Are You Making These Costly Moving Habits?

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When moving right the first time, you might cringe at the thought of packing your things. Perhaps you don't know where to start. You eventually jump into hiring a moving company only to find out later on that there are more affordable packing options. In this post, we will explore some of the habits that could end up costing you more than what's expected. 

You hoard a lot of stuff.
If you are the type of person who can't seem to let go of your old stuff and just keep it in the garage or closet, you could end up with more expenses in packing. If you pack more, you take up more space. If you want to maximize that valuable space in the moving truck, you have to pack only what's essential.

Professional movers suggest sorting through your entire house from closets to cupboards down to your basement. Getting rid of the junk can significantly lower the cost of your move. You can donate or hold a garage sale. Downsizing can make a big difference.

Should You Tip Movers?

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Tipping as form of gratitude for a good service you receive is widely practiced everywhere - in salons, pizza delivery, restaurants, getting a cab, and more. But have you ever wondered if movers should also get a tip from you? Read along.

If you hired a moving company, deciding how much to tip your moving crew can be tricky. You can give cash or other incentives but one thing is for sure: Movers who provided excellent service deserve an appreciation.

Professional movers emphasize that different moving companies have policies on tipping so be sure to ask first. If you decide to hire a reliable mover to help you with packing and loading, find out if they allow tipping or if it's against their policy.

Preparing Your Motorcycle for Transport

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Relocation can be a hassle to vehicle owners, including motorcycle riders. Whether you are moving cross-country for personal or business purposes, it is important to know your shipping options and other factors to consider for a stress-free transport.

If you own a motorcycle and want to bring it with you on your new home, there are a few things you shouldn't miss. Here's a quick checklist --

• Get as many quotes as possible before booking a shipment service as prices vary on size and location.

• Inspect your motorcycle for any pre-existing damage. Make sure it is clean and take note of any scratches, chips, and another problems. Write it down or better yet, take pictures from different angles detailing existing damages, if any. 

• Remove the battery and drain your gas tank, unless you are having it shipped through a carrier. Ask your moving company if your motorcycle needs special crating or packaging during transport.

5 Interesting Facts About Moving

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No matter how prepared you are, moving can be stressful -- with all that sorting, packing, and loading! Here are some interesting facts about moving that can make the process easier:

At some point, you will need help.
Even if you're having a DIY move, you can't do it alone. You'll need extra hands in lifting large furniture, heavy mattress, and other bulky objects and loading them into the truck. If it's not possible to have someone to call, you may want to hire professional moving help. It's a great way to avoid moving day stress. Get a moving quote and see what services and packaging options are being offered. You won't regret it!

A checklist saves you a lot of pain.
You'll eventually forget something, even those who have moved for their second or third time keep a handy checklist. Professional movers suggest printing out checklist for packing, moving, and loading.

You don’t have to do the packing & loading all in one day.
If you do, you'll end up exhausted. Again, it all boils down to planning and getting a head start.

Smart Ways to Donate Your Things When Moving

The idea of packing up your home seems overwhelming. Trying to figure out which among your stuff should stay with you is a little daunting but remember, letting go of things you don't need will maximize the space and help in reducing moving costs. 

• Professional movers recommend to start small. You can organize your closet and sort out clothes you've outgrown. You can find many donation centers out there where you can place old clothes and shoes that are still wearable. Do the same for your kids closet and even their toys!

• If you are downsizing your home or planning to buy new stuff for your home, you can donate large furniture such as sofa, tables, and bed, to Habitat for Humanity or other similar organizations.

• You can then move to your linen closet and kitchen cabinets. There are organizations, like crisis shelters for women, that accept household items including kitchen utensils, dishes, towels, and sheets. When packing up your kitchen, you can set aside houseware and non-perishable items you no longer need.

• According to professional movers, electronics are good items to donate when you're moving out. In fact, Goodwill Industries encourages you to donate used computers through their Reconnect Partnership. Your electronics will then be refurbished or recycled and will help in keeping the landfills free of non-biodegradable waste. 

Lastly, be sure to comply with donation guidelines. If you will sort further, you will find a lot of pre-loved items that other people can put into good use. This will lighten your load, do your part to preserve the environment, and reach out to communities in need.

Cross-Country Moving: Options & Costs

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If you have found a new place and planning a cross-country move, consider all your options and expenses. Usually, you will have to decide if you want to pay less for a DIY move or hire full-service movers without draining your bank. 

With that being said, creating a household moving checklist is more important than ever. This will help in tracking your moving costs and even save a few dollars later on. Most of your budget will go to professional moving services or a truck rental so it is essential to explore all your options beforehand. To help you decide whether to choose full-service moving or do-it-yourself, read along.

Storage Tips for Leather and Wood Furniture

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If you have leather or wood furniture at home, it is essential to maintain the quality so it will be ready to use when you move. There are several things to consider, from packing to loading and storage. Some of the concerns are humidity, temperature, and storage options.

Make sure your leather furniture is cleaned properly before you load it into the truck or place it into storage. You can also get cleaning service if your budget permits. The surface should be dry and clean as any moisture may cause mold and mildew to accumulate in the long run. To prevent this from happening, professional movers recommend spreading plastic sheets on the floor of the storage unit but being careful not to wrap it in plastic. If you have wooden pallets on hand, you can use them to set your leather furniture. A thin layer of fabric, like cotton or flannel, can be used to let the leather breathe. Another thing that you should avoid is placing items on top of a leather furniture. During transport or if stored for longer periods, you will start to notice unsightly indentations.