Archive for the ‘Tips’ Category

Have you ever thought about why most people decide to move to a new location? The US Census of 2009 discovered that most Americans move because they desire a new or better home. The owner either out grew their existing home or just desired a new location with better amenities. Another major reason was that people wanted cheaper housing. Let’s face it, because of our recent economic woes; it’s still a buyer’s market. Are you looking to move in Milwaukee or out of the area? What’s your reason for moving? Hire a first-rate Milwaukee moving company for a smooth transition to your new home.

Here are a few terms that will assist you with your upcoming move in Milwaukee.

Accessorial (Additional) Services – services such as packing, unpacking, extra stop, or shuttle that you request to be performed (or are necessary because of landlord requirements or other special circumstances). Charges for these services are in addition to the transportation costs.

Agent – an affiliated moving company authorized to act on behalf of the van line. The agent may handle the booking, origin, hauling and/or destination services.

Bill of Lading – customer’s receipt for goods and contract Bill of Lading – customer’s receipt for goods and contract for transportation. The customer’s signature acknowledges that the household goods can be loaded on the van and “released to the carrier.”

Binding/Non-Binding Estimate – a binding estimate is an agreement made in advance between the customer and the mover that guarantees the total cost of the move based on the quantities and services shown on the estimate. A non-binding estimate is the carrier’s approximation of the cost based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial services requested. A non-binding estimate is not binding on the carrier and the final charges will be based on the actual weight and tariff provisions in effect on the day of the load.

Booking Agent – accepts the order for the customer’s move and registers it with the van line. The booking agent may or may not be the origin or destination agent.

Bulky Article – to ensure safe transportation, some articles included in a shipment (i.e., big screen TVs, motorcycles, hot tubs, etc.) require extra handling and/or blocking. Our tariff provides a schedule of extra charges for such articles.

Carrier – the moving company providing interstate transportation of household goods under whose Department of Transportation registration the shipment is moved.

Claim – statement of loss, damage, or delay to a household good shipment while in the care, custody or control of the carrier or its affiliated agent.

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Much like the evolution of the music industry from an eight track tape to a compact disc, the world is shifting to social networking as a means of staying connected with its customers and informing others of discounts and tips. Namely, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube are leading the way in this growing trend.

Moving companies are now tied into this equation as well. You can book a move online and correspond with your local Milwaukee moving company about moving specifics through their social network. This can prove to be a viable option for those of you who are constantly on the go.

However, make sure you don’t lose that personal touch with your move in Milwaukee. Although social networking is taking center stage, you still want to make sure your moving company is able to satisfy all of your moving needs, whether face to face, via the phone or through your smart phone.

If so, securing your desired date and time is achieved by booking your move early. Summer is said to be the busiest time of the year for Milwaukee moving companies. Begin surveying reputable moving companies in Milwaukee. If your move is a large one, I recommend asking for an in-home estimate. Your in-home estimator will provide you with a not-to-exceed quote that will assist you with budgeting for your upcoming relocation. Once you’ve garnered at least three to five moving quotes, decide on the one that best fits your needs and moving budget. Your late summer move is easy when you properly plan.

Moving is a chore we all like to stay away from as much as possible. However, it doesn’t have to be all that bad. When planning a local, long distance or even corporate move, consider hiring a reputable moving company. Most people shy away from hiring movers because of cost associated with moving. There are a few variables that go into the calculation of your Milwaukee move. Let’s take a look at them. Whether you know it or not, your move day could determine whether you pay more or less for your move. The busiest season for movers is the spring and summer months. So anyone moving during this time will incur a higher moving rate. The size of your move is considered in the cost. A one bedroom apartment move is different from a two bedroom townhome and so on. Also, mileage could be a factor. Anything over 50 miles or across state lines is considered long distance. Are there any specialty items? If so, some Milwaukee moving companies charge additional fees for pool tables, pianos etc. Are stairs involved in your move? If so there may be a fee for that as well. While I can’t pin down the actual cost for your move, you can definitely know what your moving coordinator will use to determine your relocation expense. Ask about minimums and hidden fees, like fuel cost when you receive your moving quote. Good moving to ya!

There’s nothing worse than having a move in Milwaukee scheduled and your movers don’t show. I don’t know how many horror stories I’ve heard about where people were literally sitting around waiting for their movers to arrive and to no avail. Even after repeated calls into the office, the movers did not deliver on their commitment. I’ve also heard about Milwaukee movers who promised a certain window of time that they would arrive, and didn’t show until hours later. Talking about giving you the blues…that will. Good news though, there are Milwaukee movers that are reliable and provide superior service to its clients. Do your research and book with them. A reputable Milwaukee moving company will eliminate any possible moving day blues, and sometimes save you with a same day move if you get stood up by an unreliable mover in Milwaukee.

