Tag: moving tips

4 Tips For Moving Into a Historic Home

Posted on by rhunt

Old homes are filled with character and rich histories. For many, old homes are just as much a part of their family history as a part of the story of their location. There are many wonderful benefits to moving into a historic home, but there are also unique challenges.

Olympia has moved many historic homes in Boston, Washington DC, and Philadelphia – where there are an abundance of antique properties. Olympia Moving & Storage knows how to move in or out of a historic home quickly and efficiently, and use the best practices for you and your new home.

These are Olympia’s tips for moving into your own piece of history.

Your Furniture Might Not Fit

An extra-deep sofa or a king-sized bed may not fit through the door of a historic home. Tight spaces like doors, hallways, and unusual corner rooms can spell disaster for the unprepared. Measure the doorways and halls of your destination in advance, as well as the dimensions of your furniture.

If you find that your furniture doesn’t fit, a professional moving crew can offer solutions. One option is to disassemble the furniture piece so it can move through the tight space without damage. Then, the team can reassemble the piece in its new location.

Another option is to hoist or crane large items through a window. The team can pad and protect both the furniture and the window frame, then either hoist up the piece using rope and a ladder. If window is three or more stories high, the movers can utilize a crane to lift the piece.

 

Prep For Low Energy Efficiency

Moving into a historic home means giving up modern energy efficiency–at least for a little while. 1800’s architects did not design homes with energy costs in mind. Because of this, energy-saving appliances and fixtures are good options to reduce unavoidable energy waste. Understand what sort of wiring and plumbing you are dealing with prior to moving in so you can decide whether an upgrade is in order.

 

 

 

 

 

Antique Protecting

Protecting original furniture and fixtures is key during your move. Packing or protective padding and coverings are required for large, delicate objects like pianos, grandfather clocks, and glass tables. Some items may even need custom crates or special servicing. Again, a professional moving crew is the best defense against undue damage to antiques. For more on protecting furniture, see our blog post Protecting Furniture During a Move.

 

 

 

 

Protecting Your Home

The features of a historic house are works of art. Doors, original door frames, floors, windows, stained glass must also be protected from damage during a move. For example, intricate wood carving on walls can be nicked by other pieces of furniture moving past them. A professional crew can also take steps to protect against these kinds of damage as well. For more information, see our blog post Materials Movers Use to Protect Furniture & Your Home.

 

 

 

 

 

Know Your Home

Understand the history of your home. There are many barriers to making renovations and restorations to a historic home. Check the National Register of Historic Places for more information about general ownership. Individual states also have their own preservation laws. Fully understanding the responsibility of owning an historic home requires some research, so don’t wait to get started.

If you are planning on moving into a historic home, contact Olympia Moving and Storage today at 800-222-4744 or fill out our free estimate form.

How To Pack Records and Record Players

Posted on by rhunt

How To Pack Records and Record Players

Donna Summer, Fleetwood Mac, and Creedence Clearwater Revival all have to travel to your new home — make sure they get there in one piece! Follow our tips for safely packing records to move.

Use Quality Sleeves

Remove records from their jackets and paper sleeves. Toss the paper sleeves in favor of a poly sleeve for the record itself. Slide the jacket into its own outer sleeve, but do not reinsert the record into its jacket. Stack records vertically against their jackets when packing them into their box.

Invest in high-quality sleeves to prevent wear on jackets and records.

Pack Records Tight

Don’t leave records free to shift around in their boxes or they might chip on the ride to your new home. Pack them as tight as you can in 1.5 cu. ft. size (small) box, the best size for the width and weight of the records. For extra protection, fill your boxes with foam inserts, packing paper, or bubble wrap. Records can be heavy, so an additional benefit to a small box is separating your collection into manageable weights for moving.

If you’re unsure about the general best practices for packing, check out Olympia’s How To Pack series.

Keep It Cool

If you’re moving in high heat, your records are at risk of warping. Avoid leaving your records in the heat of the moving truck for an extended period of time. Interstate moves with records can be risky for this reason, so if you have the option, consider bringing your records in your car with you.

Make a Packing (Play)List

Keep a detailed list of all the records you own and their current condition to avoid unhappy surprises during unpacking. This also helps speed up organization when you arrive in your new home. Alphabetical order by artist is the most common method, but you can always pack your records in the order that you want to display them to save time.

