Apart from moving, storage, and freight services, Desert Moving Company & Storage graciously offers links to a handful of resources to aid and assist you with everything you need to know about residential and corporate moving. Regardless if you’re moving house or offices, we understand the importance of big change that lie ahead. So with these guides, we hope to provide you with the jump off point to prepare for a successful relocation.
When it comes to relocation, Desert Moving Co. & Storage is affiliated with the right local and international moving organizations and resources to help you familiarize yourself with everything there is to learn and expect from residential and corporate storage and moving.
Desert Moving Company & Storage’s moving & storage services include a fully accessible tool to calculate the estimated cost of any type of relocation or storage assignment, residential or commercial, local to international moving. Informative and user-friendly, this feature allows customers straightforward means to understand crucial elements that goes into each quotation.
And should you wish to know more about your calculated estimates for our moving and storage services, feel free to contact Desert Moving Company & Storage’s representatives. We would be glad to assist you with any concern you may have.
From residential to corporate moving projects, it is important to know and understand the terminologies that are associated with relocation. To better assist you with this, Desert Moving Company & Storage has compiled the most common moving terms below for your absolute convenience.
Accessorial (additional) services – Services, such as packing, appliance servicing, unpacking or stair carries, that you request to be performed, or may be necessary because of landlord requirements or other circumstances. Costs for these services are added to the transportation charges.
Advanced charges – Charges for services performed by someone other than the local movers. A professional, craftsman, or a third party may perform these services at your request. Desert Moving Company & Storage local movers pay for these services and add the charges to your Bill of Lading charges.
Agent – A local residential or corporate moving company authorized to act on behalf of a national van line. The agent may handle the booking, origin, hauling, and/or destination services. Find a Desert Moving Company & Storage agent nearest you.
Agreed delivery date – The agreed delivery date can range from one day to several depending on the weight and amount of your shipment. Your salesperson will discuss the transit times with you prior to registering your shipment with Desert Moving Company & Storage.
Agreed pick-up date – The agreed pick-up date can also range from one day to several depending on the weight and amount of your shipment. Your salesperson will discuss the transit times with you prior to registering your shipment with Desert Moving Company & Storage.
Air ride – The suspension system used on trailers and tractors instead of conventional springs, where the vehicle is supported and rides on rubber cylinders filled with compressed air for a safer ride.
American Moving & Storage Association(AMSA) – The trade organization for the moving industry.
Appliance service by third party – The preparation of major electrical appliances to make them safe for shipment. Charges for these services may be in addition to the line-haul charges.
Auto inventory – A form used when relocating an automobile, motorcycle or boat that lists the vehicle’s miles and condition at both origin and destination. Can also be referred to as motor vehicle inventory.
Auxiliary service – Commonly referred to as shuttle service. Use of a smaller vehicle to provide service when the residence is not accessible to the mover’s normal equipment. Shuttle service involves offloading the goods from the original equipment and reloading to a smaller vehicle. Depending on the weight of the shipment, this could involve several trips with the smaller vehicle. The shuttle charge is based on a rate-per-hundred weight.
Bill of Lading – The receipt for your goods and the contract for their transportation. It is your responsibility to understand the Bill of Lading before you sign it. If you do not agree with something on the Bill of Lading, do not sign it until you are satisfied that it is correct. The Bill of Lading is an important document. Do not lose or misplace your copy.
Binding estimate – This is a written agreement made in advance with the residential or corporate moving company. It guarantees the total cost of the move based upon the quantities and services shown on the estimate.
Bingo sheet – A form that allows a van operator or customer to easily check off items as they are delivered. Also called a check-off sheet.
Booking agent – The agent who prepares the estimate of cost from the information obtained during a visual survey. The booking agent does not necessarily have to be located at or near the origin. When the booking agent is located at the origin, they will also be the origin agent and perform the visual survey. Find your local agent.
Bulky article – To ensure safe transportation, some articles included in a shipment (e.g. big screen television, motorcycles, hot tubs, etc.) require extra handling and/or blocking. There is an extra charge for such items.
Carrier – The moving company holding the operating authority required to transport household goods.
Cash on Delivery (COD) – Transportation for an individual shipper for which payment is required at the time of delivery at the destination residence (or warehouse).
Certified scale – Any scale designed for weighing motor vehicles, including trailers or semitrailers not attached to a tractor, and certified by an authorized scale inspector and licensing authority. A certified scale may also be a platform or warehouse type scale that is properly inspected and certified.
