Moishe's Moving Guide

How To Calculate a Move

2009-09-18T07:56:00.001-07:00

Moves are calculated either by cubic feet, by the hour, or by pounds. The latter is much less commonly used nowadays.

Cubic Feet is the hight x width x depth of an object. So a box that is (1.5ft x 1.5ft x 1ft) would be a 2.25 cubic foot box. Each item has an average cubic foot measurement. For instance, a queen size bed (including mattress/box spring) will always be approximately 70 cubic feet, whereas your average dining chair is 5 cubic feet. After the entire list of furniture is compiled - you take the total cubic feet and multiply it by a certain price per cubic foot. The price per cubic foot varies A LOT depending on how far you are going or whether there is any packing to be done.

Always make sure you get a contract with a full list of the items before you sign anything.

Local moves normally run between $600 - $1000 for a Studio or small one bedroom and $3000 - $4000 for a 3 bedroom. Although moves do vary tremendously - there are a few componants that can help you understand whether your move will be above the average or below.

Will you require packing?
- If you require packing, your price will be higher than a standard local move
Is your move far away?
- If your move is more than an hour away from the pickup, you will probably need to pay extra for the distance. This is normally the case with hourly quotes.
Do you need to buy boxes?
- Of course, there is a cost for boxes.
- However, you can always ask a company if they have a free package for boxes. Very often they'll have a bunch to give out for free.
Flights of Stairs
- If you have three or more flights of stairs (and no elevator), you might need to pay a bit extra. Taking furniture up and down stairs is very difficult, and can really affect the amount of time it takes for the move.

Either way - when moving, always make sure to go into a call with a representative with a clear and realistic understanding of what your move could potentially cost.

How To Pack a Computer

2009-09-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

If you're reading this post - you probably have a computer, and you are probably moving soon. Most people's computer is one of their most valuable item. It's not just the monetary value of the computer, but the information inside. Family vacation pictures, work files, and personal content are all stored in that computer. So your clothing can be piled up in a box, and your framed pictured can be put in bubble-wrap - your computer needs special attention.

To help you pack your computer and monitor on your own, we've created a useful step-by-step video tutorial. Follow the steps instructed below, and your computer should be ready to use on the other side!

What's a Certificate of Insurance?

2009-09-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

So you've booked your move - and are figuring out all of the small details, and your building management asks you for a Certificate of Insurance. "What is a Certificate of Insurance?" you might ask yourself - and rightfully so. Not many people know what a Certificate of Insurance (or COI for short) is.

COI's are usually requested when moving in a large city. So if your moving in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, or any other large city - your building may have a management company that requires you to supply a Certificate of Insurance from your moving company.

What is a Certificate of Insurance?

Investopedia.com has a great definition of Certificates of Insurance:

"A document issued by an insurance company/broker that is used to verify the existence of insurance coverage under specific conditions granted to listed individuals. More specifically, the document lists the effective date of the policy, the type of insurance coverage purchased, and the types and dollar amount of applicable liability."

Here's what this means in terms of moving:
A moving company is about to walk into your building and move lots of heavy furniture from your apartment through their hallways and into their van. This process definitely risks a lot of damage to the building. Because the building is at risk of being damaged by the move - the building wants proof from the moving company that they are insured, and are able to pay damages if necessary. In other words, the same way you are insuring your furniture against damages, the building management is doing the same thing for their building.

What do I need a Certificate of Insurance For?
You need a Certificate of Insurance because your building requires it. Whether you have it prepared before the move or on the day of the move - your building will need to have it before you move. They will not risk damages to their building without having proof of insurance.

Worst-case scenario is that you didn't take care

How Do I get a Certificate of Insurance?
There are two ways of going about getting your COI done:

The Easy Way: As a tenant, all you need to know is that if you give the moving company the phone number and fax number of your management (very often you'll need to give two sets of numbers - one for each building), the moving consultant will do the rest for you.
The Surest Way: The best way to be absolutely positively sure that you have the Certificate of Insurance done before your move happens is to collect the following information from the building/s, and then give the info to the representative:

Faxes & Phone numbers of building offices
Certificate Holder

A Certificate Holder is the name of the main party involved on the side of the building (normally the management).
The Certificate Holder also needs to have an address attached to it. Often it's the same address as the building - but not always so make sure to ask.