How To Pack Record Players

If possible, remove the platter, tone arm, and turntable from the record player. Individually wrap each piece in packing paper or anti-static bubble wrap. Pack the player and its parts into a secure box with the heaviest pieces at the bottom. Fill any empty space in the box with foam, bubble wrap, and other sturdy material. If these parts cannot be removed, particularly the arm or needle guard, secure them with tape or twist ties.

If you are unsure about removing parts on your record player, focus instead on keeping all the components as secure as possible. Tape down any moving parts and secure the entire object in bubble wrap and foam. Just like your records, if you are putting you record player in a box, pack it with as little space as possible to prevent it from knocking around during the move.

If you and your record collection are ready to move, contact Olympia Moving & Storage to plan your move. Fill out our form online or give us a call at 800-222-4474 for a free estimate.

5 Tips for a Gardening Beginner

Posted on by rhunt

Moving to a new house is the perfect time to give gardening a try. As you settle into your new home, planting gardens is a great way to give the house curb appeal and make it a welcome outdoor space for your family to enjoy. If you moved from the city to the ‘burbs, you finally have more space to test our your green thumb. If you’re a gardening beginner, now is the time to get your hands dirty in your new yard!

 5 Tips for a Gardening Beginner

1. Decide What You Want To Grow

Like moving, a good plan is crucial to a gardening beginner.

Decide what you want to get out of your new space—and keep in mind that there are different levels of care for different types of gardens. If you’d like a no-hassle project that adds beauty to your backyard, consider a low-maintenance perennial spread. If you’re interested in a bigger challenge with tasty rewards, try out a bright vegetable garden.

2. Know Your New Yard

If you’ve made the jump to move farther north or south, research your new region. Hardiness zones help define which plants thrive in your climate. These are just guidelines, but they can be very help when selecting which plants will brighten up your new home. Check out the USDA’s Hardiness Zone Map.

3. Rain Is A Gardening Beginner’s Best Friend

If you have made the move from a dry climate like Phoenix to a damp climate like Seattle, keep in mind that your garden probably won’t need to be watered as much in periods of heavy rainfall or high humidity.

Protect your plants from over-watering. If your plants are wilting from too much moisture, try to plan your watering schedule around the weather—or befriend one of your new neighbors and ask a local gardener for advice.

4. Dry Heat? Fertilize!

Vice versa, if you’ve moved from a wet climate to a dry climate, you might need to take steps to help your new garden grow. Adding water-retaining fertilizer to your soil can assist even plants that are watered daily in dry, hot climates.

5. You Like Moving, But Your Plants Don’t!

Plant placement matters! While you are growing roots in your new home and community, your plants are doing the same. Observe your yard before planting to ensure plants are positioned to best meet their light, space, and soil needs.

If you have indoor plants that you are considering moving, be sure to check out our advice on moving plants.

If you’re thinking about listing your home, planting gardens, like home improvement, is also a great way to boost the curb appeal and price of your property!

Considering moving to a home with great gardening potential? Contact Olympia Moving and Storage at 800-222-4744 or get an instant moving estimate!

How to Safely Pack Gaming Equipment

Posted on by cclark

Your Xbox, Playstation, and consoles are sometimes among the most valuable items you are moving. It essential to safely pack gaming equipment so it does not get damaged during the transit of a move. It’s dangerous for your gaming equipment to go alone – take this advice from Olympia for moving your consoles safely.

The Tips for Packing Gaming Equipment

First things first, give your game consoles and electronic equipment a good cleaning or dusting. You don’t want to pack dusty equipment.

Find good packaging

Gather all the packaging you’ll need. The original packaging is the best choice, since it has already been optimized to provide the most protection to your device. If the Xbox or PlayStation box is long gone, check out allcases.com to find the right size hard shell electronics box. Though it is not the best choice, a regular cardboard box close in size to your device will do, as long as you only pack gaming equipment in that box.

Protect your valuables

If you’re not using an original or specialized box, it’s essential to add padding to protect your devices from rattling around, cracking or breaking. Avoid packing peanuts – they give off static electricity which can cause your electronics to short out or reduce their life span. The best packing materials are newspapers, clothes, or anti-static bubble wrap.

