Moving to a Different Office? Here’s Why You Need Expert Office Movers

Whether your new destination is a floor away from your current location or on the other side of the country, moving to a different office can cause a minor earthquake in your day-to-day work routine. Somehow, you’ll have to balance all of your regular tasks with the various mishaps that arise with relocation in order to manage moving your entire office by the deadline.

But it’s not all stress and headaches! There are many personal and corporate benefits to moving your office–such as cutting costs, improving your brand, growing your company, etc.–and the capable commercial movers you hire will make it easier for you to explore those things.

Get organized

No one will suffer more from a lack of organization than an office in the process of moving. You have company data, conflicting shift schedules, new and old lease terms, and much more to coordinate, all while trying to keep up with your everyday corporate tasks as well. Therefore, it is crucial for you to have your head on straight and every component of the moving process to be as organized as possible. Your expert office movers can bring you crates, boxes, and other necessary moving equipment that will help keep the tax files with the other tax files, and logged employee hours with the other logged hours, etc. Without these organization tools, your office will likely become the equivalent of a blender plagued by an unfortunate mixture of pure confusion.

Office movers help you stick to a timeline

Your office movers have done this a million times before, which is why they can help you create and stick to a specific timeline that will keep your office move from getting too chaotic. This includes factoring in time for efficient packing, physical relocation, dismantling furniture, unpacking, setting up the new office, and cleaning up the aftermath of the moving chaos.

A timeline can work the same way deadlines work for employees; it’s easier to manipulate a work schedule around an office move when you have a general idea of how long it will take and when you may find it disruptive. In other words, it’ll be a helpful tool that your commercial movers will assist you in utilizing.

Manage your technology

Do you remember that time the Dell guy came and set up your desktops? Or the phone company hooked up multiple office lines and made sure they didn’t interfere with your wireless router that you’ve hidden in some aesthetically pleasing way? Now, can you imagine doing all of that again yourself? Office movers are equipped to deal with your technology, by packing it appropriately, transporting it without harm, and setting it up again seamlessly at your new office location.

It may sound easy, but without the proper background and knowledge about this specific cable going into that specific outlet, you’ll find yourself spending way too much time and much too much energy on trying to figure out the odds and ends of this process. Leave it to your movers to move your electronic equipment, so that everything goes without a hitch.

Communicate about your move

It’s important for your employees to feel like they’re an important part of the team and not just an afterthought that gets sidelined by the move. For employees who have been at your company long-term especially, moving to a new office might feel a little bit like they’re being forced to leave their home. You’ll want to transition your workforce from office to office with care. Based on this, it’s important to keep them clued in as much as possible with what’s going on with the move, but understandably, you might not have time to continuously give everyone updates.

This is where your office movers come in; initially, it’s on you to make a communication schedule about the office relocation, but your movers can answer detailed questions patiently. From moving hundreds of clients a year they know the nitty-gritty details of your move, so let them take the floor on this one!

We’ve scratched the surface of what expert commercial movers can do for you, but if you’re looking to relocate your office and still are unconvinced, pick up the phone and call your local, expert office movers. They can tell you what to expect, answer your questions about anything big or small, and give you the reassurance you’re looking for.

The post Moving to a Different Office? Here’s Why You Need Expert Office Movers appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/why-you-need-expert-office-movers/

Relocating to Another Country? International Movers Are Here to the Rescue

You’ve finally decided to put your money where your mouth is, and do the thing that everyone says they want to do but few actually follow through on: you’re leaving the country for a new life in a foreign land.

Moving internationally is both admirable and terrifying. Some people move for the adventure. Others are required to relocate for school or a work transfer. For some, it represents an opportunity to save money or improve job prospects. Whatever your reasons, the Big Move will be an exciting chapter in your life, albeit nerve-wracking. The good news? International movers are here to help you along the way.

Why use international movers?

Moving internationally isn’t the same thing as relocating to a place that’s a few hours away from your old home, or even moving across the country. This is why it’s wise to find an experienced international mover that can help you through the whole process; someone you can trust with your belongings. Their experience should prove to be both useful and reassuring. From packing items up to shipping containers, your movers are there to assist you the whole time.

Choose international movers who understand the process

Aside from just moving your belongings, international movers can often advise you on what to expect when you touch down in your new home. These things can range from paperwork, insurance or pension plans, a new education system for your kids, and a host of other things that might come up along the way. Of course, do your own research to find out what to expect, both from the moving process itself, and what will greet you as you arrive in your new country of choice.

Get organized

To save both your future self and your movers unnecessary stress, organize your things as best you can. This includes giving yourself ample time before your move so you don’t have to rush and throw things haphazardly into suitcases. If you know that you tend to procrastinate, try to make yourself a schedule that involves only packing for a few minutes every day, but will be early enough in advance to assemble everything in a system that makes sense to you. Characterize items like electronics, school supplies or clothing, and designate a bag for each of them separately. This will make unpacking simple, and also clue your international movers into how best to handle your things.

