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Move-Out & Renovations Assistance at DC-Area Universities

Posted on May 31, 2013 by olympiamoving

Olympia crews picking up students' boxes at Catholic University — Olympia crews picking up students’ boxes at Catholic University

Olympia Office Movers have hit the ground running this season with projects at several DC-area universities.

With finals behind our area college students, the last step before a beach-filled summer was the move out of their dorms. Olympia was there to assist.

Our Washington DC moving crews were all over the campuses of Catholic, Georgetown, Howard, American, Loyola, and Johns Hopkins Universities as well as University of Maryland.

Services to the students included the pickup of their boxes direct from the dorms, which were then transported to our secured warehouse for the summer. When the summer winds down, we will be meeting each student with their boxes before the new school year begins.

Noted Georgetown University freshman Abagail C, “This service is great! I am from New Jersey and don’t have room in my Civic for all my items. I will definitely use Olympia again.”

At American University, Olympia assisted with the removal of old dorm furniture at Letts Hall. 120 rooms were cleared and prepped for a much-needed renovation this summer. All the furniture is destined for Haiti, where it will be used in schools, churches, and hospitals.

Do you need help preparing for a renovation or another type of commercial move? Please feel free to contact Rob Weeks in commercial business development at [email protected] or visit this link to set up a free estimate. We’d welcome the opportunity to discuss our services with you.

PDF version of this newsletter

May is National Moving Month!

Posted on May 16, 2013 by olympiamoving

Happy National Moving Month from Olympia Moving & Storage!

May kicks off the summer moving season. Due to school vacation and good weather, the majority of moves take place from May through September.

Movers have a lot to celebrate this May. Over 36 million Americans relocated in 2012, and the 2013 moving season is expected to be even busier. Thanks to organizations like the American Moving & Storage Association, the industry has made great progress protecting consumers by weeding out “rogue” movers and helping relocating Americans find not just reputable companies, but companies that will deliver a great experience. Many movers are also planning for the future. By integrating mobile phones, tablets, and web resources into the relocation process, moving companies are making your move more efficient and a better customer experience.

Here at the Olympia offices it’s no question that moving season has arrived! The phones are ringing off the hook and the schedule is quickly booking up.

Every summer our staff works long hours to accommodate as many Olympia customers as possible. As we transition into the moving season, we always like to remind our customers of a few key steps they can take to ensure their move is executed as planned:

1. Plan Early

Contact Olympia early in the process to ensure availability. Each company only has so many trucks and crew members available, so the most coveted moving dates can fill up as far as a month in advance! If you’re moving at the beginning or end of the month, pay special attention to this tip, as those dates are the first to reach capacity.

2. Protect Your Move

While there are several excellent moving companies in Greater Boston & Washington DC areas, there are also a host of bad movers. Your clients should understand that when it comes to moving, price and value are not synonymous. Make sure the moving company you select is registered, licensed, and insured on protectyourmove.gov. You can also check that the moving company is reputable by checking out their BBB.org profile.

3. Use Resources

To mitigate stress, utilize Olympia’s extensive moving resource center to guide you through every step of the relocation process. You can find dozens of articles and videos on every moving-related topic, including moving tips, packing tips, choosing a mover, and protecting your move.

4. Communicate

Effective communication, planning, and preparation are essential to a successful move. Keep in touch with your move coordinator as you have questions and changes for your move. It’s important to give as much notice as possible for changes in the move plan, such as shifting dates, adding extra stops, large changes in the size of your shipment, and requesting packing help.

Who’s My Interstate Moving Company Again?

Posted on April 25, 2013 by olympiamoving

April marks the one year anniversary of Wheaton World Wide Moving’s acquisition of Bekins Van Lines. This growing partnership created the fourth-largest household goods carrier in the country.

So what does that mean for you, the Olympia Moving & Storage customer?

There is sometimes confusion around the relationship between Olympia Moving & Storage and these two van lines.

A large number of reputable moving companies are an agent for an interstate van line. Olympia Moving & Storage became an agent for Wheaton World Wide Moving in 1996. This means that Olympia has access to Wheaton resources and hundreds of agents around the country to help us perform quality and affordable interstate moves for our customers. However, Olympia is still an independently owned and operated company, and gives every customer the personal attention their move deserves.

Last year Wheaton World Wide acquired Bekins Van Lines. This expansion added over one hundred additional dependable agents to their network. Though these van lines operate as two brands, they are all part of one integrated system of moving agents that lend each other resources, drivers, and crew members. Olympia Moving & Storage is just one agent in this great organization, and is part of the Wheaton brand.

