about to move to a new home not too far away – to a close-by city or to a neighboring state, then you may be tempted to perform a self-move rather than lose time to search for experienced professionals and then pay those moving experts to complete the tasks which you think you can manage just as successfully on your own.

However, if you fail to assess your pre-move situation properly, that brave decision of yours may easily do you more harm than good. The risks of DIY moving are quite real – incurred expenses way over the set budget limit, hours or even days of wasted time, expensive household items damaged forever, considerable property damage on Moving day, and worst of all – personal injuries that can cost you dearly in the end.

It’s not hard to see that the two main reasons most people are willing to try to move on their own are to save money and to avoid the hassle related to finding a reputable moving company, but the real questions they should be asking are:

Will the potential risks of moving by yourself be worth it once the bottom line is drawn?

Will the risks of DIY moving outweigh the benefits that could come with moving without professional assistance?

Let’s take a closer look at the 5 major risks of moving by yourself:

Self-Moving Risk #1: Lost Time

It’s understandable that you will want to save the time to research, compare and pick a top-rated moving company. However, keep in mind that the time you invest in finding a reputable mover often turns out to be well-spent in the end.

And here’s why:

You will still need to arrange a moving vehicle by yourself, and that alone can take a staggering amount of time;
You will need time to convince your friends to come over to your place and help you pack and lift heavy items;
You will need many days to pack up your home on your own – something that Professional Packers will complete in record time.

Needless to say, each self-moving mistake and wrong decision due to inexperience will cost you additional hours or even days, so are you really saving time when moving home on your own?

Self-Moving Risk #2: Higher Costs

If you’re contemplating moving on your own, then the only thing that’s stopping you from hiring the Best Moving Company in your area must be the price. Bear in mind, though, that to automatically assume that self-moving is always cheaper than hiring a professional moving company is clearly a mistake.

Sure, if you’re moving just a short distance, have a friend who won’t mind letting you their pick-up truck, have numerous friend to help you out, and you don’t own any specialty items that require professional handling, then moving on your own seems like a cost-saving option after all.

But have you heard of the hidden costs of DIY moving? Unless you factor in the cost of the truck rental, packing supplies, extra insurance, moving equipment, fuel, fuel surcharges, road tolls and taxes, food and hotels on the road, then the financial side of your risk assessment won’t be really complete.

Self-Moving Risk #3: Damaged Items

Depending on the number and nature of the things you have decided to move to the new home, your upcoming move could, in fact, be more suited for a self-move. However, most DIY movers will own large furniture pieces, heavy household appliances and probably a few specialty items – a fact that should quickly raise a number of safety and security concerns.

Do you really trust yourself to handle all your stuff in the safest way possible? Thanks to their years of experience in the field, professional movers will make every effort to minimize the risks when moving and handling large, heavy and expensive household goods. Moreover, good moving companies come fully insured and offer good valuation options so even if something bad happened to any of your belongings, you would be able to file a compensation claim with your mover.

Therefore, one of the biggest risks of moving on your own is that you won’t have any insurance or protection should something happen to your belongings on the road.

Self-Moving Risk #4: Property Damage

Most people tend to forget one of the dangers of moving by yourself until it’s too late – the immediate risks of property damage on moving day. Top professional movers come with the proper moving equipment, and they do know how to use it too, so property damage is something you shouldn’t really worry about.

Make no mistake, the hidden risks of self-moves can suddenly become not-so-hidden once you start moving around huge and heavy household items:

Scratched floors, damaged hardwood floors, and broken tiles /unless a furniture dolly, furniture pads, and many hands are available/;

Chipped and dented walls around tight corners /unless thick protective blankets are used both on the items and the walls respectively/;

Damaged staircase steps or broken banisters /unless extreme caution is used when going up or down the stairs, while the banisters are wrapped in protective blankets/.

The bad news is that property damage is extremely tricky – it’s something that no DIY mover ever takes into account but it’s something that can cost a lot of money to fix.

Self-Moving Risk #5: Personal Injuries

As you can see, moving by yourself can be a rather risky endeavor. In this line of thought, one of the potential risks when moving heavy furniture is the possibility of sustaining a personal injury – an unfortunate event that must be avoided at all costs.

