The articles was provided as a guest post by A1 Auto Transport.

When you are choosing auto transport services, there should be more to your decision than picking a name and number out of a phone book. After all, if you don’t know anything about an auto transport company, there is no possible way that you can ensure that their services are guaranteed and that your car will arrive at your destination in one piece. And let’s face it: vehicles are expensive and the wrong transport company can have you needing to purchase a new one or make costly repairs and very few people randomly have money just laying around for that purpose.

Consider a few tips when choosing auto transport services for your move:

• Look for an established auto transport business: For example, A1AutoTransport.com has been in business for more than 20 years, which means that they have that much experience and a host of established clients that have relied on them for service over the years. They’ve proven themselves with service you can count on when transporting your vehicle and a track record of successful vehicle deliveries. With that many years in the business, you don’t have to worry that they are some fly-by-night company looking to take your money with delivering on our services. With A-1 Auto Transport, you know your vehicle will arrive at your destination as good as it was when you entrusted them with it.  Another plus with them is that they are apart of the EPA Smartway Transport Program.

• Pay attention to the details in the services: A-1 Auto Transport drivers go the extra mile to ensure that vehicles are delivered on time and in the same condition as they were upon drop off. When choosing an auto transport service, you want to ensure that the company of your choosing offers personalized drop-off services (some may require you to come to their depot in another city to pick up your vehicle), affordable pricing and security measures to ensure that not just anyone can gain access to your vehicle.

• Inquire as to how accommodating the company is willing to be for you — the customer: In other words, is the company willing to work with your last minute scheduling needs, despite the fact that it would have preferred for you to schedule further in advance? Are they willing to drop off and pick up the car to make it more convenient for you? A-1 Auto Transport is willing to do whatever it takes to earn your business and ensure the highest levels of customer satisfaction. They work with individual situations to ensure that your car gets shipped and you can take care of the other details of your move without worrying about your car.

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Today’s guest post comes from our regular contributor SelfStorageFinders.com

Although the economy is sluggish, there are still plenty of people looking to purchase homes and for those of you who are looking to sell, that’s great news. To get your home ready for a showing you should de-clutter and decorate in order to improve the homes perceived value for those eager buyers. De-cluttering and redecorating will increase the value of your home and get your home off the dreaded housing market quicker.

There are interior decorators you can hire to help you stage your home or you can do it yourself if you want to save money. Whichever way you choose, either with or without a decorator, self storage will be vital to your process. How else are you supposed to de-clutter, reorganize and decorate if you don’t have any room to put your extra stuff? Your home should be about as empty as possible, yet still livable for you unless you plan to live in the storage unit as well (not recommended).

The reason you want to empty out your home is to have it look as neutral and large as possible to buyers. This way the potential buyers can picture their own furniture and belongings in your home. Not only should you empty everything out of your home but you should also do a “spring cleaning”. How attractive is a nice big home with rust and mold in the bathrooms and kitchen? If you’re feeling sprite, you can paint a few of the rooms a more neutral color, rearrange the minimal furniture you still have in the place and change fixtures.

Potential buyers are going to be scouring over every little detail in your home in order to get you to drop the price even more in this economy. Redecorate, reorganize and de-clutter your place so you don’t give buyers any more leverage. Use a self storage unit to make your efforts easier to manage.

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The guest post comes to us from FullServiceMovers.

There is a major trend to buy and do things in an eco-conscious way, also called “green”, which means that the least amount of natural resources are used, and consumers who are moving may also want to go green and minimize waste and act responsibly. Among the ways in which a person can limit their impact on the earth begins with choosing the least-polluting method of travel. Newer trucks emit less pollution than older ones, and since electric engines are not yet available for moving trucks and vans, ask your movers about their fleet, and about your desire to have an eco-friendly move.

Do not buy new boxes when you can find strong moving boxes through online recycling services in your area. Additional sources for packing materials are nearby stores and other businesses, which often allow a person to take empty boxes from their shipping and receiving area behind the building—check the store’s policy before you take any. As for packing materials, if you have any plain, popped popcorn, this makes a wonderful alternate cushion for fragile items that would usually be packed in styrofoam peanuts, which are not bio-degradable. When you are finished unpacking, the popcorn can be eaten by wild birds and other creatures.

Hire Full Service Moving Companies that are eco friendly today!

Another way to save resources is to pack your things in reusable plastic containers, which can then be used to store out-of-season clothing, sports equipment or any other items that you want to keep.

