8 Things Not To Forget When Moving

January 27th, 2020

Moving is a stressful event, but sometimes it is just part of life. With all the hustle and bustle that comes with it, you may forget some simple tasks. Use this checklist to keep you on the right track when you’re packing and making arrangements.

Make Sure to Change Your Address

You can change your address by registering with officially registering with the post office. The USPS will forward your mail for a year after moving. Let the post office you are moving around 30 days before you move. They will make sure your bills and other priority mail makes it to your new residence.

Cancel Your Utilities and Home Services

Call your utilities in advance to let them know the last day you’ll be needing them. This can include your cable, phone, water, electric, lawn care, pest control, cleaning services, and home security. Make sure to coordinate these with your moving date so you don’t end up going a few days without basic necessities.

Update Insurance and Registration

Let your insurance representative know that you are moving. This includes insurance for home, car, life, and health insurance. Moving to a new state or city can change the prices you are currently paying. When updating your car insurance, don’t forget to update your car’s registration as well.

Tell Your Employer

If you are doing a local move and not leaving your job, make sure you let your job know. They will need to update company records.

Clean Your Space That You’re Moving Out Of

After everything is moved out of your current home, make sure to clean and vacuum. It may not be a bad idea to hire a cleaning service to do it. Less stress on you, and it will be spotless. If you are renting, this will ensure you get back your security deposit. If you are selling your home and it’s still on the market after you leave, this can be a big selling point to potential buyers.

Updating Online Accounts

If you are a regular online shopper, make sure you aren’t having your purchases sent to your old address. This is a good time to update your address with your online banking, doctor portals, and other things that you use online.

Walking Through Your New Space

Once you get to your new home, do a walk through of the space to make yourself familiar with key features in the house. Be on the lookout for carbon monoxide detectors, electric panel, smoke detectors, and sump pump if there is one. Make sure they’re all working.

Contact RARE Moving & Storage

RARE Moving & Storage wants to make your move easier. Give us a call at 617-825-7273 or fill out our contact form for a free estimate.

How to Avoid Moving Scams

January 27th, 2020

With all the stressing and planning that comes with a move, moving scammers will try to get you to trust them with their low prices and promised professionalism. Scammers will most likely hurry the conversation past pricing and will neglect to talk about terms of service until every one of your belongings is already packed up and on their truck. From there, they’ll change the price.

If you haven’t read through the moving contract thoroughly enough (or didn’t even sign one at all) you are probably going to have a tough time getting your belongings back with out a big ransom payment.

If You Are Suspicious, Don’t Use Them

Reasonable moving estimates are the key to differentiating criminals posing as movers and legitimate long-distance movers. If you are using a real interstate moving company, they will most likely check out your items and ask questions about packing, planning, and delivery.

Low-Ball Bid

If the sales pitch from a mover seems too good to be true, then they are definitely leaving out some details. Always insist on getting every inch of information from them, including a final cost. Don’t sign anything unless you get all the information you need.

Volume-Based Bid

Be on the lookout for movers who quote your long-distance move by the cubic footage of truck space, and not by the estimated weight. This can be fine for smaller moves, but interstate moves based upon volume are illegal without a weigh factor. If you are quoted this way, report it to the FMCSA.

Phone-Based Bid

If you are taking place in a large move, then you should be having your belongings visually estimated. Over-the-phone bids are not going to be accurate if they can’t see what you are moving.

In-and-Out Bid

If you notice that the estimator is at your house for a small amount of time, that’s a bad sign. They should be taking their time to see every room in your home, including closets, and ask you important questions.

Handshake Bid

Always make sure you insist on signing a contract before the movers take any of your belongings. Moving scammers are known for adding on fees for packing or heavy items. Know exactly what you’re paying before making any moves.

More Warning Signs

Other things to look our for include upfront deposits, suspicious terms and conditions, and rights and responsibilities. Legitimate movers should never ask for any sort of deposit before loading the truck. If you are presented with vague agreements that don’t fully protect your belongings or payments, it’s probably a scam. Lastly, Federal Law requires that licensed movers give customers a packed titled “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”. Make sure you receive this packet.

Contact RARE Moving & Storage

RARE Moving & Storage can provide you with safe and professionals moving services in the Boston area. Contact us today at 617-825-7273 or fill out our contact form. We offer free estimates!