Something you may not have considered while you're preparing for your cross-country move is how to protect yourself from debit card and credit card fraud. Considering all of the transactions that take place during the moving process, it's a very real concern and definitely something to keep top-of-mind. The point where much debit card and credit card fraud happens is through online purchases. That means when you're shopping online it's best to choose sites with a secure checkout— you'll recognize these sites by their URL. It should start with https:// instead of http://. You'll notice that U-Pack offers a secure checkout, which you can see in the URL: https://www.upack.com/secure/reserve.asp.
My recommendation is to make all purchases related to your move on one credit card (and make ... Read More
You've done the hard part – your life is packed up in moving boxes, ready to go. Now it's on to the fun part, right? Moving in a new home is exciting, but it can be just as overwhelming as coordinating the move out of the old one. Where do you start?
Organize, Organize, Organize…
When you're moving in a new home, organization is the key to your move going smoothly. That organization should start when you're packing your boxes. It is important to label your boxes clearly so that you know exactly what is in the box and which room the box should go in. If you do this, you won't have to constantly answer the question "where does this box go?" from your helpers on... Read More
Discover Easy & Cost Effective Tips for Keeping Your Home Cool in the Summer If you're moving to a new home during the summer, the cost of moving isn't the only expense you have to worry about. If you haven't gotten your first electric bill, you may be surprised by its impact on your bank account— especially if you're not sure how well the home is insulated. Besides making sure the doors are closed in between going in and out of the house on move-in day, there are some things you can do to keep from running your air conditioner overtime all throughout the summer.
Cool the house/apartment early in the day. Keep all doors and windows closed.
When the sun is out, close all shades, blinds and curtains – especially in rooms with heavy morning and afternoon sun. If ... Read More
If you're like me, the idea of packing up one house to move to another sounds like a daunting task. In fact, it makes me a little light-headed just thinking about it. The thought of trying to figure out what to take with you and what to let go of is a little overwhelming, but the truth is, if you can let go of the things you don't need— the stuff that's just taking up precious space— you will help reduce moving costs in the long-run.
So, we'll help you figure out what things to donate when you're moving. Don't forget to get a receipt for tax purposes. It might make a difference when April rolls around.
Our suggestion is to start with baby steps. Begin little by little clearing out of the items you simply don't use, items you have multiples of or... Read More
Though my kids have never made a big move (when I say big, I'm talking moving long-distance away from friends and family), they have had to move from one house to another. It was hard on them. They missed their rooms and the familiarity of their surroundings. But it was minor compared to what some families go through. Now that my daughter is in 1st grade, I can't imagine a conversation telling her that she's going to move away from the home she's known for years, her family and her friends at school. If that's the situation your family is in, consider checking out books that were designed to help kids get through the stress of relocating. Here are some recommended books, listed by age.
It's Flashback Friday— each week, U-Pack will revisit a blog topic that's been helpful and fun for our readers. Be sure to check the comments section of each post for even more valuable moving advice!
Moving large items can be tricky if you don't have a game plan from the start. In this U-Pack favorite, a U-Pack Moving Expert explains tips for moving a refrigerator.
Refrigerators are expensive. If you're moving one, you want to make sure you do it right to keep it from getting damaged.
Here are some great tips for moving your refrigerator safely:
If you're in the process of moving, you know there are a lot of details to handle aside from just transporting your household items from one home to another. When you make a move to a new city or state, you have to be sure to transfer a number of important documents— one of those being medical records. I don't know about you, but there's something about knowing how things work, and what to expect that makes me feel more at ease. Moving long-distance is definitely a time when it's good to feel at ease. So we've researched and determined the steps you can take to transfer your medical records when you move.
First, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (you know it as HIPAA) so you're a... Read More
Moving can be a stressful time for anybody. However, there are steps you can take to make a move less stressful and more organized! Consider these 3 tips for a smart move to help ensure your move is as easy as possible.
