Author Archives: Gabriel

College Moving Tips

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College Moving TipsJust when you thought the trickiest parts of making the transition from high school to college were over (testing, applications, interviews) the reality of packing up your life and moving to college is quickly sinking in. While moving might seem fun and exciting at first, you’ll soon realize that the preparation for college dorm life can be a challenge. With these helpful tips, college moving might be the easiest thing you’ll do all year.

Sort it out

Before you start packing, organize all your belongings and separate the items you want to leave home. Remember that college dorm rooms are usually cramped, so only pack essentials. If you find a bunch of items you want to get rid of, relegate them to donation boxes or have a yard sale.

Scope your space

Unless you hit the jackpot and scored a dorm in a new building, most college dorms are far from new construction. That means air conditioning is unlikely, so pack a personal desk fan. If you’re moving into a house or apartment, check for damage from previous tenants and alert your landlord. That way, you won’t get charged for someone else’s carelessness.

Get services in order

Whether you’re living in a dormitory or an apartment, make sure you set up cable, phone, Internet and electric before move-in day. You don’t want to be stranded in your new space without these essentials!

Avoid college moving rush hour

If you’re able to, try to move into your new space during midweek instead of the weekend when everyone else will be moving in. This will make hauling boxes and furniture much easier.

Condense

The goal is to make the least amount of trips as possible, so pack smaller items into larger ones if you can, just like Russian nesting dolls. Get a hold of handbags, beach bags, or backpacks to stuff with small stuff, then place in larger containers like boxes.

College Moving TipsBe resourceful

The last thing you want is to pack away your fragile belongings only to find them broken or damaged upon move-in day. Save yourself the cost of packing materials and use old newspapers, plastic grocery bags, dish towels, and old t-shirts to protect items like dishes, glassware and your computer.

Resist shopping right away

Of course the first thing you’ll want to do is to hit the stores and stock up on necessities before you move into your dorm or apartment, but it’s best to wait. Often, you’ll end up buying things you won’t need. Hold off and make the shopping trip with roommates so you can split costs and get a better grasp of which items are actually needed.

Make it a family affair

This applies to friends, too. Moving in by yourself is dreadful, so enlist the help of family and pals to help you move furniture, heavy boxes and other bulky items. It will make the day go by quicker and much, much easier. Since no one likes moving, bribe helpers with a free pizza dinner afterwards to sweeten the deal.

Watch the thermometer

Even though it’s the start of a new school year, midday temperatures in late summer are still brutal, so pack items that won’t hold up in the heat in boxes that will be unloaded first. Things like candles, aerosol sprays and certain electronics can melt, explode or suffer damage if left in high temperatures for too long.

Ask for discounts

You’re already paying an arm and a leg for tuition, so don’t be bashful about asking for student discounts. Places like grocery stores, restaurants and moving companies commonly offer student discounts, so get your student I.D. ready and save money where you can.

Decorate last

While hanging posters, pictures and other decorations might the first thing you want to do once you’re moved in, start bigger and work your way down to the small items. Things like beds, couches and television stands should all be in place before the fun stuff goes on shelves or walls. Having the big items correctly placed allows for a proper flow and will help make your new small space feel like home in no time.

Develop a plan

Since having an effective layout in a small space is so important, it would be smart to draw up a floor plan of your dorm or apartment to figure out the best way that furniture should be arranged.

Save money on College Moving with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Request a Free Quote Online.

Packing Tips And Tricks

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Packing Tips And TricksDe-clutter so you can pack less.

A crucial packing tip is making sure you don’t move anything that you no longer need. Lighten your stress and workload by de-cluttering before you enter the packing stage, which means figuring out what to toss, keep, sell, or donate. Take measurements of your new home and get rid of any furniture that won’t fit or you know you won’t use.

Invest in quality moving boxes.

It’s tempting to go to your local grocery store and try to score some boxes for free. However, moving boxes are relatively inexpensive, and the added durability can be worth the cost in the end.

Grocery boxes and reused moving boxes can be compromised due to wear and exposure to moisture or worse, a bug infestation. The last thing you want is a box falling apart in your hand while you’re trying to move it into the house.