Be reasonable and assess realistically your own abilities to handle the move without professional assistance;

Gather up as many helping hands as you possibly can;

Use appropriate moving equipment;

Always use proper lifting techniques when lifting and carrying heavyweight household items;

Keep exit pathways free of obstacles and perfectly clean;

Make sure small children and pets are not present during the moving day action;

Don’t underestimate how you dress on moving day as that can be the fine line between trouble and no trouble;

Safety when moving home is your top priority – follow the basic rules to prevent accidents and injuries during a move. You surely wouldn’t want to find yourself in a situation where the costly medical bill is the least of your worries, would you?

Add the elevated levels of stress and other possible costly self-moving mistakes (like renting a moving truck of the wrong size) and you will soon realize that hiring a top-rated moving company is the safer, quicker and more cost-effective to have your prized possessions moved to your new house or apartment.

Request price estimates from the best full-service movers, Mr.Move to reach the best possible decision under your unique set of relocation circumstances.

Top Tips for a Long Distance Move

Long distance moves are a major life event, and the best way to make sure yours goes smoothly is to make sure you plan ahead. Moving across state — or international — lines can seem like a daunting task, but an experienced moving and storage company like Mr.Move can help take the load off your shoulders.

Prioritize Your Belongings

When you are moving your entire residence, prioritize your belongings to know what you will need first when you arrive. Keep a list of essentials during the packing process, and make sure the boxes are labeled for easy access. Having list will also help if you need to decide what to in a garage sale.

Determine Special Moving Needs

Unique items may need special handling by experts. Pool tables, store fixtures, pianos, grandfather clocks, fine art, automobiles, antiques, and large electronics need extra attention to ensure safety, and often smaller or local movers may not have the resources to move them. Check with Mr.Move for specialty crating if extra protection is required.

Get In-Home Moving Estimates

With an in-home moving estimate, a move representative from the Mr.Move will come to your home to do a visual survey of all the items you are moving. This allows them to give you an accurate price for your move. It also helps you get a feel for the moving company you are considering selecting.
If any other company you are speaking with does not want to perform an in-home survey, be wary. You may be dealing with a moving broker instead of an actual Moving Company. Brokers just book your business and then contract your move out to a physical mover in your area, usually the mover willing to do your move for the cheapest. This can cause problems for you down the road because you have an extra middleman to deal with and likely are not working with the highest quality mover.

Downsize

With a long distance move, the cost of your move is going to be based on the weight of the items you ship. The more you ship, the more you will end up paying. It is usually a good idea to take the time to go through your belongings and decide what you still use and what you can get rid of. Also, take a moment to consider if you will no longer need certain items at your new home and you can sell them off at any of the various online platforms.

Maximize Financial Upside

Moving may seem expensive, but did you know your expenses might be claimed on your tax return? Talk with an accountant, financial planner, or wealth manager to find out how to recover direct and indirect costs of relocation. Use the move as a chance to find new service providers for insurance, banking, and reoccurring monthly expenses.

International Navigation

For international trips, a quality, experienced mover like Mr.Move, will be able to help you navigate customs and immigration. This is especially important for medical records of immunizations, academic credentials and transcripts, and legal documents for identification or marriage. Ask your movers for extra support for International moves, and rely on their years of previous experience.

Plan With People In Mind

Long distance moving is complicated. One of the toughest things about a long distance move is that your new city just doesn’t feel like ‘home’. After a move, you might now know many people in your new town, and you likely haven’t figured out where your new favorite restaurants are at. We strongly encourage you to push yourself to get out into your new town and experience what it has to offer. In addition, while efficiency is important, your family and close friends are the ones that matter. Plan quality time to relax with friends. Visit your favorite restaurants. Take any pets to their favorite parks. Invite others to share in this part of your life, and you may be surprised to find that they have plenty of help to offer. Talk with your family, friends, and professional network to be connected once you are settled into your new home, and enjoy the opportunity to travel with your loved ones.

