When you are transporting your vehicle, there are a number of considerations to be had. From clearing your vehicle of personal effects to scheduling delivery and pick-up times, the more information you get from your auto transport company, the more informed a consumer you will be.

One of the more important questions to ask an auto transport company is whether or not they have the proper insurance to transport your vehicle, and the DOT is a good place to check. After all, while you would like to hope that there won’t be an incident while the company is transporting your car, things do happen. And should something happen to your car, you want to ensure that the company can at least take care of an expenses associated with the damage.

Some auto transport companies may try to sell you additional insurance; however, these extra products are just that: additional sales tools that might give you more peace of mind, but will also cost you additional monies. The company’s insurance and your personal auto insurance is plenty of protection to cover your vehicle should anything go wrong with it during the transport process. Inform your insurance company that your car is being transported and give them information on the process and company being used. Informing your insurance company ahead of time ensures that they are aware of the situation, and can be prepared to file a claim should something go wrong.

If an auto transport company uses high pressure tactics to try to get you to buy extra insurance, you might be wary and question them about what insurance they have on their transport vehicles and drivers. If an auto transport company doesn’t have insurance, then keep shopping until you find another reputable company that does offer a policy and can provide the copies of paperwork to prove it.

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Moving to a new home is a great opportunity to start fresh and leave behind the unwanted. However, the last things you want to leave behind are important documents, billing information and your favorite magazines! Ease the transition to your new home by making sure that your mail moves with you.

Since it can take up to 10 days for mail to start getting forwarded to your new address after you submit a change of address form, turn in your request two weeks before your moving date.

Where to Find a USPS Change of Address Form

If your moving to-do list is turning into a to-do novel, fear not. There are several ways to get your change of address with the US postal service squared away. Choose the option most convenient for your schedule and you’ll be able to cross at least one thing off that ever-growing list!

• ·         Online: Easily the most convenient and quickest option, you can fill out a Change of Address form online for a $1 verification fee.
• ·         At Your Local Post Office: Visit your local post office and fill out PS Form 3575—Change of Address. You can also print it beforehand and bring it with you.
• ·         By Mail: Send Form 3575 to the address provided.
• ·         By Phone: Call 1-800-ASK-USPS to complete your address change over the phone. The $1 verification fee will apply.

Updating or Cancelling Your Change of Address

Maybe your new living situation falls through, or maybe you entered your new address incorrectly the first time—after all, it’s hard to remember a zip code when you’ve got moving boxes, heavy furniture and new neighbors on your mind! Either way, it’s an easy process to update or cancel your change of address with the US Postal Service.

If you have internet access, you can simply go online to the Change of Address page and click “Get started on USPS.com.” Next, click on “Need to view, update or cancel a Change of Address order you already submitted?” (located under the “Click here to begin” button). After verifying your zip code and confirmation number, you’ll be able to make any changes or cancellations necessary. You can also do this over the phone (1-800-275-8777) or by filling out a form at your local post office.

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1. Common Moving Mistakes

Recent news of sting operations and the arrests of unlicensed movers all over the country show how common this problem is. When you know what to look for in professional moving companies and what warning signs to be aware of, you can then make a more educated decision about who to hire for your move.

First, beware of ridiculously low offers. Find out the most current rates for moves by getting free quotes from several full service moving companies. Never pay for this estimate – it is a free service. Any mover who tries to charge you for an estimate is unethical. Another red flag to watch out for is online moving company advertisements that sound too good to be true, and promise to cost much less than other moving companies. You really have no way to know if the people who move your things are legitimate and are licensed and insured employees of that company. What legal recourse can you take if you cannot find the company? They can simply disconnect their number and you could be out any money that you paid them, and some people also lose all of their belongings to rogue companies posing as real movers.

Now that you have an idea of what your moving costs will be, decide which mover you want to use. Visit the moving company’s office and determine what services you want. Ask to see their licenses and proof of liability insurance, worker’s compensation and any other documents that show their level of professionalism.

There are online resources available, including movingscam.com, that publish recent moving scams, and lists of suspicious moving companies as well as companies that they recommend. You can learn a lot more about scams and warning signs, and connect with other people on the forums.

Professional moving companies will always make sure that you have copies of their policies and procedures. You can choose to have the cost of your move determined by weight volume or distance. Assuming that your carefully read each word of all contracts and other related documents, you can rest assured that there will be no unpleasant surprises, such as hidden or extra costs, fees or delays regarding the delivery of your household goods.

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This guest blog post comes from movingcompanies.us, online portal of long distance moving companies.

No matter your reasons for selling your home, the necessary process is neither simple nor easy. You may be especially aware there are no shortcuts or tricks if you’ve previously gone through the process before. Before you call in the long distance movers, you must find a buyer financially prepared to purchase your home at or near the amount you’ve set.