When you arrive at your new home, be sure to use only green cleansers, and place designated bins or other containers in your kitchen or back yard for recyclable items. Be sure to find out your local guidelines regarding recycling, because some areas require that you separate glass, paper, plastics, etc. They might not take any of your items for recycling if these rules are not followed. Other towns and cities are more lenient, and just ask that all recycled things be in one bin. In any case, make sure that the recycled packages, boxes, parts, etc., do not have any food particles on them. Don’t forget to recycle your moving boxes as well.

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The guest blog post was written by folks at Self Storage Finders.
If you ever had to move or had to help someone else move, you know how much of a pain and hassle the entire process is. Getting your belongings organized, packing possessions correctly, renting a truck, packing the truck correctly, driving the moving truck…the list goes on and on. The moving process is long, stressful and tiresome even in the best weather conditions.

The busy moving season is typically April – September during warmer weather months. As much as you plan to move during these months it may not always work out. What do you do if you are stuck moving during the cold, winter months? Below are some helpful tips.

•Be Aware of the Forecast – Weathermen are not always correct in forecasting the coming weather but they should give you a good idea of temperature and chance of precipitation. Getting a jump on a move early in the winter will most likely keep you away from major storms.

•Have Help on Hand – Have friends, family and neighbors on hand to lend help. The more people you have helping, the less time everyone is stuck out in the cold moving.

•Clear a Path – Make sure you clear a path from your door to the moving truck so you can get in and out quickly. A clear path should also reduce the risk of slipping and falling if there is snow or ice.

•Don’t Ruin your Floors – If it has snowed or is wet, you should cover the floors of your old and new homes so they don’t get ruined. Put plastic sheets or old bed sheets down to reduce the amount of snow, water and mud on the floors.

•Wear Warm Clothes – Don’t pack your winter clothes if you are moving in winter. Moving around and carrying all of your stuff will keep your blood flowing but it will still be cold. A hat and gloves are also a good idea to keep your hands from freezing.

•Heat Working? – Make sure the heat in your new home is on and working before you move in. Unpacking will be easier and less stressful.

•Keep the little stuff handy – Shovels, scrapers and fully charged cell phones should be within reach in case you need them for emergency reasons. You shouldn’t have to unpack anything in order to use them when you need them.

•Drive Cautiously – You or your driver should drive cautiously when navigating a large moving truck. Drive even more cautiously if the weather isn’t favorable. Be sure the vehicle was serviced before the move so you don’t have a breakdown on the highway in a blizzard.

•Use Self Storage – Consider using a self storage unit if your new place is smaller than your old home. Self storage facilities are an affordable, easy option when moving especially when you are first getting settled.

Moving is rarely easy or fun but moving in the winter presents other challenges to people. If you plan ahead and follow these simple steps you may find it less stressful. Remember there are plenty of options to aid your move and make it easier.

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Guest post provided by MyMove.com(written by Nancy LaFever), an online moving authority where people planning a move can find information, products and savings to streamline and save during this exciting life stage.

Moving during the holidays is not the most convenient time, but moving disrupts routines any time of the year. If you’re scheduled to move over the holidays, celebrating will definitely be different than other years. It may take some extra effort, but you can still make it memorable. No matter which end of the move it falls for you—in your old place or settling into the new house—here are some moving tips:

•Acknowledge the sentiment. The holidays trigger all kinds of emotions for people and when you add moving to the mix, there’s a large emotional component to the process. Leaving your old home with its memories can be tough. If you have children, you want to acknowledge that they will be missing their “usual” holiday, but keep an upbeat attitude. You can set the tone.

•Maintain some traditions. Involve the whole family in planning some holiday activities. If you normally bake cookies, find a way to make that happen even if you forgot where you packed the cookie sheets! Locate holiday decorations when packing your old house and be sure to set aside a box, including ornaments, wrapping paper, etc. If you normally put up a tree, make room for a small one with a few decorations.

•Plan some outings. Plan some time away from those moving boxes. Drive around the neighborhood to look at lights and decorations, go to a holiday craft fair or have a holiday meal at a favorite restaurant. If you have extended family you’ll be leaving, make sure to schedule some time with them.

•Confirm moving plans. Things get rushed and busy during the holiday season. People take vacations and may be hard to reach. Be sure to call and confirm your move date with the movers or rental truck company. Make sure your utility companies know when to turn off or turn on your utilities.

Don’t forget to sit down, take a few deep breaths and make time to enjoy the holidays!

