Tag Archives: moving tips

Tips on tipping movers when moving

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Movers are part of the service trade. In other words, they are service professionals and you base your tip on the services performed. Yes, you do tip movers, but it’s not expected. Most people will buy them lunch for their tip and or provide cash.

Some tips on tipping movers:
• Offer the movers to buy them lunch especially if it’s at least a half-day move. That’s just as good as a cash tip. Some people do both but it’s not necessary. If you do buy them lunch, don’t assume it should be hamburgers or pizza. Keep in mind, you are not the only one that they are moving your life belongings for. Ask what the movers feel like having.
• Make sure to have small items on hand such as bottled water (easier to carry around than a glass of water), sodas and light snacks. Don’t offer them alcoholic drinks like beer, it’s stereotypical, movers can’t drink on the job and there are liability issues.
• There’s really no percentage amount to give to movers like there is in other service industries such as restaurants where waitresses or waiters receive 20 percent for excellent service. About $10 per person is proper and if it’s a full day, then about $20 or so per mover.
• If you do give a cash tip, don’t give it all to the driver or one person but to each individual. That really recognizes each individual’s efforts and is fair overall.

If your movers are professional, polite and do a good job, reward them like anyone else in the service industry. Plus, they’ll be more inclined to ensure your belongings reach your destination safely, securely and in good shape.

Safe moving!

Tips to Taking Photos When Moving

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When you plan to move, you may want to keep memories of the place you’re leaving or maybe even from the moving process itself. You can have fun posting some of the photos on your preferred social media or arranging the pictures in an album after the move is over.

Always date-stamp your photos to be able to counter false claims by proving the date those photographs were taken. Turn on the date-stamp function of your (smartphone) camera or, if that’s not possible, e-mail those photos to yourself.
Also, make sure the time and date are correct in the settings of your digital camera or smartphone before you start snapping away.

Finally, keep the photos on the memory card, right between other pictures you took at that time to counter “smart” suggestions that you may have changed the time/date setting on your camera prior to taking the photos in question.

Most importantly, have fun to keep your memories alive in your previous home!

Safe moving!

Overall tips when moving overseas

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This week, general and overall tips when moving overseas.

An international move can be complicated but since I’m in the moving biz, I’m going to share with you some basic tips but very important tips before you make the leap overseas.

Employment
Yeah, that’s pretty basic but you’ll need work visas or permits to ensure you are working legally in your new country. It’s also helpful just to know the job market there and a basic understanding of the city you are moving to. Do your research on Google and other platforms to be informed regarding employment in your new country.

Finances
You have money coming whether for work or another way of income and you need to make sure it’s in a safe place. Contact some banks there and find out if you can set up an account before you leave. Know what type of fees they might charge and find out how safe your money is.

Accountant
One of the smartest things you can do before your move is to know the tax system not only here when you are out of the country, but in your new land. It can be complicated so be sure to contact your accountant or hire a tax professional to ensure you have a plan and meet all of your tax obligations. It will avoid major headaches while leaving abroad, trust me.

Health insurance
This is another basic tip but believe it or not, many people don’t check to find out if they are covered overseas. The last thing you need is to get ill and be hospitalized and find out your insurance doesn’t cover you or your family. Check with your health care provider if you are insured or not and make any adjustments if needed so you are insured.

Safe moving!

Moving during wintertime

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So, you cleaned your house, got rid of all that junk and now you are ready to move.

I would recommend (if you are flexible with moving) to move overseas during the winter months minus the holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Many times, people utilize the holidays to move. If you can avoid it, the worst time to move is from May to September, in essence, Memorial Day to Labor Day. Moves are based on weight, storage requirements and distance but don’t decide solely on trying to save money verses moving at a different time.

Moving during the winter is the ideal time but there are some factors to consider. Winter months are darker which cuts the moving workday shorter potentially resulting in a 2-day move instead of one. Movers usually don’t work more than 12-hour shifts.

If you are on a tight budget and haven’t planned out in a timely manner of moving, then the winter is best. Keep in mind, temperatures in some countries are cold, wet and snowy weather during the winter so there may be delays. That said, being able to schedule your move and have it done for a discount, winter it is!

Safe moving!

Tips moving to a coldstate or country

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If you are planning to move to another state or country that’s really cold during the winter months, there are some tips you should consider doing prior to your move, especially if you are currently living in a warm climate year-round. It’s a big lifestyle change but it does have some benefits.

