Moving Tips, Moving Services for Moving Vans

Moving Tips: General Tips

Here are some general moving tips that will be advantageous to consider during your move: 

1) Get your free moving quotes from Reliablevanlines.com! 

2) Check the Calendar!
Certain times of the year are much busier moving times. You should remember that moving industry has “peak” and “off peak” seasons. Summer is always the busiest season. Also, the beginning and the end of month and the end of the year are extra filled with orders. The demand for moving equipment, transport and personnel is heavy. So it is wise to plan ahead and make sure there is availability on the day you want to move. It is important to book your moving services in advance just to secure your ideal moving date. First of all you should take all efforts to make the relocation most comfortable for your family.
If your move can be rescheduled for a time when the local mover in Chicago, Columbus or Flint – any place you are in Ohio or Illinois or Michigan and etc. - will be less busy you may be able to reduce your moving costs. And in addition to your choice Reliablevanlines.com will make it better with free moving quotes for you.
So plan ahead and consider doing certain tasks the night before! 

3) Don’t Make Avoidable Mistakes!
Find out if your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy covers your belongings in transit.
It could be useful to compare the measurements of the doorways and hallways in your new home. You might need to sell or donate some of the items to ease your relocation.
Don’t forget to be environmentally friendly! Flatten all your moving boxes for recycling. Many moving companies will pick them up after your move. 

4) Don’t Forget the Bills and Expenses!
Please, remember that you might need to spend more money due to the unexpected or emergency expenses. Just check that your bank account is organized so that you could quickly handle any changes resulting from the emergency needs of your moving process.
Keep in mind that in case you forget something at your old home you will need extra sources to provide you and your family with all necessary things.
Make sure to get several free moving quotes to help you better estimate the price of your move. 

5) Keep It or Part with it?
Ask yourself a question: do I have something at my home that I have not been using for more than a year? If yes, just consider selling or donating. Maybe all your family or someone of your friends could help just to ensure you remain objective. 

6) Take Care of your Food!
Be prepared to order take-out or eat out on the first couple of nights in your new home. Chances are you will feel too much tired to cook, but even if you do feel like cooking, most of your kitchen appliances will probably still be packed away. 

7) Enjoy your Old Home, New Home, and Even Moving Day?!
You will be able to browse through some wonderful memories in years to come by making a video or album of your old house. You could even invite your neighbors and friends.
Another not very important thing but only at first glance – try to clean the most of your items to move, thus you will save time upon your arrival to a new place.
Do not despair if you appear not to be totally happy with your new home on the day you move in. You will have enough time to get adapted to a new reality and you are for sure going to love it!
In case of any changes on your relocation plan, or a quantity of valuable items, or any other, please do not forget to inform your mover! Remember that your local moving company will provide you with all necessary information and will help to make your relocation easier, and sometimes this could save your money! Effective communication is a key to a successful, quick and effective move. 

8) Get your free moving quotes from Reliablevanlines.com to save more!

Moving Tips: Insurance and Liability

Thinking about insurance and liability can cause quite a headache when planning a move. Insurance is often the area in moving that people do not know much about. As a result people make poor choices when choosing insurance. Reliablevanlines.com is at your service to help you find out all the pluses and minuses; you will find the best mover for you and quotes for free from the most reliable Movers and Mover Companies of Illinois, Michigan of Ohio and etc.
Levels of liability may vary, especially when it concerns moving. Placing a value on your belongings is not a simple task. Your mover is liable for items packed by the moving company. However, it is important to underline, that if you do the packing on your own, then the moving company has no responsibility for the state of such items during and after relocation. Your mover should provide you with a brochure “Here’s what you need to know about placing a value on your household goods shipment before you move”. Thus you will get information about the costs associated with placing a value on your things. In case of any obvious damages or even loss right upon your arrival to a new place, still, you have 9 (nine) months to make a claim for reasonable reimbursement. Be sure you actually read these brochures so you can accurately put a value on your shipment.

Moving Tips: Basic Career Liability – Released Value

Basic carrier liability or “Released Value” comes at no additional fee and is included in your mover’s base price. This is a minimum coverage required by law and covers each item at 60 cents per pound for interstate moves, or 30 cents per pound for local moves. This plan will hardly replace many of your belongings if they are damaged, so think carefully before agreeing to this type of coverage.
Check with the local Better Business Bureau (BBB) to get information on how the mover has handled claims in the past. Despite the fact that you will obviously have damaged or lost items and will have the right to apply for reimbursement with a claim, you are still responsible for paying for the move in a timely fashion.

