Usps Mail Forwarding

Posted on October 22, 2021 by jstfort

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

Posted on September 27, 2021September 27, 2021 by jstfort

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

Posted on September 27, 2021September 27, 2021 by jstfort

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.

How To Pack For A Move – The Basics

Posted on February 24, 2020November 23, 2021 by jstfort

How To Pack For A Move

Packing up and moving away to a new home or location can be very stressful. The secret to successful moving is in organizing your valuables to make it easy to pack, move, unpack, and re-stock. We will layout some how to pack for a move basics to help get you going in the right direction. Now keep in mind, packing for a move is complex due to the variety of items that you need to pack. Depending on the item, the packing process may vary greatly.

Packaging Materials Required:

Tape

Markers

Boxes of varying sizes

Bubble wrap

Blanket packing paper

Newsprint

Let’s Look At The Types Of Packing Materials:

Boxes

Boxes are a great way to store items to help protect them from the rigors of moving while shipping. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit almost every type of thing you need to pack.

3 cubic feet

This size box is ideal for packing canned foods, books, and more substantial items.

4.5 cubic feet

These slightly larger boxes are suitable for packing small lamps, lampshades, clothing, and shoes. You can also pack coats, quilts, blankets, children’s toys, and some lamps and lampshades depending on their height.

Dish boxes

They are taller and bigger than the other boxes and offer lots of protection for dishes, plates, glasses, and other fragile items. They come with dual-enforced walls for things that need additional cushioning during transport.

Paper

Paper is also another good source of packing material. You can choose a range of paper products to suit the item you wish to pack. Here are two good options:

Newsprint

Newsprint comprises over 95 percent wood pulp and is eco-friendly. It is ideal for wrapping fragile items like china, crystal, and other valuables. The paper is also highly absorbent and will protect your items from moisture during shipping.

Blanket paper

This type of wrapping paper consists of layers of high-quality, durable, breathable material. Blanket paper is excellent for wrapping picture frames, and large items like mirrors, televisions, computer monitors, and antiques. Besides, you can also wrap bedroom, living room and dining room furniture, fridges, washing machines, and freezers.

The layers help protect large items from scratches and bumps, and even damp, humid shipping conditions.

Bubble Wrap

This is a type of clear, flexible wrapping solution that provides loft of cushioning for a wide range of packing needs. It consists of sheets of film with air bubbles trapped inside the layers. Bubble wrap is lightweight and comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses.

It is one of the best packing materials available. It’s highly durable, affordable, recyclable and reusable, and offers excellent protection for all your valuables. The eco-friendly material also provides lots of insulation and extra cushioning to help reduce friction on impact when shipping.

Bubble wrap is also very versatile and suitable for wrapping items of almost any shape or size. You can also use the sheets to help provide layers of lining in your packing boxes. The lining acts as a protective barrier for delicate items.

Tapes

Taping is essential to seal your boxes to help protect the boxes from opening during transport. You can seal the items before placing them in the boxes and also around the seams of the boxes for extra reinforcement.

Tapes are available in brown or transparent colors, among others. Choose a durable sticky tape that can withstand hot and cold temperatures as well as moisture.

Before You Begin To Pack:

Have all of your packing materials close to hand.
Set up your workstation with paper, bubble wrap, tape, scissors, and markers.
Select a table or countertop with adequate space for comfort and convenience.
Lay your wrapping material on a flat surface.
Select the size box for the item you wish to pack.
Proceed to wrap, seal, and box the items according to instructions.

Packing Tips:

Make a list of each item by room
Label each box as you pack
Place heavier items at the bottom of each box
Fill up extra spaces in the box to avoid friction
Seal each box when full

Wrap UP

Moving and packing can be an exciting and daunting task all at the same time. Taking care of your valuables is essential and needs special attention to keep them intact during transport. Make sure you use the correct packing materials and procedures for each item you wish to store.

Finally, label each box and make a list of all items according to the rooms they will go in when you relocate. It will help make unpacking and setting up a more enjoyable and stress-free experience. To hire a professional and to help with all your moving packing needs click here.

Cleaning A House Checklist

Posted on February 24, 2020September 20, 2022 by jstfort

Pre- and Post-Move Cleaning Checklist

Moving a house can be a challenging experience. You have to adequately plan it for everything to happen as per your schedule. When you are planning to move there are many things that you have to do and one of them is cleaning. The idea of cleaning can be daunting to many but if it is done on time it will help you reduce unnecessary baggage when moving. When you clean your current house, you will ensure that the house is in good condition and your deposit will be guaranteed. No matter how tired you are you should try to clean it so that your moving process will be easy. In addition, before you move, clean the house you are moving into. This way you will not be worried about any germs or dirt once you have settled. Besides, you will not have time to clean once your boxes are delivered.

Moving out cleaning tips

For the cleaning to be effective it is critical that you have cleaning supplies at hand. There are certain cleaning supplies that you cannot do without when moving your house. Some of these include white vinegar, glass cleaners, disinfecting cleaners, dusting cloths, cleaning cloths, nylon-bristled scrubbers, and different kinds of brushes. It is vital that you should not load these items on your moving truck because you want to clean your current house quickly and move. It is recommended that you clean the house by task and not by room this way you will handle your takes as fast you can. You will need to follow the checklist below to help you during the moving process.