Commercial shipper – Any person who is named as the consignor or consignee in a Bill of Lading contract who is not the owner of the goods being transported but who assumes the responsibility for payment of the transportation and other tariff charges for the account of the beneficial owner of the goods. The beneficial owner of the goods is normally an employee of the consignor and/or consignee.
Consignor – The person at origin who arranges for the transportation of the shipment.
CP – Carrier packing. CP is used extensively on the inventory to identify cartons that have been supplied and packed by Desert Moving Company & Storage.
Crating – Refers to the process of building a custom wood crate for the purpose of protecting certain items during transport.
Cube – A measurement of the capacity or cubic space of a truck or container. The industry average of is seven pounds per cubic foot.
Cube sheet – A document used to determine the cubic feet that furniture, appliances, cartons and miscellaneous articles occupy in the van. By converting the cubic feet into pounds, an estimated weight is acquired that is used in calculating the estimated cost for a move. Also referred to as a Table of Measurements.
CWT – An abbreviation for “per 100 pounds of specified weight.” Per-hundred weight.
Department of Transportation (DOT) – The federal agency which governs the interstate transportation industry, including movers of household goods.
Destination agent – The agent located at or near your destination who provides necessary services and information at the end of moving. Find your local agent.
Disassembled by owner (DBO) – Items are disassembled by owner rather than by the moving company. Desert Moving Company & Storage is not responsible for the reassembly of these items.
Dispatcher – Assumes the task of communicating the route of a shipment to van operators and agents, making sure that instructions are carried out accordingly.
Estimate: binding – This is a written agreement made in advance with the moving company. It guarantees the total cost of the move based upon the quantities and services shown on the estimate.
Estimate: non-binding – This is an approximation of the cost by the residential or corporate moving company, based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial services requested. A non-binding estimate is not binding on the mover. The final charges will be based upon the actual weight of your shipment, the services provided and the tariff provisions in effect.
Estimated weight – An approximate weight of a shipment determined by multiplying the estimated cubes by seven pounds.
Expedited service – An agreement with the mover to perform transportation by a set date in exchange for charges based on a higher minimum weight.
Extra delivery – A portion of a shipment unloaded at a location other than the destination address indicated on the Bill of Lading. Also referred to as an extra stop.
Extra pick up – A portion of a shipment loaded at a location other than the origin address indicated on the Bill of Lading. Also referred to as an extra stop.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – Established within the Department of Transportation to regulate the safe operation requirements for commercial vehicle drivers, carriers, vehicles and vehicle equipment.
Flight charge – An extra charge for carrying items up or down flights of stairs.
Fuel surcharge – The moving company’s tariff provides for a percentage adjustment to the transportation charge (and SIT Pickup and Delivery) to aid in recovery of the increased cost of fuel. The surcharge, which can change twice monthly, is based upon the national average cost of diesel, as reported by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Gross weight – The weight of the truck after a shipment has been loaded. Also referred to as the heavy weight.
Hauling agent – The agent who owns the van assigned by the van line to transport your household goods from origin to destination.
Helper – A person hired by the van operator or agent to assist in the loading and unloading of goods. Desert Moving Company & Storage requires all helper labor be certified.
High value article – Items included in a shipment that are valued at more than $100 per pound. These items should be disclosed with the mover to ensure they are protected accordingly. Also referred to as items of extraordinary value.
Household goods (HHG) – Personal goods or property used in a home.
Household goods descriptive inventory – The detailed descriptive list of your household goods showing the number and condition of each item. Also referred to as an inventory.
Individual shipper – The individual requesting movement of a shipment and paying the transportation charges.
Interstate move – The relocation of goods in the United States from a place in one state to a place in a different state.
Intrastate move – The relocation of goods within one state that never crosses state lines or includes a segment outside of that same state. Intrastate moves are NOT regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Inventory – The detailed descriptive list of your household goods showing the number and condition of each item. Also referred to as a household goods descriptive inventory.
Items of extraordinary value – Items included in a shipment that are valued at more than $100 per pound. These items should be disclosed with the mover to ensure they are protected accordingly. Also referred to as high value article.
Leave over – When articles to be shipped are left behind due to insufficient space on the primary van. An additional van(s) is then utilized for transportation and delivery. Also referred to as an overflow.
