| These
links will take you directly to companies listed in Yahoo yellow
pages offering moving assistance for the Blacksburg, Virginia
area. |
| Movers |
Self-Storage |
Supplies |
| Moving
Tips |
Packing
Tips |
Moving
Insurance Tips |
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| General
Moving Tips: |
- A coat of fresh paint is a
cheap and effective way to rejuvenate tired furniture to look
fantastic in your new home.
- After you've moved, it's a good
idea to let all your electrical appliances return to room
temperature before plugging them in.
- Don't forget to be
environmentally friendly! Flatten all your moving boxes for
recycling. Many moving companies will pick them up after your
move.
- Before you begin to unpack,
don't forget to wipe out all cupboards and shelves. You can
also use shelving paper to line cupboards and drawers.
- Boiling cinnamon sticks will
give your kitchen a clean, fresh scent.
- It's important to tape your
microwave shut and remove the glass plate from your microwave
before you move.
- General rule of thumb is if
something hasn't been used in over 12 months, seriously
consider selling or donating it. Help from a family member or
friend will ensure you remain objective.
- You'll have more time to enjoy
settling into your new home if you clean your belongings
before they are moved.
- If you're planning on hiring a
mover, but want to keep your costs low, consider doing your
own packing. You can also save time and purchase your packing
boxes in advance.
- Remember that time is important
on moving day. For instance, if you have a waterbed, it is
likely to take around two hours to empty the water! So plan
ahead and consider doing certain tasks the night before.
- Make sure that direct debit and
billing links to your bank accounts are organized to handle
any changes resulting from your move.
- Certain times of the year are
busier moving times. It's wise to plan ahead and make sure
there is availability on the day you want to move.
- Most gas, water and electricity
companies require several days of prior notice for
disconnecting and reconnecting your services. Contact your
individual utility companies for specific details.
- Make sure you use up your
frozen foods or dispose of ones you have not used. Never let
them thaw and try to refreeze them again.
- Your local newspaper can be a
great resource for finding out about facilities, services and
events in your new neighborhood.
- Don't forget these details when
inspecting properties: check out where TV, phone and internet
connections are located.
- Do research when you can…if
possible, try to talk to neighbors or visit a close by coffee
shop. The more first hand knowledge you have of a new area,
the better.
- When looking for properties,
don't forget to measure the space for your refrigerator and
appliances
- Important documents such as
wills or deeds, jewelry, photographs, and home videos are
impossible to replace. It's wise to consider moving these and
other important belongings to a safety deposit box while you
move.
- Find out if your homeowners or
renters insurance policy covers your belongings in transit.
- It's a good idea to compare
measurements of the doorways and hallways in your new home.
- Fun music will create a
positive mood when it's time to start packing and unpacking.
The TV may be too distracting.
- Garage sales are a great way of
getting rid of those unnecessary and unused items.
- Use colorful tags to indicate
each destination if your furniture and household items are
being delivered to different locations.
- Be sure to settle all bills
that may be overlooked in the move a few days before moving
day.
- Remember to contact your local
post office and fill our forwarding address forms.
Additionally, leaving a small welcome card with your
forwarding address for the people moving into your old home is
a nice way of asking for any additional pieces of your mail to
be redirected.
- Delegate specific duties to
your helpers on moving day.
- Before the move, start using up
most of your food items. Not only will be there be less to
transport, but you will also avoid the risk of food spoilage.
- It is important to book your
moving services well ahead to secure your ideal moving date.
- Budget wisely for your move.
There are always unexpected expenses that pop up as you settle
in. You may need a new hose or other forgotten items.
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Packing Tips
Although the decision of |moving| your home can be
exciting, |packing| is something most of us dread.
By using our guide, you will feel more secure in
knowing that your possessions will get to your new
address in one piece. Once you're there, you'll be
able to find everything when the time comes to
unpack and get settled.
Get Things in
Order
Your move will be easier and smoother if you do a
good job of pre-planning. Here are several handy
tips to help you get started.
1. Always create a thorough and complete inventory
of what you will be |moving| to your new address.
2. Don't forget to photograph or videotape any
unique or valuable belongings.
3. It's also wise to make a note of the serial
numbers on your electronic equipment.
What You'll Need
Before you can start packing, you'll need to have
the following materials:
- Strong |Boxes|.
- |Wardrobe Boxes|
with Hanger Bars.
- Packing Tape.
- Bubble Wrap,
Newspaper, Wrapping Paper, and Tissue Paper.
- Ziploc Bags.
- Magic Markers.
Notes for
Wrapping
- Wrap all your
breakable items in bubble wrap, wrapping paper,
or tissue paper.
- Because newspaper
may leave ink smudges on your items, it should
only be used to cushion items that are already
protected.
- You can use old
linens, blankets, and towels to wrap and cushion
fragile items.
- Ziploc bags can
be used for small odds and ends that usually
clutter your drawers.
Get Packing
- It always makes
good sense to begin |packing| well ahead of the
move.
- We strongly
recommend that you use good quality, strong
|moving boxes|, and always be certain that the
bottoms are fully secured.
- Don't get
overwhelmed. Try to concentrate on one room at a
time. Be sure that every box is clearly labeled
by room and item.
- Once your |moving
boxes| are filled, they should be placed in an
area close to your front door.
These hints will
help you pack like a pro:
- Any items that
you don't need for your daily living routine
should be packed first.
- Important items
(such as photographs, wills, jewelry, home
videos, and any other important documents)
should be packed separately so that you can
personally carry them with you on |moving| day.
Another alternative you might want to consider
is placing these belongings in a safety deposit
box until after the move.
- Fragile items
should be |packed| loosely with plenty of
wrapping. The |boxes| must be clearly labeled
"FRAGILE", and finally you will want
to stack them towards the top of your piles.