Organization is your best friend

Keep cords and controllers with their console. Don’t forget to protect your controllers too! Improper packing can cause loss of sensitivity in the controller’s buttons and joysticks. Neatly wrap the cords and protect each controller individually. Put all the parts of each console into the same box, which will keep each gaming system separated and organized. Avoid packing anything that is not gaming equipment in the same box.

Label your boxes

Meticulously labelled boxes are an unpacker’s best friend. Keep a list on a pad of paper as you pack each item. Noting even the smallest of things will save you time later!

The Best Method to Pack Gaming Equipment

Follow these step by step instructions to safely pack your gaming system:

  1. Before you unplug anything, make sure you take out any discs or games inside your system. Leaving it inside can damage the game.
  2. If your system has a rechargeable battery, remove it from the system before packing.
  3. Wrap the console, controllers, and any accessories per the tips above
  4. Place a layer of padding on the bottom of the box before putting anything in it. Learn the “burrito method” in our packing basics video.
  5. Put the individually wrapped items in the box with the heaviest items on the bottom and the lightest on the top
  6. Fill in any empty spaces with extra padding or paper to make sure pieces don’t shift around during transit
  7. Place a second layer of padding across the top before you close the box.
  8. Label your box with everything in it! The more specific you are, the sooner you will be playing games in your new home.

By following these instructions you’ll be able to get to your new home and switch from Pack Man to Pac Man. When you’re ready to move, give us a call at 800.222.4744 or fill out our form for a free moving estimate! 

How To Add Value To Your House For Selling

Posted on by cclark

When you’re moving, you may hesitate to put more money into your soon-to-be old home. This mistake will cut into your bottom-line, or even prevent your home from selling at all. Considering these 6 upgrades that are sure to sell your home and Follow these tips to upgrade your home and your listing price.

1. Decluttering!

First things first, to upgrade your home you need to get rid of all the junk hanging around the house. Clearer spaces make rooms look larger. Say goodbye to the old sports equipment and dried out art supplies. Start with the goal of cutting your stuff in half. Olympia Moving & Storage has a free storage promotion to help, learn more.

2. Give some TLC to your Kitchen counters

Redoing your kitchen counters is a game-changer. Making your kitchen look as clean and new as possible is essential to selling your home. Who wants to buy an old, crumb-riddled kitchen? An upgraded kitchen allows buyers to focus on the home’s real features, not the peeling linoleum counter tops.

3. Upgrade the Bathroom

Another upgrade to sell your home is a modern bathroom. Installing new, clean utilities can make a world of difference. At the very least, replacing the shower curtain and toilet seat can change how people view your home. Potential buyers will be admiring the bathroom upgrades, not a dirty, well-used restroom.

4. Lather up a Fresh Coat of Paint

To brighten your whole house, invest in a new coat of paint for the walls and trim. Choose a neutral color like white to give the buyers a blank canvas, or choose another neutral like cream or a light taupe to make the rooms seem bigger and more open. If you’re looking for something more colorful, check out these tips from Business Insider.

5. Install New Hardware on Cabinets

There is nothing like shiny silver hardware to light up a room. Remove dull and worn out hardware and head over to a hardware store to stock up on handles and knobs to upgrade your cabinets. The new installations will brighten up the room and create a new, finished perspective for your home.

6. Landscaping

Last but certainly not least, you must landscape your yard space. The exterior of the home is a buyer’s first impression, so it is important to impress. Mulch the gardens, mow the lawn, trim bushes, and edge the walkways. Do everything in your power to make your yard appear taken care of and welcoming – you want to invite buyers into your home, not scare them away with unruly plants and spotty grass.

 

If you don’t think you’ll be able to complete this by yourself, it is worth researching professionals who can help complete these upgrades that will sell your home. The more you put into your property, the higher you can list your house for!

Once you sell your home, give us a call at 800.222.4744 or fill out our form for a free moving estimate!

Move to Boston: Top 5 Fall Activities

Posted on by cclark

Thinking about a move to Boston? Fall in New England is one of the best times to live in Boston. Olympia Moving & Storage is lucky enough to headquarter in Boston, MA, so we have experienced everything fall in New England has to over. If you just relocated to Massachusetts, or are looking to move to Boston, here are our top 5 must dos in the Boston area this autumn.