Light weight – The weight of a truck before a shipment is loaded, including all essential loading equipment and packing materials. Also referred to as the tare weight.
Line haul – The charges for the vehicle transportation portion of your relocation. These charges apply in addition to the accessorial service charges.
Load spread – Agreed pick-up dates.
Local move – A move within a particular geographical area like a town or district instead of a state or country.
Long carry – An added charge for carrying articles excessive distances between the mover’s vehicle and the residence. Charges for these services may be in addition to the line-haul charges.
Motor vehicle inventory – A form used when transporting an automobile, motorcycle or boat that lists the vehicle’s miles and condition at both origin and destination. Also referred to as auto inventory.
Net weight – The actual weight of a shipment obtained by subtracting the tare weight from the gross weight.
Non-binding estimate – This is the approximation of cost by the moving company, based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial services requested. A non-binding estimate is not binding on the mover. The final charges will be based upon the actual weight of your shipment, the services provided and the tariff provisions in effect.
Operating authority – The government permit that defines the scope of a carrier’s operation by area and commodity.
Order for Service – The document authorizing the mover to transport your household goods.
Order (Bill of Lading) number – The number used to identify and track your shipment. The number appears on all documentation and correspondence. Also referred to as the Registration Number.
Origin agent – The agent responsible for performing packing and preparing necessary documentation for the move.
Overflow – When articles to be shipped are left behind due to insufficient space on the primary van. An additional van(s) is then utilized for transportation and delivery. Also referred to as a leave over.
Packed by owner (PBO) – Used on the inventory to identify cartons that have been packed by the customer.
Packing date – A date set aside for packing. It is usually one day prior to loading of the goods.
Permanent storage – The warehousing of a shipment for an unspecified duration.
Pick-up and delivery charges – Separate transportation charges applicable for transporting your shipment between the storage-in-transit warehouse and your residence.
Planner – Assumes the task of assigning a hauling agent to load, transport, and unload shipments as they are registered in Desert Moving Company & Storage’s Traffic Department.
ProMover Program– A certification program created by the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA). The program gives consumers an easy way to separate reputable, professional movers from rogue movers. ProMovers must meet stringent requirements and agree to comply with the regulations set forth by AMSA as well as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Surface Transportation Board (STB). Desert Moving Company & Storage and all its agents are certified ProMovers.
Purchase order – A written authorization for billing a relocation to a company. It is sometimes used in place of the Order for Service.
Registration number – The number used to identify and track your shipment. The number appears on all documentation and correspondence. Also referred to as the Order (Bill of Lading) Number.
Reweigh – When there is doubt about the origin weight of a shipment, a reweigh may be requested by the customer at destination. There is no charge for the reweigh; however, charges are calculated on the new weight.
Scale ticket – A voucher providing the weigh scale reading for tare weight and/or gross weight of a van.
Shuttle service – Use of a smaller vehicle to provide service when the residence is not accessible to the mover’s normal equipment. Shuttle service involves offloading the goods from the original equipment and reloading to a smaller vehicle. Depending on the weight of the shipment, this could involve several trips with the smaller vehicle. The shuttle charge is based on a rate-per-hundred weight. Also referred to as auxiliary service.
Spread dates – The combined dates for the agreed pick up and the agreed delivery.
Storage-in-transit (SIT) – Temporary warehouse storage of your shipment pending further transportation. For example, if your new home isn’t quite ready to occupy. You must specifically request SIT service, which may not exceed a total of 90 days of storage, and you will be responsible for the added charges for SIT service as well as the warehouse handling and final delivery charges.
Stretch wrap – The material and process used to protect overstuffed furniture (except leather and suede) from damage. Also referred to as shrink wrap.
Surface Transportation Board (STB) – The agency within the Department of Transportation responsible for the regulation and monitoring of railroads and rates for the household goods industry.
Table of Measurements – A document used to determine the cubic feet that furniture, appliances, cartons and miscellaneous articles occupy in the van. By converting the cubic feet into pounds, an estimated weight is acquired that is used in calculating the estimated cost for a move. Also referred to as a Cube Sheet.
Tare weight – The weight of a truck before a shipment is loaded, including all essential loading equipment and packing materials. Also referred to as the light weight.
Tariff – The mover’s required, published price, list of rules, regulations, rates and charges for the performance of interstate moving services.