Decide what’s important to bring, and what needs to stay behind

In keeping with the theme of starting anew, moving internationally can prove to be an exaggerated version of spring cleaning. The cleanse can be as intense or as light as you want, but there’s no chance you’ll be bringing every last possession with you on your journey.

Selling or donating items may make your pockets a little fuller, and might even give you a spiritual lift. Additionally, it may not be worth it to bring items over that will actually be cheaper to buy wherever you’re relocating. Ask your movers if you’re unsure what’s necessary to take with you; they might have insightful answers.

Learn whatever you can

From customs requirements to corporate relocations, there is a lot of change ahead of you. Your movers will already be well-versed in these challenges and can walk you through them, as well as answer any questions you may have. However, it’s also helpful to try and learn on your own. For example, if you’re expecting a language change to greet you on your arrival, it’s never too late to pick up a beginner’s book and learn some basic words and phrases before you arrive. Treat this move as an exciting opportunity to gain new skills and broaden your knowledge in a wide variety of subjects.

Breathe!

Yes, moving can be worrisome or stressful, but remember that you’re doing it for a good reason. Breathing exercises, yoga, and setting aside some “you time” are all ways to help calm you if you’re feeling nervous about your move. Think about the new culture you’re going to experience, the new neighbors you can meet, and the new sites you’ll get to see.

 

Most importantly, your international movers will be by your side from start to finish, so you know you’ll be in good hands.

 

The post Relocating to Another Country? International Movers Are Here to the Rescue appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/international-movers-to-the-rescue/

Why A Local Moving Company is the Best Way to Go

Moving can be a stressful endeavor, and the last thing you want to worry about is the minute details of packing up your house on the day of relocation.

If you have complete trust in the moving company you choose, it’ll free your mind up to think about the other tasks ahead of you. However, with all the moving horror stories you’re bound to hear across your life–the chinaware was broken, the furniture got torn, some of the items never made it to the new house–it’s natural to be skeptical when deciding if hiring a moving company is even worth it. Using a local moving company will hopefully dissuade these fears and leave you with a great solution for starting your life in a new place.

Convenience

For those with a strong do-it-yourself inclination and desire to accomplish things independently, hiring a moving company might seem superfluous if you are planning a local move, though. After all, why pay for a bunch of strange men to throw your stuff haphazardly in their truck when you can make a few trips strapping furniture to the top of your car and cushioning your breakables in the backseat? The answer is simple: Convenience. Using a local moving company will take the stress off you when it feels like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders, and allow you to focus on other tasks at hand.

Local moving companies are the experts

Let’s face it: We’re not always the most knowledgeable about the appropriate protocol for various tasks, and relocating requires attention to detail. Moving is just one of those things that you might want to let an expert handle for you; while you know your house and furniture better than anyone, you don’t necessarily know the best way to transport every item. Local moving companies have the wherewithal to get your stuff where it needs to go in the most efficient way possible.

You might also be inclined to tip your movers a little extra as a thank you if they do a no-fuss job in a timely manner; it is certainly not an easy job to pull off smoothly, but somehow the experts get it done.

Accountability

Like we said before, moving is a much better experience if you can manage to have total trust in the people helping you, especially if you’re preparing for that long distance move. Long distance moving has the added cringe factor of potentially being separated from your belongings for quite some time. Your local moving company will likely be on the smaller side, and therefore more accountable; each member of the team is usually supervised directly under the owner (and sometimes, the team only consists of the company’s partners). They are looking for business, and will certainly take your customer experience into consideration when you hire them. After all, both their reputation and their wallets depend on it!

Reputation

In conjunction with the above mentioned, you’ll want to go with a moving company that does not just see you as another dollar sign. Your local movers will probably invest more time into your personal project than a moving company from out of town, because their reputation is on the line with the people of your community. Word of mouth is extremely important to the growth of a moving company’s business, and they’ll work hard to make sure their reputation in local areas is a good one.

Patience

Friendly neighborhood guys will more often than not be more inclined to answer your questions and explain what they are doing if you’re interested or concerned. You might even find yourself depressed after relocation, which is not uncommon. If that’s the case, you’ll really appreciate it down the line if your last memories of being in your old house are pleasant ones. Having that extra reassurance that the movers’ patience provides you could make your experience going forward an easier one.

A lot in common

We know that moving day has the potential for stress galore, but who says the experience can’t be fun? If you are the type of person who likes to get to know people you meet, then chatting up your local movers when they’re on a break could be really enjoyable for both parties. You might have gone to the same schools, shopped at the same supermarkets, or even had the same friends.  Local movers will usually be the most friendly, and you never know what you may have in common with them.
Convinced yet? Call your local moving company today and get started with planning your future! Trust us, it’ll be worth it.