There’s not as many bugs around, less allergies, better sleep and much more. Some simple tips to consider when moving to a cold climate:

• Lotions – You’ll need chap stick, lip balms and other types of hydration lotions to ensure you don’t get chapped lips, skin cuts etc.

• Humidifier – If your new state or country is really cold like in Alaska or parts of the Midwest, a humidifier will come in handy to keep your skin and other things in getting it too dry.

• Clothing – Good to invest in a nice parka with a hood, wool sweaters, thick and high stockings, scarves, cozy gloves and heavy-duty pants.

• Insulated blankets – Make sure to purchase big fluffy blankets and heavy sheets to keep you warm during the night.

Next blog will be part two on how to stay warm when moving to a cold state or country.

Safe moving!

Tips before you move into your new home

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Now that you have packed your things and the moving trucks are on the way to your new home, I have some tips for you to consider before moving into your new home.

Here’s what you should do when moving into a new home or apartment:
• Document house or apartment – In other words, make sure to take photos of your apartment or home you are moving into. If you have a landlord, document showing the condition of your new home. It will prevent problems down the road and avoid unnecessary liabilities and expenses.
• Boxes in pertinent rooms – As I discussed last week, make sure to label and separate your items room-to-room. Place your boxes in the appropriate rooms so it will be easy for you to unpack and you’ll also avoid any heavy lifting.
• Essentials first – You’ll want to assemble and put together the furniture and bedroom items first, the things you’ll use right off the bat such as a bed, chairs, tables etc.
• Large items – Also, take care of these items first such as the refrigerator, stove, washing machine and other big ticket items. It’s easier to install the bigger appliances when you have the room to hook them up, plug-ins and anything else that’s needed.
• Cleaning – When you first move in, clean the toilets, tubs and other bathroom areas. It’s one of the most used places in your new home besides the living room.

Use these important tips prior to moving in your new home and you’ll be more prepared and will settle in a lot quicker to make the overall experience more pleasing.

Safe moving!

Tips renting furniture

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This week, I’m going to provide tips about renting furniture if needed when you move.

When you move across the pond, not everything will go right when it comes to furniture. Some of the furniture you currently have to move might be too big or too small for the new home. Your couch might not even fit through the door. Or, your furniture doesn’t arrive on time, so you have to rent some furniture in the interim.

• When looking for homes, consider searching for furnished apartments or homes. This will save you money and any hassles from shipping furniture overseas.
• Also, consider renting household goods such as kitchenware’s, vacuum cleaners, televisions, bedding, silverware and other items. This will save you time and money especially if your move is for a certain timeframe.
• Research relocation consultants. From single items to fully tailored packages, consultants can come in handy to provide expertise for your new home.

Safe moving!

Tips regarding your mail when moving

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Even though many of us receive packages via FedEx or by other means, we still have important snail-mail to collect and when moving overseas, you want to ensure you receive it at your new home or residence. With technology today, you can now actually manage your mail from abroad by using mail forwarding services.

Moving can be stressful especially moving overseas but be sure to select a mail servicing company before heading out so that important letters, correspondences and yes, even bills are still sent to you.

You can choose a variety of features including:
• Mail sent monthly, bi-monthly or as requested
• Add an Internet account so you can view the status of your mail and specify specific shipping dates
• Shipping and customs documents can be handled by the shipping service you choose
• Categorize or select which parcels of mail you want to receive overseas

The U.S. Postal Services regulates commercial receiving agencies (CRMAs) and requires a form to be filled out (you can download it here: https://about.usps.com/forms/ps1583.pdf) and have identification documents handy when filling out the form. If you have a significant other and you’re not married, each person will need to fill out a separate form.

Mail-forwarding services eases a lot of worries when heading overseas and this is just another convenient service to use when living in another country.

Safe moving!

Tips about important tools to always have when moving overseas

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If you plan to move overseas, there are four online relocation tools that you should bookmark before you head on out across the pond. These are helpful tools when you are living in a different country.
• Currency calculator – Oanda provides advanced and comprehensive currency exchanges as well as trading, data input with foreign exchange rates and many other useful foreign exchange tools.
• Language translator – Google provides a solid text and webpage translations. It covers practically all languages in the world.
• Time zones – This gives you current local times in cities and all countries around the world.
• Electrical guide – Need to know what type of adapters to purchase when moving overseas? The website provides you with the type of adapters and power sockets you’ll need so you can use your current electronics and other devices in your new home overseas.

Safe moving!