Set a timer and pack for an hour a day.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew. When it comes to packing, break down your packing into steps. If you procrastinate and try to pack everything the night before, you’ll likely become overwhelmed with stress.

Tackle one room at a time and spend an hour each day packing up items into boxes. Pack pairs or sets together and make sure your box is the appropriate size to hold a complete set of belongings.

Pack a moving essentials tote.

When you first move into a new home, it’s unlikely the first thing you’re going to want to do is to unpack clothes, do laundry, and go grocery shopping. Moving can take a lot out of your family, which is why creating a moving essentials tote ahead of time is tremendously helpful.

Give each room a different color packing label.

To stay organized, print off multi-colored packing labels or use different colored masking tape and give each room its own color. Label the contents of each box and include the room it belongs in. Then in your new place, use colored tape to mark entrances to rooms. This moving tip will save movers a ton of time. Instead of needing to read the label explicitly or play the room guessing game, they can just match color to color.

Don’t over-pack a moving box.

One mistake a lot of people make when moving is trying to cram all of their belongings into a few cardboard boxes they have around the house. Use as many boxes as you need to create easy-to-lift loads. Keep your largest boxes to no more than 50 pounds.

Use the right size boxes.

Place heavy items like books, in small boxes, and lighter items in larger boxers. This makes it easy for movers to organize and pack boxes into the moving truck. Be sure to pack heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on the top to avoid damaging breakables.

Don’t leave empty spaces in boxes.

Fill in any gaps with packing paper, clothing or foam peanuts to prevent items shifting around during the move. Use tape to close the bottom and top seams and around the edges where stress is concentrated.

Bundle the breakables.

For any fragile items you pack, use plenty of bunched-up paper and padding. Never place these items in boxes freely without some extra cushion. Spend the time packing these items correctly to save you stress in the long run.

Re-purpose household items for packing.

Think about how you can re-purpose things you have — like hampers, suitcases and laundry bins for storing some of your clothes and household items. To help take up as little space as possible, use vacuum sealing for your clothes.

Save space when packing clothing.

Clothing can be one of the most time-consuming elements of packing. The important thing is to save as much space as possible with clothes because excess clothing can take up most of the moving truck if you’re not careful.

Space-saving packing hacks for clothes:

  • Pack hanging clothing in garbage bags by cutting a hole on top of the bag then placing the garbage bag over a grouping of hangers.
  • Roll clothing instead of folding to save space.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Request a Free Quote Online.

Ways to Cope with Moving Stress

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Ways to Cope with Moving StressMoving is considered one of the most stressful events we go through in our lives — and for good reason: you’re uprooting your life, saying goodbye to friends, and starting over in an unfamiliar place. It can be a challenge to know how to cope with the stress of moving to a new home.

We move a lot of people here at Pony Express Moving and our number one goal is always the same: to make moving almost fun! But you can also take some steps of your own to turn this stressful experience into a positive one. Here are some tips to reduce moving stress and get grounded in your new community.

Have a positive mindset

It’s a simple fact: your mindset can dictate your happiness. If you look at moving as a super stressful and negative experience, it’s more likely it will be. But if you look at it through a positive lens, it can be incredibly productive and cathartic.

Moving is an opportunity to assess what’s important in your life and purge old, unnecessary stuff. It’s a chance to de-clutter and start fresh in a new home. Moving is stressful but it doesn’t have to cue a total breakdown. When you change your mindset, you can transform the entire experience.

Research Your New Town

One of the best ways to ease the transition to a new town is to do your research ahead of time. Find cool shops and restaurants to check out. Look for a gym or running trails close to your new home. Do you usually grab a coffee on your way to work? Check if there’s a cafe on your new commute.

The moving experience will be a lot less stressful if you can seamlessly implement some of your old routines. Do your groundwork before you move so you’ll already feel familiar when you arrive in town.