Transit time – The time from when your belongings are picked up to when they are delivered to the designated destination.
Transportation charge – The cost of a single loading, transporting and unloading of goods comprise the charge.
Uncrating – Refers to the process of removing the wooden crating material from items that had been crated.
Unpacking – Services required to remove or undo packing of goods at the end of a shipment’s transportation.
Valuation – The degree of “worth” of the shipment. The valuation charge compensates the mover for assuming a greater degree of liability than that provided for in the base transportation charges.
Van line – A motor carrier with local agents that coordinates the movement of household goods and special products.
Van operator – The individual who oversees the loading, hauling and unloading of your household goods.
Visual survey – A visual survey is performed by the origin agent to determine which items are to be moved. The amount of packing required and any special services necessary to properly service your shipment are determined during the survey. A cube sheet is prepared and used to determine the weight. The weight is the basis for the moving cost. All elements of the survey come together to determine an estimated cost for moving your goods.
Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move – A government-required publication given to all COD customers.
For a successful relocation, the safety of your possessions and convenience of the residential moving project are important aspects to focus on. As such, Desert Moving Company & Storage services recommends the omission of the following items from your packing list.
Hazardous/ Illegal Items to Transport:
- Aerosol cans (regardless of content)
- Heating agents (such as Sterno)
- Nail polish/remover
- Fire extinguishers
- Any type of gas in bottles or tanks (including propane or oxygen)
- Paints, varnishes, solvents, thinners and oils
- Ammonia, bleach and other household cleaning agents
- Chlorine granules or powders
- Muriatic acid (also called hydrochloric acid)
- Auto batteries
- Charcoal/lighter fluid
- Matches and lighters
- Ammunition
- Any other combustible product
Perishable Items – recommended for personal transport
- Frozen/refrigerated food
- Produce
- Open food items
Personal Items – recommended for personal transport
- Plants
- Prescription medications
- Stocks, bonds and securities
- Collections, such as coins and stamps
- Insurance policies
- Currency
- Jewelry and furs
- Other important documents
Desert Moving Company & Storage Services hopes to deliver a satisfying residential moving assignment with not just the transportation of your property. With the exclusion of these hazardous items, our team would also be able to provide a safe and hassle-free service.
From household electronics to large scale corporate moving and corporate storage, Desert Moving Company & Storage local and interstate moving company can provide careful relocation of all your electronic equipment. For added advice on packing these items and getting them ready for transport, check out the tips and strategies below:
How to move a computer
Protect your system from mechanical failure and normal physical shock during transport with these ideas:
- Make backup copies of your data files and store them together with the original program discs in a strong container, like a fireproof lockbox. Remove floppy diskettes from the drives and instead insert a cardboard disc or an old floppy disc in the drive.
- Park your hard drive and make a backup of all the software. Some newer models may not require parking so check the owner’s manual for more details.
- Turn off the system and remove all cables from the back of the unit.
- The original packaging is the best choice for packing the system. You may also ask Desert Moving Company & Storage interstate moving company for packing materials that can securely hold your computer system.
How to move a printer
- As with the computer system, the original packaging box is the ideal choice for secure transport of the printer.
- For laser printers, remove the ink cartridge as the ink may spill and contaminate the laser engine.
- For printers, you should insert a piece of paper in the platen to secure the print head.
How to move a CD or DVD player
- Remove all CDs/DVDs from the player before packing.
- If you don’t have the owner’s manual, draw a diagram of the wiring before disconnection, or take a picture with your phone or camera for easier installation.
- Some CD/DVD players have a transport screw under the unit. Tighten it before packing.
- Remove any stacker or multi-play cartridges prior to packing and wrap individually.
- Close CD/DVD trays.
- Use the original box for packing the unit or ask Desert Moving Company & Storage for a carton that will securely hold the player.
- Wrap wiring and remote controls separately, but keep them in the same box.
How to move a big screen TV and other electronics
- Use the original packaging or a carton that will hold the system firmly in place during transport.
- Pack all cords and remote controls in the same box as the unit.
- As with the DVD system, take a picture with your phone or camera, draw a simple diagram, or color-code or label wires before disconnecting to make reconnecting much simpler.
- Whether it’s for residential or corporate moving or storage, complete a list of all electronic components and computer equipment with the serial numbers of each piece prior to moving them.