Move to Boston and Enjoy Fall as a Local

1. Explore Boston’s Green Spaces

The Boston Common and the Public Gardens are a little dose of nature in the middle of downtown Boston. Steps away from scenic Beacon Hill and the bustling theater district, the parks are full of statues, bridges, and benches. Whether you take a stroll or pack a picnic, be sure to stop by the green spaces to enjoy the fall foliage!

2. Spooky day trip to Salem, MA

If the supernatural is your thing, head to the north shore and visit Salem! The town where the Salem Witch Trials took place in 1692 is the best place to celebrate Halloween. Visit The Witch House, where Jonathan Corwin, a judge in the Witch Trails, lived. The structure is the only remaining building with direct ties to the trials. Judge Corwin, his brother, and other significant people involved in the trials are buried in local cemeteries, which are open to the public from dusk to dawn. Salem, MA also has many excellent restaurants and fun store fronts to enjoy during your visit. 

3. Visit a New England Apple Orchard

There are over 50 farms in the Boston area that offer apple picking. Many farms also have a farm store with cider donuts, apple cider, and other baked goods and treats. Interacting with the farm animals is a highlight at Russell Orchards in Ipswich, MA. Plan a perfect autumn day trip, complete with a scenic drive! If you’re planning on baking a pie with your freshly picked apples, check out this Yankee Magazine article on the best types of apples for pie.

4. Walk around Walden Pond in Concord, MA

This famous Massachusetts state reservation is known for inspiring writer Henry David Thoreau. It was also a favorite spot of transcendentalists Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Walking around the pond is a 1.7 mile stroll, and you’ll be impressed with the varying foliage color in the fall months. While you’re in town, visit the Ralph Waldo Emerson Home and the Concord Museum only 1.5 miles away.

5. October Baseball at Fenway Park

The Red Sox in the playoffs is one of the most exciting events in Boston. The crisp air, earlier sunsets, and bright stadium lights bring a special atmosphere to the 107 year old Fenway Park. Boston Red Sox fans are among the most loyal, and frequent the park even in unsuccessful seasons. Grab a soda and a hot dog and settle in for one of the most resilient teams in baseball.

 

 

Looking to enjoy fall in New England as a local? Contact Olympia Moving & Storage to plan a move to Boston. Fill out our form online or give us a call at 800-222-4474 for a free estimate.

Preparing to Move Checklist

Posted on by cclark

Preparing to move house may feel like an overwhelming chore, but if you approach it in a focused, organized way it can be a lot easier than you think.  You may not relish the thought of moving out but if you take these tips on board you’ll see how, with the proper planning and organization, you might even enjoy the process. After all, the door to your new house is waiting to be opened and that’s a cause for celebration.

This blog was written by Angela Pearse, a blogger for Zumper.com.

1. Should You Hire Movers or Move Yourself?

Olympia Moving Crew 11

If you’re looking for a simple solution for your moving woes, then it’s always worth hiring professional movers. Rather than getting frazzled about how you’re going to get your possessions from A to B, let the experts take care of it. Book them in, then all you have to worry about is getting your stuff packed up. Preparing to move is stressful enough, let the professionals deal with the rest.

2. Create a moving checklist

The reason people get stressed about moving is because they leave everything until the last minute and then there’s a mad rush to pack everything up. Start at least a month ahead of moving day and create a moving checklist of all the tasks that need to be done. Ticking off completed tasks week by week will make you feel in control and on top of your packing before the truck arrives. Follow this 9-week checklist for a smooth relocation.

3. Set-up a moving budget

Money, or lack of it, is also a common stress factor when moving out, so do up a list of all the costs involved in the move so you can make sure you have enough cash. Add things like the cost of the movers, packing boxes & tape, utility connection fees and the like. If you have a cat or dog will you need to house them in a kennel or cattery while the move takes place? Add this cost to your moving budget.

4. Transferring Your Information

You’ll need to notify your utility companies about your change of address well in advance so they have time to make the transfers. Not having power or gas when you first move in to a new house can make for a miserable few days while it gets sorted. Don’t forget to notify your employer, doctor, dentist and any other service providers you use, plus your family and friends, of your new address.

5. Measure the new place

While preparing to move, it’s easy to make assumptions that all your furniture will fit perfectly into a new house but sometimes this isn’t the case. It may not be practical to visit your new home to measure up spaces if it’s in another state, but if it’s local then it’s a good idea to do this. If your current furniture doesn’t fit you may need to sell what you have online and order new furniture, but knowing in advance will make things less stressful.

