Renting a moving truck is popular because it is another option for moving. Here are several ideas you should know about before you rent:

1) Hire the Labor to Load or Unload Your Truck

Utah movers can provide labor to load or unload a rental moving truck. This is a great option because professional movers know how to load or unload a moving truck in order to utilize every inch of space. Plus, this keeps you from having to ask family and friends to help you. Remember, if  you move out of state, you will need to hire movers in both states to help load and unload your shipment.

2)  Rent a Truck Big Enough for the Job

Rental trucks come in many sizes so be sure to rent the one that will get all of your shipment in one load. If you rent too small, it may cost you less but it will take longer making multiple trips.

3) Rent Moving Equipment

While professional movers will bring dollies and ramps to load your shipment, they won’t supply moving pads and tie downs. You will need to rent those with your moving truck. Utah movers will then secure your shipment to the truck for the drive.

4) Responsibility

Professional movers will take responsibility for the safety of your items while they are loading them, but once everything is loaded, the movers are no longer responsible for your shipment. If you drive your own rental truck, you are responsible for your goods.

There are ways to move yourself with the help of Utah Movers which can be helpful in saving you time and money.

Moving an elderly parent or grandparent to a retirement home or assisted living center can be challenging.  They often have lived in their home for a long time and moving isn’t something they are familiar with. For whatever reason, they now need more assistance, safer living conditions, or less living space.  There are a few things that will help make their move easier.                                                                                        

Get a Recommendation

Many retirement and assisted living centers can recommend moving companies that they frequently use at their facility. This is a great way to find Utah movers you can trust.

Senior Discount

Ask your moving company if they offer a senior discount. Many companies will be happy to offer you a discounted rate. They understand that moving an elderly person can be hard so they want to do everything they can to help.

Packing

Your Utah movers would be happy to help you pack if you need that service. This can help things go faster and less stressful on the person moving. If you want to pack yourself, your moving company can still provide packing supplies.

Move What is Needed

Sometimes not everything will fit into the new living space. Decide ahead of time what items will need to be moved and what items will need to be either stored or donated to charity. Ask your moving company to provide an estimate so you know all your options and their costs.

The key to moving an elderly person out of their home is to be sensitive to their needs. Try to include them in the relocation process, if possible. After you find new living accommodations,  select a reputable and experienced moving company. Utah movers will want to help you make the transition as smooth as possible. Look for a company that is willing to help you!

If you need to move, but want to keep your costs down, there are  things you can do to afford professional movers.

1) Sort Through Your Items Before You Move

If you want to minimize how much you are moving, go through your home before you talk to a moving estimator. Eliminating items that you don’t need will reduce the cost of your moving bill.

2) Move Only Big Items 

It is possible to hire movers to move only your big furniture items and appliances.  If you are able to move boxes, clothes, plants, lamps, and pictures on your own, this will save you money.

3) Get Organized

Figure out where your furniture will go in each room before your Utah movers arrive with your shipment at your new home or office. It will save time and money if  you don’t need movers to rearrange furniture. Label items so movers know exactly what room to place your items.

4) Get a Moving Estimate

It is always wise to get at least three estimates from Utah movers in your area. Be prepared to tell your estimator how much you want moved so he can figure your bid based on that information. A move including packing will cost more than if you pack yourself.

There are many options available to make moving affordable. Talk to your moving company to get their ideas on what moving scheme works best for your budget.  

Moving in the winter can be difficult. It gets dark earlier, it can be snowing or raining, sometimes there is ice , and it is cold. There are 5 things you can do to help with wintertime moving.

1) Driveways, sidewalks and steps need to be shoveled

Before your movers arrive, have your driveways, sidewalks and  steps shoveled. You don’t want to pay your movers to shovel.

2) Consider rescheduling if it is snowing

Some moving companies will be happy to reschedule your move  if it is snowing without a fee to the next day. Sometimes one day makes all the difference in being able to load and unload a shipment in better weather.

3) Put down rugs to protect floors

Movers do not take off their shoes while they load and unload a truck. If it is raining or snowing, you should provide a rug for them to wipe their feet on as they come into your home. Carpet mask can also be purchased from your Utah movers to protect carpet.

4) Turn down the thermostat in your home while moving

Doors are usually left open while your shipment is being loaded and unloaded. Turn down your thermostat to avoid the heater turning on during this time. It will save on your gas bill.

5) Schedule your move to start in the morning

It is best to start in the morning so you are moving in daylight. Moving in the dark is difficult and time consuming especially when it gets below freezing.