Additional Insured

Additional Insured are all other parties involved. This can include investors in the building, a landlord (owner), or any other party that might have involvement in the apartment.

What Happens on the Backend
Very simple! Once you've provided the moving representative with the information above - they compile it and enter the data into their appropriate places like such:

Certificate Holder:
The Downing Company
489 Broad St
New York, NY 10002

"For the move of John Doe from 246 W 101st St Apt 25B NY, NY 10025 on 9/10/09. Additional Insured: The Downing Group & all of its holders. Jane Shmo.

How Much Does a Certificate of Insurance Cost?
Certificates of Insurance should not cost you a dime to have written up. Do not agree to pay for a COI to be written up for you by any means. It is the responsibility of the moving company to supply it to the building.

Here is an example of what a COI looks like:

Know What You Need

2009-08-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

Before you start packing, and as you pack up each item, ask yourself, “Do I REALLY need this?”

Parting with a heavy item doesn’t have to be sweet sorrow—especially when it comes to moving it. This is due to the fact that because most long-distance moves are based on the weight of your shipment, if the movers don’t have to move the weighty item, you don’t have to pay for it. So check your home for items that have not been used for a long time and get rid of them. You don’t want to box (and pay) for goods that you’ll open up later at your new place—only to put these useless items back in the box. This “I’ll deal with it later” viewpoint means that if you ever move again, you’ll have to (again) pay for the box and heavy item to be moved.

A not-so-weighty item you should deal with immediately is—if you want to win a FREE move, enter Moishe’s Moving Movie Madness (http://www.facebook.com/MoishesMoving). Moishe’s invites aspiring filmmakers to produce videos that document their entire move with Moishe’s Moving from beginning to end. The winner of the competition, as chosen by fans on Moishe’s Facebook Page (Moishe’s Moving ), will have their video published on Moishe’s Official Site (Moishes.com), and will have their entire move refunded to them in full! The contest ends September 8, 2009—so get moving!!

Get a Moving Quote in Writing—Not Over the Phone

2009-08-06T06:46:00.000-07:00

If you hear a moving quote over the phone that’s too good to be true, that’s because it IS too good to be true.

Unfortunately, a voice on the phone can not give you an exact estimate of how much it will cost to move your possessions when he hasn’t seen your possessions.
For this reason, insist on an in-home estimate. You might get an accurate estimate if you have a small move, but it pays to have someone look at your goods in person. Also, moving companies are required to do in an in-home inspection if you're moving to another state and the moving company is within 50 miles of your home.

But—if you want to win a FREE move, enter Moishe’s Moving Movie Madness (http://www.facebook.com/MoishesMoving). Moishe’s invites aspiring filmmakers to produce videos that document their entire move with Moishe’s Moving from beginning to end. The winner of the competition, as chosen by fans on Moishe’s Facebook Page (Moishe’s Moving ), will have their video published on Moishe’s Official Site (Moishes.com), and will have their entire move refunded to them in full! The contest ends September 8, 2009—so get moving!!

Cutting Moving Costs

2009-08-05T06:49:00.000-07:00

Cut those Moving Costs

There are ways to cut corners in every business. This also includes in the moving business.

If you are flexible on your move time, you’ll save money. That is, try to avoid the most expensive months to move (June, July, and August) because of the demand for full-service moving companies.

If possible, move during the middle of the month. This is because rates are higher at the beginning and the end due to the large amount of apartment leases with month-end dates.

Finally, if you are flexible with your move-in times, that can save you more money because the moving company can combine shipments with other movers.

And—if you want to win a FREE move, enter Moishe’s Moving Movie Madness (http://www.facebook.com/MoishesMoving). Moishe’s invites aspiring filmmakers to produce videos that document their entire move with Moishe’s Moving from beginning to end. The winner of the competition, as chosen by fans on Moishe’s Facebook Page (Moishe’s Moving ), will have their video published on Moishe’s Official Site (Moishes.com), and will have their entire move refunded to them in full! The contest ends September 8, 2009—so get moving!!

