Here it is, the end of another school year. As fast as time flies, your summer move will be here before you know it. It is also kicks off the busiest moving season of the year for moving companies.

Each year more than 43 million Americans pack up their belongings and move to a new home. More than half of these moves take place between May and September. It is also National Moving Month and moving experts will be educating Americans on how to plan a successful move, pack efficiently and handle the uncertainties and questions that children may have.

Don’t Become a Victim of Moving Fraud This Summer!

Moving experts are also urging folks to be aware of unscrupulous moving companies that provides an estimate, loads the goods, then states a much higher price to deliver the goods, effectively holding the goods hostage.

Most moving companies are legitimate businesses that do quality work. But in recent years, a growing number of complaints have been filed against interstate movers-and many of those complaints spring from the fraudulent practices of a small percentage of dishonest movers known as rogue movers.

There are many versions to the moving scam but the basic scam takes place as follows. A prospective client contacts a moving company and requests a cost estimate. In today’s market this often happens online via moving directories or brokers, or phone calls. These moving brokers are salesmen prone to quoting sometimes low, but usually reasonable prices with no room for the movers to provide a quality service.

Once the rogue “moving company” has secured a move by providing a non-binding or binding estimate, they arrive to pack and deliver the goods. Often the scam movers use deceptive pricing or weight measurements including prices based on the gross weight of the moving vehicle. After packing and loading, the client is informed that their goods went over the expected weight estimate and the additional weight will be charged at a substantially higher rate (often double the original price per pound).

Rogue movers will not inform a client of these discrepancies until the client’s goods have been weighed at a certifiable scale, far from the client’s original pickup location. The new price may be four or five times higher than the original estimate. The scam movers know that most people will be forced to pay these exorbitant rates based on their need for the personal effects.

Another popular scam is when a moving broker is involved. In many cases, Internet-based moving brokers and household goods carriers quote consumers one rate to move their goods, but then charged an exorbitant markup in order to complete the move—often after the carrier has already taken physical possession of the property. They have their customers pay large deposits that are nothing more than their fees. Frequently, the business names used by the brokers are similar to well-known, reputable brand names in the moving industry.

Protect Yourself

There are ways that you can protect yourself. If you follow these rules you will greatly reduce the possibility that you will be scammed.

1. Never pay any deposit.

Most reputable will not ask for you to pay a deposit up front. All charge will be due prior to unloading either by certified check, money order, cash or if arrangements have been made to pay by credit card. Reputable companies do not tack on additional percentages for credit card use. (Scammers will)

2. Never hire a mover who has not been to your home to give you an in home estimate.

Most scammers will tell you it is not necessary. You are the one who has to opt not to have one. This is the scammers protection.

3. Always get an estimate based on weight.

Scammers will use Cubic Feet. Most companies figure 7 lbs for each cubic foot. You always have the “RIGHT” to have a reweigh at a certified scale close to you. At no additional cost to you.

4. Always check out the mover at one of the consumer sites at protectyourmove.gov.

5. If you are a victim of a scam or deceptive business practices, please file a complaint at Protectyourmove.gov and also at the Attorney General office of the States involved in the move and also the Attorney General of the State where the Company is based out of.

It is up to you to make the difference for others not to be scammed. The federal government only has 10 Household Goods Investigators across the nation.

Professional Moving Services

The last thing you need to worry about on moving day is some creep that's trying to rip you off!

Moving is an exciting, but hectic time – the last thing families should have to worry about is whether or not their personal belongings will arrive at their new house.

Consumers need to know how to spot the bad movers and feel confident they are selecting a reliable, safe, and responsible Minnesota Moving Company.

While the majority of movers are reputable, consumers need to be aware of how to avoid those who are not.  Make sure you have the information you need to protect yourself from moving fraud.

Moving this summer? You’re not alone. About 40 million Americans move every summer. There are various reasons why people move. Perhaps it’s just time. Maybe the children are all finally gone.  Or maybe a job is taking you to a city where your dream job is waiting.

Maybe your life situation or health has changed and the home you are in no longer makes sense. Or perhaps you are just plain ready for the next chapter and want to lighten your load. Or maybe… just maybe, we’re just gluttons for punishment, as Americans tend to move on average about every 5 years.