Just because you’re ready to move doesn’t mean your pets share the same sentiment. Pets have an instinctive fear of new surroundings and may react to residential moving in a variety of ways. For a successful relocation of your pets, Desert Moving Company & Storage’s local movers offer these insights:
Relocating with Pets
- Pets cannot be shipped on moving vans. Don’t even think about letting the local movers relocate them in such condition.
- Keep your pets on a leash when they’re outside, as they may become frightened or run away.
- Make sure your pet wears an identification tag with its name, your name, and contact number.
- Consider shipping smaller pets by air express.
- Consult with your veterinarian about using mild sedation on your pet during the trip.
Entry requirements
- If you’re moving across state lines, check with your new State Veterinarian or State Department of Animal Husbandry. A good place to start is the U.S. State and Territory Animal Import Regulations website.
- Interstate health certificates must be obtained for dogs and horses prior to entering most states.
- States require a rabies vaccine for dogs and many require it for cats. Hawaii requires that cats and dogs be quarantined for 120 days.
- Some pets must have an entry permit issued by the destination state’s regulatory agency.
- A few states have border inspection of all animals being transported; others have random inspections.
Local community laws
Check your local community laws. Some neighborhoods have pet control and licensing ordinances. In some cases, the number of pets is limited.
Air travel checklist
- Make reservations well in advance and follow airline instructions.
- Get a shipping container a week or two in advance. Allow your pet time to familiarize with it by placing him/her in it a few times each day. Gradually lengthen the time until the pet seems to be at ease with it.
- Carefully schedule boarding and shipping arrangements for your pet to assure that the pet is well cared for until you are able to receive it at your new home.
- Feed your pet no less than five or six hours before flight time. Give the pet a drink of water no less than two hours before the flight.
- If your pet is accompanying you, arrive at the terminal 45 minutes before normal check-in time.
- If shipping the pet, get to the freight terminal two hours in advance of the flight.
- Make sure that names, addresses, and telephone numbers of people responsible for the pet both at origin and destination are clearly marked on the container and on the pet’s identification tag.
- Notify the person receiving the pet that it is on the way. Give them the flight and waybill number.
- Pets can usually be picked up within 90 minutes of flight arrival.
Car travel checklist
- If your dog or cat is not used to traveling by car, make short trips with the pet a week or two in advance to familiarize them with such environment.
- Dogs should be taught to lie quietly. Don’t let your dog put its head in the wind as that can irritate its eyes and cause problems.
- Use folding kennels or crates designed for minivans.
- Always put your pet on a leash when outside your vehicle or hotel.
- If you must stop overnight, check in advance for hotels that allow pets.
- Be sure that your pet is properly tagged and its rabies tag is firmly attached.
- Pet travel kits should include the following: food, water, dishes, leash, treats, favorite toy, some type of bedding, a can opener (if needed), a scooper, and plastic bags for clean up.
- To be on the safe side, ask your veterinarian if using a sedative would be appropriate.
Relocation can be a confusing phase from a child’s perspective, especially if it involves leaving the only home he/she has ever known. Allow your kids to embrace and see residential moving from a positive and exciting point of view with these suggested pieces of advice:
- Talk to your kids openly about your plans to relocate and be patient with their reactions and questions.
- Include them in the preparation process by taking them with you when you look for a new home. Help your kids learn about the new neighborhood to ease some of their worries. If your residential moving involves going from suburban to rural, or vice versa, provide them necessary guidelines about unfamiliar situations they may face.
- Give them the opportunity to pick out their new rooms and allow them the chance to decorate them to get them excited about the idea of moving in.
- Encourage your kids to trade addresses, contact numbers, and email addresses with their friends so they know they can always stay in touch.
- Apart from the moving & storage services Desert Moving Company & Storage will provide, involve the kids in the relocation process by having each child pack their own special box with their favorite items.
- As soon as you’re done unpacking the most important items, take a family break and enjoy your new home with the kids.
- See if you can enroll your kids in the same activities they were involved in at your former community. Accompany them for the first few days of classes. Ask about their progress after the move and how they are warming up to their new school and friends.