Here’s how the Wheaton | Bekins network impacts your move:

If you book an interstate move with Olympia, our in-house coordination staff manages every move to ensure that all parties are working together to provide a smooth relocation. We are your contact and advocate throughout the entire process.

If the distance of your move is under 600 miles, it’s classified as a short haul. In this case, your driver will most likely be an Olympia driver and your crew in Massachusetts or Virginia will be an Olympia crew. Since you are moving across state lines, you may be moving to or from an area without on Olympia office. Therefore, we will use the Wheaton network’s help if we need crews or services at your home in another part of the country.

If the distance of your move is over 600 miles, it’s classified as a long haul. In this case, there is a chance that your driver will be an Olympia driver, but it could also very likely be a Wheaton or Bekins driver. Your crew will still be Olympia employees in Massachusetts or Virginia, but your crew in another part of the country will come from other Wheaton or Bekins agents. The Olympia coordination staff also works with the coordination staff at Wheaton headquarters to manage your move.

If you’re moving locally (within state lines), then it’s simple: your coordination staff, drivers, and movers are all in-house Olympia employees.

Regardless of where you’re moving, Olympia employees will always be intimately involved in planning and managing your move to ensure your relocation is up to our high standards.

At Olympia Moving & Storage, we consider ourselves lucky to be part of such a wide network of moving professionals. It allows us to ensure that every step of the move will be handled by highly trained, quality employees no matter where you’re going.

Other common questions on interstate moving:

What is a Moving Shuttle?

When is the Delivery Date of My Interstate Move?

How Do I Read an Interstate Moving Estimate?

What is a Moving Shuttle?

Posted on March 27, 2013 by olympiamoving

There’s usually a few components to interstate moves that are industry standards, but unfamiliar to moving newbies. One such component is a moving shuttle. Below are some of our frequently asked questions and answers around shuttles to help our customers understand why they’re a necessary element to many interstate moves.

What is a shuttle?

A shuttle service allows us to serve customers who are moving into or out of homes that are difficult to access with a tractor trailer truck. The shuttle is a smaller truck that the customer’s goods are loaded onto at their home. A shuttle truck allows the driver and crew to bring the vehicle close to the residence and load or unload your possessions as safely and efficiently as possible. A shuttle is sometimes also called an auxiliary service.

How does it work?

Before the pick up or delivery occurs, the moving consultant or driver will scope out the residence to determine if a shuttle is needed. If it is determined that the tractor trailer cannot access the home, the driver will rent a smaller truck. He will leave his tractor trailer in a safe location (usually at a fellow Wheaton agent’s secure warehouse), and bring the small truck to the residence to expertly move the household goods out. The driver then drives the loaded shuttle truck back to his tractor trailer, and offloads everything onto the tractor trailer truck. Now that the customer’s items are safely loaded onto his truck, the driver can hit the road and make his way to the customer’s destination. The process is the same but reverse if the shuttle occurs at the destination address.

What are situations in which a shuttle would be used?

Movers need to use shuttles in any situation where the tractor trailer cannot access the home. Most shuttles are needed for urban residences due to the narrow streets, lack of parking, and limited space to maneuver in cities. Some neighborhoods and apartment complexes do not allow tractor trailers on the premises. However, sometimes shuttles are also needed in even the most rural areas due to unpaved driveways with wet or loose ground, access that is too steep or includes a tight bend, or clearance problems due to tree branches or power lines.

Why are there extra costs associated with shuttles? If I don’t use it, do I get charged?

Yes, using a shuttle adds additional costs to the price of the move, the cost is based on a per hundred rate and dependent on the size (weight) of your move. Shuttles cost money because it’s almost like adding a local move on top of your interstate move, renting the truck and the additional time and labor to transfer everything from the small truck to the tractor trailer can all be costly. For this reason, drivers like to avoid using shuttles unless they are absolutely necessary, shuttles are not profitable for drivers, and the extra time slows down their trip. It is ultimately up to a driver whether or not a shuttle will be used. Even if your moving consultant includes a shuttle charge on your estimate, you will only be charged if the shuttle actually occurs.

Why doesn’t the driver use a smaller truck for the move instead?

In order to make interstate moving cost effective for both customers and moving companies, an interstate driver and moving truck almost always has multiple customers’ shipments on his truck at the same time. If the driver used a smaller truck, he could only bring one customer’s shipment from Massachusetts to Florida. With a large tractor trailer, he can also services several other customers along that route, making moving much more inexpensive for everyone.

If you have any other questions about shuttles, reach out to your moving coordinator.

Now that you have a better understanding of shuttles, request your free estimate for your interstate move.

Other great tips for Interstate Moving

Moving Tips in our Resource Center

When is the Delivery Date For My Interstate Move?