6. Sort through your stuff

You can eliminate two stress factors, lack of money and too much stuff, by sorting through your possessions and decluttering your house before you start packing. Paring down the amount of stuff you have when you’re preparing to move will make it easier to pack, and the less stuff you have, the less it will cost you to move it.

 7. Make hard decisions

Deciding what to keep and what to toss is a lot easier if you apply some rules to the proceedings, and make two piles ‘keep’ and ‘don’t keep’. For instance, to keep it you have to have worn it or used it once in the past year. A pile of tops you’ve worn once in the last five years will go in the ‘don’t keep’ pile, likewise so will a hand-me-down cake mixer from your sister you’ve never used.

 8. What to do with stuff you’re not keeping

Now that you’ve sorted through all your stuff and have items that you haven’t used or are unlikely to use and that are still in good shape, why not consider selling them online, donating them to charity, hosting a garage sale or recycling them? Selling what you can online will top up the amount you have in your moving budget, and donating to charity will make you feel good.

 9. Gather moving supplies

Now you’ve decluttered it’s time to start packing, but you’ll need moving supplies to do so. This includes packing boxes, bubble wrap, newspaper, packing tape, sticky labels and a marker pen. You could beg steal or borrow from friends but a much easier solution is simply to order what you need online.

 10. Pack and label boxes

Pack the items in each room, apart from the furniture, into boxes and label the boxes as you go. You may want to keep an itemized online spreadsheet for each box so you know what’s in it, and also for insurance purposes if anything goes missing.

Here are some takeaway tips to keep in mind to ensure you have a positive and rewarding moving experience.

  • Plan ahead and get organized early on
  • Clear out the clutter first
  • Sell or donate what you can
  • Ask for help from friends and family
  • Take time to say goodbye
  • Eat well and get enough sleep
  • Try to go with the flow

If you are ready to start the moving process, call for a free moving estimate at 800-222-4744 or request an estimate online.

What We Learned From TV Episodes & Movies About Moving

Posted on by cclark

Are you stressed about your move? Here are some tips and tricks learned the hard way by our favorite movie and TV show characters. Moving doesn’t have to be as difficult for you as it was in these TV episodes and movies about moving.

“Friends,” The One With The Cop (1999)

Ross, Chandler and Rachel take on the impossible task of moving a giant couch up a tiny stair case. The frustration that ensues is enough to make you reconsider moving without a moving crew! Professional movers are trained on how to move heavy furniture in and out of tight spaces without damage. After watching this episode, you will agree that hiring movers will prove to be more effective than struggling by yourself! To get a free moving estimate, fill out our online form!

Sex and the City (2008)

 

When Carrie is struggling with packing her apartment, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha surprise her by coming over to help her pack. Once they get to the closet, an impromptu fashion show begins! Watch the scene from the movie to see how going through your clothes before packing will save time and space. You’ll also learn that having friends help you pack (and some wine if that’s your thing!) can lighten your day. For more on de-cluttering clothes and more before your move, see our blog.

Toy Story (1995)

 

Make sure you don’t leave anything behind! In this Disney movie, Woody and Buzz get separated from the rest of Andy’s toys and miss getting packed into the moving van. Make sure you start packing early enough so that you can be sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Prior to the movers departing the home, do a walk through to ensure everything made it on to the truck. Open all closet doors and cupboards. Only the absolute essentials; clothes for the remaining days, toiletries, and bed linens, should be packed last minute. See more tips about organizing a pack to move.

Inside Out (2015)

 

This is one of the best movies about moving for kids, about a family moving from Minnesota to California. Riley and her parents end up arriving at their new house to the news that their moving truck won’t be arriving on the day they thought. All sorts of things can happen when you’re moving, but especially when moving long distances.

First, research your moving company’s reviews before you hire them to see if they have a good track record of delivering when promised. Second, make sure you understand your interstate moving delivery spread. You can read our blog post on this topic to learn more. Third, make sure you pack enough in your car to keep with you, just so that if your moving truck arrives late, you’ll be prepared. You’ll want to take into consideration the window of time given by your moving company, and tack on a few days just in case.

This way you can feel “Joy” not “Anger” during your move!

Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)

 

When Tom and Kate Baker tell their 12 children that they will all be moving across the state, it is met with immediate rejection. Once they hear more about it, though, they begin to come around.