Tips for a Smart Move:
Getting organized - Organization is the key to a smart move. The key to being organized is starting early! The biggest mistake people make when moving is not leaving enough time to pack. Begin by making a list of what needs to be packed in each room, such as furniture, clothes, dishes, etc. Be sure to have plenty of moving supplies: sturdy boxes, Bubble Wrap, and tape are essential to safely packing your belongings.)
How to Introduce Yourself to New Neighbors We all know that moving into a new neighborhood involves having new neighbors, but it's how you introduce yourself to them that will set the tone for your future encounters together. Meeting new people can be difficult and unnerving (especially if you're overly shy), but if you respect their privacy, space, and time you can develop the kind of camaraderie everyone hopes to have with new neighbors!
Here's how to introduce yourself to new neighbors:
Start by "scoping" out the community and looking for the houses with families (i.e. toys outside, mini-vans filled with sports equipment, screams from the backyard), elderly individuals, gardeners, night owls, etc. This way you can find any common ground you might share with these ne... Read More
Great Tips for Cleaning Your New Home – Getting Rid of the Old Germs Cleaning your new home and getting rid of old germs is an important task to do before you even begin to unpack. So where do you start? Jump right in! Thoroughly cleaning one room at a time will make the task seem a little less daunting. If you live close enough to your new home, it's a smart idea to clean before moving over all of your household items. If you don't live nearby, be sure to schedule some time for scrubbing before you begin unloading the moving boxes.
Before starting any large task, it's always best to have a game plan. Here's an easy-to-follow checklist to get you started on cleaning your new home and getting rid of the... Read More
Buying your first house— what to expect Purchasing a home can be a very exciting time in your life; it can also be a little nerve-racking! Whether you're just beginning to search for a home or have been renting one for years, there are a few things to consider when buying your first house.
First things first: be patient. Buying your first house takes time, and you likely won't find your dream house overnight. Some buyers have even compared the search to trying to find a needle in a haystack! Just remember that there are lots of options out there, and you'll find the perfect home for you when the time is right.
Next step: plan ahead. It's a good idea to decide on a price range you're comfortable with, which will make the house-hunting much easier. Consult with your b... Read More
Guest blogger Leanna Deleon has been a U-Pack analyst since 2006. As a police wife and personal firearm owner, Leanna really knows her stuff when it comes to safely handling weapons and ammunition (and moving)!
What NOT to Move— Pressurized Tanks, Propane Tanks and Aerosol Cans BOOOOOM! Yes, an explosion is a possibility if you don't do your moving "homework." Pressurized tanks, propane tanks and aerosol cans are restricted for a reason.
In Part 1 of this series, we clarified that BB, pellet and airsoft guns are safe to move with your U-Pack shipment…as long as you don't include the pressurized tanks that are required to make some of those guns work. In this post, we'll discuss pressurized tanks, propane tanks and aerosol cans. When punctured or exposed to heat, these items can explode, causing damage to your shipment, or e... Read More
Guest blogger Leanna Deleon has been a U-Pack analyst since 2006. As a police wife and personal firearm owner, Leanna really knows her stuff when it comes to safely handling weapons and ammunition(and moving)!
What NOT to Move - Firearms and Ammo If you're moving long distance, it's likely that you stumbled across our blog as part of your research (A+ for doing your homework!). This "homework" includes understanding the Do Not Ship list, which includes firearms and ammunition. This restriction applies to all U-Pack moves, not just those crossing international borders or outside of the continental U.S.— but don't worry, you definitely have a few options to get them moved properly.
Guest blogger Zac Melton knows what it feels like to be the new kid in town. Here are a few tips from Zac to help you find a few friendly faces in your new neighborhood.
Whether you're moving because you just got promoted or if you just wanted a change of pace, making friends and acquaintances can be one of the most difficult things when you're new in town.
You might find yourself thinking, "Where should I go, and what do I say?" or even "what will they think of me?". There is no doubt these questions can be unnerving, but in the right setting the conversation will come naturally. Below are a few ideas for getting to know people in your new community.