Moving Appliances & Special Furniture

Olympia works to renovate hotels for DC military families

Posted on March 20, 2013July 16, 2019 by olympiamoving

Olympia at Fort Belvoir — Olympia on the job at Fort Belvoir

Olympia Moving & Storage is at it again! For the past three months our commercial movers out of Alexandria, VA have been working with a military logistics firm at Fort Myer in Arlington, VA. The project was to assist with renovating a 50 room hotel on Fort Myer.

This project has Olympia using its full menu of commercial moving services: warehousing, deliveries, installation, and debris removal.

Olympia received all of the new furniture for this project at our warehouse, and over the past several months we worked to ensure the renovation went as smoothly as possible.

Brock, a site foreman on the job, said “I have worked on similar projects across the country and Olympia has been by far the easiest to work with. We get what we need from them when we need it and couldn’t ask for more.”

Recently, Olympia has been asked to assist with a similar but much larger project at Fort Belvoir. This project will certainly be a welcome challenge and our staff will no doubt handle it with the professionalism and competence we demonstrate on every commercial move!

PDF version of this newsletter

Moving Appliances & Special Furniture

Posted on February 6, 2013October 18, 2023 by olympiamoving

Some appliances and furniture need a little extra TLC in transit. Olympia can either service and prep these special pieces, or we can bring in one of our experts to make sure these items are 100% ready to be safely moved to your new home.

If you have any of the appliances or furniture called out below, be sure to bring them to the attention of your moving consultant during your in-home survey.

If you’re looking to save some money, here are some things you can do yourself to prep these items:

Refrigerator & Freezer

First, remove all the contents and either pack them in a cooler to bring to your new home or throw the perishables away. Unplug the fridge and freezer and let the freezer defrost over night. If your freezer has an ice maker, turn off the water supply, disconnect the water line, and turn the ice maker off. Wipe the fridge and freezer down in the morning and remove and pack all the interior shelves. You can see our video on how to pack a refrigerator here. The moving crew will properly wrap the fridge before they move it.

Washer & Dryer

For the washer, turn off the water hook-up, unhook the hoses, and unplug the washer and drain hose. Be careful of excess water. For the dryer, remove the metallic hose, unplug the dryer (electric), or turn off the gas then remove the hose (gas). If you have a front load washer, then you will need to use transit bolts in order to lock the washer for damage-free movement. If you do not have these bolts from when you purchased the appliance, ask your mover to bring in an expert to prepare the washer for the move.

Grandfather Clocks

The pendulum and weights must be detached from the clock before it can be moved. Additionally, we highly recommend crating this fragile piece before moving in order to avoid damage. Because grandfather clocks are so complex, it’s probably best to ask your moving company to bring in a clock expert to prep the timepiece, but you can also learn how to move your grandfather clock yourself.

Waterbeds

Your waterbed should be completely drained, the heater should be unhooked, and the mattress should be properly rolled or folded before moving. Then, disassemble your bed. Read about how to drain and move or store your waterbed.

Televisions

Use a special TV box to move flat screen and plasma TVs without incident. You can find detailed instructions on how to pack a television for moving in our guide to packing and moving electronics.

Pool tables

The pool table will need to be completely disassembled before it can be transitioned to your new home. This includes removing the bumpers, felt, slate, and legs from the table. Since pool tables can be both complex and heavy, we highly recommend not moving it yourself, but you can learn more about the steps to moving a pool table.

Pianos

Only the bravest would attempt to move a piano without professional help. Fortunately, our vanline is the official mover of Steinway and Sons, so we’re experts! Check out our essential guide to piano moving. Again, we highly recommend hiring movers, but you can learn more about how piano moving is done on your own.

6 Essential Tips for Packing Fragile Items

Our How To Pack Video Series

Stylish moving / change of address cards and e-cards

Posted on January 30, 2013May 18, 2017 by olympiamoving

So you’ve sold the house and booked the moving company. Now you’re ready to announce your big move in style! Whether you want to use old-fashioned snail mail or the speed of e-cards, there’s a variety of cute moving cards and moving e-cards on the market or for free!

Moving cards and moving e-cards are a great way to show off your new home or announce your change of address to your friends and family.

Paper moving and change of address cards

We put together this Pinterest board to inspire the creation or purchase of your own moving cards:

“We’re Moving” cards on Pinterest

Moving and change of address e-cards

If you want to go the cheaper route, these free e-cards will brighten your friends’ and families’ inboxes.

E-cards from Punchbowl

E-cards from U-Pack

Animated e-card from Hallmark

Your friends and family aren’t the only ones who need to know about your move! Double check against our list of agencies and institutions to inform of your address change.