Stay Organized to Reduce Moving Stress

Moving takes a lot of time and energy, so organization will be your best tool for avoiding stress. Gather the right supplies early on so you have plenty of time to pack. Make a list of everything you’re taking with you and get rid of everything else. Categorize everything and label boxes accordingly. If you’re hiring a van or professional movers, schedule them well in advance of moving day.

And remember: moving to a new home isn’t just about literally moving your stuff. There are a ton of other little things you need to take care of: like changing your address, canceling subscriptions and services, and cleaning your home in time for its new owners. Staying organized and thinking ahead will ensure your move goes off without a hitch.

Use Proper Supplies. When in Doubt, Hire Professionals

The last thing you want to worry about when moving is the safety of your possessions. Even in simple moves, furniture and boxes often get damaged — the risk is even higher for long-distance moves.

To avoid damage, take extra care both before and during the move. Use proper supplies (like sturdy boxes, moving blankets and bubble wrap) to protect your possessions. On moving day, be sure to have an able-bodied crew, whether it’s your family and friends or a professional team like You Move Me.

Let yourself feel emotions

Moving is literally a life-changing experience and you’ll inevitably experience a lot of different emotions. There’s the excitement of starting a new chapter but also fear of the unknown. It can also be sad to say goodbye to neighbors, colleagues, and friends.

To reduce the weight of stressful emotions, try not to bottle them up. If you hold your emotions in, it will only make you feel more overwhelmed. Instead, turn to friends and family for support, and lean into whatever you’re feeling. This will help you to cope better with the stress of moving.

Say Your Goodbyes — And Your Hellos

This will be one of the hardest parts of the moving process, but it’s also one of the most important. Saying goodbye is crucial for getting closure. It’s also an opportunity to make concrete plans to see your friends and family in the future.

Once you’ve arrived in your new town, you’ll want to take time to introduce yourself to your neighbors and colleagues. Find out if there are any clubs you can join in the community or at work. The more social you get right off the bat, the faster you’ll integrate into your new community and feel more at home.

Unpack Quickly to Settle Into Your New Life With Ease

When you arrive at your new home, it’ll be a mess of boxes, furniture, and emotions. It will take time to reorganize and get comfortable in an unfamiliar place, but don’t put off unpacking! Moving is stressful because it’s disruptive to your regular routine. The sooner you unpack and get settled — in your new home, job, and community — the sooner you’ll feel grounded and ready to start your next chapter.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Request a Free Quote Online.

Moving Guide During COVID-19

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Moving Guide During COVID-19Relocating in the Time of Coronavirus

The novel Coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19, have changed our entire world in a matter of a few weeks. What was once routine is now more difficult and requires more forethought. Still, some things in life will go on. If you’ve sold your home or are relocating for a job, you might still have to go through with it.

This blog is meant to be a guide to keeping your family and your possessions safe no matter whether you’re moving locally or cross-country.

Moving yourself might not be the best idea right now. Driving a big truck full of your stuff can be a lot more hassle than driving your personal vehicle. While people are working hard to keep themselves and everyone safe, the less time you spend out in the world the better it will be.

Hiring professional movers, for local or long distance moves, will increase your ability to maintain social distancing while still making your move easy and smooth.

Packing up

Most of the information available shows that the Coronavirus doesn’t survive well on porous surfaces, like cardboard. This study says that it doesn’t survive more than three days on any surface.

So, pack your boxes and let them sit for a few days before the movers arrive.

There are many general moving guides out there, but the basics are to keep out what you’ll need for the first day or two in your new home. Personal items, things like coffeemakers, and more all make sense.

One thing that can help everyone is to wrap your furniture in plastic. This will give you a removable coating around your furniture that you can discard immediately.

Try not to be there when the movers arrive to take your things away. While they should be wearing masks and gloves, good social distancing would dictate leaving before they arrive. Preferably, a day or so earlier. Otherwise, try to sit outside to minimize contact.

Mark everything well. It’ll be easier to distribute when you arrive at your new home.

You might want to wait a couple of days after delivery to give the virus time to die off. If everyone is taking the proper precautions, you shouldn’t need this, but if someone in your house is in a vulnerable group, it might be worth doing.

Moving the Family

The key to moving the family is to keep everyone together and out of public spaces as much as possible.