Fitness Center: This is the first place you should go once you get in town! A fitness center is better th... Read More
Moving to California can be an adventure, but what do you need to know about before you make your relocation? In two words: gypsy moths. You may be laughing and thinking I am absolutely nuts. What would a moth have to do with moving? In truth, this little moth could determine whether or not you can complete your move to California.
A gypsy moth starts out as a caterpillar, which then turns into a moth. They are well known in the northeast, but can be found just about anywhere. According to California Department of Food and Agriculture, a gypsy moth can eat up to one square foot of leaves a day. They can easily destroy an entire forest. Can you imagine the devastation these little guys could cause to California's famous wine making industry?
Moving Industry Insider Tips If you or someone you know has an upcoming move, there are several things about the moving industry that you should know.
Not All Movers are Movers One of the biggest secrets of the moving industry is that in large part, it's made up of people who aren't movers. ’Brokers' are people or companies that work in the moving industry to sell moves to customers, and then they contract with movers (who may or may not be qualified or trustworthy) to get things done. As a customer, this is not in your best interest. You want to deal directly with the moving company that will be handling your move. A broker just creates an additional layer of cost, and sometimes confusion, that you don't need.
Price may be Negotiable, but Quality is Not The moving industry is a co... Read More
What to Know When Moving from Florida If you are about to make a move, and you happen to be moving from Florida, there are a few things that you should know.
Florida is Kind of a Hotbed for Scam Companies In fact, a quick look at Moving Scam cautions, "Be extremely cautious before hiring any FL company, especially south FL, because many scam and dubious companies are run out of FL". This basically means if you happen to be moving from Florida, you are in the middle of it. Researching the companies that you are considering is extremely important in this region, because your local choices may include companies that you would NOT want to use.
Most People Move TO Florida According to eFlorida, the state has added ove... Read More
In her last post, Adria gave several tips on how to find a reliable contractor. Here are a few questions to ask when checking references on a contractor you're thinking of hiring.
Questions to Ask References
After you've collected the four different kinds of references recommended above, it's time to start picking their brain about the contractors in question.
Can you explain your overall experience? (Pay attention to their tone, their overall statements, etc.
Would you recommend this contractor again?
Did the contractor respond quickly when you contacted him? Did he provide good solutions to your questions?
Was the supervisor for your project the owner or an employee? Was he part-time/full-time? May I have his full name?
Did they protect the other areas of your house from dust, dirt, a... Read More
Adria Saracino from eLocal visits the U-Pack blog with advice on finding a reliable contractor for home repairs and installations.
How to Hire the Right Contractor: What to Look for and Questions to Ask
The decision has been made: you're moving.
From the day the decision is made to the day you move, there is a seemingly endless list of tasks to accomplish, such as hiring movers and selling your home. And the process of selling your home is no easy task. You need to hire a realtor, put it on the market, hope you sell it, go through inspection, pray the inspection passes and that you go into closing…it's a long task that can be overwhelming.
A majority of this time is spent waiting, and the length of time you wait has a lot to do with your home. The market is slowly getting better, but buyers are still cautious when purchasi... Read More
It's pretty easy to find the general city data for an area (such as the population, zip codes, etc). However, it's not so easy to find out the useful local information that affects your day to day life.
Most people who are making a big move cross country have visited the town they're moving to, or at the very least know someone that's been there. But how are you supposed to find out the ’inside info'? How do you know which school system will be the best fit for your child, or which is the best local park for enjoying a picnic with the family? Or perhaps even more importantly— how will you find the place to go for the best cheeseburger in the tri-county area?
No matter how you look at it, all of those det... Read More
Long distance moving with pets: it's not as scary as it sounds Most folks want to make their move as simple as possible. If you have kids, it may take a bit more work to get the whole crew organized when moving cross country, but it's still an attainable goal. However, long distance moving with pets is different. After all, they can't tell you when they're hungry, scared, or when they need a potty break. But don't worry— people move with their pets all the time; and if they can do it, so can you! That's why U-Pack has compiled 5 easy tips to help you and your pets prepare for moving day.
