When Moving to the Bay Area – Get Advice from the Experts:

Before you decide to conduct a residential move on your own, think about the difficulties that you will come across. People often assume that hiring a moving company is a waste of money. Little do they know, that it can cost you more to conduct a move on your own than it will hiring a company. Unless you already have a large trailer, all of the packaging supplies, and free help, moving is expensive to manage alone. Collect quotes by using the free quote calculators on the movers’ websites or by calling each one individually so you can get other details at the same time. Ask their customer service representatives any questions that you might have before deciding on whether or not to hire them for the job.

Save Money after Buying Moving Services

After hiring a mover in the Bay Area, start thinking of ways to save on the rest of the relocation. Pay attention to the following and try to utilize any of the advice pertinent to your move.

• Save newspapers, purchase Styrofoam plates, and save old blankets and clothes for packaging purposes.
• Try to find free help. For instance, ask a family member to babysit the kids, and find others willing to help you pack.
• Opt out of full packaging services and pack away your own belongings.
• Ask local businesses if they have any extra boxes to spare.
• Have a garage sale to earn money off of items you do not wish to relocate.
• Purchase insurance offered through the movers so that if something ends up damaged or lost, you do not have to repair or replace it with out of pocket cash.
• Purchase refreshments and snacks for the movers instead of tipping them

THIS IS HOW TO TAKE YOUR STARTUP TO SUCCESS IN ONE YEAR FLAT:

When he first became a franchise partner with You Move Me, Mike Dahlman set a larger-than-life revenue goal. He knew it crazy for his first year in business, but he was buzzing with the excitement of joining a new, emerging brand. By the end of the year, Mike’s franchise was so busy that they added five trucks to their fleet just to keep up with demand. And his team didn’t just hit their target — they beat it. This is Mike’s story.

O2E: How did you take a startup and turn it into a revenue-smashing business?

MD: I first got involved with You Move Me when the business was only six months old. I loved the brand and the concept; plus it was young and new and I’d basically get to help build it from scratch.

At the time, James Alisch was running the local franchise. We met years before while working at College Pro, and we had been looking for a way to work together again. James believed I was equipped to take the business to the next level — and I agreed that You Move Me was the perfect opportunity. James is now my business partner, along with founder Brian Scudamore.

So I came on board and then the previous general manager left at the busiest time of year. We were slammed. While it was tough to be thrown into that so early on, it also allowed us to smash our goals.

O2E: What surprised you most about owning your own business?

MD: How fast we were able to grow it! The really confident, positive part of me had set an over-the-top goal. But part of me also knew it was a pretty aggressive target. To have gone above and beyond the goal was both shocking and impressive.

O2E: What are the benefits of going into business within a franchise system?

MD: When you join an established franchise system, you get instant credibility. Two weeks after startup, I could walk into someone’s house and they knew who we were because of our connection to O2E Brands. There’s a story and a history here that people understand and respect, so it makes it easy for them to connect to us. People love the name and look of the You Move Me brand, and that’s what makes us memorable.

O2E: What advice would you give someone who is looking into buying a franchise?

MD: Be willing to be hands-on. Get on the trucks and learn the business from the frontlines. It’s a challenging business but the people make it rewarding. If you’re not connected to who and why you’re doing it, it will be frustrating.

O2E: What has been the best part of owning a franchise?

MD: I work with people that I like and trust on a different level than I ever have before. With other jobs, you inherit a team and there’s always some people who are there for the wrong reasons. What I love most about owning a You Move Me franchise is that I get to create my own team. Building our team, from where we were to where we are at this point, has been really rewarding. Two of the first people I hired are still with me, and a guy I worked with at College Pro is now one of my crew leaders 16 years later.I really believe that with the right people, the right energy, and the right message — big things can happen.

Need Help Moving? Try HireAHelper to Find Labor Professionals in Your Area:

A DIY move doesn’t mean a do-it-by-yourself move. In fact, anyone who intends to move without the help of a professional moving company should absolutely plan to either enlist friends or hire moving day labor to assist with the job. From lifting heavy boxes and bulky furniture to loading and unloading the moving truck, moving is a big job. For this reason, I don’t recommend moving alone (hello: potential injuries, stress and serious back pain).

