Right after you move, it is important to take the time to make a thorough inventory of your belongings and make sure everything arrived in good condition and that nothing has been lost.

Most probably, movers will ask you to check your valuables as they bring them to your new home.  They will provide an inventory sheet with corresponding numbers and descriptions for the task.  Even though it may be difficult to concentrate with all the work being done around you during the move and with movers bringing several loads together, try to focus and organize the inventory check so that you don’t miss any items.  You could ask a friend to help you double-check every valuable, or divide the duties of checking the list and looking over the items.

Check furniture and appliances very carefully for missing feet, broken knobs, and scratches, and plug in appliances to ensure they are working correctly.   If there is something missing, mark it and tell the movers immediately.  If you see damage, make a note on the inventory list.  Do not sign the sheet until you are certain that everything has been accounted for.  It will greatly simplify things if you locate boxes or discuss damages while the movers are still there.

While you unpack, make notes about what you think is missing or damaged.  You’ve already checked for missing boxes, but not for missing things inside them.  Everyone who is unpacking should have an inventory list for the box they are working on.

Everything should be checked within the next few days after the move; otherwise, damages or losses may not be covered by the movers’ insurance.

As soon as you’re done unpacking and if you have found missing or damaged items, call the movers and ask them to track the items; maybe something was forgotten in the truck and is easy to recover.  If something is not found, call the insurance company to file a claim.  You will have to give detailed information about the item that is missing or has been damaged, and the inventory list you made prior to moving will be crucial.

Even though something could go wrong, normally everything works smoothly if you have taken the precaution of researching locally and hiring quality Movers in Seattle WA to help you handle the move.  Investing a little more could save you lots of headaches and bad experiences later.

A lot of people dread moves, but this is because they don’t take it seriously and fail to plan ahead.  When you know exactly what to expect, how to get organized, and even what could go wrong, nothing can get you off balance, and you will be ready to deal with whatever happens in an effective way.

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Moving to a new place involves a lot of work and consideration.  Besides the move itself, with all its worries, possibly one of the most difficult challenges for new tenants is knowing the difference between normal wear and serious damage when asking for the security deposit back.  The line is fine when it comes to wear and damage, and you must be prepared to walk it without crossing it.

Security deposits are designed so that you work to get them back.  Here are some tips so that you learn what is normal and what is definitely not:

1.    Walls- some dirt and several pinpricks are normal, but huge holes, paint that is not the original color, and burns, will definitely be categorized as damage.  If necessary, paint and repair whatever needs it, so that you get your deposit back.

2.    Carpets- obviously, carpets and floors wear down with time due to aging, however, the landlord will not accept huge stains, burn marks or tears.  Research how to care for the carpets and floors so that you can maintain them in good condition for as long as you live there.

3.    Appliances- these must work properly, of course.  If a mechanical problem occurs, call the landlord immediately, or else, you will have an issue later.

4.    Keys- normally, these break with time, as well as locks.  What constitutes damage is due to misuse, loss, or removal of locks from the doors without proper permission and supervision.

5.    General condition- at apartment complexes, a cleaning crew will commonly clean the space before renting it, since managers know there will be some dirt.  Nevertheless, they don’t expect to find the place in a chaotic state, so you should clean before you move and hire a professional Seattle moving company that knows how to work in an organized way.  It will surely help you get your money back.

Once you are ready to move out, make sure you review the original condition report you filled out when you first leased the place, so that you can identify the trouble areas.  True, there is a fine line between normal wear and real damage; however, it is a lot about common sense.

If you are an organized, caring and clean person, you will most certainly not have any trouble getting your deposit money back.

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If you are thinking about moving to an apartment, you better have a digital camera handy.  It can really simplify your apartment search and move-in processes, by instantly capturing every crucial space and its condition.

Once you really get going, you will visit dozens of apartments, and it will be very hard to remember all of the details for each one of them, unless you have an out-of-this-world memory.  Through the pictures, us mere mortals will have no way of forgetting about the interesting or not so practical details regarding the design, style and colors.  These are research photos that will be very useful when making a final decision.

The pictures will help you move in too, as they will help you buy appliances and furniture that will truly fit and enhance the space.

Once you have chosen the perfect place, and before you call the movers in Seattle to help you, take a walk through the apartment and take photos to record its condition.  This will be very useful once you decide to move out, because you will only get your security deposit back if the apartment is in the exact same state.  Take pictures of problem areas, like stained carpets, so that you have a way to prove that it was not you who damaged it.  Make sure you talk to the landlord about any concern or damages you see before you move in.

