Removing Junk

Chances are, you’ll come across things that are better off in the dumpster than your suitcase when you’re packing for a move. That’s why it’s important to know your options when it comes to removing junk before your next move. 

Rent a Dumpster

Sometimes a little brute force is all you need to solve your problems. If you can’t keep everything, then throw everything away! Renting a dumpster is an effective way to get rid of everything in one fell swoop. Your service provider will drop off a dumpster at your doorstep and pick it up when you’re done with it.

Hold an Estate Sale

If you have items that are a little too big, like furniture and electronics, an estate sale should get rid of most of it, while raking in some cash for you on the side. Advertise the event online, put a sign up, and people will flock in for whatever you need gone.

Sell on Local Online Marketplaces

If you have the time and effort, selling items online can net you the most profit. Listing them on community forums like Facebook groups, Facebook Marketplace, and other online market tools can net you the most profits. The only downside is the time consuming nature of selling things online. 

Donate Items

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Your 10 year old TV may be unusable to you, but there’s someone out there that can probably use it. Donation centers like Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and Savers are a great place to donate your belongings.

If you anticipate there to be lots of junk during your next move, remember to rent a dumpster or get rid of as much of it as possible before your movers arrive. Full transparency and insight into your project will help your movers plan accordingly and ensure your expectations are met. Feel free to reach out to our team of professionals as our services can manage the gamut of junk removal needs. Contact Olympia for a free quote today!

 

Office Relocation Checklist

There are many reasons why offices or a company may relocate. Whether you are, expanding and growing, trying to reduce costs, or have a lease that is expiring, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re approaching your relocation in the right way. It is important that you put together a good strategy when putting together your office relocation checklist.  There are many things that you will want to consider when selecting your new office. Here is a checklist for your office relocation.

 

Location Is Everything

 

Map view of office relocation
Mapping out your office relocation

 

Three of the main things that you should consider are demographic, consumer base, and resources. This may be the biggest point of emphasis on your office relation checklist.

 

Demographic

Whether you are downsizing or expanding you may have to make some new hires. Choosing a location where there is a significant talent pool for your industry is very important. Hiring is one of the most difficult things for a company. Having a variety of options will help with this relocation process a lot.

Consumer base

Depending on your industry and the customers you serve, more likely than not you’re going to want to choose a location where you can easily serve your consumer base. This is where you’re going to have to get to know and understand your consumer identity. When this is understood you can identify a location that has a large enough market size for your business.

Selecting a location with the right economic status is extremely important. It’s important to be sure that the community in the market you choose can afford your product or services.

 

Resources

As a business owner, you know the resources that your business needs to operate day-to-day. Selecting a location where you will easily have access to those resources is vitally important. Not only is the access to these resources important but the convenience and price have to be factored into play as well.

 

Office Size

Image of office size for relocation

Identifying the goal of your office relocation beforehand will help you when choosing your office sizes. It may be clear to say that if you are expanding you will be looking for a larger office, if you are downsizing you will be looking for a smaller office. Consider the growth stage that you are in and be sure to plan around that growth. The last thing you would want to do is have to plan another relocation because you miss judged your future company size.

 

 

 

 

The numbers

A calculator with a pen and financial statement

What it all comes down to, it’s all about the numbers. You’re going to want to find an office location where the rent or lease fits your finances. In some situations, it may be smarter to own than to rent. Taking a good look at your business and deciding what path is good for your company will help you in the long run. This extremely important to your checklist, the last thing you want to do is have an office relocation hurt your business.

Decorating Your Room

Your bedroom should be your personal sanctuary. That’s why it’s important to make sure that it’s a place that you’ll be happy to wake up in mornings, a place you’re glad to be in when your day ends, and a place you’re excited to be in during other times. 

Use Subtle and Neutral Colors

Bold colors can become a bit too tiring over time. It is much more cost effective and efficient to go with a more neutral color on the walls and then accent it with furniture and decoration.

Leave Yourself Some Space

There’s nothing worse than not being able to move around your own bedroom. It can lead to more stress and frustration. If you need storage space, utilize your walls by using wall storage and shelves to free up the floor. 