- If health abnormalities persist, such as loss of appetite or insomnia, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Commercial or residential moving involves plenty of time, effort, and most of all, money. But the latter does not always apply in a negative sense. While relocating has its share of expenses, with the right planning, there are likewise a number of ways you can save up and earn a few bucks for your big move. Allow Desert Moving Company & Storage to ease your moving burdens with these terrific suggestions to minimize costs and even make profit.From moving house to moving businesses, local to international storage, the costs of your relocation highly depends on one thing: the amount of items you move. For long distance relocation, weight and distance play crucial roles, while handling time and added services are calculated for local moves.For ideas to significantly cut down weight and costs of your relocation, check out the following articles:20 Things to Leave Behind When You RelocateWhen to Sell or DonateItems that Sell a Better Home17 Things to Remember for a Hassle-Free Move10 Great Packing Ideas for an Easier MoveTax Savers
20 Things to Leave Behind When You Relocate
When you move into a new home or office, remember to sort out the items that are better left behind or thrown away. These include:
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- Items that won’t fit
Use a floor plan or a mock up of your future residence or office and try to see if the furniture would fit. If you know you’ll have great difficulty making it fit when you arrive, reconsider moving it.
- Items that won’t match
If the furniture won’t match the interiors of your new home, it may be time to let go. It often costs more to move and re-upholster items than to simply leave them behind and sell them.
- Items you won’t use
Avoid being a hoarder and learn to part with things you won’t have a place to use. You don’t need yard items when you move into an apartment.
- Books
Reduce your library as much as possible and then check out the cost of mailing volumes compared to the cost of moving them. Special postage rates for books may offer big savings.
- Plants
Check with Desert Moving Company & Storage when it comes to moving plants. It is illegal to bring plants into many states.
- Dirt and sand
For sandbox and outdoor plant boxes, fill them with miscellaneous material other than dirt. There will be sand and dirt where you’re going.
- Clothing
Now may be the time to reorganize your closet and make room for new clothing. If there are garments you won’t wear anymore, consider donating them instead.
- CDs and DVDs
They may be small, but all together can make for one heavy box. Consider burning your favorite songs to a computer and unload all the bulky CDs out. Sort out which DVDs are worth keeping, and which ones deserve a spot in the next yard sale.
- Toys
If you’re kids are old enough, have them think about giving away some of their old toys to charity or selling them for a small profit they can keep for themselves.
- Hobby equipment
If you haven’t used your treadmill in years, moving it won’t do much of a change. You may also sell weight-lifting equipment and replace them at your destination, to save up on weight costs.
- Food
Plan menus to use up food you have stocked. Frozen foods cannot be shipped, while canned goods mean extra weight. If you simply have too much, consider throwing a going away party with the neighbors or donating non-perishable food to Move For Hunger.
- Tools
If you’re one of those people who maintain a workshop full of tools, evaluate each of them carefully before deciding to relocate them. As with hobby equipment, it may be a cost-effective option to replace bulkier items at your destination.
- Rugs
Unless they’re valuable or would fit perfectly in your new home, leave these heavy items behind and replace them with new, clean rugs you can actually use.
- The swing set
It’s huge, bulky, and it will cost you. You might as well leave it behind and just replace it.
- Firewood
Does your new home have a fireplace? If it doesn’t, then you don’t need these heavy things. Use up the firewood prior to your move or give them away to friends and neighbors.
- The pool/ billiard table
A pool/ billiard table requires special handling. Your best shot might be to sell it and then replace it when you get to your new home.
- Musical instruments
Other items that need special handling are huge musical instruments like pianos and organs. Unless they hold great value and are part of your lifestyle, you may want to sell these instead of moving them.
- Holiday decorations
You’ll always have other times to replace holiday decorations. If your materials are too outdated anyway or you don’t see a future where you would still want to use them, don’t move them.
- Fuel
Do not, under any condition, relocate flammable items. Empty fuel from the lawnmower, power tools, and kerosene lamps. Don’t take oil-based paints, bleach, cleaning fluids, lighter fluids, matches, ammunition, or any other type of combustible items. Check the kids’ chemistry set. Unless they are certified as being professionally purged, butane tanks cannot be loaded into a moving van. If you have doubts, just leave it. It’s better to be safe than sorry
- Aerosol cans
Other combustible items that can endanger your shipment are aerosol cans. Discard all aerosol-related cans from your boxes, including hair sprays, shaving creams, deodorants, household cleaners, insecticides, tarnish removers, car cleaners, and others.
When to Sell or Donate
Once you decide which items to exclude from your office or residential moving project, figure out the best and profitable way to clear them out.- Have a garage sale
The neighbors love a good old fashioned garage sale. Organize your stuff, advertise to the community, and carefully manage the sale as it goes.