It is often necessary to move during the winter months. Your Utah movers will assist you in making your winter move successful no matter what the weather is doing outside.

Office moving can be challenging. If you are the “office moving coordinator,” you have many things to take care of to ensure that each employee is moved successfully. After you have decided to move and you know where you are going,  follow these 8 steps to have a successful office move. 

1. Start by getting at least 3 on-site estimates from local moving companies.

Office moving coordinators should always call and arrange an on site estimate with a local mover. Things such as number of rooms to be moved, number of flights of stairs, elevators, and the time of day your office needs to move will all influence your estimate.

2. Choose Your Moving Company Carefully

a) If possible, get a referral from someone you know about the moving company you are considering hiring.

b) Is the moving company familiar with the building you will be moving in and out of ? Do they know about any special circumstances associated with the buiding such as the managements requirements?

c) Be sure the moving company has liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. Some property mangement companies require these certificates prior to your move in date.

d)  Compare pricing between the moving companies. Be sure you clearly understand all of the charges.

e) How does each moving company handle damage claims? Find out ahead of time what the moving company will do if something gets damaged or broken. Every company is different so compare each one.

3. Confirm your moving date at least 1-2 weeks ahead.

Call your local moving company and confirm your moving date and time. Also, find out how much time is required if you need to cancel or reschedule your move, and if there is a fee to do so. You will also need to provide addresses at this time.

4. Obtain moving boxes and supplies

Get organized about packing. Moving companies have a large variety of packing supplies available for your move. Many moving companies will deliver packing supplies to your office.

5. Prepare for your move

a) Have employees pack their desks. Office desks need to be emptied.

b) Employees should also pack lateral and wooden file cabinets.

c) Label furniture and boxes with employee name and office number.

d) Label new offices with employee name and number for placement of boxes and furniture. Supply your local movers with an outline of where furniture items should go in each room.

e) “System” furniture or “cubicles” may require additonal services to have them disassembled and moved prior to standard office furniture and boxes being moved.

6. Confirm payment method with your moving company

It is best to confirm payment and if any deposit is required when you schedule your move. This will give you plenty of time to work any details.

7. Two days before your move, confirm again your moving date and time with your moving company.

It is always reassuring to talk to your local moving company a couple of days before your move to confirm that everything is on schedule. If you have any questions, ask them now!

8. Upon completion of your office move, walk through your new office with your  crew lead.

As the office moving coordinator, you should walk through your new office with your crew lead to be sure furniture is placed exactly where it belongs. It is always easier to rearrange something right then, rather than waiting until the next day. Also, ask to inspect the back of the truck to be sure all items have been unwrapped and unloaded.

Preparation and being organized are the keys to a successful office move.

Every moving company is different but there are a few common things amongst them. If you are talking to a company about an upcoming move,  you should ask these 5  good questions:

Question 1: Does the moving company employ full time movers or do they use temporary help?

Answer: Local movers typically have full time movers on their staff. Some companies prefer to only schedule moves for the number of employees they have on staff. However, other companies may hire temporary help to load or unload a truck especially if it is in an area they don’t service on a regular basis.

Question 2: Is the moving company licensed and insured?

Answer: Utah Movers are required to have a Dept. of Transportation number, a motor carrier number, and a business license. In addition, they should have worker’s compenstion insurance for their employees and liability insurance. A legitimate company will have all of these in place.

Question 3: What if I have damage on my move?

Answer: Before you hire a company, it is best to get their policy on how they handle claims if an item gets damaged during a move. Moving companies vary, but the one thing that is common in the industry is sixty cents per lb. coverage on items that are damaged beyond repair and if full value protection is not purchased.

Question 4: Will my crew take a lunch break?  If they do, will I have to pay for that time?

Answer: If you are being charged by time and not by weight then you should not have to pay for a lunch break. An honest company will deduct breaks from your total move time.

Question 5: Should I tip my movers?

Answer: Movers provide a service. It is customary to tip people that you hire who provide a service. Tips vary depending on the amount of time your crew is with you. If your movers are working all day, you would tip more than you would a  crew who is only moving for  a half day. There is no set amount to tip. If you have an outstanding crew that has provided you with great customer service, then perhaps, you would want to tip them to show your appreciation. Moving furniture is hard work and movers appreciate every tip they receive.

Don’t be afraid to ask these questions when you are searching for a moving company.  It will help you plan if you know the answers to each of these important questions.