- Non-breakable
items should be packed snugly in smaller
|boxes|. You will want to make sure that they
are not too heavy, and that they are at a weight
you feel comfortable carrying. Don't forget to
pack your books flat, alternating the bindings
so they will stack evenly.
- When possible,
small appliances and electronic equipment should
be |packed| in the |boxes| they came in, and
then taped securely.
- In order to avoid
unnecessary ironing later on, make sure you have
enough wardrobe |boxes|.
Bulky Things
- When
disassembling your bed, use tape or rope to bind
the frames together.
- Your drawers
should be filled with wrapped items or clothes.
Entire drawers should be covered with a blanket
or old linens. You shouldn't tape the drawers
shut - the finish on your drawers may be
damaged.
- Cover your tables
with a blanket or old linen. When possible,
remove the legs. Always wrap the nuts and bolts
in a plastic bag and secure them to a leg.
- Check your
owner's manual for any special |moving|
instructions of appliances and other electronic
equipment.
- In order to keep
the tub of your washing machine from |moving|
around during the move, fill it with stuffed
toys, blankets, towels, and old linens.
- Make sure that
all loose parts in your refrigerator (including
ice containers and drawers) are secure. Any
exposed coils should be padded to protect them
during the move as well.
Tricky Things
- Bicycle
handlebars should be loosened and turned
sideways. Don't forget to keep the chains and
pedals covered, otherwise grease and oil might
rub off on other items.
- Small mirrors
should be carefully wrapped and packed in
|boxes|. Cardboard should be used to cover large
paintings, artwork, or wall mirrors. When
possible, these items will be kept safe in
wardrobe |boxes|.
- Because your
outdoor furniture may be too bulky or heavy to
move in one piece, you may need to disassemble
it. If so, be sure to place the nuts and bolts
in a plastic bag and attach it to the furniture.
- Carpets and rugs
should be rolled up and carefully secured with
tape or rope.
- Wrapping sharp
edges on any tools or attachments will help
prevent injury. Power tools should be |packed|
with plenty of cushioning. Be sure to tie or
tape your tool chests securely closed.
- A very important
reminder is to carefully dispose of the gasoline
and oil from your lawnmower and other machinery,
as well as any flammable or poisonous household
products. Remember not to pack rags that are
soiled with fuel. They should be properly
disposed of to avoid spontaneous combustion.
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It is
extremely important to make sure that your
possessions are adequately insured before you
move.
Whether you
hire a mover or move it yourself, it is
impossible to guarantee that all of your
property will arrive at its final destination
in the same condition it started out. Damage
to your property can occur in transit (on the
moving truck), in storage, and when it is
being carried in or out of the moving truck.
Things can be accidentally dropped, dented, or
broken by moving men. Most insurance coverage
that can be obtained through a mover limits
the mover's liability and will not completely
cover the value of your property if lost or
damaged.
When
Selecting A Moving Company
Thoroughly
review the moving company's terms for
insurance coverage.
- Determine
the extent of liability coverage for
property loss or damage your mover will
provide.
- Closely
examine the contract and find a section
for you to establish the estimated value
of your possessions.
- Determine
the maximum liability dollar value of the
insurance provided by the mover and the
process involved in case you need to place
a claim. However, this does not guarantee
that in case of a claim you are entitled
to the maximum liability damage coverage.
Factors such as government regulations,
taxes, and laws limit the actual the
amount you may be entitled to in case of a
claim.
- Realize
that the insurance provided by most moving
companies only covers a portion of the
total value of your possessions and you
will have to get additional insurance to
be fully covered.
Insurance
Available Through Your Mover
Insurance
available through your mover is based on
valuation. Basically, valuation is the method
of determining liability - by you and your
mover. There are three types of valuation:
- Declared
value: The value of the things you move is
based on the total weight of the shipment
multiplied by a specific amount per pound
(example; $1.25 per pound). For instance,
if your possessions weigh 10,000 pounds
the mover would be liable for up to
$12,500. Claim settlement is then based on
the depreciated value of the item(s)
damaged.
- Lump sum
value: If you need insurance that is based
more on value than on weight you can get
insurance for a specific amount (the
amount is variable dependant on the
insurance provider) per $1,000 of value.
You must know the value of what you are
shipping and make a declaration in writing
on the bill of lading.
- Full value
protection: This type of coverage includes
lost, damaged, and destroyed property. The
coverage will pay for the repair or
replacement of the item(s). Usually there
is a minimum coverage amount and
applicable deductibles.
Calculate
the amount of insurance you require
Calculating the amount of insurance you
require begins with taking into consideration
the total weight of what you are moving, the
number of rooms you are moving, and the
contents of your move.
Create an
inventory of all the items you are moving.
- What you
are moving (sofa, dining room set,
refrigerator, etc.)
- The weight
of each item you are moving (estimate the
weight)
- The
replacement value of each article you are
moving.
Make sure to
have totals that summarize your inventory.
- Total
number of items you are moving.
- Total
weight of the items.
- Establish
the total replacement value of all your
property.
(Take pictures
of what you are moving. This is important in
establishing the condition of your possessions
and it helps in confirming the inventory
list.)
Homeowners
Insurance As A Supplement
Most homeowner
insurance policies cover about 10 percent of
the value of your personal property; including
coverage for breakage and theft in transit,
minus the usual deductible. This can be a good
supplement to the insurance provided by the
mover.
Transit
Insurance As A Supplement
Transit
insurance is another good supplement to the
insurance provided by your mover. Read the
policy and make sure it covers the gaps in
insurance left by other policies. This
coverage can save you thousands of dollars and
is usually available through the mover, a
move-it-your-self company, or through your
homeowners insurance company.
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