Long distance moving with pets: 5 tips from ABF U-Pack If you're anxious about making a long distance move with pets, these tips can he... Read More
U-Pack welcomes our newest guest blogger, Snow Conant of MyNewPlace.com. Snow has completed many moves on her own and could be considered an expert in apartment hunting. Read on for some of Snow's best tips and tricks.
Things NOT to do when you move into your new place
As a veteran of many, many moves, I like to think that I have gotten somewhat decent at packing up my possessions, carting them to my new place, unpacking, and subsequently getting on with my life. However, in the process of transferring my possessions from one apartment to another there are always a few things that go missing, get broken, or generally go wrong that are beyond my - or anybody's - control. Just as it is not the moving company's fault if I pack my collection of 863 porcelain kittens* i... Read More
Question: Is it safe to ship household goods with U-Pack?
Answer: Yes; U-Pack transports thousands of household goods shipments each year with less than a 1% claims ratio.
Question: Great! How do I go about shipping household goods to my new home?
Answer: If you were thinking I'd have another one-sentence answer, I apologize for the fake-out. (I couldn't resist!) The truth is, it's easy to ship household goods with U-Pack; there are just a few tips we suggest to make your move as simple as possible.
Shipping Household Goods: Tip 1 Once you have a U-Pack reservation, it's time to get packing. Pick a room in your house and spend a day or two packing things into moving boxes... Read More
When you're budgeting for a long distance move and calculating moving expenses, it's important to take into consideration more than just the price on the moving company's quote. Depending on the type of moving service you choose, there could be other "soft costs", or costs that aren't technically attached to your move, but incurred as a result of your move— like hotel stays, eating out, etc.
Let me start by explaining that U-Pack is a "you pack, we drive" service. Fuel, taxes, standard liability coverage and the driver are included in U-Pack moving quotes. The price is determined by the linear footage your shipment occupies in the moving tr... Read More
As a guest blogger for U-Pack, transportation expert Derek Green shares some inside info on some of the best places to retire.
Best Places to Retire To
If after many years of hard work, you have finally decided to hang your hat and retire, it's a good time to make a list of places you would like to travel, relatives you would like to visit, or maybe a few places you would like to retire to.
Let's take a look at a few of the cities that people consider the best places to retire to:
Port Charlotte, FL With a population of around 48,000 and approximately 44% being over the age of 50, this coastal city has a variety of amenities available. Because of the toll the economy has played on the housing market, the pr... Read More
Guest blogger and U-Pack customer Johnny Cole talks about his two experiences moving cross country with ABF U-Pack:
Over the past year, I have moved my daughter three times using U-Pack--from Fort Smith, Arkansas to and from the Chicago, Illinois area and from Fort Smith to the Lafayette, Indiana area. It was a good choice every time.
The number one reason we chose U-Pack was price. I looked online and found out quickly that we couldn't do a one way rental truck and buy fuel for the price of letting U-Pack haul it.
Although young children are often more resilient than we give them credit for, moving cross country to a new, unfamiliar place is a big deal in their world. While you're going through the transition yourself, keep in mind that your kids are taking cues from you. If you appear excited about what's to come, yet relaxed about what you're leaving behind, they'll likely pick up on it. How you respond certainly makes an impact on how they'll respond. Like with many big changes in life (whether it be potty training, going to the dentist, or getting a new sibling) it can be helpful to read books to your children where the characters are dealing with some of the same issues your child is facing. This is a great way to help your child find solutions for handling... Read More
This post was written by guest blogger Nathaniel Broughton with vamortgagecenter.com, a mortgage lender specializing in government guaranteed home loans. If you are a veteran considering a home purchase, you may find this information a helpful resource. Keep in mind that as a veteran, you also qualify for a military moving discount with ABF U-Pack Moving. Thank you for serving.