The post Why A Local Moving Company is the Best Way to Go appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/local-moving-company-best-way-go/

The Definitive Checklist for Moving Day

Here Are 16 Crucial Tips You Need to Know in Order to Ensure Your Moving Day Goes as Smoothly as Possible

After months of planning and worrying, moving day has finally arrived! We bet you’re super excited about finally receiving the keys to your home and starting your life someplace new. The only thing you still need to get through before you are free to unpack, design and settle in, is the actual move itself.

Follow the next 16 steps checklist for moving tips to make sure you’ve organized every single thing on your moving day checklist, including packing your belongings properly. Plan your move accurately and choose a moving company that will provide a detailed move plan with all of your items. That way you’ll know the movers have a record of all your items and will care for them. This will also help to make the move efficient and prevent any price changes.

Get a trusted recommendation

It’s important not to only rely on reviews, as there are many fake or paid reviews in the moving industry, both on the positive and negative side. Best is to trust word of mouth or recommendations from friends, family and just about anyone you can rely on. If whoever recommended the moving company had a great experience with a specific team or sales representative, you should request to use those specific service providers as well as let the company know you were referred. That personal connection may result in better service.

Seal the Deal From the Very Start

Along with a detailed inventory list, make sure to get a guaranteed price and read the fine print to make sure the price doesn’t change. This is the main reason Flatrate was founded – to protect customers when moving.

Packing

This is a fairly obvious point but it’s still important to include it on any checklist for moving day to ensure that everything is packed. Never assume the packers haven’t missed something. Designate someone to do the “idiot check,” to make sure that you haven’t left anything behind. And leave the heavy lifting and packing for professionals. Don’t attempt to pack your TV, stereo system, mirrors, pictures, fragile items, etc’.

Furthermore, if you move long distance, use professional boxes. Flatrate offers separate, especially durable boxes for the longer journey. It’s best if you empty all of your furniture into boxes to help prevent damages to both your items and your furniture and take pictures of your boxes so you remember what inside each one.  Also, take pictures of the back of your TV or stereo equipment.  That way you will know how to put them back together.

Parking

Have you organized parking for your removal van? If you have a driveway, this won’t be an issue. If not, then you might need to arrange a permit prior to the big day. Confirming times one last time with your moving service can also be good for your peace of mind.

Traffic

It’s a good idea to keep checking the traffic so you know what to expect on your moving day. While you might not have the flexibility to change your moving day, you can at least consider taking alternate routes if you’re likely to get stuck in a serious traffic jam.

Knowing where you are going is also important, even though it may seem obvious. Do you have the correct address and postcode for your new home as well as for any storage units you might be using? Don’t wait until the last minute to start Googling addresses!

Weather

Likewise, it’s a good idea to check the weather prior to your move. If it’s going to be snowing for instance, then there are several precautions you might need to put into place – such as laying down salt. Your checklist for moving needs to be adaptable depending on weather and driving conditions.

Provisions

Keep some other important provisions near the top of one of your boxes for easy access in case you don’t feel like unpacking on the first day. That way you’ll at least have things like your toothpaste, shower gel and a first aid kit at hand.

Turning Off the Lights and Locking Up

Treat this part of your checklist for moving like a checklist for going on vacation: make sure that everything is switched off, that all the windows and doors are locked and that faucets are fully sealed on your taps.

Cleaning and Sweeping

Once everything is out of your home, now might be a good time to quickly go around with a vacuum cleaner to get the place looking decent before the new owners arrive. You can also take some photos at this point so you have evidence of the state you left the property, especially if it’s a rental.

Sell or Donate Your Furniture

Moving can be very expensive depending on how many items you own, and there is a lot of money to be saved by deciding not to move everything. Look at it as an opportunity to declutter, sell your belongings, expose of certain items or donate others. Flatrate has actually partnered with the Salvation Army and allows clients to donate two boxes of their items free of charge and without having to take care of the actual donation process.

Invest in Insurance

If you have valuable items make sure you get insurance. Best is if you check with your home insurance policy first since you will always get a faster resolution that way. Speak to your agent if you have one and if they are unable to offer it to you then turn to your moving company for insurance. Any reputable moving company will provide it. Flatrate provides an option for full valuation based on the value of your items.

Keys

Make sure that you leave keys for the new owners and that you have keys for your new property so that you can actually get in. If it’s possible, test them before you arrive.

Bills and Post

This should be done a while before you move but you may want to double check on the day of the move that you have canceled all the bills for your old home and given service providers your new address. Have any post such as magazine subscriptions forwarded to your new address and update your details on any and all personal accounts.