Those relocating to a new city or moving during the workweek will, undoubtedly, have a harder time finding available friends and family to help out. Even if you’re moving to a town with familiar faces, the kind of people who are willing and able to spend the majority of their day assisting with your move are few and far between.

Enter HireAHelper. This online marketplace allows those moving to locate and book moving labor professionals in their area. To find moving labor, check out Moving.com’s search engine, powered by HireAHelper. For a more in-depth look at this helpful moving tool, take a look below.

What is HireAHelper?

As mentioned above, HireAHelper is an online marketplace helping people locate and book moving labor professionals in their area. According to the company’s website, the professional movers on HireAHelper are either labor-only moving companies that specialize in load and unload services, or they’re full-service moving companies that send workers out on labor-only moving jobs. Users can view up-front pricing and reviews on the website to help with evaluating the options.

How does it work?

On HireAHelper’s home page, simply type in the date of your move and your zip code. Then press “compare labor prices” to see various labor-only professionals in your area. Tip: If you’re moving to a different city, you may need to book two separate labor companies to help with your move. On the comparison page, customers will be able to see a helper’s: hourly rates, availability, customer reviews, business details (such as what equipment they provide) and credentials. Once you’ve selected the helper you want and your preferred arrival time window, all you have to do is reserve the mover via credit card. According to HireAHelper, your payment will be held in escrow. Once the job is complete, HireAHelper will send the payment to the movers.

Why should I choose HireAHelper when moving?

For starters, HireAHelper is a one-stop shop for finding and booking quality labor-only movers in your area. The website allows customers to see up-front pricing for labor professionals and with 3,400 companies in the HireAHelper network, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding helpers. All you have to do is rent your own truck and the HireAHelper movers will do the rest for you. Hiring moving labor also ensures a smooth, more efficient move overall. HireAHelper movers can take care of all of the furniture disassembly and reassembly (think: beds, tables and sectionals), as well as loading and unloading of your belongings. Given that these HireAHelper movers are professionals, you can take comfort in knowing that your household’s worth of items will be in good hands.

Are they licensed and insured?

According to HireAHelper, “a special license isn’t required for lifting things in and out of a truck or storage container.” However, before hiring moving labor, it’s important to find out whether the individual moving company is otherwise licensed and insured. Most moving companies will list their insurance credentials and business licenses on their HireAHelper profiles, as well as on their business website. If anything breaks during the move, HireAHelper states that the individual moving company should resolve the damage claims on their own.

However, if they don’t, you have a backup option. HireAHelper provides complimentary mover’s insurance when you place your order for the mover through HireAHelper. This insurance covers $.60 cents per pound, up to $10K. Those that hire a moving day helper with an average review of 4.5 stars or higher are eligible to purchase Full Value coverage from MovingInsurance.com. According to HireAHelper, the rates begin at $12 per $1,000 in coverage.

Does HireAHelper bring a moving truck or moving supplies?

Labor professionals booked on HireAHelper will not bring a moving truck. You are responsible for providing a moving truck. Each individual HireAHelper mover lists what equipment they provide (and whether or not they charge extra for it) in their profile.

Will they help me disassemble and reassemble furniture?

Yes. However, you’ll need to include whether or not you need furniture disassembly and reassembly in your order form. Since helpers charge by the hour, you should take this extra time into account when figuring out your moving budget.

How long will the move take?

HireAHelper recommends looking at their labor guide to get a good idea of the time required for the move. I recommend also speaking to the helper directly to see how much time they think the job will require.

Should I tip a HireAHelper mover?

While tipping your helper certainly isn’t required, it is a nice thing to do – assuming the mover does an excellent job. HireAHelper states that the typical tip amount is $10 to $20 a worker.

What are other moving labor options?

A few other labor alternatives to HireAHelper include:

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving – College Hunks is a licensed and insured moving and junk removal service. For those who need help moving, the company can help pack and load/unload your moving truck. College Hunks charges by the hour.