Questions to ask yourself before Moving

So, you’re considering a move? Whether you’re retiring, relocating for a job, moving in together with a loved one, or just wishing for a change of scenery, you’re going to face the same enormous challenge – you need to leave the comfort of your familiar surroundings and brave the unknown. Such a life-changing step requires a lot of courage and resolve that can only come from the firm conviction that you’re fully ready to go through all the difficulties of the arduous moving process and guarantee the successful outcome of your relocation adventure.

Are you certain, then, that you’re prepared well enough? Have you considered all the relevant factors, planned every aspect of the relocation endeavor, and devised a backup strategy for anything that might go wrong? Not quite sure? Well, no need to worry – just take a closer look at the following essential questions to ask yourself before moving. When you find the best possible answer to each and every one of them, you’ll be completely ready for the huge relocation challenge ahead of you.

Mr. Move presents you the Top Questions to ask yourself before Moving.

                                       

1. What’s the new area like? What does it have to offer?

To be able to prepare for your new life, you need to know what to expect from your new area:

Cost of living – the cost of living in your new city is one of the most important things to consider when moving as it will determine the actual purchase power of your money. Find out the costs of groceries, transportation, utilities, medical care, taxes, clothing, etc. well in advance, so that you know what monthly income you’re going to need in order to feel financially comfortable in your new area;

Job market – research the available employment options and the overall business environment in the area, as well as the unemployment rate and the average wages in your field of work in order to avoid unpleasant financial surprises;

Climate – examine the climatic conditions, weather quirks, and natural phenomena typical for your new region and prepare accordingly;

Cultural boundations – get familiar with the social practices and cultural peculiarities in your new area to make sure that you’ll be able to adjust quickly and easily;

Opportunities – find out what your new city has to offer in terms of recreation and hobby activities, education and healthcare, sporting and cultural events, etc.

2. How to find an appropriate new home?

Review your housing options and explore the real estate market in your new city in order to find the right new home for you and your family:

Look at the living standards in different neighborhoods, the social and demographic characteristics of different areas of the city, and the availability of local amenities and entertainment options in the vicinity;

Consider the location of your workplace, your children’s school (if applicable), and other key places in the city you’ll be visiting on a regular basis;

Look for a property that suits your lifestyle and your needs and preferences (in terms of size, type of dwelling, surroundings, etc.);

Make sure the monthly rent or mortgage of your chosen property that does not exceed 25%-30% of your disposable income.

At Mr.Move, we take care of all your requirements and help you settle down in your new home.

3. When is the best time to move?

To decide on the best moment to perform your move, you need to take a number of relevant factors into account:

When do you need to start your new job (if applicable)? What about your partner?

When does your lease agreement end (if applicable)?

Will it be better for your kids (if you have school-aged children) to move in the middle of the school year or during the summer vacation?

Do you have any plans or engagements you need/want to complete before the relocation?

Can you afford to move in peak season?

4. Can I perform a self-move?

Moving on your own is a viable option if all of the following conditions are met:

You are moving short distance;

You are moving a small household that doesn’t include any specialty items;

You have reliable friends to help you move;

You have some previous moving experience.

In all other cases, you’re advised to use professional moving assistance from Mr.Move, as the risks of moving by yourself are too great to be worth it.

5. How much does it cost to hire movers?

The actual moving cost depends on a number of factors, specific for each particular relocation case – the relocation distance, the weight of the shipment, the required extra services, the time it takes to complete the job, etc. To get an accurate estimate of your relocation costs, you need to fill out a moving quote and ask for an in-house survey of your belongings. Mr.Move gives you hassle free end-to-end moving solutions at the best prices.

6. How to choose the right movers for me?

To ensure a smooth and trouble-free Relocation process, you need the help of experienced and trustworthy moving professionals like Mr.Move, who will take good care of your belongings and will perform your move in the quickest, safest, and most efficient way possible. This is especially important when moving across the country – finding reliable long-distance movers to help you relocate can mean the difference between a successful move and a nightmare-moving scenario.
We give you a peace of mind for your moving to the new city or country.