Express Yourself

Your bedroom is all about you. So make sure to express yourself with decor you want to see every day. Utilize your walls and put on display your favorite artworks and hobbies. Store anything else in unassuming drawers to keep the attention on what matters in your room

At Olympia, we understand how important your home is to you. That is why with our 30+ years of experience, we make sure that we bring you the care you will expect from professionals. Feel free to reach out to our team of professionals as our crew can make sure everything is placed properly. Contact Olympia for a free quote today!

Rent a Trailer

Sometimes, you just want to get the job done yourself, but don’t have the vehicles necessary for the job. Renting a whole truck out just doesn’t seem very practical. That’s why renting a trailer could be the solution for you. 

What is a Trailer?

A trailer is simply an unpowered vehicle towed by a powered vehicle. It is typically harnessed onto the tow hitch of a vehicle and driven around as an extension, usually to move a large number of items. 

How to Install a Trailer

First and foremost, you’ll have to install a tow hitch. This is typically an easy DIY job, as long as you have the means and space to jack your car up and have instructions to guide you through every step of the way. Otherwise, it can be done for you by professionals for an upcharge. After that, you simply install the trailer to your vehicle as per instructions.

Is a trailer just not enough for you move? Feel free to reach out to our team of professionals as our crew can make sure everything is moved without a hitch. Contact Olympia for a free quote today!

Decorating a Home

Home is where the heart is. You want to make sure that your home is a space you’d want to return to at the end of the day. Decorating it to your preferences is one of the best ways to accomplish that. Here are some tips and guidelines to follow when you have the chance to decorate your home.

Set a Theme

Are you more of a traditionalist? Or are you more of a modernist? Do you like botanicals or the sea? Questions like these can help guide you in finding the right furniture and decoration. There’s nothing worse than a clash of two or more styles. Once you settle on a theme, use resources like Pinterest to find more unique ideas to further customize your home. 

Stay Consistent

There is nothing worse than a break in consistency. This leads to eyesores that will live rent free in the back of your mind until you fix it. Here are some thighs to keep in mind

  • Stay within a set color pallet so thing would stick out
  • If you’re using wood, make sure the color and grain of it stay consistent (floor, tables, furniture, etc.)
  • Use similar shapes. If your home is using more geometrical décor, avoid circles. Vice versa
  • If you have dated and mismatched handles, replace them all with new ones.

Optimize Your Space

Balancing your space is just as important as decorating it. Too much décor can lead to clutter. Try out some of these tips to optimize your space.

  • Use mirrors wherever possible to give the illusion of a bigger space.
  • Paint your ceilings white to give a sense of a higher ceiling.
  • Layer different light sources.
  • Measure twice so you only have to buy once. 

Preparing for a move and don’t want the hassle? Have lots of ideas but don’t have the manpower to execute it? Feel free to reach out to our team of professionals as our crew can make sure everything is placed properly. Contact Olympia for a free quote today!

Dumpster Rental

You don’t truly know how much you have in your possession until you have to clear your home out. Dumpster rentals are perfect for helping get rid of unwanted goods when you are planning to move out of a home, have a large construction project, or junk removal in general. Here are some details about dumpster rentals if you’re looking to rent one for your next move or project.

Cost of Rental

The cost of a rental dumpster is determined by size and the final weight of the dumpster when the service provider comes to pick it up. Your provider will typically offer a quote that is based on delivery, disposal, location and size of the bin. Typically, there is a set price for each cubic yard of the dumpster. Remember to keep your junk within the bin and don’t go over the top of the bin to avoid extra charges

What to Put in the Dumpster

Most junk can be placed into the dumpster  such as construction waste,  yard waste, household junk clean outs, furniture, most appliances, demolition debris, and much more. It would be best to consult with your provider for a proper list of things that you cannot throw into the bin. Typically those things include, but are not limited to; hazardous materials such as automotive products, paint, chemicals, used tires, batteries, CFL light bulbs, fuels, used oils, lawn and garden products, fertilizers, pesticides, Asbestos, medical waste, and hazardous liquids and cleaners. Additionally, Items such as Freon appliances (refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.) and CRT TV’s are a no go.