Moving Help – Moving Help provides customers with an online marketplace for local moving labor services in their area. The website ranks all Moving Helpers based on the company’s star rating. It also allows customers to read reviews and assess ratings for each moving company.

Enlisting friends and family – Of course, you can always ask friends and family to help with your move. If lifting heavy furniture, I recommend recruiting at least four additional people to help with the move.

Need full-service moving?

If you decide that your complicated relocation needs the help of full-service movers, you’re in luck! Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers makes it easy to find and book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Best of luck and happy moving!

5 Big Cities for Every Type of Person:

So you’re ready to set foot on your next adventure—but where to? Whether you’re moving from San Jose for a career in technology enterprise or to enjoy the stillness of nature, Mont-Rose Moving Systems knows why some of America’s best places to live can accommodate you. We’ve picked out five big cities that are all known for catering to people of all types. Check out our list and maybe you’ll find your next home here!

The Outdoor Lover - Denver, CO
As one of the most active places in the nation, outdoor sports and nature lovers flock to Denver’s naturally varied geography. Whether it’s down-hill mountain biking, snowboarding, or hiking, with the Rocky Mountains right next door, the city is made for those looking for a little adrenaline.

Little Silicon - Dallas, TX

As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, Dallas is quickly getting the reputation as a second Silicon Valley. Many major tech companies as well as promising startups are making this city a modern metropolis without the San Fran price.

Musician’s Big Break - Nashville, TN
Known as “Music City” many aspiring musicians get their start in Nashville. Avoid paying the high costs of living in Los Angeles, hoping to be discovered, and instead opt for rising to fame through one of many of Nashville’s premiere music studios and recording companies.

Beach Goer - Tampa, FL
Californian beaches may be one thing, but nothing quite rivals the white sands of Florida. Beach and sun lovers travel to Tampa to bask on the sand, boat in the tropical waters, or even watch baseball. This city offers a more affordable option than the west coast.

Busy on Budget - Chicago, IL

Like New York without the bank-breaking costs, Chicago offers its residents great food, parks, museums and a thriving bar and club scene. People looking for the Big Apple vibe feel right at home in the “Windy City,” where a variety of big companies make their home and the cost of living is just right.

Wherever you choose to go, Mont-Rose Moving Systems can help you get there. Whether you’re moving from San Jose for personal or career reasons, we can accommodate you and your family of any size. Let us work with you to create a personalized moving plan to anywhere in the country. Chat with one of our moving specialists today or fill out our online quote form to get a free estimate!

TAGS:

 

SAN JOSE MOVING SERVICES 

RESIDENTIAL MOVING

Your Ultimate Guide To Transporting Your Car Safely:

Moving to a new city is an exciting feeling indeed, but when you think of all the things you have to leave behind, it turns into a scary thought especially when it comes to something as big as your precious car. Since a car is a big investment both emotional and financial, moving it with you to the new city is your best bet.

So here are 5 pointers to keep in mind to safely transport your car:

1. Personal items are a big no:

One aspect that is standard across all car carrier companies is the fact that it does not permit the shipping of any personal items along with the car. Personal items like documents, photographs, clothing or any other personal items are completely restricted while shipping. Before you send across your car to be shipped, a thorough check of whether you have left behind any personal items is essential.

2. Pre-wash is a must:

While shipping, dirt and dust are prone to settle on the car. A pre-shipping wash and clean will ensure your car is in a better condition throughout the shipping process. This also helps you get a clearer picture of the present damages and appearance of the car prior to it reaching the destination. This way if the shipping causes any visible damages to the car you can catch it a lot easier.

3. Know your insurance well:

Most people opt for car insurance prior to the transporting of the car. The most common insurances cover damages caused by third parties but the thing to look into is if the insurance covers shipment damages since you are well aware of the potential harms. However, in a premium insurance cover, this situation is covered as well due to the slight surcharge.

4. Record keeping = best friend:

Be mindful of every aspect of your car before you decide to ship it across to the place you are moving to. Note down every scratch, dent and part that is intact in the car prior to the shipping. Taking photographs of all sides and angles of your car will be an easy way to check on the damages (if any) after you send across your car.