Qualifying for Government Guaranteed Home Loans
Military members and their families spend a lot of time in transit.
From base relocations to overseas deployments, those who serve our country are often faced with frequent relocation. All that moving can put a strain on families and fin... Read More
It's that time of year again…tax season! If you moved in 2009, you may be eligible for a moving expenses tax deduction. We've written some helpful blog posts in the past that should be helpful again this year – including instructions for retrieving the cost to move from your U-Pack delivery receipt.
If you're searching for Arizona relocation information, I recommend that you start with the basics…at the Chamber of Commerce. You'll find that most chambers offer Arizona Relocation Packets that provide a little extra information about the area and sometimes even discount offers. What a deal! For a list of Arizona chambers, visit: http://www.azchamber.com/localchambers/index.cfm?ID=34.
Helpful Arizona Relocation Resources You can also get factual information about Arizona relocation from the State of Arizona website http://az.gov/. Here you'll find information about education, registering to vote, licensing your vehicles, applying for driver's licenses and tax payer information. It's a te... Read More
I may have mentioned before that I've been with U-Pack for almost 10 years. In that time, I've gotten to speak with thousands of customers moving long-distance. Through the next several months I'll let you in on some of the random moving tips I've learned throughout the years.
Moving Tip #1
Be Prepared. Carry what you need with you.
Let's face it...moving has a reputation of being stressful, overwhelming and just plain, well…grueling. And sometimes we get so caught up in the process we forget about the important "small" things. But, forgetting the "small" things can turn into a huge inconvenience.
We often get questions about the best way to move a television. Understandably – they're our prized possessions and the focal point of our living rooms, bedrooms and game rooms, right?
So, here are some tips for moving your television:
Put it back in its original packaging. This is certainly ideal. But how many people actually think (or have room) to keep the original packaging? If you don't have it, you might try checking with some of the electronics vendors in your area to see if they can save you a box/packaging to fit your television – you never know…you might get lucky!
Use plenty of blankets and furniture pads. If you don't have an adequate box available, make sure you have enough blankets and furniture pads... Read More
Are you thinking about selling your house? Then you'll need to learn, memorize, and frequently repeat the Staging Motto (embarrassing yes…helpful yes…sometimes you do what you gotta do).
The Staging Motto:
"In order to please the masses, I will create a house that is clean, simplistic, and updated. This is no longer all about me, but rather selling this house and maybe making some money on the deal."
Now, let's break it down and make this happen.
Clean. It's the first keyword in the motto for a reason. This applies to both the outside and inside of your home. Your house should look neat and tidy from the curb or nobody will even think about walking in the door. Inside it should be clean by sight AND smell. A f... Read More
Get to know your new city So you're moving to a new home or apartment. What's next? Once you get there, you can't just stay in the house all day. And come on, you aren't going to be at work all day either. What do you do after work and on the weekends? How are you supposed to meet people? You need a strategy to learn the area and have some fun.
Get out of the house. Start by checking out the local newspapers and area entertainment magazines to find events that interest you. Then start taking advantage of the local attractions like parks, libraries, museums and coffee shops.
Get a hobby. If you're athletic (or want to be), join a gym or a running club. If you're into crafts, scrapbooking, sewing, pottery – or think it would be fun – look for c... Read More
It's a great idea to get all of your questions answered before you choose a moving company.
1. How do you charge? By weight, cubic feet, or linear feet? 2. What if I use more or less weight, cubic feet, or linear feet? 3. What forms of payment are accepted? 4. Is a deposit or down payment required? 5. What is the cancellation policy? 6. Am I guaranteed to get the moving trailer on the day of my move? 7. Will my things be loaded with someone else's household goods? Will it ever be unloaded or transferred? 8. What is the transit time and is it guaranteed? 9. What type of liability coverage or insurance is included? 10. How do you check out with epinions.com, movingscam.com, ... Read More
Are your moving expenses tax deductible?It's tax time!