Looking Good

The best way to attract serious buyers is to enhance your home’s ‘curb appeal’ by ensuring a presentable and pleasing image. Create an attractive front so people can see your home’s beauty when they pass by. Simple tasks like removing clutter that may have accumulated in the yard, flowerbeds, and garden have a big impact. If miscellaneous items, out of season tools, or yard furniture crowds outdoor areas, consider moving them into storage for the time being. If you find you have a large number of these items, rent a truck to speed up the process. Check with the movers you plan to use for final move to see if they have a storage facility, otherwise you can rent one.

Once the larger items are gone, continue to check the lawn for debris such as fliers or scattered trash and each day and sweep the walkways as needed. Maintain any existing plant life by mowing the lawn and removing dead or diseased plants. While dead plant life makes a home appear ill maintained and unfriendly, a well-kept yard creates an inviting an hopeful look.

Show Off Indoors

Follow these same guidelines inside your home to improve it further. Start by removing clutter and cleaning as needed, but don’t forget things like appliances and shelves. Everything should feel fresh and welcoming to the potential owners coming to view the house, so you want them to have room and freedom to move about and explore. Go as far as temporary storage for large collections of furniture or items that may be crowding rooms. Remember, you want to show off the inside of your home, not the clutter that you have collected while living there. An organized and clean environment is the most important step you can make to ensure a fast sale.

Time and Money

Once your home is physically ready to be shown, consider the marketing and transaction options you have. While you may be trying to save money by selling your own home, unless you have professional qualifications in real estate it may not pan out to the savings you expect. Very few individuals can pay cash for a home, so you must be familiar with the legal requirements involved with mortgage agreements and the responsibilities you are taking on by signing them.

Your time will also be in high demand to market, show, and negotiate the sale of your home, which will impact your existing daily activities. Real estate agents shoulder the burden of showing and selling the home, and many are willing to negotiate his or her commission. To reduce the stress of selling your home, remember to create a clean and attractive front, present a welcoming interior, and work with a reliable agent. These steps will ensure you find the buyer you need to sell your home.

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The following article is a guest blog post by SelfStorageFinders.com, an online self storage directory.

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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Do not pack any nail polish, hairsprays or other aerosols, or bleach. Before your move, dispose of any cleaning solvents, paint, paint thinners, kerosene, ammonia or other dangerous chemicals, including fertilizer. Some obvious items not to pack include ammunition, loaded guns, fireworks, matches, lighters or other combustibles, but you might not know that pool chemicals and weed killers are also considered to be hazardous materials. Other things not to pack when you move are car batteries or household batteries, which can leak.

Get free movers quotes from licensed moving companies today.

If you grill, you might not think twice about taking lighter fluid or charcoal or propane tanks, which are all potentially dangerous, as are any type of fuels or oils.

Regarding documents and other belongings that you should keep in your vehicle, not pack away in boxes, you will want to have the following things handy:

–keys for the old and new homes, vehicles, safes, safety deposit boxes

–telephone directory from your previous neighborhood and address books

–all medical and dental records, school records, insurance information and car titles

–medications, vitamins, pain killers and bandages

–your cell phones, computers and their chargers and power strips

–cash for your expected moving costs as well as extra money for emergencies

– valuable jewelry, watches, gems, precious metals or coins, and vases or knick knacks that are very fragile and/or irreplaceable

It is a good idea, however, to label a box “Open first” and include such items as paper plates, utensils, paper towels, coffee cups, a coffee pot and filters, teabags,  trash bags, towels, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, a flashlight, light bulbs, tape, scissors, pens and paper, and other useful things that you will probably require right away in the new place. Include some drinking water too, and cups. You would not want to need any of these things and have to search through all of your boxes, which would be frustrating, time-consuming, messy and inefficient.

Get a free moving estimate from professional movers in your area.

Thanks to MoversQuote.Org for the guest post.

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It all adds up to a significant amount and for people who are on a tight budget, they might be able to reduce their moving expenses with a bit of planning. For example, buying your own boxes, tape and bubble wrap can save you some money, and if you are a member of AAA you could be entitled to a discount. The time of year that you move might also be a factor. From May to September, when demand for moving services is highest, you will pay up to 20 % more than in other months.

Another way to save money is to schedule your move six months in advance if possible, which will cost less than a last-minute decision to contract a professional moving company. The movers can either come to your home and give you an estimate for your move, or you can input some basic information online and get a quote from a number of companies. That way, you will have several quotes to consider and choose from, rather than being limited to only one or two cheap moving companies. It is a highly competitive market, and tens of millions of people move each year.

Be sure that your furniture is adequately protected during the move, so you do not end up needing to buy furniture to replace anything that got damaged. Wrap upholstered pieces of furniture in blankets and then tape them securely, or use heavy plastic to protect them. You should always wrap mattresses and bedsprings too, or put them in boxes so they do not get ripped or dirty.

The blog post was provided by CrossCountryMovers.org.

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Packing up and moving to a brand new home can be exciting, terrifying and stressful all at once. Packing especially can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. There are ways that you can reduce the stress of packing and make your packing more efficient. 