Moving Yourself or Hiring a Professional Moving Company

Whatever the reason, the realities are the same… before you move you’re going to have to decide whether to go it alone or hire a moving company.

Which do you think you prefer? Hmmm?

First let me say, moving and relocating is a huge undertaking, and believe me, packing & wrapping everything you own in bubble wrap and hauling it across the country is no picnic. And then there are all those endless things to remember. (It‘s hard to remember everything!)

Some younger folks would rather complete the move with their own two hands and a rental truck. Others prefer to hire a professional furniture removal company to perform all of the heavy lifting. It is good to know all of your choices and alternatives.

Benefits of Moving Yourself

There are several benefits to moving yourself. For one thing, you will always know who is to blame if any of your possessions get damaged during the move. Do not forget the wonderful pains associated with lugging all of your stuff up all those stairs.

Don’t forget to figure out whether or not it is even possible to do the moving yourself. Can you get your couch out of your old place and into your new one without wrecking havoc or damage on either location?  Will you have enough energy or strength to move box after box?

Maybe Hiring A Moving Company Would Be A Better Choice!

If you are strapped on time and hate the thought of all that trouble paying double or even triple the amount you would spend on your rental truck, perhaps hiring a professional Minnesota Moving Company would be a better choice. It would sure make the entire situation a lot easier on you. So if you weigh the two options, which do you think you prefer? Hmmm?  I think it can safely be said that it would sure help avoid stress on moving day.

I’m sure you will find that this is no doubt one of the most efficient ways to plan your move.  Keep in mind, the months of June, July and August are the busiest moving months of the year – especially up here in the Midwest. If you will be moving this summer, the time to plan for that move is now. The more time you have to prepare, the easier your move will be.

May is National Moving Month, which kicks off the busiest moving season of the year. It also means unlicensed movers and dishonest scammers are waiting to take advantage of unwary consumers. While the majority of movers are reputable, consumers need to be aware of how to avoid those who are not. Your possessions are priceless, so don’t just trust them to any moving company. Remember, you’re entrusting all your worldly goods to the care of these people.

So how do you find a moving company which will protect everything that you own and feel secure in your decision?

Moving Services

Don’t Be Scammed!

First of all, don’t choose a packer mover only on the basis of the lowest moving estimate you get. Remember that prices too good to be true probably are. A lowball offer likely indicates a fly-by-night mover who is desperate and is probably going to be cutting corners.

Legitimate business people have legitimate expenses, such as license, taxes, insurance, employee wages, benefits, and quality equipment. A legitimate mover must consider all those things when determining the price for service … and so should you.

Do not choose your mover from the Internet. On-line shopping may be OK for buying shoes, but not for hiring your moving service. Use the internet to begin your research, but then, for your protection, follow through with more detailed interviewing and complaints checking before hiring.

A con artist with just a truck and a website can claim to be a legitimate mover with unfortunate results for consumers who don’t check out a company in advance.

Get at least three written in-home estimates. Not all price quotes online or over the phone are legitimate, and crooks are not likely to send an estimator to your home in advance. Also, remember that the lowest estimate can sometimes be an unrealistic, low-ball offer, which may cost you more in the end.

More than 40+ million Americans move each year. If your plans this summer include a major move, we recommend that you do some advance legwork to save yourself frustration, and possibly money. It is best to look for a moving company that has a reputation for providing superior service to its customers. So, people should try to find good reviews from other customers of your community on the best moving company you are interested in hiring. Be careful about relying only on references provided by the mover (would they provide a bad reference?).

So, whether you’re looking for the perfect job, helping an elderly friend or relative move to the perfect retirement home, or just to get the heck out of town, take the time to do your homework!

When budgeting for your move, it is advisable that you obtain a moving estimate from at least 3 moving companies. Of these, one may be much higher or lower than the others. Your budget will preclude the more costly option, while a lowball offer likely indicates a fly-by-night mover who is desperate and is cutting corners.

A representative from a reputable Minnesota moving company will schedule with you a personal inspection of your household goods. These representatives need all the information they can get in order to tender an accurate and competitive estimate of what your move will cost. At this point, you will decide on whether you get a binding, or non-binding estimate.

Binding vs Non-Binding Moving Estimate

When moving, you will receive either a binding or non-binding moving estimate. The type you select will be your choice.