  • Plan your route to avoid densely populated areas. The higher concentration of population, the more likely you are to enter a so-called “hot zone” where the virus is very common. Stay as far out in rural areas as you can, even if this puts you out of your way a bit. Gas prices are low, so it won’t be a huge expense.
  • Pack snacks and meals. Some things, like sandwiches, fruit, and even fried chicken, travel very well. Pack all the food and snacks you’ll need for the first day or so. If you choose a drive-thru for fast food, choose a national chain. They’ve all put in place measures to keep you safe. Every time someone uses a restroom, make sure they wash their hands well.
  • Wear masks in public. Wearing masks protects others from you in case you have the virus. It might feel strange at first, but most reasonable people will appreciate it. See the latest instructions from the Centers for Disease (CDC), but as of this writing, even bandanas are acceptable protection. Plus, the kids will think it’s fun.
  • Staying overnight. If you decide to stay in a hotel, even if your move was local, choose a national chain. Look at how they’re cleaning their rooms. Many hotels are taking extra precautions to clean rooms more thoroughly than ever. If possible, depending on where you’re traveling, camping in your own tent might be an even better option. Take extra precautions in public spaces, but there are possibilities for being safer outdoors. You can sleep in your own sleeping bags on the bed for added precaution.

Arriving at your new home

Almost everyone will clean their new home before they settle in. With the possibility of the Coronavirus, it’s even more important to clean well now.

  • Time – If the house, condo, or apartment you’re moving into hasn’t been occupied in the last week or so, there’s a good chance that the surfaces are safe. Again, check current CDC guidelines, but the information as of this writing is that the virus can only survive on surfaces for about three days.
  • Use soap and water – According to this article from the New York Times, soap and water are the best tools for killing the Coronavirus and most other germs. There’s a long chemistry lesson, but it appears to work. So, wash all the hard surfaces with a little bit of soap in water. For carpets, you can use a rug shampooer or hire someone to come in, if they follow social distancing procedures. Curtains can be washed in a washing machine with laundry soap.

Moving your household

The best way to move right now is to let the professionals do it. In fact, you can get a quote from a pro here.

A professional moving company can pick everything up, store it if needed, and deliver on exactly the day you request. This means you can have it delivered before you arrive or on a day and time that you’re not home.

The biggest advantage to having professionals handle the moving is that you don’t have to have extra contact with a truck rental agent, picking up or dropping off. You can get to where you want to be without having to take the extra contact that a rental usually takes.

Often, it’s less expensive than you might think once you factor in rental, gas costs, food, additional lodging, and more incidentals.

Safe moving in the time of the Coronavirus

With proper precautions and a little cleaning, you can get everything, and everyone, moved safely. This situation won’t last forever, but, according to experts, we can expect to have to change how we live for at least the next few years.

Please contact us if you have concerns about specific Pony Express Moving Services safety precautions, procedures, or hours of operation. Please note that the COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly. Accordingly, Pony Express Moving Services must adjust its processes to best serve our communities and ensure the safety of our employees and customers.

Our COVID-19 Response

Our COVID-19 ResponseTo our valued customers:

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to disrupt daily life, Pony Express Moving Services wants to assure homeowners and business customers that we are taking steps to help our employees and customers stay safe and healthy.

Open, Fully Staffed, and Ready to Help the Communities We Serve

We know many of you are working from home and self-quarantining.

Pony Express Moving Services is ready to help with service anytime you need us. We’re still operating under our normal hours of operation. We’re carefully monitoring the COVID-19 situation and strictly following government health and safety guidelines to minimize the spread of the virus and protect our customers and employees in every community we serve.

Our Movers are Essential Service Providers

All Pony Express Moving Services movers who visit your home or business will adhere to our high standards of cleanliness, safety, and hygiene before, during, and after every service visit.