Moving Tips: Declared Value Protection

This protection plan is based on the depreciated value of your belongings rather than the most current replacement cost. With Declared Value Protection your goods are protected at $1.25 per pound, meaning if you are transporting 8,000 pounds your mover is liable for up to $10,000. You are automatically obligated to this coverage plan if you do not request any others and your mover is entitled to charge $7.00 for every $1,000 of liability. Your mover will be able to offer you any additional information about this specific plan. Your valuables are somewhat protected, under this plan, but you pay for it. The thing we offer you do not pay for is moving quotes from Reliablevanlines.com!

Moving Tips: Full (Replacement) Value Protection

The most inclusive insurance plan, Full Value Protection, requires that any damaged goods be replaced, restored or cash settlement be made with the mover company. This is ideal if you are travelling a long distance or are transporting many expensive items. You are obligated to pay the first $100-500 of repairs or replacements, depending on the deductible amount. The mover is able to protect himself from the damage done to high value items (over $100 per pound) unless you remember to list them on the shipping document or High Value Inventory sheet. Speak with your mover to discuss what this plan encompasses and what items can be insured.
Extraordinary Value Items. You must identify all high-value items included in your shipment in order for them to be insured. ??? These items include anything having a value greater than $100 per pound. Here are a few examples of high-value items for your reference:
Crystals; Antiques; Furs; Currency; Art Collection; Figurines; Cameras; Computer Software; Electronics; Gold, Silver or silverware; Precious stones or jewelry
Oriental rugs.
You should declare the total amount of the released value that you claim for your goods. This total should be recorded on the bill of lading and include the value of all items, even ones of extraordinary value. Please take note that the protection for items of greater value is not available for shipments, which exceed??? the mover’s value of 60 cents per pound, per article.

Moving Tips: Homeowners Insurance

According to your homeowner’s insurance policy, you may or may not be eligible for coverage on your household goods while they are being transported. Find out whether such an offer expires once you close on your home. If you will be receiving coverage through your homeowner’s insurance, inquire about what exactly will be covered and for how much per pound. In the event that you file a claim you will need to be able to prove that the damage was due to the mover’s negligence and not your own. No money will be paid out due to any items damaged due to poor packing by you.

Moving Tips: How to Pick Movers

When choosing a mover in Illinois, Ohio or Michigan get as much information as possible. See below for helpful questions to ask moving companies you are considering:
1) Are they licensed and insured Movers or Moving Company or Van Lines?
2) How do these Movers or Moving Company or Van Lines charge, hourly or by weight?
3) Are there additional fees from chosen Mover or Moving Company or Van Lines?
4) Do they charge extra for large items?
5) Is there a minimum number of hours or minimum charge?
6) What is the cancellation policy of the chosen Mover or Moving Company or Van Lines?
7) What are the procedures if damage or loss occurs of the Mover or Moving Company or Van Lines?
8) Are the movers full-time employees or day laborers?
9) How will you be charged for travel time?
10) Will my items be insured by the Mover during relocation?
11) Are there things they will not move?
12) If I pack myself, what type of packing material such as boxes are acceptable?
13) When do I pay? Cash on delivery?
14) How do I pay? Cash, credit card, check personal or certified?
15) Will the mover disassemble everything and will they reassemble all items at the destination?
16) Do not forget to ask for references of the chosen Mover or Moving Company or Van Lines of Illinois, Michigan or Ohio.
First, even before talking to a mover, just decide what household goods will be shipped and what will be sold or given away. Consider whether or not you would like the mover to pack and what other types of additional services you may require for your relocation.
Contact directly the movers you are considering for the job and ask them for an estimate for their services. Try to instantly get in touch with your relocation consultant and control the process of estimate preparation. Never accept the estimate by phone and do not consider the company which actually offers you such a service.
In the very beginning you should inform your mover about every specific detail that might occur while relocating (may concern specific household items), and any problems that may encounter at the delivery: parking problems, road or street access, restrictions for the delivery time, are there any stairs, and how many of them are there at your house. In the event you have problems with road accessibility, try to reserve some space for the truck. You should also keep in mind the distance from the doors of your home to the truck, it could be considered for an additional payment. Sometimes it could happen that the truck would be prohibited due to the weight, in this case a smaller van will be used to access your home. This will need additional budget from your side.
Movers (Moving companies, van lines) of Illinois, Ohio and Michigan should meet the following criteria:
- Publish their tariffs or price list for relocation and make it available to anybody who requests a copy.
- Participate in a dispute settlement program and to offer neutral arbitration in the event a dispute arises.