With a binding estimate, the bottom line charges are guaranteed and fixed. So, whether the weight of you moving load exceeds or goes below what was estimated, the charges will stay the same–unless services not covered by the binding estimate are added on.

A drawback of a binding estimate is that some moving companies will sacrifice moving materials and quality of service in order to meet the low cost. And if a moving shipment is grossly underestimated, a mover may refuse to haul it, opting for a “normal” shipment that will pay more. It is advisable to keep in mind that customers will generally get what they pay for.

A non-binding moving estimate is the most common. It is based on the actual weight of your household goods to be transported. These are flexible and allow you to add services like packing, loading, long carrying, setting up at your new home, etc. But keep in mind that these services will raise the cost of your move.

Be sure to research the moving companies in your area. Ask each company for references and check them to gauge their satisfaction with the service they received and the costs they were charged.

Moving can be difficult and expensive. Understanding the difference between a binding and non-binding moving estimate will help you keep your moving budget under control.

Its National Moving Month!  The busiest time of the year for moving companies.

Every year millions of people pull up stakes and pack up their belongings to relocate to new homes and communities. More than half of these moves take place between May and September.  Memorial Day Weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year. Plan far in advance if you will be moving between Wednesday, May 22nd and Monday, May 27th.

Planning A Move To Minnesota?

Good choice! Five Twin Cities suburbs were named among the best places to live in America, according to Money Magazine. Eden Prairie earned the highest ranking among Minnesota cities.

The honor didn’t come as much of a surprise to Eden Prairie residents, as Money gave the city a first-place ranking two years ago. The 2012 list ranks Eden Prairie third, just behind Carmel, Ind. and McKinney, Texas.

“Why is Eden Prairie No. 1 this year? Not only is it family-friendly, it has a dynamite economy too,” according the magazine.

Money Magazine praised Eden Prairie’s “terrific employment prospects, natural beauty, and a well-educated workforce,” and noted that the city has also maintained a budget surplus during recent years.

The only downsides noted by the magazine: “Winters are long and cold, and there’s not much of a downtown besides a mega shopping mall.”

Interestingly enough, the other four Minnesota cities that made Money Magazine’s list of the top 100 places to live all earned slots in the top 25. They were:

• Woodbury (#11)
• Eagan (#14)
• Lakeville (#19)
• Maple Grove (#22).

Money Magazine alternates their rankings each year between cities with populations under 50,000 and cities with populations between 50,000 and 300,000 people.

The top-ranking Minnesota city on Money Magazine’s 2011 list — which focused on cities under 50,000 — was Chanhassen, which scored 10th. Arden Hills, Lino Lakes, Shoreview and Savage were also listed in the 2011 edition.

Let’s not forget Minneapolis; one of America’s most vibrant and eclectic cities and the jewel of Minnesota. Minneapolis was recently ranked as the 6th best city to live in the US, by Scientific American.

Whether you love nature and the outdoors or city life, there’s an area of Minnesota for you. So be prepared to get used to the good life!

If you love pizza, there’s more good news. Market Watch (published by the Wall Street Journal) ranked the Twin Cities as the sixth best city in the country for pizza. This is the second time this year that a national publication has cited Minneapolis-St. Paul as among the best pizza in the nation.

Your Best Move Yet!

Drawing up a list of things to do before you move is easy. And the best part about it?  Having one practically guarantees a restful night’s sleep before the big day. At least it saves you from racking your brain to remember what it is that you think you may have forgotten. We’ve done most of the work for you.

Moving Checklist

Download our checklist to get started.

Moving Checklist For A Stress Free Move

Moving is a very time consuming project and also very stressful. The more prepared you are the more smoothly this project will be. If you would rather hire the Pros give your Minnesota Moving and Storage company a call. They can make this project your best move yet!

Moving is one of the most stressful and expensive experiences you will ever have, and if you don’t take precautions it can quickly turn into a nightmare, which is why many people prefer to hire a moving company over doing the move themselves.  Planning ahead is the best way to make sure your move goes smoothly. Hire your movers as far in advance as possible. The sooner, the better!  There are far too many things that could go wrong.

Planning A Summer Move To Minnesota?

Timing is everything! Book Early for Peak Demand Dates!