5. Know your shipping package:

Different car carriers provide different packages for the safe transport of your car. Ensure that you know your package well and have read all the terms of the transporting deal. Find out whether the carriers provides a ‘door to door’ plan, where they pick up your car from your home and drop it to your residence in the city you are shipping it to.

For car enthusiasts everywhere, a car is just like a family member and leaving it behind when moving is just not an option. This is when opting for professional car carriers is the best option to go for. If you or someone you know is looking for the car carrier services, you can find them here.

Office Relocation Checklist:

Now that you’ve found a new location for your business, it’s time to get ready to execute the

move. For a commercial moving project, cost and time efficiency is everything. With the right planning tools, you can have a seamless, positive experience and start off a new, fruitful future the right way.

Six to Twelve Months Before: Office Relocation Point of Contact

Six to twelve months before you move, choose someone from your staff to be the go-to person for all things moving related. Create a master moving schedule together. If you have several people on the moving team, assign one person the duty of keeping it all together. When making this decision, consider someone who possesses the following qualities:

• Great communicator/ works well with others
• Adheres to budget restrictions
• Organized
• Multi-tasker
• Has senior position standing
• Motivator

3 to 6 Months Before: Your Office Relocation Budget

Relocating can be one of the most expensive endeavors your business can go through. Having a budget and clear understanding of where each dollar is going puts you in a much better position to get from point A to B smoothly.

Get your office relocation estimate at least six months prior to the move, and 3-4 months ahead, meet in person with your commercial moving team. By two months out, your moving company should be selected, and two to three weeks to the official moving date, complete a walk-through with the chosen moving team.

1 to 2 Months Before: Commercial Moving Transition

There’s a number of moving parts (pun intended) when it comes to moving your office to a new location. In the hustle and bustle of things, it’s easy to forget what’s pending on the list. Once you and your go-to moving team or person have come up with a plan, write it down for safe keeping and refer to it periodically over the course of the six months prior to the move.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Schedule all utilities to be cut off and turned on at new location
• Update the address on business cards, email signatures, stationery and other materials
• Make any necessary new purchases
• Confirm details with your moving company
• Contact any suppliers and/or customers

If your office is relocating, don’t hesitate to call Nor-Cal Moving Service for a price quote or fill out the simple form on our website.

TAGS:

 

OFFICE RELOCATION 

SILICON VALLEY COMMERCIAL MOVING

USING PACKING PAPER FOR A MOVE:

Packing paper is one of the most useful resources anyone that is moving can ask for. Paper proves most useful in protecting fragile items from breaking during a move. Anyone moving can utilize packing paper’s recyclability and flexibility too. Here’s how to use packing paper during your next move.

WHY DO I NEED PACKING PAPER?

Packing paper fits the needs of so many people when they move. Also known as newsprint, the clean, unmarked packing paper is ideal for wrapping and packing scratchable and breakable items like plates and dishes. Packing Paper also proves more versatile than bubble wrap used in many of the same situations.  Packing paper is easier to squish and fill spaces with in boxes than nearly any other packing materials, to make sure nothing inside the box shifts. Packing paper is also easier to handle than most other materials and is completely recyclable.

HOW MUCH PACKING PAPER DO I NEED?

Oz’s formula for buying packing paper is one pound of tape per cubic foot of your moving box. This should give plenty of buffer room for all of your items in each of your moving boxes. For fragile items, make sure to add extra paper, and make sure your boxes with these more breakable items are less congested.

HOW DO I USE PACKING PAPER?

There are two main ways to use packing paper. One use is to wrap items in paper as if they were gifts, for a layer of protection all around these items. The other use is as a buffer, crumpled up around other items in the boxes.

• Plates are packed much like other items are packed with packing paper. First, they should be wrapped individually. Afterwards, they can be put into a sturdy enough moving box which should otherwise be filled with packing paper to act as a buffer.
• Glassware is generally packed conventionally as well. After being wrapped in packing paper, glassware should be laid down in a moving box. Generally, glassware will be amongst the lighter items in a moving person’s inventory, and lighter items should go on top of heavier items when packing moving boxes.