 7. What to take to my new home?

Relocating all your earthly possessions will be both very difficult and very expensive. Therefore, it’s a good idea to sort out your belongings before the move and get rid of anything:

You won’t be able to use in your new home (because of the available space, the change of lifestyle, etc.);

You don’t really need (duplicate items, outgrown items, useless items, etc.);

You don’t like anymore (gifts, decorations, clothes, furnishings – anything that doesn’t match your personal style and aesthetic taste);

You’ll have to replace soon (worn-out items, outdated items).

Make sure you take along only items of high practical, monetary, and/or sentimental value that will make your new life easier and happier and your new home cozier and more comfortable.

8. How to pack quickly and efficiently?

To speed up the laborious packing process and provide maximum safety to your possessions, you’re advised to:

create a packing timeline;

get quality packing materials;

learn the golden rules of packing;

know how to pack a moving box the right way;

pack fragile items with utmost care;

clearly, label the moving boxes with all the necessary information and important handling instructions;

set aside your essentials and pack a survival box;

focus on one task at a time and take breaks to replenish your energy and rediscover your motivation;

avoid common packing mistakes.

Or you can leave all that to the professionals at Mr.Move.

So, you already know the answers to all the important questions to ask yourself when moving? Then, you’re ready to proceed with your relocation plans and start your new life. Happy moving!

5 Tips for Labeling Your Moving Boxes Like a Pro

Moving is taxing. Sorting and packing all of your beloved items require time and patience. The worst part is that you might not even enjoy doing the task. However, you just need to console yourself by saying in your mind that you are getting started for a new life, probably a better life.

Sorting and packing is a time-consuming and strenuous task. You need to come up with new innovative ideas to make it less tiring. One of the easiest ways to make the task of packing easier is labeling your belongings. It is a proved fact that labeling always makes it easier for us to be more organized, whether at a workplace or at home. Moreover, labeling hardly takes any time, right? But the truth is that it saves a decent number of your hours at the time of final packing. No label might mess up things. You might not be able to sort out your essential kitchen or bedroom items in the initial phase of unpacking when you shift to your new home. Finding a lost item at the time of shifting can actually make you lose your cool and make your moving experience pathetic.

Here are the top five tips for labeling moving boxes like a pro that shall save you from any kind of messing-up:

Colored symbols for items of specific rooms

Colored dots or any other symbols can be used to indicate which item belongs to which room. Preferably, one box should contain the items that belong to a specific room. For instance, a particular colored symbol on the boxes might indicate that the items belong to the bedroom. Same way some other color might imply some other room. Make sure the colored symbols should be bright, apparent and big in size. Also, they should be marked by permanent makers. Else, rainfall can wash the mark away and get you into a complete dilemma amidst the mess. Also, if you are following this sequence, make your hired movers aware of the pattern. It would make things easier for you as well as the movers while doing the packing, loading, and unloading of the boxes into and from the truck in a systematic manner.

Use special labels for boxes containing fragile items

It is vital to mark boxes that contain your delicate and fragile belongings. Most of these items might be pricey and all the more precious to you. So, to guarantee a safe move for these special stuffs, use moving box labels. You can purchase special moving boxes. You can find stickers to label items as fragile as well as to indicate which side should remain up.

Fragile items might include fine china and crystal. Professional movers should be hired if you contain too many of these dainty items. They know the proper handling and packing methods for these specialty items. After all, you would do anything to save and preserve these precious belongings.

There are many websites that offer free downloadable and printable moving box labels. The easiest-to-use are the Ready-to-use labels that are already marked with the names of different rooms.

Label in sequence of unpacking

After packing things up in boxes, you can label the boxes in order of their unpacking after you relocate to your new home. This way you shall not get all baffled up while doing the unpacking. In general, after moving, you will first want each box to go to its respective room. From there, you shall want to unpack the most useful items first so that you start living without much hassle. For example, towel, toiletries, clothing, cooking pan need to be unpacked before unpacking artwork or storage stuff.

Daily use objects should be bundled together at the time of packing. The boxes used for these daily use items should be labeling moving boxes with a sticker or pen. Thus you shall be saved from hunting your daily necessity products and take the trouble of opening numerous boxes and wasting time.