If you anticipate there to be lots of junk during your next move, remember to rent a dumpster or find a service provider that may be able to assist in renting the dumpster and doing the physical removal of the debris. Full transparency and insight into your project will help your movers plan accordingly and ensure your expectations are met. Feel free to reach out to our team of professionals as our services can manage the gamut of junk removal needs.. Contact Olympia for a free quote today!

Moving Costs

One of the most stressful times in your life is moving. Not only does the act of moving require significant preparation, but it’s usually the little things that keep you up at night, and most notably the associated costs which can escalate the anxiety. Let’s take a high-level look at the moving costs that can be expected before, during and after your move.

Travel and time to find a place

This can be defined as a passive moving cost. While there may not be an explicit bill for your time, like most people you need to take time and energy to locate your next home, whether its an apartment in the city or a house in the suburbs. As the adage goes, time is money, and this is no different. Especially with the current housing and rental market, you may be spending more time than anticipated or traveling further than you thought. This is a hidden moving cost to consider.

Realtor fees

Depending on the location and type of home you move into, you may require the assistance of a realtor. Your agreement with your realtor may or may not require you to pay a fee. If you are buying a home,

chances are the seller will take this cost on, however if moving into an apartment in a desirable area, you may need to fork over some cash as a realtor fee. This is a moving cost that could be significant.

Closing costs

For those purchasing a home, this is a moving cost that can be somewhat disheartening. From lawyers fees, to homestead to the realtor’s cut, these bills add up and could be a significant hit to your bank account. This is usually an unavoidable part of your moving costs that cannot be overlooked as a part of your budget.

Packing supplies costs

You’re almost there! You found your next home, all the papers are signed, and now comes the hard part, the physical packing of items. Sometimes you can underestimate how much stuff you really have and how much of it you want to transport. From closets, to under beds, to that junk drawer, you will most likely need packing supplies, and it is not cheap! If you’re lucky, you can stumble upon free supplies (usually boxes) from members of a local Facebook group. And that’s half the battle! Keep in mind, you may need tape or some sort of void fill or protective wrapping to ensure your items stay secure during transport. Maybe you want to hire your movers to provide full-service packing as well? While expensive, it’s a tremendous way to optimize your move and limit your stress.

Cleaning Costs

This is another sneaky cost that you may not consider when calculating your moving costs. Whether it’s hiring a professional cleaner, or spending your time scrubbing, sweeping, wiping, and more, this is a cost to consider as a part of your move.

Daycare/pet care (if required)

Some people like to focus completely on their move. Whether you have a pet running around or younger children that can potentially interfere with your packing plan, these are in part moving costs to consider. If you have a short window of time to pack, and require the most efficient and distraction free situation, this may be an additional moving cost to consider.

Rental truck/Movers

You’re there! It’s move day and your boxes and furniture are ready to go to your new home. How will you do it? Most people don’t have access to a vehicle that can haul everything at once. This is an integral part of your moving costs, and usually the biggest one to note. Make sure you do your research and identify the mover with the best reviews and the expertise to provide you a worry-free service. Keep in mind, cheapest is not always best, and those cheapo movers could cause additional moving costs due to inexperience, inefficiency, or carelessness. If you’re moving yourself, time and gas are considerations as well.

Storage(if required) Can all your stuff fit in your new home? Are you in between homes for a little bit? Storage is something to consider as a part of your moving costs in the case that you will need to utilize some extra space.

Usps Mail Forwarding

The little things: Did you remember to forward USPS mail?

The complexities of moving are often hidden. The overarching notion of moving your stuff from point A to point B seem relatively simple. However, as you zoom in and pick apart the requirements and things needed to make your move successful: before, after and during, the term overwhelming comes to mind.

Most likely before your move comes the detail with housing. Buying or renting? Well, make sure the logistics line up for when you want to move. And once you land on that info, then there’s the moving preparation. Decluttering, sifting through all your items, packing all your items, will it all fit? Do I need any other furniture?

During the move, the complexity rears its ugly head in the form of aligning all schedules and the frantic pace throughout the actual move day.

And now after, once you get through the move comes the settling in and set up, which could take months. And while all this was going on, did you remember the little things, for example that you may need to forward USPS mail?

