When moving into a new office, it is very important that your business move as quickly and efficiently as possible.  When it comes to moving your office, whether it is from an existing office nearby, or moving into a new office out of state, every second wasted means your hard earned money going down the drain.  But moving your office is much more complicated than just moving it quickly. It involves detailed planning and professional movers, as well as money.  It is very important, when moving your office, that your business not suffer too much during this relocation period.  But if your company follows the right steps, hires the right moving company, and spends its money wisely, then your business is sure not to lose hours of work and productivity with a poorly planned move.

In any business relocation move, planning is the most crucial, and important, step.  It is important to remember, that while your business is relocating to a different office, or building, it is literally making no money in this process.  This is why it is vital that your relocation period take place as swiftly as possible, without cutting the necessary corners in a large office move like this.  This is why planning is so crucial to your moving endeavors.  And one way to do this is to hire a professional moving company that specializes in large office moves, so that the moving will run smoothly, and get you back up and running as soon as possible.

To help your move stay cost-effective, as well as moving swiftly, there are a number of services that you can use that you may not be aware of.  One of those is taking advantage of a business relocation service.  These services can provide packing materials, can sometimes help with the actual move, and even help to reassemble your office equipment and furniture, when you successfully move into your new office.  Now it is important to remember, that these services are not a replacement to a professional moving company, but can be a helpful addition to your moving team.

Another important planning step your company should take is to get very familiar with the new office you’re planning on moving into.  Try to visit the office as many times as you can, to get a feel for where you plan on placing furniture, and what kind of plan you have for the new office in general.  It is important to obtain measurements, understand the location of outlets, special wiring, as well as Internet hookups.  Another important planning step you could take would be to create a detailed floor plan in advance.  By creating a detailed floor plan, you will be able to visually see how everything will work out in advance, as well as giving the movers an important resource to go from.  Once your items are in place, you will be able to make the necessary adjustments, instead of doing it all on the fly.  Whether you’re hiring a local moving company, movers in Seattle WA, or one out of Cleveland, the more information you can give your movers, the easier the move will be for everyone.

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A moving company can offer a multitude of services, depending on your specific needs.  If you are moving locally, out of state, or into a bigger business setting, a moving company can offer you the tools, and the professional support that you might be looking for.  But when choosing a moving company for your next move, there are a number of factors you will want to take into consideration.

You will want to evaluate exactly what you’re planning on moving and, most importantly, if you can find someone you can trust. By correctly weighing your options, and doing the proper research, there is no question there is a moving company out there to fit your specific needs.  But what should you be looking for?

Whether you are hiring a Seattle moving company, or a moving company out of Dallas, or Chicago, the most important thing you want to look for in a moving company is their reputation.  Remember, moving can sometimes be a very expensive endeavor, not to mention, when hiring an outside moving company. You will most likely be trusting complete strangers to be handling some of your most personal, and valued possessions.  So how can you make sure, that the moving company you’re choosing can even be trusted?

By taking a few simple, yet effective steps, you can ensure that you’re not only getting the best price, but you are getting a reliable and trustworthy moving company to fit all your moving needs.  The best thing you can do when evaluating moving companies’ reputations is to do a lot of research.  The first thing you can do is to look up different moving companies on the Internet.  Most reliable companies will have their own web site, including the services they offer, what sets them apart from other moving companies, and why you should give them your business.  Another important feature to look for is if the company has customer referrals on their web site.  This can be a great way to obtain some feedback about the company, from people who have actually used the service.

Besides checking out the company’s website itself, there are a number of other steps you can take to evaluate their credibility.  One step would be to call the local Better Business Bureau, to get more information about the company that you’re considering.  The Better Business Bureau can be an important resource because not only can they provide information on the legitimacy of the business, but will have any reports filed by unsatisfied customers, including if the matter was resolved in a timely fashion, or not at all.

Here are some things that you might want to look for as red flags.  One of those is that there is no website or no listed address for the company.  Another red flag to look for is if the company only accepts cash, and may want a large deposit upfront.  This can be a telltale sign of a con artist.  Also, make sure the moving company has insurance, and most importantly remember to sign a contract before any payment is transferred.

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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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Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure for the whole family.  But the furry members of our family may not so readily understand just what is going on.  Here are some main pointers to remember when moving with a pet:

Do plan ahead.  If your move is out of country, be sure to arrange all necessary travel documents and certificates.  Make arrangements for transporting your pet well in advance of the big day.  Be sure to make an appointment with your veterinarian to have any necessary vaccinations or medications administered.  Also inquire about sedation if you think it may be necessary.