Moving Tips: Moving with family

Get your free moving quotes from Reliablevanlines.com and find out how to help your family relocate, from breaking the news to assisting family members to resources to assist everyone in your household. Moving to a new home could be traumatic for both parents and children. Moving when you are single is difficult in itself; moving with a family - a spouse, children and pets – adds another level of stress. To prepare for a family relocation, check out the details you might need to help you keep everyone involved and excited about the upcoming change.
If one person in your family is giving up an employment position or moving away from family and friends to support the other partner in their career ambitions, special consideration needs to be made to ensure the move is positive for the entire family.
When told they are moving, small children often feel scared, uncertain and a sense that their world is collapsing. In fact, because a child’s home is their world, a world they associate with a family, love and safety, the thought of it no longer existing cam be quite frightening. For older children, the fear of leaving good friends, for example in Dayton, Ohio, and also teachers, a school they know and a familiar routine to move to Warren in Michigan, can be quite hard.
The main thing is to keep everybody involved so that everyone could feel the importance of being together. It is also very much important to let you kids be involved in some of the decision making. Ask them what they would like to have at new home for they could feel comfortable to adjust to a new space in a short period of time after relocation. Take into consideration the choice of school to be discussed, availability of sports and other attractions. It would be great to take kids for a ride to get to know the place better.
What is the best time to move for your kids? Actually, that is a difficult question that concerns many factors. The reality is that in case you may choose the time to move you are already a lucky person. Moving in mid-term of school may give your child an advantage to adjust to a new environment better and quicker. For some reason, moving during school holidays will not make your teen a new kid on the block starting a new term among all other schoolmates.

Moving Tips: Family Guide: Children’s Problems

Some signs of your kids having problems are the following:
- Loss of appetite;
- Having mood swings;
- Not making new friends;
- Changed sleep patterns;
- Loss of interest in hobbies.
You should know that children focus on the emotion of moving which is associated with the loss of friends, so try to be patient and talk to them on possible advantages to find new interesting perspectives in life.
If you show happiness about moving, your kids will mirror your mood. Keep a positive unified attitude, but be prepared to accept their negative reactions. Listen to children’s fears and concerns, and also share your own. Let them know their feelings and stress are normal for this situation. Reassure them by reading age-appropriate books on moving. Help your children prepare for the move by making a memory book. You could let them shoot their own video or make pictures of their old house, friends and favorite places in the neighborhood of your lovely Columbus or any place you lived in. If visits are possible let your children know they would be able to come to see their friends.
Just be there to know if everything is ok and your kid is satisfied with his/her new life, because first of all you are his/her family and home.