Once you’re happily moved in, learn how to host the perfect housewarming party.

Olympia Makes Room For Better Living at Howard University

Posted on January 23, 2013May 18, 2017 by olympiamoving

Howard University dorms — Dormitories at Howard University

Howard University, located in Washington DC, first hired Olympia Moving & Storage in April 2012 for a small project on their NE campus. Since then, Howard University has used our services to remove old furniture from eight dormitories.

In August, we were called in to remove the contents from over 600 dorm rooms across the campus. After twelve trailer loads and working non-stop through three very hot days, Howard’s dorms were cleared and ready for some much needed remodeling.

More recently, Howard hired Olympia Moving to come back to their campus and empty an additional 200 dorm rooms. We were asked to accomplish the task in a two day window and on short notice. Howard’s campus staff was supposed to be taking a much needed vacation, but was asked to come in. Remarked one staff member, “I wasn’t too happy about having to work today, but when I saw Olympia arrive to work on my building, I knew it would be a short day.” Once again, we completed a large project under budget and before deadline.

Do you need help preparing for a renovation or another type of commercial move? Please feel free to contact Rob Weeks in commercial business development at [email protected] or visit this link to set up a free estimate. We’d welcome the opportunity to discuss our services with you.

How to Prep and Protect Furniture for Moving

Posted on January 9, 2013May 18, 2017 by olympiamoving

A new Olympia crew member in training to learn the right way to wrap furniture

Before you start bringing your furniture out to the truck: stop! There’s still a few steps you need to take to make sure your home and furniture will get through the move damage-free. Here are some precautions the professionals at Olympia Moving take every time to prep and protect furniture for moving. You can adopt these tips like a pro if you’re moving yourself, or you can make your life much easier and get an estimate for full-service moving.

– The first step is to make sure you have the right materials. You can purchase shrink wrap, bubble kraft, disposable furniture pads, and tape from many moving companies. You can find the order form for free materials delivery from Olympia Moving here.

– Disassemble as much furniture as possible, including beds, futons, and dining sets. This will make your furniture less bulky and easier to move. Keep organized by putting all the corresponding bolts and screws in a plastic baggie and tape it to the furniture piece.

– Shrink wrap your furniture. Not only is this a cheap way to keep your furniture clean in the truck, but it keeps drawers shut in transit. Alternatively, tape drawers shut so they don’t fall open.

– For fragile items and furniture with sharp corners, wrap the furniture in old blankets or furniture pads. This prevents damage to the piece and protects your new or former home if the furniture bumps into floors and walls on its way out.

– Also consider taping furniture pads to walls and railings inside your home. This is especially relevant in tight spaces like stairwells where furniture can scratch or gouge the walls as you move it through. Maybe you can get your security deposit back!

– Once your furniture is in the truck, prevent large pieces from shifting in transit with straps and bungee cords. Some rental trucks already come with these supplies, or you can request them.

Also be sure to check out these articles to prep for your move:

Tips on Packing Pictures and Mirrors

6 Essential Tips for Packing Fragile Items

Tips for the Perfect Housewarming Party

Posted on December 19, 2012 by olympiamoving

When the stress of your move is finally over, you can finally begin to enjoy your new home! There’s no better way to get off to a good start than hosting a housewarming party. Moving is a big accomplishment, you deserve to celebrate!

A housewarming party is the perfect opportunity to bring together new and old friends. If you moved locally, those that are close to you will be excited to see your new house. It’s a good chance to make new friends in the neighborhood. A party is also a great way to thank the people who helped you through your move from your realtor, to the friend that helped you pack, to the neighbor who baby-sat your kids.

Recipes

To keep it simple and casual, put together a spread of finger foods and h’orderves. This allows your guests to explore your new home as they snack. Set up 3-4 small food stations around the house to keep your guests from congregating in one area. Below are some easy and delicious recipes. If you want an even simpler option, frozen and pre-made appetizers have gone gourmet at grocers like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.

Spinich, ricotta, & pesto mini pizzas
Antipasto platter
Sliders with chipotle mayo
Bourbon meatballs
Apple & brie puff pastries

Party Games

They may seem cheesy, but including an original party game or two into the mix can help break the ice and set your party apart. Here’s some links to a few ideas:

The “Key in and win” game is pretty simple and original, just be sure to collect all the keys when you’re done!

People love trivia! The “New town trivia” game can create some friendly competition.

Unpacking

You’re likely going to want to wait a few weeks or months after the move to host a party so you have time to settle in. You can finish organizing your new home much quicker if you hire your movers for unpacking services.

Inspiration

Half the fun of party planning is the creative details! We put together this Pinterest board to help inspire your housewarming plans.

Housewarming Pinterest Board