Be aware of your moving dates – do they fall at the end or beginning of the month?  On a holiday weekend?

In addition to summer already being the busiest season, 2013 has another obstacle for would-be-movers: Unusual calendar alignments. Here’s the scoop – The last weekend and the first weekend of every month are typically the busiest times to move. When the last weekend and first weekend are the same (For example: Friday May 31st, Saturday June 1st and Sunday June 2nd) the demand for moving services on those dates increase significantly.

So why is 2013 different from any other year? Because there is an unusually high number of last weekend and first weekend combinations during peak months (as shown here).

March: Friday 3/29, Saturday 3/30, Sunday 3/31
May: Friday 5/31, Saturday 6/1, Sunday 6/2
June: Friday 6/28, Saturday 6/29, Sunday 6/30
August: Friday 8/30, Saturday 8/31, Sunday 9/1

So, in light of this, if you plan on relocating during the peak moving season this year be sure to plan well in advance, especially if your moving dates are listed above.

So how do you find a moving company which will protect everything that you own and feel secure in your decision?  It is best to look for a moving company that has a reputation for providing superior service to its customers. Don’t choose a packer mover only on the basis of the lowest moving estimate you get.

Start looking for a reliable mover well before moving day. Obtain quotes in writing from a few reputable companies, and check their licensing and insurance details.

Just about anyone who has moved knows (most of us, anyway), that when we find out we’re moving, we panic at all we have to do and rush around helter-skelter, accomplishing very little. We forget the magnitude of all the things they have — credit cards, prescriptions, medical records, child’s school records — it goes beyond the physical packing and the removal of your stuff.

Most people dramatically underestimate the amount of time and work that is involved in getting their things sorted and packed.  Sound like us, folks?

If you’re planning on moving, our plan is to help you get organized. Many moving and relocation companies have timetables of things to do anywhere from six to eight weeks before moving day. They do this not only to help you organize but to minimize your stress.

We’ve compiled their ideas and added a few of our own. Once you decide on a moving company, they will probably give you a timeline to follow.

This timeline starts six weeks from the move. If you don’t have six weeks, you’ll have to figure a way to compress the timeline. What’s important is to get going.  Don’t think it really won’t take this long just because you have a one-bedroom apartment. You’ll be surprised at all you’ve accumulated and all that needs to be done.  Give yourself plenty of time!

Moving Checklist

Moving Checklist For A Stress Free Move

Reviewing the timeline will help you remember what needs to be done. Revise, add or subtract whatever fits your specific needs. Following a plan will keep you from wasting a lot of time and energy.

6-8 Weeks Before Your Move

• This is the time to start strategically planning your move, step-by-step, to alleviate the stress of last minute packing.
• Create a room where you can begin to store and organize packing supplies and other items that will assist you in your move. Group boxes by size so you will not have to fumble through heavy piles when packing your things.
• Now is the time to make travel arrangements for you and your family. Whether it be renting a car, scheduling a flight or reserving a hotel room, book it at a time that will give you flexibility in case anything goes awry.
• Contact your insurance agent to transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance.
• Return anything you have borrowed from nearby friends or relatives and make sure to ask for your things back.
• Compile a list of phone numbers and addresses so that once you have moved in to your new home you will be able to easily access this information without the hassle of searching through the phone directory.
• Create a designated folder for moving related expenses where you can file all receipts. This will come in handy as many moving expenses are tax deductible. Obtain an IRS Change of Address form, Form 8822, by calling (800) 829-1040 or visiting the IRS website at www.irs.gov website. You will be able to download and print form 8822 and most other IRS tax forms; e.g., Form 3903 to help deduct moving expenses.
• Notify schools in the old and new location and arrange for the transfer of school records and begin the process of registering in new schools.
• Collect all medical, dental and school records to ensure you do not forget to obtain them at a later date. Keep these in a safe place
• Contemplate holding a garage sale at least two weeks prior to your move; this will help you save space while earning some extra cash on the side.

4-5 Weeks Before Your Move

• Contact or visit your local Post Office to obtain a Change of Address form. You can also obtain this form online at the postal service website by visiting: www.usps.com
• Give a change of address to the following:

* Banks
* Schools
* Friends & family
* Insurance company
* Doctors & specialists
* Cell phone company
* Credit card companies
* Subscriptions (Magazine, newspaper, etc.)