Move Out Cleaning Checklist

Now that you have the basics on what cleaning should involve before and after the move the next aspect is to do a checklist that will guide you to do the cleaning effectively.

Kitchen

Empty all your drawers and cabinets out then wipe them clean with a mild cleaner and soft sponge. Do not forget to remove your liners and replace them with new ones, once they have dried completely. Clean countertops with warm soapy water and disinfect them to reduce bacterial and mold growth. Use specialized glass cleaner to make all the glass elements in your kitchen to shine. Scrub your sinks and faucets with appropriate cleaning products use chlorine-free bleach to make them shine. Drop lemon slices to remove any odors. Empty and clean the refrigerator by removing the drawers and shelves and wipe with the right appliance inside with soapy water. Remove the grills from the oven and racks and scrub them clean with soapy water. You can use steel wool to scrub and pay attention to the oven glass door. Remove all the grease and grime from the entire stove surface. For the dishwasher, shake baking soda and damp sponge and wipe down all the surfaces. Add a small amount of bleach to remove any bacteria. Finish the cleaning by sweeping and mopping the kitchen floor.

Bathrooms

Tiles

Scrub the tiles and grout with a cleaner that contains bleach and rinse them well.

Tub and shower

Clean the tub, shower road, tub fixtures, shower head, and the shower enclose and ensure that all the soap scum is removed. Use adequate disinfectant to rinse all the surfaces well this will ensure that there is no bacteria build-up.

Sinks

Scour the sink and pay attention to the handles, faucets and chromed surfaces. Use an old toothbrush to get to areas that are hard to reach with a normal brush.

Countertops and vanities

Remove all the items and clean them with soapy water and a damp cloth.

Toilet

Sanitize the toilet tank, bowl, and seat and wipe the roll holder.

Clean the bathroom floor well.

Bedrooms and living room

Clean the window frames, sills, casings, tracks, blinds and glass panels. Clean all the flying screens inside and outside. Wash the curtains and wipe down air conditioners.

Empty wardrobes and polish the surfaces if possible. For any fabric or leather apply a protector to keep them clean and shiny. Wash the rugs and clean them well.

Outside area

It is not applicable if you are living in an apartment. However, if you have one clean all the storage areas and shed floor. remove all your possessions from your yard and eliminate dust and cobwebs from window sills and evens. Ensure the outdoor lighting is clean and in working condition.

Moving in cleaning checklist

Apart from following the cleaning tips for the move out you should also follow the cleaning tips and embrace the checklist when moving into your new home. You can use the tips that we have indicated previously. However, this will depend on what you have in the area.

Deep clean the house before your items are delivered

It is important to note that you will not have to clean once your items arrive at your new destination. Cleaning them before you move helps a lot because once they are delivered you will be maintaining the cleanliness. You should take some time to clean the house that you are moving into because once you have all the items delivered with boxes crowding over you will not have a chance to do a deep cleaning.

Kitchen

Cabinets, drawers, and counters

Wipe down all the drawers, countertops, and cabinets with disinfectant spray. Add a lining to the cabinets, countertops, drawers once they are disinfected and allow it to dry.

Fridge and stovetop

Remove all the top parts of the drawers, fridge shelves and clean them before moving into cleaning the fridge itself. Soak them in a tub filled with warm soapy water. After some time dry the parts once you have wiped all the surfaces of the fridge and stovetop. After cleaning to prevent any odors place a tray of fresh or used coffee grounds at the back.

Dishwasher

Pour a cup of white vinegar on a dishwasher container and place it on top of the rack of the washer. Run the washer for one cycle and you should have a clean washer.

Bathroom

Toilets

Replace all the toilet seats and covers. This is an inexpensive way to ensure that you have a fresh and clean start. Wipe down every surface including the medicine cabinets with disinfectant spray.

General

Once you have settled sage your home, this will give it a new start and clear any negative energy that may be lingering in space. Place the sage in a clay bowl or any other heatproof surface and light a match. Give the sage a few minutes to build some nice smoke before you begin to clean the house.

Take pictures

Before you unpack take some time to take pictures or videos of the entire home. This will help you track the cleanliness and how you can arrange your items.

Cleaning a home is very important when moving out and moving in. Everyone wants to feel at home in a new house and cleanliness is a big part of that. whether moving locally, out of state or international be sure you book the right moving company to help make the process as smooth as possible. Click here for a free estimate today.

Floor Planner

Posted on April 19, 2012July 16, 2019 by olympiamoving

As indicated throughout the Olympia Site, the success of a move largely hinges upon planning and preparation. The more prepared that you are for move day, the smoother the relocation process will typically be.

Aside from our Move Planner, we recommend a tool called Floor Planner to prepare for your move. This tool allows you to design the layout of your new home, create 3-D maps, and play with some different ideas in terms of how and where to position your furniture. It is very intuitive to use and, most importantly it is FREE!

This tool is also not limited to residential spaces, and can be a great resource in planning out office configurations.