When moving to a new apartment it is fundamental that you get rental insurance and be prepared in case of a burglary.  For this, you must take pictures of your belongings and the electronics’ serial numbers, and save the receipts for expensive appliances like TV’s, furniture, computers, china, and stereos, so that you can file an insurance claim with enough proof in hand.

And since they say that thinking ahead is thinking wise, when the time comes to leave the place, do not forget to take pictures of the condition you are leaving the apartment in.  The same as before you moved in, clear the space and take some ‘after’ pictures as a back up, just in case you have trouble when getting your deposit back.

The set of pictures you take must last several years in good condition, at least while you are living at the place, thus, file them in a safe place where you can find them easily, and also store them online as a back up.  And of course, make sure you take good care of your digital camera!

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Whatever the type of move, be it a residential or office move, be it a small or big one, in order to ensure that everything is handled correctly and safely, you must hire a professional moving company to help you.

But read this carefully: do not hire just ANY company.  Prior to selecting the best one for your needs, make sure you research thoroughly among Seattle moving companies.

In order to help you make an informed decision, here we present you 8 important questions that you should ask any company that you are considering seriously:

1.    Are you a broker or a company employee?
The broker’s job is to help people find moving companies; nevertheless, he cannot provide an obligatory estimate and is not responsible for losses and damages.

2.    Do you offer obligatory estimates?
Movers or brokers may give you an estimate over the phone, but it is not an obligatory one.  Prior to giving you such an estimate, the mover must check your valuables in person.

3.    Are any extra charges included in the estimate?
Charges like, long-carry, appliances, parking, storage, fuel, and special furniture, among others, are examples of costs that may or may not be included within a moving estimate.  You must let the moving company know about special furniture pieces you own or other special conditions about your move ahead of time so that they can include them in the estimate.

4.    What kind of equipment do you have?
It is important to know if the movers have equipment for heavy tasks and to handle special furniture pieces professionally.  It is an important part of ensuring you are getting the best help for your needs.

5.    Is there any transfer required?
Depending on the distance between your old home and the new one, your valuables may have to be transferred from one vehicle to another.  This increases damage risk, so you must know about it.

6.    What payment options do you offer and what are the conditions?
Try to stay away from movers that only take cash.  Be clear on how much you have to give as deposit and if it is refundable, and how much you have to pay upon delivery of your valuables.

7.    What type of insurance are you offering me, and what other types are available?
Normally, there is a basic coverage fee that can be upgraded at a very sensible price.  You can also research the option of third party insurance providers to cover your move.  In any case, investigate all your options in order to make an informed decision.

8.    How do you handle damages and loses? What is your level of responsibility?
When asking this, the answer must leave no doubt as to who is responsible for what.  If you are packing your belongings, the moving company may not pay for damages due to poor packing, for example, but they will most certainly teach you how to pack appropriately if you ask them to.  Just get a clear picture in advance.

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Well, sometimes there is no choice.  You have been relocated or someone put an offer on your home and you just have to move even if Christmas time is near.  The good news is that regardless of the craziness this season brings, it is possible to move in an organized way and still have time to enjoy your favorite time of year.

Probably, the hardest thing about moving close to Christmas time is that you will have to leave your friends and family behind.  This is something you have to accept and do not let it take control of you and your sanity.  The truth is that you are not really losing anyone, just moving a little farther away.  In order to help you feel more at home, put up your Christmas tree as soon as you move in, it will give you a homey feeling since it is something you brought from your previous place.  Also, as soon as you’re settled, or even some weeks before, if possible, try to get to know some neighbors, volunteer at events happening around the holidays or go and knock on some doors to introduce yourself and your family.

So, you are the Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner host every year?  It would be good if you could ask someone else to do it this year so that you can pack and enjoy the activity at the same time without the added stress.  This could be a great time to say goodbye to many friends and family, and you should be fresh and happy to enjoy it fully.

Do not worry so much about Christmas shopping.  The best gift you can give your loved ones is for them to see you happy and accomplished, thus, choose to spend quality time with them instead before you leave. Your time and happiness will be the most valuable gift.

One thing you must do, though, is pay attention to your kids.  Every move is a traumatic experience for them and it could be even worse if it happens around Christmas.  Take the time to talk to them about their worries, like: will Santa know the new address?

Do not just sit on your b… look for activities to stay entertained during the holidays at your new place and spend valuable time getting your home the way you like it. In this way, after the holidays, you can start inviting new friends to your beautiful home.

You will take a big weight off your shoulders if you hire professional help to handle your move.  Make sure you contact a Seattle moving company capable of handling everything in an organized and safe manner, so that you know your valuables are taken care of in the best way possible.