• By this point you should have already hired a mover and received an estimate. Check with you mover to confirm that all the details of the move are set. If you are packing on your own, make the proper arrangements and get the right supplies.
• Make the arrangements to connect and disconnect your cable, internet, electric and any other services you currently use. Dealing with this at an earlier date will prevent any date and time conflicts you may incur.
• You may have to switch banks because your current bank branches may be sparse in your new town. Investigate the popular banks in the area you will be living in so that you can close and open new bank accounts as needed.
• Check what the requirements are to receive a new driver’s license and complete auto registration at your new motor vehicle location.
• If you will be making an international move, make sure your passport is up to date and has not expired. Passports generally take 3 weeks to process.

3 Weeks Before Your Move

• It is now time to make final arrangements for transporting your car if you plan on doing so. If you are traveling by car, check to make sure your vehicle is in good shape for the trip.
• Investigate your secret hiding spots to search for any forgotten items. Collect valuable items such as jewelry or heirlooms and keep them separate from the rest of your packed belongings so that you do not leave them behind.
• Return any borrowed items, such as library books, and collect any clothing that you may have taken to be dry cleaned.
• Begin cleaning the various rooms in your house that have been emptied, such as closets, basements or attics to prepare for the new residents and to make sure you did not leave anything unpacked.
• Do you or your family members take any medications? If so, locate pharmacies in your new town that you can transfer prescriptions over to.

2 Weeks Before Your Move

• At this point you should have a good sense of what items you will not be taking with you. This is a good time to organize a garage sale to earn some cash on the side from your unwanted belongings. You should also consider donating old clothing to a local charity or shelter—if you do, you may be eligible for a tax deduction.
• Resume packing any items you have not had a chance to pack yet. Your final week at home has the potential to be very stressful and you should prevent pushing things off until the last minute.
• Think about quick and easy meals you can prepare for your family while utilizing the remaining food in your refrigerator so that it does not go to waste.
• Make sure all scheduled deliveries (newspaper, milk, etc.) have been canceled or redirected to your new home.
• Empty all lockers at school, work or at your gym.

1 Week Before Your Move

• Before you move, mow your lawn one last time. Especially if your home will not be unoccupied after your departure.
• Mark any unmarked boxes as “Fragile,” “Do not load,” or “Load last” if you have not yet done so.
• If you are not going directly to your new home, ensure that your movers have an address or phone number to contact you at in the event that something goes wrong.
• Empty, clean and defrost your refrigerator/freezer during this final week and use baking soda to rid it of any foul odors.
• Put together a moving day survival kit with items you will need for the trip and immediately when you arrive at your new home. These items include toilet paper, snacks, bottled water, dishes, toiletries, towels, etc.
• Notify the police in your town if your home will be uninhabited for a long period of time.

Move-in Day!

• Prepare to pay your movers. Inquire about the proper payment method and make sure you have it available on move-in day. This will generally be Cash on Delivery (COD).
• When the movers arrive, be available to assist them with any question they have. If this is not a possibility, designate a friend or family member to help out and make decisions in your absence. Leave them detailed notes about anything you want them to remember. This individual may be required to sign documents obligating you to charges, so give them a number they can reach you at and notify the moving company of your replacement.
• Hand over keys, alarm codes and garage door remote controls to the new owner or real estate agent.

Moving Tips!

If your move isn’t a job relocation, and you have the ability to choose when you move, avoid summer and the last week of the month — any month.

Summer is peak moving season. Kids are out of school and parents want to minimize disruption in the school schedule.

As for the last week of the month, often they’re heavily booked because people often want real estate transactions to coincide with the end of the month and leases also tend to expire at that time.

If summer is the only time you can move, we suggest moving in the middle of the month.

After you are settled into your new home and it is time to explore!

Take time to meet the neighbors!  They can be helpful in getting to know the neighborhood and surrounding area and it is always nice to make new friends. Wiki has some tips on how to break the ice with your new neighbors.

Moving is a very time consuming project and also very stressful. The more prepared you are the more smoothly this project will be. If you would rather hire the Pros give your Minnesota Moving and Storage company a call. They can make this project stress-free.