If you've determined that your moving expenses are tax deductible, you'll need a copy of your U-Pack delivery receipt. We understand that often in the shuffle of moving, the original gets misplaced. So, if you need a copy of your delivery receipt – with the total moving cost for your U-Pack move - we can help…and it's easy.
First, you'll need your ABF Tracking Number. It's the 9-digit number at the top of your Bill of Lading. You'll also need your U-Pack Reference Number. It's the 10-digit combination of letters and numbers at the top of your quote.
**If you don't have these numbers, call U-Pack at 800-240-7422 and we'll g... Read More
If you moved in 2008, you may have tax deductible moving expenses! Take a look at the following articles and forms to see if your moving expenses qualify for a tax break.
I've hosted many garage sales in my life. Some have been a money-making success and some such a total flop that afterwards I promised never to have another one again! I've got to admit though, when they flop, it's always because I didn't advertise or put much effort into it. So now I am a BIG advocate of advertising.
Here are some good tips for advertising your garage sale when you're moving:
• Take an ad out in your local newspaper Most daily newspapers charge a small fee for the ad. Trust me, it's well worth the money. Just make sure the ad stands out. If you're selling specific items like antiques, baby clothes, electronics, video games, home décor, etc., include that in your ad. If your sale is around August, include kids' clothes sizes (people are looking for a barga... Read More
I've got two amazing kids – a 3 year-old and an 8-month-old. Thankfully, I had the good fortune of working and going to church with other moms and dads who could make child care recommendations when my maternity leave ended. Even so, it was a really difficult choice. I can only imagine what a daunting task it is when you're moving to a new city and don't know anyone who can make a recommendation.
So, here are some tips for finding child care in your new city:
Deciding to leave home can be difficult. You question yourself - am I ready? Others question you – are you independent enough? Can you take care of yourself and a home?
Here's a little advice from someone who's moved a few times in her life…
Moving Plan – Your Moving Budget You'll need to come up with moving budget, and once it's set, stick to it. Make a list of expenses, and categorize them as "N" for necessity or "W" for want. Then, plan for 6 months of savings as a safety net to help take care of the necessities, or your "W's" go out the window! (It would be nice to be able to dine out or see a movie occasion... Read More
Oh the holidays . . . There's a break from school and all of the family is together. Or maybe you just have a few days off from work when you can finally relax and get things done. Either way, the last thing you should have to worry about is moving. But wait! There's only a limited amount of time before the kids have to be back at school, and the new job starts right after the holidays . . .
U-Pack Guaranteed If holiday moving is on your agenda, one of the easiest ways to remove stress is to know exactly when you'll have your things back in your possession. At ABF U-Pack, we have an option called U-Pack Guaranteed. Sure, it costs a little extra, but you know the exact date (and time, if you want)... Read More
Getting Stuff ED(ucation) Thinking turkey? You're not alone…Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Lots of people move during the holidays (especially back home); the kids are out of school, people have a few days off, and getting settled before going back to work can be as comforting as a mother's hug.
Holiday Moving In the perfect scenario, would your shipment get delivered the Wednesda... Read More
Moving Company Research - Confirm and Contact This is basic, but important – before you sign your contract, check to make sure all of your personal information is correct (name, address, zip code, phone number etc.) AND that the contact information for the company who is moving you is correct.
Sometimes people are unsure of their exact destination address – or even the city they are moving to. If you fit into this category, it's a good idea to get prices going to every destination city you are considering. Sometimes when a city or zip code changes, it results in a change in price. There are also times where one city may be outside of the company's normal service area – even if it's close to a city that is serviceable. It's best to know about all potential price adjustments before signing the contract.
Is my quote in a bind? The consumer awareness website Protect Your Move defines a binding quote as, "An agreement made in advance with your mover, which guarantees the total cost of the move based upon the quantities and services shown on the estimate." This seems to be the most sought after type. As with all important things in life, make sure to get a copy of the quote before your move to ensure both parties are aware of what services are to be provided. Remember, if any services are added or subtracted, the estimate can change. Go ahead and get in a bind…you only pay the quoted price for the service provided!