- Sell valuable items online
For those items that hold a far greater value, take photos and post an ad in your local paper or create one online. You may find the right market for that special item and even online markets with free listings.
- Donate to charity
Some items are better off helping those who are less fortunate. Itemize each donation and keep the receipt. It may help you qualify for tax deductions.
Items that Sell a Better Home
If you’re putting your residence up for sale, consider items that you can leave behind to lower your moving costs and add value to your home. This allows you to sell your home with added appeal, leave behind bulky items unnecessary to your relocation, and cut down on your residential moving expenses.
- Chandeliers & Ceiling Fans
Heavy and fragile fixtures like these require special packing and handling. Unless you want to keep them for sentimental reasons, leave them where they are for the benefit of buyers.
- Appliances
These are very bulky items that usually require professional servicing before the move and special installation upon moving in. So if these appliances won’t fit or match your new home, perhaps it’s time to start anew.
- Hearth and home
Special fireplace screens and related tools are difficult to move and may not fit where you’re going.
- Shelving systems
If you have a built-in shelving system, leave it that way. No buyer will appreciate holes in the wall where the shelves used to be. And it probably won’t fit at your new home either, so go through all the trouble?
- Satellite dishes
- Flag poles and basketball goals
You’re better off selling them with the house and saving yourself time, effort, and money.
17 Things to Remember for a Hassle-Free Move
Commercial and residential moving is not just about packing boxes and loading them up on trucks on moving day. Organizing your relocation may likewise offer you plenty of convenience and save you from a whole lot of headaches.
- Coordinate your move
Start the process in advance and, if possible, arrange and ensure occupancy dates in your new residence to avoid storage or delays.
- Notify utility companies
Set a specific date for service discontinuation of telephone, electricity, gas, and water utilities on a specific date. Request a final meter reading for due settlement. Likewise, don’t forget to ensure utilities are all working properly in your destination prior to your arrival. Do the same for cable and local newspaper subscriptions.
- Change your magazine subscription
Change the address on your magazine subscriptions in advance to avoid missing any issues.
- Cancel local services
Notify cancellation of security, lawn/ gardening, cleaning, and any other type of regular service.
- Check your bank and savings accounts
Make arrangements to transfer deposits so that you don’t lose interest and use your bank as a credit reference.
- Advise the post office
- Contact the necessary organizations
- Collect any deposits
Whether it’s a landlord or a utility company, it’s easier to get deposits back in person than via long distance. Settle these matters while you’re still in town.
- Check with orthodontist, obstetrician, etc.
If any member of your family requires ongoing medical or dental treatment for which you have paid, arrange with the practitioner to pro-rate payments with a professional in your destination city.
- Check your homeowners insurance
See if it’s possible to have insurance applied to your future residence, or reassigned to the future owners and just pro-rate payments. If not, you may qualify for a partial refund. Be sure to coordinate insurance so that you’re covered in your new residence immediately.
- If you sold it, don’t move it
Check everything on moving day and make sure that anything which was supposed to stay with the home doesn’t go on the van. If these items are shipped by mistake, you may spend more money just to send them back.
- Membership fees
Depending on the clubs you belong to, see if you can sell memberships or get a partial refund on dues.
- Lockers and cleaners
Not everything is in the house. Be sure to collect all your belongings in club or school lockers and at the dry cleaners.
- Check on car or installment loans, and credit card organizations
Avoid default or unnecessary expenses. Notify the lending companies and credit card organizations of your move and change of address to avoid inconvenience later on.
- Transfer insurance records
Rates on car insurance vary from city to city so verify that it’s adequate before relocation.
- Close accounts
Close and settle any revolving charge accounts with department stores or specialty shops that don’t have locations in your destination city. In the same vein, close any other legal matters before relocating to avoid the trouble of having to make return trips just to take care of them in the future.
- Arrange for payment of your driver
Unless the commercial/ residential moving charges are to be billed to your employer or charged to your credit card, payment by cash, certified check, or money order is required at your destination.
10 Great Packing Ideas for an Easier Move
When it comes to office or residential moving, letting the professionals handle the packing comes as added convenience rather than expense. With years of experience in relocation, Desert Moving Company & Storage movers & international storage has all the expertise necessary to pack your belongings while providing it utmost protection. If you’re determined to do the packing yourself, here are some useful and cost-effective tips:
- Do not use newspaper for wrapping
Newsprint fades and the ink runs easily, which may ruin the items it was supposed to protect.
