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These links
will take you directly to companies listed in Yahoo yellow pages offering
moving assistance for the Blacksburg, Virginia area.
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Movers
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Self-Storage
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Supplies
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Moving Tips
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Packing Tips
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Moving Insurance Tips
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General Moving Tips:
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- 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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