Don’t feed your pet too soon before traveling.  Even if you are only moving a short distance and are moving your pet by car, it is better to hold off on feeding until you are settled in at your new destination.  Your pet will likely be fine with just a few treats throughout the day.

Do plan for regular pit stops along the way if traveling by car.  Have fresh cool water on hand that you have brought with you so as not to upset your pets digestive system, and try to plan stops  where there is some room for a bit of exercise as well.  Be careful when letting your pet out for exercise in a strange place. Never leave your pet inside a vehicle on a hot day.  If it is very warm, have someone stay behind with your pet so you can leave windows open or air conditioning running.

Do pack a moving box of your pet’s items such as blankets, beds, feeding dishes toys and food so that everything you need for your pet is readily available once you arrive at your new home.  If you will be traveling for a few days, pack a small travel pack for your pet as well.  In this kit have food, water, dishes, a favorite toy and blanket, a few treats, some shop towels or wipes and a pet waste bags.

Do be sure to give your pet some time to adjust to his new home once you have arrived.  Keep him indoors for a while and allow him to explore his environment.  Unpack his toys and familiar things right away and give him a meal of his favorite food. Supervise him carefully during the first few ventures outdoors into the new neighborhood.

Don’t get so caught up in the move that you ignore your pet.  This whole moving business can be very upsetting, especially to cats and dogs.  Take some time to reassure your pet that everything is okay and that the whole family is staying in the new location with them.

No matter where you’re moving from, New York, Dallas, Miami, or Seattle moving companies will all agree that it is just as important to prepare your pets for the move as anyone else in the family.

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If you are planning on doing the packing yourself for an upcoming move, or even doing the move yourself, be sure to ask your moving company for the supplies you need.  There is no longer any need to scour the local grocery store for boxes to pack up your household goods.  Moving companies now offer a great selection of supplies to make packing up your home easy and efficient.  Here are some of the basics you’ll want to have on hand:

Boxes are the most obvious thing you need, but be sure to take time to think about the sizes and shapes you need.  Moving companies have specialty boxes for clothing, china, mirrors and artwork, lamps and even wardrobes where your clothes can be packed on hanging rods.  Keep in mind that the more uniform your box size, the easier they will be able to load into your truck or van.  Remember to pack heavy items such as books in smaller boxes that are easier to carry.

Packing tape will be necessary for forming your boxes as they will be purchased flat, and also for sealing your boxes once filled.  A tape dispenser that applies and cuts the tape in one step makes this job a lot easier and can also be purchased from your moving company.  A small cutting knife is handy to have as well for opening the boxes when it’s time to unpack and for collapsing them again once they have been emptied.

Carton markers to identify what is in each box will make both loading the moving van and the unpacking process a lot easier.  You may also be able to buy pre-printed labels from your moving company for fragile items.

Bubble wrap and newsprint for packing fragile items is available in rolls and sheets.  There is nothing worse than arriving at your new home with broken dishes, so it’s important to wrap everything well.  For some items that you really can’t wrap, Styrofoam packaging peanuts can be purchased in large bags to pack in and around large loose items.

Mattress and furniture covers can also be purchased to keep things nice and clean and prevent any rips or tears during loading and unloading.  You should also have some moving pads or blankets available for placing between pieces of furniture to prevent dents and scratches.  If you would rather not use blankets of your own, they can be purchased or sometimes rented from your Seattle moving company.

This should just about cover anything you need to pack up your house for a smooth and accident free move.

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When the time comes to move to a new home, office, or just move a special piece of furniture, most people spend a lot of time searching for a mover they can trust with the job.  Contrary to what you may think, finding the right moving company is not as easy as it seems once you consider that your furniture is among the most precious possessions you have, even more so if these are antique pieces or were inherited from generations back.  Thus, it is crucial that you find a moving company that can get the job done, and done right.

Once you start your search, ask yourself how valuable your furniture is.  The answer will tell you how much you should be willing to pay the moving company, as very valuable pieces will require more experienced and expensive movers.  You may even want to consider hiring a company specialized in handling expensive art collections or antique furniture if you own a considerable amount of these.  In the same way, if your furniture is nice, but not especially valuable, you will be OK by hiring an established moving company, one that will give you a good price and quality service, but not specialized service like the one required for valuable furniture.

Specialty movers make sure your pieces are handled individually and take extreme measures to ensure nothing happens to your furniture.  For example, they will build special padded wood crates to pack your furniture or art pieces.  Specialty movers are extremely skilled and know the best techniques to handle very valuable items.