In the end, it is all about putting things into perspective.  There is always a way to do everything in a calm and organized way while enjoying your traditions and loved ones.  And the best part is, next year you will have the opportunity to enjoy new traditions, with new and old friends, with your family, and with the feeling of accomplishment that brings moving ahead in your life.

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A move is seen, by child development professionals, as one of the most unsettling happenings in a kid’s life.  The manner in which a child responds to changing homes depends on several aspects, like personality, closeness to friends, and the reasons for the move.  Several studies have shown that the parents are in the best place to offer the needed support to help their children be happy regardless of any move.

The approach of the parents to the move normally affects the child.  If the parents are sad about it, the child’s reaction will be a negative one.  On the contrary, if the parents are happy about it and talk about great expectations, the child will too.  Normally, younger children are better at accepting big changes; children in their teens will have a rough time because the identity crisis that they normally experience during these years is deepened by the loss of their friends.

In order to make it easier on everyone, but especially on your children, talk openly to them about the move.  Tell them what they can expect, what their new neighborhood is like and how to make new friends.  If possible, take them there before moving, so that they can experience the place for themselves and feel like an important part of the decision.  You can let your children choose their bedrooms and think of how they are going to decorate them, give them packing and labeling responsibilities, and let them meet the movers in Seattle, so that they feel useful.

After you move, pay attention to your children’s games and playing routines, these will help you identify their needs.  If they are talking to friends, pets or dolls, they could be worried or fearful, thus, assure them that their normal activities will still be there and open the doors for communication.

Look for similarities between the old place and the new one, not only between the houses, but also between neighborhood and town.  Go to the child’s new school with him or her before the first day.  Go into the classroom and meet the teacher, encourage your child to play with a classmate before starting school and do not create false expectations about how cool the new school is.  Let your child experience it for himself, but always show optimism and encouragement.

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It is not only you who is moving this year.  Thousands or even millions of people who change homes or offices every year join you, and thus, it is only logical to try to reduce waste as much as possible when moving.

It has been determined that each person produces around 1580 pounds of waste per year, most of it, some 602 pounds, are in the form of paper and paperboard, 149 pounds are plastic, 58 pounds are textiles, and 82 pounds are wood.

Even though it is believed that America is recycling almost 30% of the waste produced, the amount of waste generated is increasing every single year, and, although recycling has grown in general, there is a marked growth of the recycling of certain materials like paper, plastic soft drink bottles, aluminum cans, steel packaging and major appliances.

In order to help the growing and crucial recycling efforts, here are several ideas to help you reduce waste when moving to a new home or office:

1.    Avoid buying new boxes, and instead, save old ones.  Find leftover boxes from local shops or neighbors.

2.    If you can’t find old boxes, use corrugated ones made out of recycled materials.

3.    Recycle every box after you have used it.

4.    Use your luggage and handbags to pack your clothes, linens, and bathroom items.

5.    Ask the movers in Seattle about renting reusable storage crates.  These last many years and are recyclable.

6.    Wrap up fragile things in old newspapers.

7.    Select eco-friendly packing materials like cushioning peanuts made of biodegradable cornstarch and bubble wrap containing recycled plastic.  Always recycle these materials after utilizing them.

8.    Make sure you dispose appropriately of non-recyclable materials like cleaners, paints, and car supplies before you move.  Find the correct way to get rid of them.

9.    When possible, use recycled paint for house projects.

10.    Make a garage sale before you move to get rid of things you don’t need or want but are in good condition.

11.    Donate whatever you think can be used and appreciated by others.

After you move, find out about recycling programs in the community and join it.  Also, start buying only recyclable products and items that can be repaired and used for a long time.

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Moving is a very stressful activity in itself, and if you still have to worry about whether your furniture and other valuables will arrive safely, or if they will arrive at all, you can bet a move is something you won’t want to repeat ever again.

Even though the majority of the more than 1.5 million moves a year happen without any problems, an important number does suffer in the hands of a cheating moving company.  More than 3,000 complaints are received by the U.S. Department of Transportation in regards to abuses performed by phony movers.

Imagine this scenario: a person surfs the web and hires a moving company that offers a low estimate.  As soon as the trucks are loaded, that estimate duplicates, triplicates or even quadruplicates, and the owners are told that either they pay or their goods will be auctioned.  This has happened in the past and is only one of the scams out there.  In other cases, the person’s belongings will never show up or show up damaged, and the company refuses to pay.  Some movers are not even real ones, and they steal from the weak who fall for it, old and ignorant people.

So, how can you prevent falling for a scam that could cost you thousands of dollars besides the anguish and despair of losing your valuable possessions?