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This is a guest post by our friends at MovingCompanyRates.Net

It has been said that moving is one of the most stressful events that a person can experience. This checklist can help to make moving less traumatic.

Compare moving company rates side by side and save on your next move.

–Make sure that you have submitted a change of address form to the local post office branch. You can do this by mail, in person or online. There is a small fee to do so online. If you subscribe to magazines, you need to cancel delivery or notify the companies of your new address, since the post office does not forward magazines.

–Arrange to have your utilities turned off after you have completely moved out, in case there is any delay in your move and you need an extra day or two-it will cost less than reconnecting the utilities. Be sure to call to cancel your trash pick up and recycling, too. Don’t forget about the cable or satellite companies as well, and internet service. Sewer and water services have to be discontinued too.

–Do you have a health club membership? Check to be sure that your locker is empty before your move. If you have any library books or video rentals, return them so they do not get lost or forgotten in the confusion of packing.

–If you use a dry cleaning service, don’t leave any items behind. How about your neighbors? Have you or another family member lent them tools or other things that you want to take with you?

–Decide what to do with any houseplants. They will not survive a long move without air and water.

–Professionals to give your new address to include: doctors, dentists, insurance agents and accountants. Do you have official school records and transcripts and medical records? Have you closed any bank accounts that you will not be using? Have you got sufficient cash to pay the movers? You might need cash for other purposes too, and you should plan accordingly, to avoid any bank delays when cashing or depositing out of state checks.

Once you get settled in at your new place, be sure to apply for a driver’s license and register any vehicles as soon as possible. Also make sure you do your homework when looking for the best car movers in your area.

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If you have cats and dogs to take with you on your move, there are certain steps you can take to ensure that the trip goes smoothly and that the animals are as comfortable as possible. Also be sure find out if the local or cross country moving companies you are planning on hiring know you have pets as well. Although most moving companies will be fine with this it is normally better if they are a full service moving company.

Any major change in their living conditions may cause stress for animals, particularly cats, which are not used to riding in cars as much as dogs are. Try to keep your pets’ feeding schedules as close to their usual times as possible. In addition, make sure that they always have access to clean drinking water, since spills are likely with all of the car’s turns and stops, and the animals could also tip the water bowl over if they move around a lot.

Before you move, check to see if your pets’ vaccinations are up to date, and keep the records some place where you can find them if you need to. It is important to look up the phone number of the local veterinarian’s office you will be using in the new location as well, in case there are any emergencies. The vet can also let you know if the state or region you are moving to requires any  vaccinations that your pet has not yet had.

Be sure to stop as often as necessary to let your pets exercise and get fresh air. When traveling with cats, it is usually a good idea to confine them to a sturdy cage and put their favorite toys, blankets and other items in the cage, which will bring them some comfort. Even if your cats are well-behaved it is a safety hazard to have cats running around unleashed in a vehicle. Your cats might complain loudly and frequently if they are confined, but they will eventually settle down and get used to the situation.

Upon arrival at the new home, you may want to lock your cats in a room for a week or two, so the animals can slowly become accustomed to the unfamiliar surroundings. You don’t want any pets to be confused and try to escape, following their instincts and trying to return to their last home. After some time has passed, carry each cat around the new home to all the rooms, and do not let it outside until you feel it is ready.

The article was provided as a guest post by Full Service Movers, a moving portal of long distance movers.

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So you have decided to pick up and move to a brand new place. That is an exciting and scary thing to do. Moving all of your belongings from one home to a new one, can also be very stressful. If you are moving in the dead of winter, the stress levels will increase dramatically. If you are in a place that has harsh winter weather, or moving to a place that does, you have many potential hazards and obstacles to encounter in your move. There are some ways to prepare yourself to combat frigid or dangerous conditions while moving into a new home. 

The first key to doing this efficiently and successfully is to plan. The weather outside means you will want to avoid going outside until you absolutely have to. Begin packing and preparing your belongings as far in advance of the move as you can. Pack little by little so you do not get overwhelmed; one of the best ways is to go from room to room. This way you can note the progress and feel accomplished; you can also be sure that you do not miss anything, and you can clean as you go. Once you are packed, cleaned and ready to go, you need to plan transport.  