Whether you have moved once or a dozen times, it never seems to get any easier. The biggest mistake most people make is failing to plan ahead. Waiting until the last minute limits your options and can result in disappointment when it comes to securing the services of the mover you want at the date of your choosing. Here are some hints that we hope you will find helpful as you prepare for moving day.

Take the Stress Out of Moving… Plan, Plan, Plan!

Plan, Plan, Plan! We cannot emphasize the importance of detailed planning whenever possible, pointing out that most moving disasters usually result from poor planning. But with the right kind of planning, you can take the stress out of your move.

Hint #1) The true secret to a smooth move is planning and organization. Because it is often unavoidable that something could go wrong. Murphy’s Law if something can go wrong it probably will and you really don’t need the stress right now. You would like to be as organized as you possibly can to ensure that when it does happen, you will be better prepared to deal with it as quickly as possible.  The first step to really moving is packing.  When doing this, be sure to organize your possessions in such a way which will allow it to be easier for you to identify them as soon as they get to your new home.

Hint #2) Pack as far in advance as you possibly can, bearing in mind that several other tasks will take up your time as the big day draws near, believe me it always seems like something comes up.  Pack the items you do not need first, so you will manage to pack those you need more easily and quickly as it becomes necessary to do so.  Doing this in advance will also assist relieve the stress of last minute packing, and will make it easier for you to organize your items.  It really does make a difference when you start packing in advance before you really need to you will end up living with just the stuff you need available to cook or clean etc. everything else gets packed.

Hint #3) Mark every box and carton. Again, it makes it much easier if you need an item before you move, and makes it much simpler after you move. Unpacking will probably be somewhat of a gradual process–this way you know where the most necessary items are located.

Hint #4) When packing, be sure to use the proper materials for securing your things.  This is important because they are most likely to be shifted or moved about during the trip.  Packing properly can prevent them from becoming damaged or broken.  Things can move what works great are straps that you can buy at the store that have a winch so you can really secure things and lock them in place it’s actually a better choice than the old rope and knots.

Hint #5) When you arrive at your new home, put the boxes which pertain to each room in that room.  For instance, you should place all the boxes marked kitchen in that room.  This will make them easier to unpack and will aid avoid confusion.  I know when you are moving you just want to get it done and dump it all on the first place you see available on the floor just fight the urge and put the box where it needs to go it will save you some hassle later.

To Do List:

• Call your local utility companies (gas, electric, water, telephone, cable/satellite/Internet providers and trash). Verify when your service will be discontinued and when it will be restored at your new address. Do the same with any lawn care, housecleaning or security firms you employ.
• Verify your change of address information with your local post office.
• Transfer all subscriptions over to your new home.
• Ensure your children are registered at their new schools and that their records have been transferred.
• Get referrals for doctors, dentists and veterinarians in your new area.
• Make arrangements for new homeowner’s insurance coverage. If you’re moving out of state, ask if you’ll need new car insurance.
• If you belong to any clubs or associations, find out if there are any similar clubs or chapters in your new area. You may even be able to transfer over some or all of your membership fees.

I hope these tips are helpful for you. Moving is a very time consuming project and also very stressful. The more prepared you are the more smoothly this project will be. If you would rather hire the Pros give your Minnesota Moving and Storage company a call. They can make this project stress-free.

Moving can be a huge hassle, especially if it has been a long time since your last move. Most likely, you have accumulated a great many things. With a number of things to do before moving day, packing is most likely the most time consuming one.  Most people dramatically underestimate the amount of time and work that is involved in getting their things packed because they may think that all they need to do is get everything into boxes.  Even with friends and family helping, delegating tasks and getting everything in the right boxes, is a huge hassle.

Every move has its own unique needs and requirements.  Moving is a time-consuming process which usually needs to be on a time-sensitive schedule.  You may not be sure of what your moving needs are, until your actual moving day.  The very thought of packing and arranging hundreds of household articles and furniture, separating the valuable from the heavy and the frequently used items from the unused ones can be overwhelming.  A Professional Moving Company will eliminate your doubts and concerns for you.

Hire the Pros?

There are several reasons to choose a full service moving company over moving yourself, not the least of which is the fact that we can save you time, effort, and stress.  It is also best to hire the professional if you are unable to devote the time to coordinate the move.  Consider the fact that doing it yourself may require you to miss work and possibly a chunk of your paycheck.  Hiring a professional moving company will free you of the tedious planning, packing, loading, driving, and unloading, allowing you to concentrate on the important stuff such as making sure you and your family are comfortable.

