Reasons Why People Move Homes

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In 2010, more than one in ten residents in America moved from one place to another. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 7 out of 10 people moved within the same county, while 2 out of 10 moved cross-country.

The reasons are many but the most common are:

• Better home. Survey shows that people move because they simply want a better place to live in. 

• Job relocation. Another reason why people move is when they accepted a new job and were transferred to a new office with the same employer.

• Establishing a household. After college, some students want to gain independence and transition from living with their parents to living alone or with a friend. Similarly, people move with their spouse to establish a household. 

Other reasons include:

• Downsizing the home. Most homeowners want to downsize their home when all the kids are gone.

• Divorce. Usually, divorced couple establish new life in separate households. 

• Retirement. A lot of people prefer to retire in another place where they can enjoy life without working or want to get closer with their grandchildren.

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.

Reader Question: Is it Possible to Move House Plants?

The answer is a resounding YES. House plants make your new home more welcoming and alive. But here are some things to keep in mind.

• If you have a green thumb and consider plants as part of the family, you want to move them with you successfully. Just like fragile items, plants need special attention during the move. It involves pre-planning. Take some time to recognize if you can really have your plants in your new home or if you feel they won't survive, it is better to find a good home for them. Some of your options are giving them to friends as a remembrance, donating them to a local hospital, or offering them at a garage sale.

• For interstate moves, be sure to call the customs because sometimes, a certain plant isn't allowed in another country. When you hire a mover, ask if they have any rules on carrying plants.

• To keep your plants healthy while traveling, load them as close to your departure time. Don't place them in the trunk of your car as lack of fresh air and certain temperature changes can be harmful to them. Most movers will not cover damage to plants.

• When moving in warmer months, stop periodically in shaded areas or open the windows. Be careful not to expose plants to direct sunlight. On the other hand, cold weather can also be hazardous to plants. Protect them by wrapping with a newspaper or paper bags. 

Moving to New Jersey: What You Need To Know

Moving into a new home can be stressful sometimes. But when it's in New Jersey, you are in for excitement! There are already nearly 9 million people who call NJ home. To make you feel great about choosing the state of liberty and prosperity on your next move, read along.

We're perfectly happy living in New Jersey and here are some facts you should know:

Cities and Metro Areas

There are numerous cities and towns to choose from when moving to New Jersey. There’s Trenton, the state capital; Newark, the largest city in the state and a shipping and transportation port; West Orange, a Newark suburb; Elizabeth, adjacent to Newark and a busy transportation and commercial center; and Jersey City, with its thriving financial district. Other cities to consider are Paterson, where tourism is becoming increasingly more important, the rapidly expanding town of Edison, and the wealthy seaside resort towns of Atlantic City, Ocean City and Cape May.

Cost of Living

Compared to the US average, the cost of living in New Jersey is 22.5 percent higher. Fortunately, the average household income is $57,338 per annum, which is also higher than the country’s average. The cost of living in New Jersey is most likely higher due to relatively steep housing costs, as well as taxation levels that top those of other states. In addition, the average commute time is 30 minutes, which means gas can add a significant amount to any household’s budget.

Factors such as housing, utilities costs, prices of food, consumer goods, education and healthcare, as well as state and local taxes, all play an important role in determining the cost of living in New Jersey.

Tips for a Successful Interstate Move

Moving to a new place can be an overwhelming task. Aside from the preparations you have to deal with, you will soon face the uncertainty of adjusting to a new environment. To give you peace of mind during the move, here's some information you need to know:

Be informed of your rights and responsibilities before selecting a mover
Knowing your rights and responsibilities is very important before moving your household goods. The moving company of your choice will discuss basic information that will help you understand the required documents that you have to sign.

Read and understand all information provided by the mover

When you finally decided to hire a professional mover, make sure you have these basic documents as part of your move:

• Estimates - In this document, you will find all charges for services we will perform.
• Order for Service - This is a list of all the services we will perform and shows the dates your household goods will be picked up and delivered.
• Bill of Lading - This is the contract between you and the moving company as well as a receipt of your belongings. You should be able to receive a partially completed copy of the bill of lading. We will hand this over to you before we leave your residence of origin.
• Inventory List - You will also get a receipt showing each item shipped and its condition. You will receive a written copy of the inventory upon agreeing with the description (whether the goods are in good condition or not) and after your household goods are loaded. 

Keep in touch with your mover
Get the driver's name and contact information, and give him your contact numbers. Also, confirm directions to your new home with your driver.

During the moving day, make sure you arrive to your new home before the movers to avoid additional charges for waiting if you are late. Once you receive your household goods, check the condition of each and note them on the inventory form.You can personally report damages or loss to our representative. To avoid possible damage to your TV and other appliances, let them adjust to the room temperature before using.

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Ready to move? The most important thing is to make sure you hire professional movers you can trust.