Luckily for you, you can depend on Olympia Moving & Storage to help you through every step of the process, providing tools to make things like needing to forward USPS mail an afterthought. As a moving company with 30 years of experience, we can assist with your relocation providing you access to the latest technology all in one place. Our moving resource center can help you navigate through your move, no matter what stage you are in, providing timely tools, tips and resources at your fingertips.  In addition to the USPS Mail forward capabilities, we can help you research and transfer utilities, provide insight into your new neighborhood services and send out moving announcements to your friends and family.

As we always suggest, do you research first for moving companies. The reviews, the experience and find yourself a partner and not just a one and one service provider. Your USPS mail will thank you!

Reach out to us today at 800 222 4744 or here for a free quote today.

Removing Junk

Whenever you start to pack for a move, you’ll soon realize the astronomical amount of junk that you have lying around the office. With so much to go through and so little time, it’s easier to just get rid of everything. Consider using one of these tips during your next move.

Host a Yard Sale

If you have the time and want to recoup some of the cost of your items, this is the way to go. Spread the word on social media and pick a perfect day with pleasant weather to set up shop. However, this method takes up a lot of time and requires a lot of planning and effort to execute. If you don’t have the time, consider the other options below!

Give to Donation Centers

There are many donation centers like Goodwill and The Salvation Army that always welcome donations to give back to those in need. More often than not, those kinds of services may even do free pick up for goods that you plan on donating. Call your local organization to see if they provide these services. 

Find Free Services

Every state is different, but one constant is that there’s always some sort of free incentive to help you get some unwanted junk out. For instance, Masssave(out of Massachusetts)  has an incentive where they will recycle your fridge and give you a 75$ rebate for it. Do you research when applicable and minimize that cost!

Hire Specialized Junk Removal Companies

If you need the junk gone as soon as possible and can’t spare the time to coordinate things yourself, hiring junk removal companies to take care of it for you is always an option! Olympia offers liquidation and decommissioning services so you can count on us to not only clean and move your space, but also get rid of junk, dispose of documents securely, and donate your assets to the right places. 

For more information about all the services that Olympia offers, take a look at our list of services here.

Car Shipping Cross Country

When making a move across country, one of the more challenging decisions will be identifying how to ship your car to your destination. Unfortunately, you can’t just stuff it in a box. With options out there such as open trailers or enclosed trailers, we look at some of the most important things to consider when moving your car across country:

Due Diligence is even easier this day and age:

There are many auto transport companies out there, and they are not all equal! Depending on your origin and destination, type of service required, there may be multiple service providers. Do a thorough look into the company, digging deep into their social reviews across multiple platforms (Google, Yelp, Facebook, etc..) Take a look at their business summary on Better Business Bureau as well, which will speak to their history and accreditation. The internet is your best friend for this type of initial vehicle transport research. Always cross reference and check various sites to get multiple perspectives on car shippers. This will help form a holistic perspective of a company’s reputation.

Read the fine print!

Many times, an auto transport provider will look good due to their marketing efforts across social media, but it’s the contract and the fine print that will tell the real story. This paperwork includes the contract and well as the Bill of Lading (the legal document issued by the carrier) that will highlight the scope and details of your move. Ensure they are no questionable items or any critical info missing that are directly related to the details. This includes insurance, damage, items left in car, shipping duration or any other details specific to having your car transported safely between states.

Your car’s condition

There’s always the potential for damage when shipping your car, or anything, long distance. The best way to protect yourself and hold the right party accountable is documentation! In this case, when we’re talking shipping your vehicle, both you and the carrier/driver should agree and document your car’s condition. The best strategy is to have a nice clean car(both inside and out) ready for pickup. This will provide the highest visibility for the shipper(and you) to notate any damage upon receiving the car. If you take a walk around and agree upon the condition and (most importantly) note in on the documentation, this will offer clear evidence of any damage, if any was to occur.

Should I pack my car to ship across country?

A common best practice is that if you’re moving across country, then filling your car full of items may seem like an efficient way to ship these items. While this is definitely a good way to possibly save some

money, discuss this scenario with your insurance agent so that in a worst case scenario, your items will be covered.

As will all things moving, reputations and reviews, in this day and age, matter above all else. Whether you’re shipping your car from Boston, Austin, NJ/Philly or Washington D.C. area, make sure you work with a company that has the experience and expertise to provide the optimal transport option and the best customer service overall.