The first obstacle you are going to encounter with packing is just how much time it takes. Because of the time commitment associated with packing, the best thing you can do is to try to pack one or two boxes every day. If you work during the day, one or two boxes in the evenings before bed will eventually pay off. On the weekends, unless you are equally busy, you can pack more. Have everyone in your home pack as well; giving them instruction if you need things packed in a certain way.

The best thing to do is to have everyone start with their own belongings first and then take time when you are together to pack the items that belong to everyone. Packing a little at a time and as a team will be less overwhelming and can even be fun; you can reminisce about past times in your life and bond with your family over times shared in your home. This process is not only efficient, it can be uplifting. 

One of the most important things when you are packing is to stay as organized as possible. One thing that can help you do this is packing based on the rooms in your house. Packing room to room is especially good because you will be able to see the progress you are making. You will also be able to organize your new home with much more efficiency, especially if you label each box with the room its contents belong to and the general items that are in it. In the case of valuable, breakable, or damageable items, you want to be sure to wrap each item carefully and well. Old newspapers or clothes are especially good for this.

Wrapping your belongings will keep them from rubbing against each other and scratching it. This will reduce the chance of them breaking when dropped or handled roughly. Moving is an unpredictable process and you needed to do everything you can to protect your belongings. Finally, if you have anything especially valuable, like important documents or family heirlooms, you will want to pack these items yourself and personally transport them to your new home. This will protect them from being lost or stolen in the moving process. 

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No matter the reason for moving out of your current state of residence, one should still put some thought into it before making such a big and life changing decision.
One of the first things that one should consider before moving is how much it would cost to do so. Start looking for long distance movers  within your area who specialize in state to state move. Remember to do your research into the company to ensure that they are reputable and have good customer standing. You can find out the latter by asking for referrals from the moving company. Experts would tell you to have at least two long distance moving companies on standby for your move just in case one of them does not pull through.

Next, when choosing a state to live in, you should pay attention to the cost of living as it compared to where you currently live. It would not be a wise decision to move to a state where the cost of living is expensive especially if you are trying to move on your current income. With that said moving long distance to an expensive state is only recommended if you are moving for to a new job that pays twice as much as what you currently make.

Before moving, do your research on the new state as regards to the type of housing and the best areas to live and raise a family. Try locating a house that is not only affordable but one that is large enough to accommodate every member of your family. Even if you find a home that is the right price, the area may not be the safest. Do your research on the Internet to get an idea of the area you would be choosing to live. In most cases there are particular websites that you can find online where there are tenant reviews and ratings for homes in a specific area. This has proven to be very effective for those who are relocating.

Safety aside, you would also want to find a location that is within close proximity to schools, convenient stores, malls and restaurants. This would definitely be an added convenience especially for those in the family that do not drive or own a vehicle. Choose schools for your children that have great student achievement ratings and after school activities that they can enjoy.

It is always recommended to have a great support system in the new state where you would be moving. A cousin or great family friend may be able to assist you with getting things done around your home or they may be able to give you a tour of the place and baby sit your children should you need their assistance.

This article is written by FindGoodMovers.com would help our readers to better prepare for long distance relocation.

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If you do not have a set time to move like say you haven’t been evicted or have to leave urgently because of some issue with your home, then you should try to move within what movers refer to as their peak and off speak months. You must understand that the mover’s peak months are usually around summertime. And while the predominant sunshine provides gorgeous weather that makes your move run smoothly, it is also a season where movers and moving vehicles are in high demand. What this ultimately means is that you will also be charged a higher fee to move. Moving is also expensive especially during the holidays or at the end of the month so try to schedule your move during the week to save money.

If money is low, then you may want to move around the off-peak season which is usually in the colder months of fall and winter. As the temperatures drop low in most states, so do the prices to move so moving during these months may be a good idea for those who are strapped for cash.

Once you get your financial issues straightened out for the move and you decide on a date then you should start calling up a few moving companies either through the telephone directory or via a friend or family referral. The Internet is also very resourceful for searching for a right mover; you also get the opportunity to research the company to read what their past clients are saying about them.

After the research, narrow down your list of six prospective movers and call each of them with questions; the one mover you feel comfortable with you should schedule an immediate appointment. While at the mover’s office do not forget to ask him for a list of referrals but also check to see if he is certified to conduct such business.

What would usually happens after you select your mover is that they would send one of their moving consultants to take inventory of your household items so that they can give an estimate of how much it would all cost to move. The estimate can be a binding or non-binding estimate or a binding not to exceed estimate.

With a binding estimate you are asked to pay the exact amount that is quoted to you by the evaluating consultant whether or not the shipping costs is more or less.  With a Binding Not to Exceed estimate, the consultant would not only evaluate your items but he would also weigh the items as well. Sometimes at the weighing the shipping price on your items may be higher or lower than what was originally quoted by the moving consultant. By law if the price turns out to be lower than what you were originally changed then the consultant is obligated by law to charge you at the lower cost.

A non-binding estimate is the initial quote you would get from the consultant without them even visiting your home to see your household items. Usually they can guesstimate just by finding out how many rooms you have in your home or by the size of the home. You will pay nothing to the movers until they give you a final price which is yield after the move.

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