- Pack toiletries separately
Ideally in small containers. Be sure corks and caps are closed tightly.
- Don’t pack too compactly
Give fragile items breathing room to avoid breakage. Leave clothing in drawers, but do not overstuff to keep drawers from warping.
- Proper servicing of your appliances
Contact a professional or trusted mechanic or ask your local Desert Moving Co. & Storage representative to arrange such service for you.
- Right side of the bedding
Leave fitted sheets on mattresses to protect them.
- Spread your linens around
Don’t have enough bubble wrap? Instead of putting linens all in one carton, use them as fillers to cushion other items.
- Heavy items on the bottom
Place heavy items first on the bottom of the carton and then fill it up with lighter stuff. Use smaller boxes for special items like books.
- Electronics
If possible, pack stereo equipment and plasma TVs in their original packaging or have them serviced by professionals.
- Labels and lists
For added convenience, indicate contents on the outside of the carton. Designate which room the box should go in. it will surely simplify things at your destination. Be sure to make necessary indications as well if the contents are fragile.
- Unload first
Put together items you’ll need immediately upon arrival in one box. Label it “Unload First.” Include necessities like toilet paper, paper towels, cups, a can opener, soap, etc.
Tax Savers
They may not be a lot, but these little things may offer you big savings on taxes at the end of the year. So pay attention to these details that might help you at the right time.
- Keep track of donations
Keep an itemized receipt when you donate to charity. This may help qualify for tax deductions.
- Detailed records and receipts of moving expenses
- Record improvements
Keep a clean record of the expenses made for improvements in your home through the years and any other expense associated with its sale. These include realtor fees or classified costs.
- Insurance and inventory
Your possessions are worth as much in transit as they are in your home. Make sure they’re insured accordingly before relocation. Talk to your insurance agent if you have any questions. When you organize your move, list your possessions and their approximate value. Photograph or videotape your items by room and keep your inventory in a safe place. Should you encounter household damage in the future, you can establish accurate and complete insurance claims.
- Pick your moving company very carefully
You of all people would know the immeasurable value of your possessions. They are a part of your life and difficult to replace. Be sure to trust them in the hands of professional movers to guarantee the success of your relocation.
- Don’t be deceived by low estimates
Estimates are exactly that, mere approximations and not final. The actual cost of relocation will be determined primarily by weight and distance, with the cost of any added services you require. So if you find one estimate is substantially lower, double check to be sure to avoid surprises on moving day.
- An estimate is only as accurate as you are
While you need to be sure of the actual cost of your move, you also need to provide the exact information needed by the movers to make the right estimates. To be sure, ask Desert Moving Company & Storage for in-house estimate services.
- Do a background check
When you look for the right movers, don’t just go for those who offer low cost relocation without having the right history to back the service. Look for reputable movers with experience and commendable professional records, ensuring your property would ultimately be in good hands.
- Look for referrals
One great way to understand how professional movers work is through past and recurring clients. Look for customer testimonials and referrals for a more concrete idea of what to expect from any moving company.
7 Eco-Friendly Moving Tips
From residential to corporate moving, there are plenty of ways to relocate while being a friend to the environment at the same time. Here are a couple of ways to go green for your big move.
- Give away instead of throwing away.
Instead of throwing non-essential items in the garbage bin, sort out the materials you can give away to the neighbors or to the less fortunate. Books and old computers can be donated to the local libraries or schools, while old clothes are better off in the hands of Goodwill and other charities.
- Promote re-use of items by selling them.
Have a yard sale and make a small profit off items that may still be used. You can even unload unwanted items by selling them online through eBay, Craigslist, and the Freecycle Network.
- Move with recyclable or reusable packing materials and packing paper.
Ask our Desert Moving Company & Storage local movers for used cartons at reduced prices.
- Use eco-friendly cleaning supplies.
- Minimize junk mail at your new address by filing a temporary change of address with your post office rather than a permanent one.
- If you’re packing smaller items in boxes, cornstarch packing peanuts provide a biodegradable option.
- When unpacking, expendables such as cartons, packing paper, peanuts, twine, rope and bungee are all reusable residential or corporate moving resources. Do not discard them and consider re-use at a later time.