If your family is having a hard time accepting that they will be moving, just like the Bakers, try to frame it in a positive light. Focus on the fun and cool things that will be able to happen once at the new home. Make sure to reassure them that they will be able to keep in touch with their old friends back home. Soon enough, the new place will become home, and they are all sure to make new friends.

Here is some more advice for moving with kids.

Mean Girls (2004)

 

Moving to a new school can be tough, especially if you don’t have time before school starts to make new friends. Cady in Mean Girls was taken by surprise by the clique culture at her new High School in Illinois. Moving into a new school is less intimidating when you have already made some friends to go into school with. To help transition, try moving into the new area as early in the summer as possible. This way, kids can meet people in the neighborhood and around town, and they’ll have a handful of friends by the first day of school.

Follow our 9 week check list for a smooth relocation.

Now that you’ve watched some TV episodes & movies about moving, you’re ready to start planning your own relocation! Call us for a free moving estimate at 800-222-4744 or request an estimate online.

Checklist for Moving With Pets

Posted on by cclark

Moving with pets is a tricky situation for everyone, but if you or your pet has little or no experience moving, it is important to do your best to keep the move stress-free. Obviously moving companies cannot move animals inside the truck; however they can arrange to ship your pets through specialized pet relocation companies. Here are some tips to keep your pet happy and healthy during the transition.

Find a pet-friendly home

First and foremost, make sure your new place allows pets. Some landlords, apartment buildings, condominiums, and communities do not allow animals.  Often these details fall through the cracks in a transaction, so make sure you ask the listing agent during your search if your specific type of animal is allowed at the residence. If you are moving with pets to a new state, it is a good idea to look into pet regulations with the state’s department of agriculture.

Get new ID tags

Just as you and your family will all need your identification updated, your pet will too! Before moving your pet, get an ID tag made with your new address and contact information. Have your pet wear both tags in the time leading up to your move.

Reduce moving with pets stress

Packing, moving, and unpacking into a new home is stressful for animals too! If Snickers is always underfoot while you’re trying to pack, set up a space in the house where they won’t be bothered. Start packing far in advance. If you need to make interior changes to your home, like painting walls or rearranging furniture, do it over multiple days rather than all at once. Pets are very sensitive to sudden changes and will not react well if everything they know is different. Pay attention to your pet during this process. Keep feeding, walking, and play times as consistent as possible.

Pack an overnight box for the pet

Pack enough food, litter, treats, toys, and medications to get your pet through several days after the move. You won’t be able to fully unpack in one day, so make sure you have everything available to make your pet feel at home. If you need help packing your own first night box, check out our tips on what to pack for the first night. 

Moving day

The big day you have been waiting for has arrived! To avoid adding stress for yourself and your pet, see if you can arrange for Fido and Bubbles to stay with a friend, relative, or neighbor while the crew packs and loads the truck. This will also avoid any safety concerns for the crew, your pet, and your belongings! The less time you and the crew have to worry  about tripping over the dog, the more time and money you can save on your move.

Transporting your pet to their new home

If moving by car, be sure to bring food and water. Bring more than you think you’ll need, in case of delays, traffic, lunch stops, or any other unforeseen circumstance. If you will be staying in hotels, check that they are pet friendly in advance, and again, ask about your pet specifically.

Make sure you take the proper precautions when flying your pet. Bring the proper crates, supplies, pet records, and make sure you get to the airport early. Check out the Department of Transportation’s information on flying with pets, as well as your specific airline’s. Research which airlines treats pets the best in order to keep your pet as safe as possible.

If you need to transport your pet long distance or you are transporting larger animals like horses, consider a professional service that arranges for your pets to be moved and boarded via their professional services and network. Consider pet relocation services if you would prefer to pass the situation to the pros. Cosmopolitan Canine Carriers, Inc. and Air Animal Pet Movers are affiliated with the American Moving & Storage Association.

Unpacking with your pet

Adjusting to a new residence can be stressful for your pet. Your dog or cat may be more likely to run away during this time, so until they are comfortable be sure to always keep them on a leash while outside. Check your new yard to make sure it is safe and secure. Make the environment familiar by setting up a habitat that closely matches your old home.

Once you’re ready to plan moving with pets or just on your own, give Olympia a call at 800.222.4744 or fill out our form for a free moving estimate.