Cleaning Up Before You Move Out

2009-08-04T07:10:00.000-07:00

After you’ve packed everything there is to pack—there is “one last box.”

A box that contains cleaning supplies.

These should include a broom, mop, large sponges and vacuum cleaner. You'll need these to go over your old place and give it one last, total clean-up before you go. Or, hire and arrange for a cleaning service to do the job. You don’t want a hassle or unnecessary arguments because you left your old place a mess!

Also, keep this “cleaning box” handy for your new place too—just in case the last occupant left the place a mess.

And—if you want to win a FREE move, enter Moishe’s Moving Movie Madness (http://www.facebook.com/MoishesMoving). Moishe’s invites aspiring filmmakers to produce videos that document their entire move with Moishe’s Moving from beginning to end. The winner of the competition, as chosen by fans on Moishe’s Facebook Page (Moishe’s Moving ), will have their video published on Moishe’s Official Site (Moishes.com), and will have their entire move refunded to them in full! The contest ends September 8, 2009—so get moving!!

Making Sure Your Suitcases are Suitable

2009-08-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

When packing up for a move, you want to use up all your available space. The more space you use, the less of a hassle the move will be.

So, instead of leaving suitcases and trunks empty, fill them up. Of course, don’t fill them with something that is too heavy for you or the mover to carry (i.e., your weight set) or might break the suitcase(s). Fill them with clothing, socks, sheets, pillows, towels, shoes, or other light items (i.e., curtains). If you have an overflow of clothing, you can pack them in garbage bags or a laundry basket/bag.

Also, when you use Moishe’s for a move, you’ll have an opportunity to win a FREE move! Just enter Moishe’s Moving Movie Madness (http://www.facebook.com/MoishesMoving). Moishe’s invites aspiring filmmakers to produce videos that document their entire move with Moishe’s Moving from beginning to end. The winner of the competition, as chosen by fans on Moishe’s Facebook Page ( Moishe’s Moving ), will have their video published on Moishe’s Official Site ( Moishes.com ), and will have their entire move refunded to them in full! The contest ends September 8, 2009—so get moving!!

Try to Keep It Together—and Try to Win A FREE Move!!

2009-07-31T06:53:00.000-07:00

The phrase “try to keep it together” fits when moving appliances.

If you have a computer or home audio system, and there are cords that belong with these or other appliances, tape, tie or rubber-band them to that appliance so they don't become separated. The same goes for air conditioners. That is, if you have long extension cords attached to those air conditioners, don’t disconnect them. Simply wrap them around the air conditioner, then tie or tape them to the air conditioner.

If your new place doesn’t have central air conditioning, you don’t want to move in the summer and discover that the electrical outlet is too far from the window. If your extension cords are attached to the air conditioners' plugs, you don’t have to go through boxes or run out and buy new extension cords.

But—now’s the time to run out and win a FREE move! Just enter Moishe’s Moving Movie Madness (http://www.facebook.com/MoishesMoving). Moishe’s invites aspiring filmmakers to produce videos that document their entire move with Moishe’s Moving from beginning to end. The winner of the competition, as chosen by fans on Moishe’s Facebook Page (Moishe’s Moving ), will have their video published on Moishe’s Official Site (Moishes.com), and will have their entire move refunded to them in full! The contest ends September 8, 2009—so get moving!!

You Can't Go Wrong If You Mark your Boxes Right

2009-07-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

It can be frustrating if there's a box you labeled "Misc. Stuff" and in the confusion and excitement of the move you forgot just what is your definition—or inside-- Misc. Stuff."

Label, mark, and pack things by room and accurately mark the boxes by what you took out of the room: "Bathroom,” “Kitchen, "Bedroom," etc.

If you have a mixed box or one with items you'll be needing first, be sure to mark that on the box too. You may have dozens of boxes marked "Kitchen," and you don't want to have to dig through all of them looking for your favorite coffee pot or silverware.