Moving Tips: Moving with Pets

No matter how long you have had your pet it is hard to deny that they, too, are the family. On average Americans move every 7 years which in the lifespan of a pet may be 10-12 years. It is highly likely that during your pet’s lifetime you will move or relocate. When planning a move with your dog or cat, bird or fish, remember that like children they require a lot of attention. They also have adjusted to a routine lifestyle in a familiar place and that soon will all change. But you could organize a less stressful move with your pet. If you usually walk with your pet in the morning, then continue to do so. Habits are particularly important to maintain the closer you get to a moving date.
Contact your local veterinarian to obtain all of your pet’s medical records prior to the move and verify that these records are up-to-date.
DOGS
Keep doors and windows closed during the days of your relocation so your pet does not run away. A pet may become stressed among strangers – moving workers – and due to the chaos of a moving day. You can also hire an animal transport service that offers a door to door service that includes picking up your pet a few days prior the moving day and delivering it back to you on the date you determine. If travelling by air, just contact the airline to get information on any fees or even permission to take your pet on board. There are also restrictions on the quantity of pets on board at the same time: please, book a place for it in advance, ex. 2-3 months.
Pets may not ride along on the moving van with the rest of your things!
Try to adjust your pet to travelling, especially if it is the first time of moving for it. Start off by taking your dog along for short rides such as a trip to the store, to pick up the kids from school or just a quick drive to the neighborhood. Your pet will be most comfortable with his personal items. Feed your dog the same food and surround him with the familiar toys or items.
CATS
Cats enjoy being in control so when they sense their environment is being disrupted, such as during a long move, they may begin acting troublesome. One suggestion can be handling them over to a friend or relative for a short period of time so they are not amid chaos.
Schedule supervised outings for your cat once you have arrived; close all the windows and doors in the house so that your cat may feel free to roam the rooms in your new home; feed your cat at regular hours and use old bowls or dishes.
BIRDS
What concerns birds, they are most sensitive to temperature changes so it is recommended you provide your bird with proper ventilation for the trip. Your bird can be transported in its original cage - just be sure to keep it away from food or beverage containers to avoid any spills or accidents. Select states require a health certificate for birds entering the state that may be examined at the airport or during roadway inspections. For this reason it is recommended to have your pet bird inspected by your preferred veterinarian prior to its relocation.
Some health certificates are valid only through a certain period of time – maybe 10 days. If so, you must travel with your pet within the designated timeframe.
Make sure your bird has enough of food and water during moving
Provide your bird with proper ventilation for the move.
HORSES
Moving with your horse may be a huge concern, because it’s so much work to be done! With careful planning anything is possible. You will need to have a “Coggins Test” and prove negative at least 6-7 months prior to the departure date. The Coggins Test examines the horse’s blood sample for exposure to the virus causing Equine Infections Anemia – an extremely serious and fatal disease.
Map out your course of travel on a personal map or website to figure out an ideal route to take when driving with a horse and trailer. Attempt to avoid high traffic areas or going down dumpy roads.
REPTILES
There are strict government regulations related to the entry of reptiles into most states, and the list may include Ohio, Michigan or Illinois.
It is extremely important that your reptile’s carrier is kept moist. You may put a dampened cloth or paper in the shipper to keep the surroundings slightly wet, but not too much wet!
Do not ship reptiles in extreme weather – hot or cold – because they may be left outside for an extended period of time in the shipping container.
You should remove all filters, heaters, thermometers, and any decorations you may have in your tank. Carefully wrap any fragile items and place everything in padded boxes.
Remove tanks from boxes and place on a steady table or platform as soon as you arrive. Gently wipe the inside of the tank with a moist sponge or towel, add water to neutralize any chemicals, place gravel on the bottom, put any decorations, turn on filters, heaters or any other equipment.
When moving, it is necessary to ID your pet because there is an increased possibility they will runaway or escape. Put the necessary information on the tag – name, address, phone number and e-mail. This info should be easily readable.

Moving Tips: Moving with Plants

Believe it or not, you may have formed a special attachment to your plants and just can’t leave them behind. It is critical to pack them very carefully as they are generally not covered by insurance and travelling in extreme temperatures may harm the plants. Be sure to show your moving company regardless of the state you are in – Michigan, Ohio or Illinois – all your plants as they tend to take up a lot of room. If you are planning to relocate your goods via air freight it is important to contact the airline first to understand what plants, if any, can be carried in such way. The airlines have special rules for transportation of plants that you will need to understand clearly.
A FEW WEEKS BEFORE
Contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture if moving from state to state – Illinois to Ohio, or Michigan to Illinois, etc. Many states have different restrictions regarding what plants can be brought in due to pests and insects that can harm cash crops in that particular state.
Trim plants and remove any straggling bits. If you are unsure of how to do this, consult an internet source or plant book for more information. Many moving companies could help you with that information and Reliablevanlines.com will give you free quotes!
A WEEK BEFORE use a form of bug repellant to treat your plants and place them in sealed plastic bags. This is meant to reduce or eliminate any pests on the plant or in the soil.
ON THE MOVING DAY before your plants can be ready to go, place a few holes in the boxes to provide oxygen for your plants so that they can breathe.
Carefully load your plants into the vehicle and situate them in an area where they will not move around or fall over.
Upon arrival, unpack your plants immediately by removing them from the bottom of the box to avoid damaging stems. Gradually increase the amount of sunlight they are exposed to – it can harm your plants to be exposed to too much light at first. Just like you, your plants need time to adjust to their new environment.
GARDENING TOOLS:
Consider the following tips for maintaining your gardening supplies:
Properly clean any tools you are planning to move with you. Cover your garden tools with a thin coat of foil for protection against rust. Hose down any garden furniture you are planning to move and use bleach is necessary to remove any stubborn stains. Allow tools to dry completely before packing or loading onto the moving van.