Unloading

It’s a good idea to have at least a rough idea of where you will be storing your furniture and items when you arrive at your new home. This includes thinking about how you will fit large items through narrow doors  – will they have to go through the backyard, or will you need to remove a window? – as well as which boxes will be placed in which rooms.

Checking the New Home

Once you arrive at your new location, make sure you ensure that nothing crucial is missing. Take a few photos of the rooms while they’re empty so you have a better understanding of what’s been placed and where. Furthermore, ask for floor and corner protection both for the home you’re moving from and your new home. Damage to the floors or corners can be very costly so you want to make sure your new home is up to par as is the home you’re leaving.

Considerations for the New Owners

While it’s not a requirement, a nice touch can be to leave a note for the people moving into your old place. You may even decide to leave them a box of chocolates to celebrate their new home. It’s their moving day too after all, and wouldn’t it be nice if someone did the same for you?

The post The Definitive Checklist for Moving Day appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/definitive-checklist-for-moving-day/

Make Your Move Easy With Cross Country Movers

Top Tips for Moving Long Distance to Help You Find the Best Moving Service, Avoid Hiccups and Save $$$

If you are moving across country, then you need a moving company that can cope with the unique challenges that this will create. When you move further afield, you will find that more logistical challenges present themselves and of course costs will go up too. Your job then is to spend the time looking for a company that can meet those challenges while keeping costs low.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the crucial things to look out for when choosing cross country moving and some great tips that will save you money and headaches.

Where Do They Operate?

The first thing you need to ensure is that the company in question is able to provide you with the service you need. That means they need to operate in the states that you will be moving between and it means they need to offer all of the other services you require whether that is packing, installation or something else entirely. While some companies may advertise themselves as ‘cross country movers’, that’s a title that is open to interpretation – so be sure that they can take you from point A to B!

How Long Will the Cross Country Move Take?

Another thing to look into is the amount of time you can expect to wait for your goods to arrive. If the service has handled similar relocations, then it should be able to offer not only a price quote but also a delivery window so that you can be sure precisely when your belongings will be arriving at your new address. You need to make sure that this is a guaranteed delivery window too, if you are going to be making other plans around their arrival.

The best companies will provide various allowances to deal with difficult situations. For example, some cross country movers will provide a shuttle service if the truck is too big for the street or drive. Make sure you know how much this will cost up front as well.

What Does the Price Include?

When choosing cross country movers, you of course want to get the best value for money – but don’t be won over by the first low price you see. What’s important to check is precisely what you are getting for the amount you’re paying and what the company’s policies are regarding delays and other issues. One crucial tip for instance, is to make sure that your company charges a flat rate (also called a ‘binding estimate’) rather than paying per hour or based on other moving targets. If you’re moving a hundred miles or more, then traffic can end up making a massive difference to the amount of time that delivery takes. If your costs are tied to that, then they will be very unpredictable. Instead, aim for a service that will honor the price it quotes and that way you can budget more precisely and be sure that you aren’t going to get caught out.

How Can You Get the Price Even Lower?

Even when looking at flat rates, policies can differ from company to company. Ensure that your organization charges by volume rather than weight or vice versa, depending on which will suit your particular items better. You also want to look for a price that is all-inclusive, to ensure that there are no hidden costs that will surprise you when the bill comes. Look as well for companies that offer consolidated moving, which basically means that more than one customer will use the same shipment. This is better for the environment and for the price you’ll ultimately pay.

Another reason it’s useful to check the precise cost of moving, is that you may find that once you have a quote, you can actually lower your costs by selling and repurchasing certain items. For example, if you have an old mattress that costs $500 to ship to CA, then you might do better to just sell the old one and buy a replacement for a little more. It amounts to getting a big discount on a brand new item!

Storage Options

If you’re moving a long way out from your current location, then there is a chance that you are going to need to use a storage solution to hold your items while you iron out the details. For that reason, it’s useful to find a company that also offers storage at locations convenient for your move. FlatRate can provide storage at 8 locations around the country: NY, NJ, DC, Orlando, Miami, SF, LA and Denver.

Safety and Security

While it’s not something you want to consider, the truth is the further you are traveling the greater chance there is that your items will get damaged along the way. For that reason, you need to find a company that will take extra care. This means finding cross country movers that will use the best containers (at FlatRate, for instance, we have the option of customized wooden crates) and that has a good reputation based on customer reviews. Always ensure your moving service has insurance too, so that your items will be covered against any damages.

 

Keep these tips in mind when choosing cross country movers and you should find you can save money and headaches by working with the service that’s best suited to your specific requirements. The further you move, the more important it is to find the right cross country movers to work with, so it’s well-worth the investment!

The post Make Your Move Easy With Cross Country Movers appeared first on FlatRate Blog.

from http://blog.flatrate.com/make-move-easy-with-cross-country-movers/