Tips on Packing a Moving Truck for a Long Distance Relocation

thesouthLeave a commentLong Distance Moving, ,

It is no secret that packing can be one of the most stressful, time-consuming parts of a move. This is especially true when moving across long distances. Staying organized and ensuring that your belongings are properly protected can help reduce some of the stress and anxiety. To help your move go as smoothly as possible, here are some tips on packing a moving truck for a long-distance move.

Downsize Your Possessions

The cost of your long distance move will be determined largely by the amount of stuff you have and the distance you intend to travel. If your home is full of items that you do not use or want, your moving expenses can quickly get out of control. Not to mention that packing and organizing these extra items can be time-consuming. Rather than wasting your time and energy packing broken toys or clothes, you do not wear, Cheap Movers Houston (cheapmovershouston.net) recommends that you take some time and lighten your load. You can do this by:

  • Having a yard sale or selling things online to make some extra money to put towards your move.
  • Gifting items to friends or family.
  • Donating items to charity.

Using the Right Supplies

When moving long distances, your belongings can easily become damaged. Using the right moving supplies can help ensure that your goods arrive in perfect condition. Here is a list of some items you will need:

  • Moving boxes. High-quality moving boxes can be purchased at home improvement stores or moving supply retailers. While it may be tempting to just grab some free boxes from work or friends, keep in mind that these boxes may not have the same strength as new ones.
  • Bubble wrap. Bubble wrap can help protect your most fragile items during the move. Its small air pockets can keep fragile items cushioned and away from harm.
  • Packing tape. Good packing tape can ensure that your boxes remain securely closed until you reach your destination.

Pack With a Plan

When packing, if you do not have a plan, things can quickly become chaotic. As you pack up each area, the sheer number of boxes can be overwhelming. It can be hard to keep track of what you have and haven’t packed. Here are a few things you can do to stay on top of the situation:

Pack in a logical order. Before you begin packing, make a mental inventory of which items are most important to your daily routine. This will likely include things like toiletries, cookware, and linens for your bed. Start by packing items like books, DVDs, and clothes that are not yet in season.

Keep things labeled. As you pack up each room, make sure that boxes are labeled with the name of each room and a short description of what is in each box.

Long-distance moves can be unnerving, but they do not have to be. Follow these simple tips, and you will be well on your way to a smooth and stress-free move.

Best Homeowners Insurance in Greenville, South Carolina

thesouthLeave a commentHomeowners Insurance, , , ,

Do you currently own — or are you considering purchasing — a home in Greenville? If so, you likely already know that there’s more to consider than just the mortgage — you’ll want to budget for the cost of homeowners insurance as well.

According to the Value Penguin website, South Carolina homeowners pay an average of just over $1,500 annually on property insurance. If you already own the property, then perhaps you’re ready to make a switch; if you’re still in the market, you should educate yourself on all the available options. In either case, read on for tips on the leading insurance purveyors on the market, and how they stack up.

Nationwide

With an average annual cost of $1,514 for the state of South Carolina, Nationwide scored highest on Value Penguin’s list of most affordable homeowner’s insurance. The company also offers banking and investment opportunities, so if you’re looking to expand your portfolio while also maintaining the value of your home, give Nationwide a try.

State Farm

Rates for State Farm also ran slightly lower than the average, and they’re another good choice for one-stop insurance coverage and investment opportunities. They have some nationwide locations, so even if you’re far from home, it’s easy to locate a professional who can help you with any concerns.

Allstate

Quotes from Allstate were posted at a marginally higher rate for South Carolina than its two closest competitors, but they’re still worth a look for what they offer regarding convenience and quality. The website is easily navigable, and 24-hour roadside assistance is available for its auto insurance holders, meaning you might want to consider a package deal if you choose to go with Allstate.

Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual also offers attractive bundling packages, with significantly lower auto insurance rates than its closest competitors when combined with a homeowner’s plan. Renters, life, and motorcycle insurance are also available, so if you’re looking for multifaceted coverage, you might want to give Liberty Mutual the edge.

Geico

This perennial favorite also offers a wide range of insurance packages, including boat and RV, and its mobile app can be synched with the Amazon Echo for added convenience. Be forewarned that the website doesn’t require login for payments, which could be considered a drawback to those worried about security (and if you’re shopping for insurance, you likely fall into that category).

Since information about the home is required to make an accurate assessment, quotes within these parameters are likely to vary. Before going online for a home insurance Greenville quote, be sure you have all the available paperwork at the ready. Bonus tip: Don’t decide until you’ve considered all the options. Sometimes, upon hearing a competitor’s quote, a company will change its tune and offer you a lower rate.

Best of luck to you in your search!

Know this Before Hiring Atlanta Movers

thesouthLeave a commentBefore Hiring Movers, , ,

You may already be dead set on hiring a well known moving company, either due to personal research done via reviews from past customers or by your familiarity with the company’s name. While it might be tempting to go with the first option that comes to mind or the first result that comes up when “moving company” is typed into the search bar, there are some things that you ought to consider before committing to hiring a specific mover.

1. Understanding Licensing and Insurance

Figuring out licensing and insurance requirements may be different for those who are moving another town over versus those who are moving out of state. There are different kinds of insurance available, depending on what company you are going through. Always ask ahead of time what types of insurance they offer and understand the difference between these insurances. Declared value protection is different than insurance that covers lump sum value since it goes off of what your shipment weighs rather than what the value of your items is in cost. Licensing, on the other hand, is determined most often by state requirements so always make sure that your chosen moving company is sticking to the requirements needed for your state. In Georgia, movers are licensed through the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

2. The Value of Customer Feedback

As mentioned before, you may have already gone ahead and read a few reviews from customers who have dealt with the moving company you have in mind. While these may have checked out as overall positive, it’s important to double and triple check using different sources (we recommend Yelp and Thumbtack). One website could be more biased than another of the types of reviews offered. Checking with reputable company rating sites like the Better Business Bureau might also be worth looking into. Having more than one outlet will back up the validity of your research, and you might even come across a better option in your search.

3. Uncovering Hidden Costs and Gathering Estimates

While you’re interviewing your potential mover over the phone or in person, be sure to ask about their estimates. If you don’t understand something about the way they calculate their estimates, have them clarify it for you until you completely understand where they are coming from. Most residential moving companies will utilize one (or both) of two types of moving estimates. There is the non-binding estimate and the binding estimate. Depending on the type of move you are looking at, one option may be a better fit than the other. That’s why working with a company that offers both will benefit you best, since it will allow you to look at them in a side-by-side comparison to see which works better for your kind of move. Also be aware that if you are moving long distance movers (or out of state), by law, you are entitled to a free in-home estimate.

Hidden fees are a red flag only if they are hidden. If your mover feels that additional fees are necessary for your move, they must tell you about these extra fees before you sign any estimate agreement and before they charge you anything extra. You should be provided adequate time to accept these extra fees and if you are billed, your shipment must be first delivered and then they must send you the bill after.