The ideal form of transport in the winter months would be something that could move all, or at least most of, your belongings in one trip. This will save you the hassle and stress of having to go and come back; multiple trips will just keep you out in the cold longer and put you at risk of injury or sickness. Move as much as you can in as few trips as possible. This could mean renting one large moving truck or even getting all of your friends and acquaintances with trucks to show up at the same time. Having a lot of helping hands for the move will also be beneficial. Bribe your family and friends with hot chocolate or cheap food or guilt them with the “I’m family” line so that you have as many able-bodied people around during your move. Teamwork will make your move smoother and more efficient, and can also be an opportunity to bond with people you may not get to see as often as you like.  

The key is to plan and pay attention. Figure out what you need to do first, and then figure out the best way to do it. Optimize your time, and get as much help as you can. Make sure that there are warm drinks, clothing and blankets available to that no one gets sick. You want to move as quickly as possible so that you can settle into your new, and hopefully very warm, home.

The article was provided by MoversCorp.Com, an online marketplace of local movers and labor providers. You may follow them on twitter at MoversCorp or get connected on Facebook here MoversCorp

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There are a lot of people who are choosing to move out of their current state of residence do to either the desire for the change of environment or simply for a job opportunity. Whatever the reason, long distance moves are not as easy as it sounds so it normally makes sense to hire long distance moving companies. For, unlike a city to city move, long distance moves mean that you would have to plan way ahead of time to be able to move cross country without feeling flustered or frustrated.

When moving long distance, you would more than likely be spending a lot of time packaging your household items to ensure that you do not forget anything. Of equal importance when moving is tying up loose ends with your service providers so that you won’t be stuck paying two bills.

Just a week or two before you move out of state, you should contact the utility company to get them to transfer your bill from one state to the next. Usually to get that done you may have to come up with a down-payment. That down-payment would cover the credibility costs for the next utility company that you subscribe to. Remind the utility company to disconnect your service at the old place when you have moving day confirmed; this would avoid double charges until your name.

Similarly, your telephone and cable services should also be disconnected some three weeks before you move. If you are keeping your telephone and cable services provider, it would be wise forward all your new information to the companies so that they can get your services turned on prior to moving in.

If you have valuable items such as heirlooms or paintings, then you can either hire a professional who is experienced in packing delicate items such as these or you can purchase specific cardboard boxes that are specific for these items and get them done yourself.

Following the packing of all your household items in sealed and labeled boxes, you can then get the mail company involved by asking them to change your address to the new address. Usually if you change your address at the USPS website, you would incur a charge of $1 to make complete your mail forwarding.

Remember moving pets and plants can be tricky for a low distance move. If you are driving your vehicle to the new state, you may want to keep the dog with you. However it is not advised that you take along your plants as the Department of Transportation (DOT) forbids it especially since your plant could contain a disease that could contaminate an entire crop when replanted in another state. Similarly, when moving with your pets you can drive cross country with them in the car however don’t expect the inns and bed and breakfast establishments to accommodate your dog; they do not usually do so without an extra fee. An extra fee is also required to fly your pet to the new state as well.

Finally, get help from a few friends so that you can clean up the old place and put it back in order so that when inspection time comes, you would pass it with flying colors and get your security deposit back. Make sure the walls are cleaned, the electric outlets are in tact and the floors well mopped and vacuumed.

This article was provided as a guest post and was written by FindGoodMovers.com, moving portal for local and long distance movers.

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Packing is probably what makes our whole moving experience stressful. Not only that it is time-consuming, but it is difficult as well, especially if you have delicate artwork that needs to be packed in a specific manner to avoid damage.

Hiring an art moving company is the best option for you if you have prized possession such as paintings, antiques, sculptures and statues. They require a massive amount of work from packing, extra cushion to customized crates. Art moving companies have specific tools for fragile items and are very knowledgeable about taking extra caution on delicate items.

Professional art movers are equipped with all the necessary materials needed to pack sensitive and valuable items. They are knowledgeable and have proper training on meticulous packing techniques. They can give assurance that every aspect of the move and packing is well taken cared of.

A good art moving company will offer several protection plans for you to choose from. You can be assured that your belongings are being handled expertly and securely. For added protection, you contact your insurance agent and inquire about rider’s policy.

Hire a professional appraiser to assess current value and replacement value of your artwork.

If you decide to pack your delicate belongings yourself, make sure to have enough supplies and proper tools to safely secure sensitive items. You have to put extra cushion that will protect your things during transportation. Be prepared to spend most of your time packing. Art pieces are one of the most difficult things to pack.

Save yourself the hassle and contact a professional art mover and get quality service. They offer free estimates and conduct home visit for proper assessment of your valuable things. A licensed art mover will respond to any service and give excellent output. They can do the job faster and deliver your things on-time.

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