There are all sorts of moving companies that are experienced in moving all kinds of pieces.  Take a piano, for example.  Not just anyone can move such a heavy and unmanageable object without damaging one or more of its delicate internal parts.  You better believe it; you will want your piano to be in the best hands if you want it to delight you with its glorious sounds for years to come.

You must search for a mover in Seattle that suits you and your belongings.  One you can be open with about your wishes and needs, and that understands the value of your pieces, be it monetary or sentimental.  In any case, always look for reputable companies with impeccable references if you want the job well done and off your shoulders.

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Moving is no easy business, or so you have heard or even experienced, however, there are several tips you can follow to make it smooth and even enjoyable, one more quality time activity to share with your family and friends.

Some of these tips may seem obvious, but this is the main reason why they are normally overlooked, causing unnecessary stress and trouble among the family members involved in the process.

These tips will work for you before and right after you have moved, so make sure you take advantage of them and include them in your checklist for constant reminding.

-    Take notes.  Write everything down, like your shipment registration number to have it available to call your moving company with any questions about your stuff.

-    Make the bed.  Remember that you will be tired on the first night in your new home, so pack separately the sheets and towels for your bed so that you do not have to look all over the place and in every single box for them.

-    Remember the refrigerator.  After it has been cleaned up, put some fresh coffee, baking soda or charcoal inside a sock and put it inside the refrigerator to keep it smelling fresh.

-    Keep your old phone book.  You may need to contact someone from your former neighborhood or a business close to it.

-    Heavy packing vs. light packing.  Heavy things go in small boxes and the light stuff goes in large boxes.

-    Give out your contact information.  Make sure the movers have your cell phone number as well as any other number they may need, in case they are not able to contact you directly.

-    Care for your memories.  As much as possible, personally take care of your valuable items, but if it is necessary to pack them, make sure you cover them extensively to protect them.

-    Learn to pack plates and records.  These must be packed on end vertically, not flat and stacked.

-    List your main necessities.  You will need toilet paper, telephone, toiletries, snacks, coffee with pot, soap, tooth brush, comb, flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups, utensils, pans and paper towels, among others.  Pack these all together in a box and have it handy once you have moved.

-    Unscrew all the bulbs before packing your lamps.

-    Tag every item.  During a garage sale, be ready to wheel and deal, people love to bargain, so make sure everything is tagged.

-    Give kids something to do.  Keep them busy writing their names and new address on their boxes, in this way, they will learn their new address and will easily identify what belongs to them during moving day in the new house.

-    Protect your pet.  Keep pets away from the hassle, ask a friend to look after your best friend for a while during the move.

-    Be nice to plants.  Be careful when moving them as they are very sensitive to heat and harsh movements.

-    Give your computer a break.  Let it get used to the new room temperature before plugging it in. Crazy? Not really, temperature variations do affect its performance.

-    Enjoy the help.  Let the professional mover in Seattle do his job while you sit back, rest, and enjoy your new home.

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Very few people in this world enjoy the process of moving. There’s all the sorting, packing, carrying, organizing, and re-organizing that usually comes with it. Seattle movers put together a checklist meant to make it easy and flawless. A lot of pain can be avoided by following these steps:

Step 1 – Set a moving date.

Step 2 – Set two days prior to your moving date as the deadline to have all issues pertaining to your move resolved.

Step 3 – Get rid of all old clothes and other items you know you will not want to keep. One nice way to do this is by giving to charity.

Step 4 – Create an inventory list that includes everything you did not throw out or donate. Start by listing large items, such as furniture. Include a description and also any serial numbers or other pertinent information that can identify each item. Estimate a value in cash for each item. Once you’re done with furniture and other large items, work down to the tiniest – such as jewelry. There will be things you won’t care to list in detail – this of course can be done and you can just include them in one large, generic category.

Step 5 – If you have not already done so, contact a moving company and send your inventory in order to get an estimate from at least three sources.

Step 6 – Call all utilities companies and let them know of your move-out date. Call utilities companies at your destination and set up installation dates.

Step 7 – If you don’t mind using old boxes, you can find them for free at supermarkets. They usually can be had for nothing from the employees who work at the receiving docks in the back part of the store building. Otherwise, buy enough boxes for your items and assemble them. Make the boxes safer by reinforcing the edges and corners with duct tape.

Step 8 – Pack

Step 9 – Make sure you mark every box according to the room the items came from. Give each box a number and use it on your inventory list to reference what box each item went to.

Step 10 – Pack sensitive documents and valuables in small boxes you can take with you on the moving trip.

On moving day, you will be very thankful you followed steps 1 through 10. You will be able to sit back and let the moving company do their job while you relax.