Utah movers are experts at packing boxes. They will sell you supplies so you can pack yourself, or they will pack your items for you. If a moving box is packed correctly, the chances of damage or slim. Follow these tips from the professionals to pack your breakables:

* Use sturdy boxes and limit the weight to no more than 50 lbs each. Pack heavy items on the bottom, lighter items on top.

* When packing breakables, always put a cushioning layer on the bottom of the box and one on top to fill in the spaces and give extra protection to your item.  It is best not to skimp when using paper. More paper not less is always better.

* Boxes should be enclosed, and the top of the box should not be bulging.

* Wrap each item separately. It is best to use packing paper on items such as plates, dishes, bowls etc.  Use bubble wrap on figurines and crystal.

* Avoid news paper which can leave ink on your items. Utah movers sell packing paper which is best!

* Some items can be double boxed for extra protection. For these special items, pack it in a small box then put   the small box in a larger box and pack paper around the smaller box.

* Label your box “fragile” on the top and on the side. Plus, label what is in the box.

* When taping the “bottom” of your box, use one piece of tape straight down the middle then two more pieces to   make an “x” . On the “top” of the box use only one piece of tape down the middle.

* Hint-After you are finished packing the box, shake it a little, see if you can hear anything rattle, if you can,         repack the box.

Follow these simple guidelines, and you too, will be packing like a professional! If you need help packing, call movers in Utah.

It can be easy to forget about certain items when getting ready to move, but for safety reasons you should leave these things behind or move them yourself:

1) Cleaning Supplies

This includes items such as ammonia, bleach, window and household cleaners, etc.  Anything that could leak out and spill on a shipment is prohibited.

2) Aerosol Cans

Items such as paint, hairspray, furniture polish, insecticides etc. can release if pressure is put on the can and cause damage to a shipment.

3) Flammables

Flammables such as gas, diesel fuel, kerosene, and propane are not safe on a moving truck.

4) Guns & Ammunition

All guns and ammunition, gun powder, and items used for reloading should not go on a moving truck.

5) Refrigerated Food and Opened Food

Foods that need to remain cold or food that has been opened should not be sent on a moving truck. Also, liquid items such as syrup, jam, pickles and condiments etc. should not go as well.

6)  Laundry Supplies

Liquid laundry detergent and bleach should be left behind or moved by the customer.

7) Items of Intangible Value

Personal items such as money, coin collections, jewelry, medication, etc. should always be moved by the customer and kept in your possession at all times.

Utah movers work hard to guarantee the safe arrival of your shipment!

According to a report by the Utah Association of Realtors, home sales in July 2011 rose 16.4 % as compared to July 2010.

Here’s why:

1) Affordable

The National Association of Home builders reported that Salt Lake City reached a seven year high for home affordability. 79% of homes sold in the second quarter of this year were within reach to families that make median area wages.

2) Favorable Conditions

According to Amber Wykstra loan production manager for Bank of Utah,

“Some people have been hesitant to buy a home because of the instability of the national economy, but certain favorable conditions in Utah’s housing market have created a great window of opportunity for those anticipating buying a new or existing home.”

3)  Low Interest Rates

Eric Allen, director for the Utah/Idaho Metro study said, “The combination of low interest rates and falling home prices have resulted in a prime environment for potential buyers to find affordable properties.”

Mortgage rates have been at record lows for months averaging 4.15%. Utah’s housing market makes it a great time to buy right now with low interest rates and affordable pricing. Consider using Utah movers after you purchase to move into your new home!

If you are looking to move out of the state,  plan ahead!

The following tips are a good place to start:

1) Get at least three moving companies to come to your home and give you a quote.

A reputable moving company will want to see your shipment and give you a written bid. Always get an on site estimate!

2) Find out what coverage options are available to protect your shipment.

Moving companies all carry 60 cents per lb. coverage, but you can also purchase additional coverage.

3) Decide if you want to pack yourself or have movers pack you.

Have your estimator figure this into your bid. Packing yourself will save you money, but what you pack will not be protected. So, consider having your shipment professional packed. It might be worth it.

4) How soon do you need your shipment delivered after it is loaded?

This might play a role in which moving company you choose. Moving companies vary in delivery spreads depending if they are shipping your goods alone or with another shipment. If your shipment is going by itself, it should be able to be delivered quickly.

5) Schedule your move at least 7 – 10 days in advance.

Be sure you secure Utah Movers at least a week in advance especially if you are moving at the end of a month which is the busiest time to move.