Fragile items are not a problem for a reputable Milwaukee moving company. Along with moving ordinary household items, many consumers have rather large pieces and sometimes fragile items like fish tanks or curios to move. These items require the skill of an experienced Milwaukee mover. A skilled mover will ensure these items are properly wrapped, packed and cautiously loaded. There’s nothing more assuring than knowing your valuables are safe from beginning to end of your move. Trusting these pieces in the hands of amateur movers is a risk. Don’t risk the safety of your belongings, but contact a topnotch Milwaukee mover today.

So you’re moving in a month and a bit overwhelmed with all you must accomplish? Don’t worry! Keep reading and the next month of your life will suddenly seem much more simple. Now is a great time to start depleting your food supply. Your local Milwaukee mover’s truck is no place for food and perishables. Now is also a great time to start narrowing down your choice for the Milwaukee area mover you will hire. 

You can begin packing now. Remember to label each box so that it reaches its proper place in your new home. During your packing process, it is wise to separate valuables . Your Milwaukee moving company should provide special care for those items. The month is half over. Much of your packing is complete, and your food supply is dwindling down making for an easy kitchen pack. At this point you have surely hired your Milwaukee area mover dream team, and have reserved a date for your move. This is an excellent time to arrange to have the day off of work for your move. Also, go ahead and call to confirm that your mover and you are both on the same page regarding the move. Make sure that you understand all charges, and that your move date is confirmed. Continue to pack for the move, and accumulate all of your boxes and smaller furniture into one location in the home. This makes for a quick and simple truck loading process.

Your move is one week away. This is crunch time. This week you should pack a suitcase with clothes, hygiene supplies, and any other necessities you will need. Pack enough to last you at least a week. This way you allow yourself some time to relax in your new home before unpacking everything. But for now, Finish all packing! Throw away all trash, and food, and anything else which needs to be disposed of prior to the moving day. Defrost your freezer and empty your fridge. Also plan for your move payment. Make sure you have a credit card, cash, or a money order on hand on the day of your move.

The month has ended quickly. It is now the day of your move. Congratulations, you have made it this far, its almost over now. During the move, feel free to offer refreshments to your moving crew, they will greatly appreciate it! If you feel like your movers have done an outstanding job, it is customary to tip. Make sure that you take inventory before your move begins so that you can account for everything once it arrives at your new home. Finally, breathe a sigh of relief, and take a load off in your new home. You’ve earned it.

The weather doesn’t always cooperate when you’re moving. Sometimes, it rains. Sometimes it snows like crazy; you can’t delay the move while you wait for the sun to start shining. All My Sons Of Milwaukee will move you anytime! But, you can make the most of it. Here are some precautions your Milwaukee local movers take:

• Drive slow. We make sure that everything gets to your new place in one piece.
• Keep shovels handy. If it’s snowing, we can clean up sidewalks for our movers to walk on.
• Use Pad Wraps. No one wants their couch to come into their new place soaked. So we bring extra Pad Wraps.
• We enforce a “no-setting-down rule” outside. The worst thing you could do is set a cardboard box or precious wooden furniture down on a wet, snowy, sloppy street. We make sure NOTHING touches the wet floor.
• Set out a mat. It’s a new place. Muddy footprints are the last thing you need. So at minimum, set a mat outside. You may also want to put a mat or runner inside too. All My Sons ProMovers even take the extra step and wear covers on their shoes.
• Keep hot beverages at the ready. Rainy or snowy weather can leave everyone with a chill. Have the hot coffee and tea running freely to warm everyone up.

In a worst case scenario, you always wish you had been better prepared than you are. But many times, worst case scenarios seem to happen when you are least prepared for unfortunate times. In the moving industry, worst case scenarios happen all too often. Unfortunately; the customer is the victim in many worst case Milwaukee moving scenarios. As a consumer in the midst of relocating, it is your duty to do as much within your power to avoid worst case scenarios, such as: damaged furniture, scratched floors, broken windows and walls, movers getting injured in your home, and of course slow-paced movers. Just to name a few. Already a pretty ugly list, but it goes on. Local Milwaukee movers who you can trust, will likely put all these concerns to rest from the onset, which is great if you are lucky enough to call the right Milwaukee mover. But irreputable Milwaukee area movers aren’t going to tell you that their employees are unskilled, have a bad history of damaging property, they are uninsurable, that they get little to no business and prolong every job they are lucky enough to get. All you will likely hear is what you’re probably looking for, which is a dirt cheap hourly rate, which will sound like a dirt cheap price. Makes sense when you’re moving in Milwaukee on a budget. Don’t fall for what many looking to move locally in Milwaukee fall for all too often. Ask the right questions: Are your movers experienced? Are your employees full-time? Are you licensed and insured? Do you outsource to inexperienced day laborers or temps? Don’t settle for less than the best Milwaukee mover . As a consumer you deserve a good service. Take this food for thought, and ensure a well orchestrated local Milwaukee move for you and your family this year.