Here are 14 tips provided by the professionals and the leaders in the moving business:

1.    Plan your move in advance.

2.    Check the companies against your local Better Business Bureau.

3.    Ask for at least three estimates, for example, from three Seattle moving companies.

4.    Tell each company about the destination and time for the move.

5.    Ask everything about the services offered, rates and extra charges that apply.

6.    Ask about their liability and claims protection for your belongings.

7.    Have everything in writing.

8.    Inquire how pickup and delivery will work.

9.    Ask them to explain the estimates in detail and give you copy.

10.    Non-binding estimates are not final; the real charges may be about 10% higher.

11.    Clearly specify the pickup and delivery dates in the service order.

12.    Read thoroughly the Bill of Lading; it is your contract.  Make sure you clarify any questions you may have.

13.    Be there every time the cargo is weighed, you can ask for it to be weighed more than once.

14.    Submit to arbitration any unresolved loss or damage claims.

Now you are very well-informed so, good luck with your move!

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There is great excitement when you are going to move to a new home.  Despite the crazyness of the packing and planning with the Seattle moving company, the idea of a new place or even a new life puts a smile in most faces and a shine in most hearts.  And it can get even better, because it can put good money in most pockets too!

Moving time is a great time for a garage sale.  It is the perfect time to get rid of what is not useful anymore, to make room for all the new that will be coming along with your new home.

If you are moving into a smaller place, a garage sale IS a necessity, as well as if you are a fan of season sales; there is only so much room between four walls.  So there you go. If you want to get rid of unused clothes, old toys, unecessary furniture, and other belongings that are truly in your way, think garage sale.  You can always buy new stuff with the money you make, or even better, you can save it!

Although there is endless information in books, magazines, the web, and even from experienced friends, on how to run a successful garage sale, here we show you the best tips to fill your pockets with money:

1.    Check with local authorities the restrictions for garage sales.

2.    Invest some money on advertising in local newspapers, ad bulletin boards, and shoppers guides.  Post it online also.

3.    Ask other neighbors to join you, you can share costs and attract more buyers due to the amount of items on sale.

4.    Mark the way with flashy signs with arrows showing the way to your house.

5.    Define sale hours and avoid holiday weekends, no one will be home.

6.    Be prepared for customers who arrive too early.

7.    Set attractive prices and be ready to bargain.

8.    Put a price tag on every item and group items by price.  You can also use colors to differentiate prices.

9.    Clean the items before the sale, to make them more desirable.

10.    Put the clothes on racks for easy viewing and check the pockets beforehand!

11.    Put similar items, or things that complement each other, together; it may get you more sales.

12.    Have plenty of change in hand.

13.    Be careful with the money; have it locked up in a box or wear a fanny pack.

14.    Offer bags for the customers who buy and paper to wrap the china.

15.    Remove all signs after the sale is over.

16.    Give to charity whatever is left; it will make you feel really good!

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There is a very simple answer to that question:  there is never ‘too much’ when talking about safety after a move.  After the not-so-much-fun part of the move is over, and the movers in Seattle are gone, you just want to relax and enjoy your new home in the company of your family and friends, however, there is one more thing you must take care of, and it is to make sure your loved ones are completely safe in the new nest.

Keep them safe from what, you say?  How about potential fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and burglars?  Yes, believe it or not, these are more than common hazards that afflict thousands of moving families across America.  Fire alone, kills more than 3,000 people per year in their homes, and more than 350,000 residential fires are attended by fire departments.

So, first things first:

1.    As soon as you move, put new batteries in the smoke alarm devices and ensure they are working OK.  Monthly maintenance is key!

2.    Work on an evacuation plan after carefully studying the floor plan, and identify the safest areas.

3.    Install a carbon monoxide detector if there is none.  It is a great risk in the presence of furnaces, ranges, and water and room heaters.  Symptoms are similar to those associated with the common flu: headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and difficulty breathing.

4.    Get someone to inspect the heating system for blockages, corrosion and disconnections.

5.    Install all appliances following the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes.

6.    Make it a habit to lock all doors and windows while you are away and during the night.  Many, out of the more than a million burglaries that happen each year, are avoidable, but it has been confirmed that homeowners do not know how to keep their homes safe:

-    Do not place valuables in front of windows, where they will be seen by people walking by.

-    Ensure every door and window has a lock.  For doors, get deadbolt locks with a one-inch throw and reinforced strike plate.

-    Sliding doors should be secured with a metal rod in the track to prevent forced opening.

-    Always lock the attached garage.

-    Get a good outdoor lighting system.

-    Trim the shrubs near the entrance so that there is no place for burglars to hide.

-    Inquire if the neighborhood has a community watch program; if yes, join it; if not, encourage neighbors to start one.

-    Install an alarm; it has proven very useful to discourage crime and give peace of mind to homeowners.

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