Calculating Interstate Moving Costs

Posted on by cclark

Relocation puts everyone under a large amount of stress. It is not only hard to pull it off, but it can also cost you a lot. Especially if you don’t even try to downsize your moving costs. In this post with guest writer Moving Offices San Diego, we will try to explain how to do it and how to calculate interstate moving costs in advance. Because – the more prepared you come – the better!

Prepare yourself physically and mentally

You don’t have to prepare only your budget; you will have to prepare yourself as well! Getting informed is the best way to calculate interstate moving costs, so let’s start.

Get a pen and some paper

It is time to start writing everything down. Everything. Even if it sounds silly or unimportant. Write down your every thought regarding the move. Every expense, every idea and every task that needs to be done. Save receipts and calculate how much you are already spending.

Make a solid strategy

Having a plan is a must if you are planning on interstate moving without breaking the bank. So, wait no more and start strategizing. If you think about your every step in advance – not many things can surprise you. And remember – those surprises are what can cost you the most. Make a timetable, and try sticking to your schedule. Postponing tasks is not a good idea, so try to avoid it. The more you do at this stage – the easier it will be for you along the way.

Calculate your budget

Keep it real. No one knows your budget like you do, so stop for a moment and think about it. Hard. Calculate and then do it once more. Try to save as much as possible. Little things add up fast – and you should really make a choice here. Do you want to save or to overspend? It is really your choice – you are the one who will have to pay for it.

Piggy bank
Are you trying to save money on your interstate move? You are in the right place!

Get moving assistance

Even if you can handle your interstate move by yourself – it might be a good idea to hire professionals to take care of everything for you. Why? There are really many things that need to be taken into a consideration when we are talking about interstate relocation and its costs. So many paperwork, tasks, and worries can make you forget other aspects of your relocation project. What will happen if you do? You will make a mistake. And then what? Well, you will have to pay for it! Making mistakes isn’t bad only for your budget, but also for everything else.If you are moving to the NYC area, Moving Offices San Diego recommends contacting NYC moving professionals for some assistance.

 Try not to overspend

We have said this before, but it is really important you keep this in your mind. Interstate moving costs can get greater than you are expecting – simply because you forgot your main goal. And what is that? Not to overspend. Say it again. And then, once more. It will help, believe us!

Communication is the key

It is quite impossible to pull off an interstate moving project by yourself. Even if you don’t hire moving professionals to help you, you might have to get some other services from some other service providers. It is quite important you have good communication with them. Get informed. Ask your questions. Read paperwork. There is a problem? Contact them and get it solved. Communication is really a key to pulling off an interstate moving project hassle-free. Your service providers should be at your service at all times, and ready to help.

Get moving quotes

The best way to estimate your interstate moving costs is to ask a mover for one. You can get moving estimates in one of three ways:

  • Over the phone. You will need to tell your mover everything. Every single detail can change moving costs of your interstate move. But, if you are not looking for the most accurate estimate – over the phone quote is right for you!
  • Over the Internet. This kind of the moving estimate is a bit more accurate than over the phone ones, but it is still not the best way to estimate the price of your relocation. Its accuracy depends on many factors, but mostly on the calculator moving company offers on their website. The more detailed it is – the clearer picture of your interstate moving costs you will get.
  • At your house. This approach is the most reliable and accurate one. Moving specialists will come to your house and estimate your relocations costs. You might feel a bit uncomfortable with estimator going through your every drawer – but if you want an estimate that is guaranteed, this is your way to go!
A truck on the road.
Rely on your mover for a help!

Interstate moving costs depend on many factors

Three main factors of your interstate moving costs are complexity, distance, and size of your relocation. Moving overseas costs more than moving to another state, and the more you have to move – the bigger the price will be. Also, if you are planning on transferring special items, such as pianos or pool tables – you should get ready to pay more.

Piano
Owning piano is great, but transferring one isn’t!

In the end, there is one more thing to consider – what services are you going to pay for? The more you need the moving company to provide you with – the more you will have to pay. If you are trying to save as much as possible on your relocation – maybe you should consider doing some tasks by yourself. You can try packing by yourself perhaps. Interstate moving costs depend on many factors, but your choices will decide the final number. So – be careful!

 

To book your interstate move, give Olympia a call at 800.222.4744 or fill out our form for a free moving estimate.