Save both time and money by letting the pros help you determine your moving needs.  – Wherever you are – to wherever you need to go…Quality Moving and Storage will get you there!

It’s Your Move!

Moving every possession you own from one house to another is a major undertaking filled with lots of little details. The very thought of packing and arranging hundreds of household articles and furniture, separating the valuable from the heavy and the frequently used items from the unused ones can be exhausting.

Once you’ve decided where to move, one of the most important things you may have to do is whether to choose a Minnesota moving company or do it yourself. There are several reasons to choose a full service moving company over moving yourself, not the least of which is the fact that they can save you time, effort, and stress.  It is also best to hire the professional if you are unable to devote the time to coordinate the move.  Plus, consider the fact that doing it yourself may require you to miss work and possibly a chunk of your paycheck.

Hiring a Minnesota moving company will free you of the tedious planning, packing, loading, driving, and unloading, allowing you to concentrate on the important stuff such as making sure you and your family are comfortable. Some of them even provide free boxes.

Once that is settled then there are all those pesky details that even the most organized of us miss. Here are some of those often forgotten tasks with some organizational tools to make your big day a success.

Before The Move

The All Important Checklist: All the moving experts agree that making a moving binder with to-do lists will be invaluable to a smooth move. Check out the links for handy printable moving checklists to put in your binder. Deciding where to start may seem overwhelming at first, but you can begin to tackle the list early on in your moving process.

Martha Stewart provides a timeline guide and printable checklists for everything from how to pack your kitchen to moving plants and pets.

Making a checklist of everyone you will need to notify. You likely have more people to inform than you may have realized and you don’t want to overlook anyone or risk having sensitive or confidential mail delivered to your old address.

Change of Address: It’s not just the post office and utilities that need your new address. We would like to add a couple of more to the list. Listed below are many types of contacts you will need to inform of your move.

• Newspapers, Magazines and Subscriptions- Many of these can be updated with an email request or customer service login on their website.
• School Records- Transferring of school records can take several weeks, so the sooner the better to keep your children’s routine on track.
• US Postal Service – The Post Office makes it very easy to get your mail sent to your new address on the date of your move.  You can even submit your change of address online at www.usps.com Doing this will take care of the bulk of your general mail.
• Government agencies - You will want to get the address changed on your driver’s license before or shortly after you move to the new address.  In Minnesota, you can also update your voter registration to the new address by checking the appropriate information on your address change form.
• Your employer – Your company will need correct address information to send out year- end tax documents and benefit statements.
• Banks and Credit Card Companies – It is important that you let the bank know you moved for several reasons.  Many debit card transactions require a zip code to be approved. Having the right one associated with your card will simplify things for you at the check-out counter. Also, if the bank needs to send you new cards and PIN numbers, you won’t want them delivered to your old address.
• IInsurance companies – Your life, auto, health and homeowner’s/renters insurance companies will need your new address in order to correspond with you. Sometimes moving to a new address can change your insurance rates, too. So talk to your agent to see if you need to update anything within your policies.
• Doctors and Dentist offices – It is helpful to inform your health providers of your move.  You may also need to request that immunization records be sent to your child’s new school.
• Utility companies – You will want to contact your gas, electric, water, and trash companies. If you are moving locally, you can likely take care of closing the old and opening the new accounts in one call.  The company can transfer the utilities on the day of your move so you aren’t stuck paying for someone else’s power or water usage.
• Internet, cable, and phone providers – This one may be a bit more time consuming. If you will be having internet, cable, or phone in your new home, besides calling to change the address, you will also need to move the service.  Very often, you may need to set up an appointment to have a technician visit the new home to install services correctly. And of course with these services there may be installation charges, so be sure to include that in your move budget. If having service soon after you move is important to you, call these companies a few weeks in advance of your move so the installation appointments can occur shortly after your move.
• Family and Friends – Chances are good you will receive harried calls and emails from relatives and friends who need your address so they can send out Christmas cards.  Do them a favor and notify them when you move.  They’ll appreciate it.  And hey, they might even offer to help you move!