Also, they may not look “too fashionable,” but garbage bags are fine for packing t-shirts, and socks. Just make sure you don’t mistakenly throw them out!

Making Moving Day Painless--and Cheaper

2009-07-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

Here are a few helpful hints to make your move as stress-free as possible:

Take your time. It’s better to be packed up a month or more in advance of “Moving Day.” Start by packing a few boxes filled with things you really don't need every day. Once you get closer to moving day, your task will be made easier because of your early prep work.

Moving is also a perfect opportunity to shed some of your belongings. It's hard to get rid of those things you hang on to "just in case." But when it comes to having to pack those things and load them into a truck, and/or paying someone to move, load or store them, it’s better to throw out those now costly possessions that others have said you should have thrown out long ago!

The Moving Window

2009-07-28T07:11:00.000-07:00

Be upfront with your moving company about the exact date of your moving date. This date will depend on many factors: your home’s closing date, your travel time, when you will get possession of your home and thus, can “legally enter” your new residence. Discuss these details with your moving company in the early stages of your move date.

Once the delivery window is scheduled, you have to accept your shipment within that time frame. However, your moving company will weigh many factors when they give you delivery dates. For instance, the date(s) depends on the size of your shipment, the number of travel days a driver will need to drive to your new home (the government sets a maximum hours per day that a driver can drive a truck), and if the driver(s) will have other pick-ups or deliveries besides yours.

Day of Move Moves

2009-07-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

Before the day you move arrives, you should make a list called “Things You Need.”
These would include:

· Any prescription meds and jewelry.
· A charged cell phone
· Several copies of directions to your new home printed out

Also, before you get to your new home, install new batteries in smoke & CO2 detectors. It's never too late to think safety first.

Moving Yourself

2009-07-24T06:51:00.001-07:00

If you’re hiring professional movers who are moving everything (including your car), make travel arrangements with airlines or car rental agencies at least a month in advance. You don’t want to set the date for your possessions to move out only to discover you have to make last minute travel arrangements.

Plus, the closer you get to your departure date, the more likely the price to travel (i.e., plane tickets, car rental and gasoline) will rise.

If You Live In an One Room Apartment--

2009-07-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

Or, a VERY small studio (less than 800 sq. ft.), a question is often raised: Should the occupant even bother calling a moving company?

He or she should.

All moving companies invite small shipments to add to the load they’re hauling, and to increase their revenue. Therefore, even if you’re only moving from an one room apartment or even one room, there is bound to be bulky furniture. If it is a local move, you could rent a truck for a short amount of time and move it yourself. But compare the cost of the truck rental, fuel and labor involved to what a mover would charge. If it's not much in savings, it’s worth it to have your cargo moved by a professional.

Mail (and/or E-mail) It In!

2009-07-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

Before your move, arrange for your mail to be forwarded to your new address. You can change your mailing address online with the U.S. Postal Service for very little cost. Fill out the online form and voila! All mail sent to your previous address with be forwarded to your new one. Now, you don't have to worry if you forgot to notify someone of your address change and they mailed their mail to your old address.

Also, send out a mass e-mail to your friends and family letting them know you've moved. If you're planning a housewarming party, provide this information.

Do e-mailing before the move, not after—when your computer might be still be in a box!

Giving Your Home The Look You Want

2009-07-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

Before you move into your new home, you should know how your home will look. Which room(s) will be utilized as a study? A home gym? A “playroom” for your child (children)? A bedroom? The washing machine/dryer room?

If you have a backyard, before the move is the time to plan what will fill it. Do you want the backyard to hold a picnic table? A patio? A garden? A swimming pool? A barbecue pit or birdbath or any lawn ornament? Or, if any of the aforementioned is in the backyard already, do you wish to have any or all of it removed?

A clutter free backyard can not only clear your mind, but clear up space—especially if you have a young child or children and they have (or will have) a swing set or jungle gym.

A Move Can be Taxing – and Tax Deductible!

