Tips for Moving Your Family

February 24th, 2020

Whether you’re moving across town or to the other side of the country, preparing your family to move can be an overwhelming task. Our helpful tips can help make this transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved. There many things to consider when moving, from deciding what to bring with you, to the date of the move, and so much more. Start making these tough decisions as soon as you can, and get what you can out of the way earlier on so you can spend more time organizing and packing.

Choose an Appropriate Time of Year for Everyone

If you have flexibility, and it’s not an urgent move, choosing the best time of year to move your family can avoid several problems in the moving process. The beginning of summer has been proven to be the best time for families to move, as children won’t miss out on school and can spend summer getting used to their new home and neighborhood. Another popular moving time is towards the end of summer. You’ll have the extra time to pack and prepare for the move in the early summer.

Make a List

Writing out all of your moving tasks can be an easy way to keep track of what needs to be done when going through something as big as moving your family into a new space. Many families don’t think of doing this, but it can make it easier for everyone involved in the moving process. Sometimes kids are left in the dark when it comes to what needs to be done in preparation for moving. Keeping your thoughts organized and written out on paper will ensure that you don’t forget important things, and help you to complete tasks in a timely manner.

Choosing the Best Moving Company for You

Moving your whole family to a new home is never easy for anyone involved. By choosing the right moving company, it can make the transition easier. RARE Moving & Storage wants you to choose a company who can meet your needs, and will make the process a good one. At RARE Moving & Storage, we pride ourselves in customer services. We sure know how hard moving can be, and we keep our customers’ needs in mind throug the whole process. We try to make your move as smooth as we possibly can. Give us a call at 617-825-7273 or fill out our contact form to get started with us!

Deciding on a Moving Day

February 21st, 2020

Setting a moving date is stressful. Knowing the date and then planning around it can make you feel rushed and to your whole moving process in many aspects. You shouldn’t randomly choose a date to move. In fact, here are a few factors to consider when you are deciding when to relocate!

Cost: How much you’ll pay for your move is in direct correlation with the date or time of year you choose to move. There are specific days during the year that will be more expensive than others due to a peak in demands for movers. These days can include holidays, weekends, summer months, and beginning and end of months is when moving companies will be at their busiest. Moving during the winter months is the best idea to avoid paying more for your move – although there is always a chance of snow and other temperature issues. 

Your Needs: Along with creating a moving budget, your personal needs are the top factor in choosing a date to move. Are you starting a new job or need to look for one once you get settled? Are there any holidays coming up that I’d like to be able to put my full attention to? These are some basic questions you can ask yourself when deciding what moving day is best for you and your family (if applicable).

Mover Availability: Not only is coming up with a moving date important to figure out for yourself, but it’s important to the moving company you are planning on using. Make sure your desired moving company is available for the time you need them by booking them at least two or three weeks in advance. You might be able to find movers at the last minute, but it’s risky, especially if you need to be out of your old place by a specific date. It’s best to book in advance to know you are all set and have one less thing to worry about during this stressful process.

Rent: If you are currently living in a rented space, make sure to check your contract before setting up a moving date. You might have to need to ask your landlord for permission to leave your apartment, or need to send a month’s notice before completely leaving. Rental contracts tend to have a set period of time where you still hold the lease, so be sure to have your apartment situation squared away with your landlord before picking a date to clear it out.

Planning out everything is one of the keys to having an organized move. Once you figured out a moving date, contact RARE Moving & Storage at (617) 825-7273 for a professional and reliable moving company in the Boston area.

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!

Tips for Moving in the Winter

October 28th, 2019

Nobody likes to move, but it’s even worse if you have to move in the winter. Colder temperatures and harsh weather make a winter move especially daunting, but there are a few ways to make it easier! These winter moving tips may not be able to make it feel like summer again, but they’ll surely make for a better moving experience! 

Hire a Professional 

Attempting a winter move by yourself is not a good idea. You’ll be able to save time and be safer if you hire professional movers. Call different moving companies to find the best value. Remember, the best value doesn’t mean the lowest price! Look for a reasonable price paired with great experience, insurance, and positive references. 

Schedule the Move Early 

Daylight is shorter during the winter so try to schedule your move early in the day. This way, movers won’t be working in the dark or at the coldest part of the day. Account for drive time between your old place and your new place before choosing a moving time. 

Clear the Way for Movers 

Get up before movers are due to arrive and clear the driveway, walkways, and sidewalk from any snow or ice. It’s a good idea to throw down some winter salt too to help prevent slipping. When you arrive at the new location, clear the way there as well. If a mover slips in the snow not only will your personal items get damaged, but they could get hurt too! 

Turn Utilities on Before the Move 

Turn the utilities on in your new home a day or two before you actual moving day. That way, you can have the heat turned up and ensure the movers will have a place to warm up in between loads. It’s always appreciated if you’re able to provide a warm beverage like coffee or hot chocolate too! Keep the utilities on at your current house until the move is over so they’ll be able to stay warm during the initial loading process too. 

When you’re moving in the winter remember that the movers hate it just as much as you do, so getting it over with quickly and safely should be the common goal. Don’t forget to ask about winter moving discounts since it’s a slow time of year for moving companies! Try to watch the weather forecast and if moving day is expected to get a lot of bad winter weather, it may be best to reschedule for a different day.

RARE Moving wants to make your life easier. Contact us to get a free estimate for your winter move!