For as long as I have been talking to customers moving to California about Gypsy Moths, this is still the image that comes to mind.
I can't help it. But depending on your taste, this is probably a little more appealing illustration than what they actually look like.
No they aren't that bad, and I'm sure everyone's mother loves them, but I still can't help but have a preference for my cartoon version.
Gypsy Moths are a big deal if you are moving to the state of California. It doesn't matter if you are using U-Pack, a moving company or driving yourself; at some point, you are going to get stopped and quizzed about Gypsy Moths so I'm here to prep you for the exam &ndas... Read More
When looking at your moving contract (or Bill of Lading) it is all about the details of the moving price. The main focus is what's included and how it can change.
Before signing your contract, you'll want to have a clear understanding of the following:
What happens if you end up using more or less space (or weight with some companies)?
Is there a maximum or minimum moving price?
What services are included in the moving contract? Are packing/loading/unloading services included? Are moving boxes and packing materials included? Is the company pr... Read More
Just in case you didn't know, ABF U-Pack cannot move your pet. The reason - our trailers are not climate controlled. During the summer months the trailers can get very warm inside and during the winter months they can be very cold. Not ideal conditions for your four-legged or winged companion.
Since there are a lot of details and preparations involved in moving pets, I don't recommend waiting until the last minute to plan how you're going to move them from one state to another. To keep things as stress-free as possible for your furry friend (or your scaly or feathered ones too) try to give yourself at least a month to organize how you're going to move him/her.
When it comes to moving your pet(s) you normally have two options:
1. Take your pet along with you in your car. ... Read More
Knowing the exact dates your move will take place (loading, transit, and unloading) is something that may not seem an important detail initially, but it could be!
Is the date the truck will arrive for loading a guaranteed date? Check for wording on your contract that might indicate that it could be brought to you on a date other than the date you expect it to arrive.
How long will the truck be left at your house for loading? You want plenty of time to complete your loading, but knowing it will be picked up in a timely manner once loading is complete is important as well.
Once the truck is in transit, are you able to track its progress? Make sure there is information on the contract regar... Read More
Researching Moving Companies - Show me your numbers….
When you start researching reputable moving companies, you'll notice that many websites like movingscam.com and safersys.org, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's website, suggest checking up on the moving companies' "numbers". The "numbers" these sites are referring to are Bond, Department of Transportation (DOT), and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Other numbers of interest include the length of time in business, accurate phone numbers and the size of the moving company. The moving com... Read More
2. You are moving at least 50 miles farther from your former home than your old main job location was from your former home. (You can find a worksheet on the IRS website that can help you determine if your move qualifies for the distance test.)
3. You must meet at least one of two time tests. 1) As an employee: You must work full-time at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months upon arriving at your new job. 2) ... Read More
When talking with people who are moving, one concern we often hear is that people don't want to share space in a moving truck with other people – afraid their stuff will get mixed up or that someone else will have access to it. In a lot of cases, when your goods are being co-mingled with other peoples' goods, the moving company will place color coded stickers on the boxes to help distinguish one from the other. For example, Customer A is labeled with green stickers and Customer B is labeled with yellow.
Although moving companies who use this system find it to be fairly reliable, it can sometimes be problematic. What if a sticker falls off one of your moving boxes? What if a moving box is accidentally skipped? What ... Read More
This question (worded one way or another) is probably asked by U-Pack customers more than any other question. However, even when I answer that it is one foot of length by eight feet wide by nine feet tall I still get "Huh?". I think that a mental picture is worth a thousand words of explanation.
A U-Pack moving trailer is like a loaf of bread with twenty eight slices that are each one foot thick. Each slice is the same width (8 feet) and height (9 feet). Our customer only pays for the amount of footage (number of slices) that they use. Each moving quote has a base price for an estimated amount of space and a price per foot and can be adjusted as you load. To get an idea of the linear footage that you may use for your move y... Read More