2009-07-20T06:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, a move can be used as a tax deduction. The IRS allows the move to be tax deductible if it falls under these conditions:

You are moving because of a job change.

Your new home is at least 50 miles or more farther from your former home and job. For example, if your old job’s location was just two miles from your former home, your new job location must be at least 52 miles from your former home.

If you’re self-employed, you must work full-time for at least 39 weeks during the first year and a total of 78 weeks during the first two years at your new home. If you’re a company’s employee, you must work full-time for at least 39 weeks during the first year upon arriving at your new job and home.

So start a moving file for taxes right after the move – while the information is still fresh!

Making Do with Less

2009-07-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

If you’re a pack rat, stop “packing!”

That is, stop the habit of hoarding items that will only be thrown out in a short amount of time (i.e., magazines, newspapers). The less you have, the less there is to move—and the less money you spend on the move.

If you insist on storing yellowed-with-age personal and business papers, place and seal them in cardboard boxes and not bad-for-the-planet plastic crates.

When Situations Cause You to Move

2009-07-16T07:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, someone who has to move doesn’t want to move. The reasons behind the move can range from financial to a family matter (i.e., better schools for your children).

The old saying from “from lemons make lemonades" applies to a move. A move to another town and house can give you a new sense of adventure as well as open your mind. It is up to the person who’s moving whether they’ll make the location a good or bad experience.

If you live in the town where you grew up, you can even reinvent yourself in a new place--especially if you have a new job. A new job in a new town may very well change your disposition; often for the better.

Planning a Winter Move

2009-07-15T06:49:00.001-07:00

If you’re going to move in the wintertime into a new place situated in a winter-cold climate, be prepared for the move—and snow.

That is, have snow shovels and/or snow blowers ready at the new place. Or, if you don’t want to shovel snow yourself, have a phone number of a snow removal company handily ready. Dealing with heavy snow on moving day is an added headache; not to mention a safety issue.

When to Break The Moving News

2009-07-14T06:22:00.000-07:00

A move is delicate news to your friends and family that you don’t want to say either too soon or too late.

Only tell when everything is good to go—including yourself. That is, tell when all of the legalese have been signed and/or you’re 100% sure that you’re “doing the right thing”--and you won't make a last minute change of mind. When you do break the news, make it clear that the move is because you feel the time is right to go; and it’s not because of them or the place you’re about to leave behind.

If the move isn’t permanent and you’re not sure exactly how long your move away from them will be, let them know ASAP--and not when you're close to moving back!

Don’t Turn Your Home Into An Obstacle Course

2009-07-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

On moving day, your home no doubt will have cardboard boxes stacked like building blocks. In the chaos of a move, it’s imperative to keep a clear aisle between boxes--and a clear head.

For example, movers don’t want to be walking or jumping over rolled up rugs during a move. It can be injurious—and can put an injury on your wallet if a lawsuit arises should injuries incurred.
Similarly, lamp/phone cords and extension cords can be hazardous to one’s health.

So make your moving trip one that doesn’t involve moving feet tripping!

A New Home With A Fairly New Human

2009-07-10T06:49:00.000-07:00

When you’re moving with a baby six months or younger, the move—if it’s organized—is pretty straight-forward. The baby(-ies) aren’t leaving friends; they're just content to eat, sleep food and be with their parents.

But—

Before you move into the new house, make sure the baby's room is the first thing that’s set up. Also, you’d want to recreate as much as possible your baby’s former location. Still, there’ll be a period of adjustment—which means some sleeplessness in the first few nights of their—and your—new home.

Find Your Own Best Place--

2009-07-09T06:39:00.000-07:00

--at a website called Sperling’s Best Places.

If you need “another set of eyes” or simply more information on a move you’re pondering, check out Sperling’s Best Places website (http://www.bestplaces.net/).

It gives you a thumbnail sketch of any place in America by simply inputting the town’s zip code. These “sketches” include crime, school and cost of living statistics; as well as the locale’s climate.

The site also does comparisons of one city/town to another. For example, it compares a town’s transportation, economy and housing to another.

So if it’s another “voice” you want to hear about moving, check out Sperling’s!