Make a copy and attach Inventory Lists

Attaching a printed inventory list to each box is one of the rock-solid ways to maintain organization while moving. You can find items within a fraction of seconds and even plan how to unpack each box. When you have a good number movies, books, and documents, taking out prints of inventory lists is a must. As per your choice, you can either go for self-adhesive paper or simple plain paper for the box. All the corners should be secured to avoid your lists getting ripped off during the process of moving.

Use permanent thick markers

You do not need to maintain too many rules while the process of simple labeling. However, you need to take care of one little but important thing. The marker you are using should be thick and large. The larger the marker, the brighter impact shall it create when you label. This way your boxes shall be easily recognizable even from a distance. Moreover, if you have a relatively small handwriting, thick markers are a must. It shall help you write distinct manner for your movers to easily identify and act accordingly. At the time of moving, you cannot spend too much time talking or giving instructions to your movers. You simply need to make little but clear gestures so that they understand which items are more delicate and require special handling. Large markers in various colors can make the task of identification extremely easy.

It is true that your pen can also do the job of labeling, but its impact is nothing when compared to a high quality permanent. Moreover, remember you are not labeling for fun, but to maintain system and organization. Also, you never know what kind of weather you might have to experience on a moving day. So, to be on the safer side, use a permanent, smudge-free marker to ensure your boxes will be easy to read and easy to be sorted out when required.

Contact Mr.Move for all your moving requirements. 

How to Make Moving Day Fun and Easy

The words "fun" and "moving" rarely go together because, let's be honest: moving is usually a first-class ticket to Stress City.

Moving day is the culmination of major efforts to get everything boxed up, secured and otherwise ready for the trip to your new home. It's often a long day filled with hard work. To keep your move fun and positive, you need to do some planning. How can you make moving day easier and simpler? Consider this advice:

Plan Everything Ahead of Time

For some people, getting organized and making plans as soon as possible is like second nature. For those who tend to go with the flow, a lot of advance planning isn't as common. No matter your disposition, it's vital that you make sure every concern is addressed early on for a move. Reach out to Mr.Move early on to make sure you can pick a date and time that work for you.

If you decide to fill boxes yourself, get to work early and try to do a little each day. If you can have everything that isn't used on a daily basis boxed up a few days before the move, you'll have far less to worry about.

Planning ahead also means getting yourself and your family ready for the big change. Developing a plan related to what you'll personally carry to your new home in the family car and the job of each person on moving day means everyone is informed and on the same page.

Choose Easy Packing

You can pack up most of your belongings - or have the professionals from Mr.Move take on this substantial task - and not have to worry about when you'll unbox them. If they remain in their containers for a few days, it's no big deal. However, there are certain things that you and your family will need to have an exceptional desire for in the hours and days after the move.

How can you effectively address this concern? Developing a packing plan and discussing items that should go in an easily accessible box or be carried in the family car is one effective solution. Armed with a list of things that should not be packed with the rest of your possessions, you can make sure everyone's wants and needs are addressed.

Pack a 'Basics' Box

It is very easy to forget the essentials when moving house but ensuring that you have a spare change of clothes, a wash bag and a charger for your phone can be very helpful. You want to avoid a situation where you have to search through boxes on the day you move in to find the basics. Pack a bag of essentials for your first twenty-four hours so you don't have to root through boxes for your toothbrush.

Be rested, well-fed and ready to go

There's lots of excitement and sometimes stress before a move. It can be hard to get a restful night of sleep before the big day, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. Eat a nutritionally balanced meal for dinner and budget for a full eight hours of rest to get off on the right foot.

You should also make sure you and your family can easily grab breakfast. A clear head and a full stomach go a long way toward making moving day less worrisome and more productive.

Work with a professional, courteous and secure Moving Company

It's possible to move yourself, but taking that path guarantees more work on moving day and during the weeks leading up to it. Partnering with the safe, respectful and qualified professionals at Mr.Move - The professional Moving Company means your moving day is far less complicated and labor-intensive than it otherwise would be. To make the most of your new home, leave the heavy lifting of moving day to the professionals and simply oversee the process. You'll start things off in your new home on the right foot.