In order to ensure maximum effectiveness, we’ve instructed our service technicians to uphold and enhance our already strict cleaning and disinfecting measures to ensure the safest possible work environment. Additionally, we’re following CDC (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines designed to stop the spread of the virus, including:

  • Wearing personal protective equipment
  • Eliminating physical contact, including handshakes. We’ll use only non-contact methods of greeting
  • Maintaining effective social distancing all the time
  • Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at every opportunity
  • Using hand sanitizer
  • Using disinfectant products to ensure touch-points are clean in work-spaces, vehicles, and on equipment
  • Sanitizing shared-use devices such as tablets and clipboards; customers should consider using their own pens to sign paperwork

Customer Service

Our customer service department is fully staffed to assist you with scheduling service calls, answering questions and meeting all your needs. We have implemented the following additional precautions to ensure a safe experience and excellent service.

  • Our customer service representatives and service technicians will ask if anyone is symptomatic of illness.
  • We’ll honor special requests from customers seeking to maintain a safe distance from our service technicians.
  • Pony Express Moving Services personnel are always aware of the risks and symptoms of illness. Any employee feeling potential signs of the virus will stay home and seek a professional medical evaluation.
  • You can count on all of us at Pony Express Moving Services to conduct ourselves with the highest level of professionalism and dependability throughout this health crisis.

Please contact us if you have concerns about specific Pony Express Moving Services safety precautions, procedures, or hours of operation. Please note that the COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly. Accordingly, Pony Express Moving Services must adjust its processes to best serve our communities and ensure the safety of our employees and customers.

Tax Deductible Moving Expenses

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No one enjoys the process of moving, but we all have to do it at one time or another. Did you know that if you’re moving, or have already moved within one year of starting a new job, you may be able to claim moving expenses on your tax return? Even if you didn’t have a job lined up before moving, or you didn’t start a job right away after moving, you may be able to claim moving expenses. Take a look and see if you qualify for the sometimes overlooked tax deductible moving expenses and get your paperwork together now for faster and easier filing next year.

Tax Deductible Moving Expenses

Not everyone will qualify for this type of tax deduction, but the Internal Revenue Service has two basic rules. One is what it calls the “distance test,” which is a requirement that the new home is located at least 50 miles further than your prior work location was from your old home. If you did not have a workplace, or if you worked from home before the move, then the new job must be at least 50 miles from your old home. While this may sound a little confusing, IRS form 3903 has a simple worksheet that will help you figure this out.

The second IRS requirement is the “time test,” which states that you must have had 39 weeks of full-time employment in the 12 months following the move. This is where things can get a little complicated, as a move late in the year wouldn’t leave enough time to have passed to meet the requirement before the tax year is over, and the deduction can’t be taken the following year.

However, the IRS will allow you to take the deduction if you expect to work at least 39 weeks at full-time status following the move. If the year passes and you don’t meet the requirement, you can amend your tax return by filing Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. More simply, you could also report the amount deducted as income on the next year’s tax return as “other” income.

There are some exceptions to the time test requirement, in the case that:

  • Your employer transfers you at their request.
  • You are laid off from the job for any reasons other than willful misconduct.
  • The job ends because you become disabled.
  • You meet certain requirements for retirees or survivors living outside the United States (see the IRS website for details if you’re living abroad).
  • You are in the armed forces and a permanent change of station is behind the move.
  • The form is being filed for someone who has passed away.

Qualified expenses include three key areas of moving-related costs, but do not include any for which your employer has reimbursed you.

Deductible expenses include:

Travel costs
Transportation and housing or lodging expenses for yourself and household members while moving from the old place to the new home can be eligible. The cost of meals during the travel is not part of the deal, however, but the rental of a vehicle may be included. Keep receipts for tolls, gas purchases, and hotel charges to apply to the deduction.

Packing materials and shipping
Hold onto the receipts from any moving and storage companies you use, and even for any boxes you purchase, because the costs associated with packing, crating, and transporting your personal property and household goods can be deducted. You may also be able to include the cost of storing and insuring these items while in transit, and even costs associated with transporting family pets can be deducted.

Utility fees
You can deduct the costs of connecting or disconnecting utilities if you’re charged any associated fees. Late fees and reimbursable deposits don’t count toward the deduction.

Other fees won’t be covered, such as any part of the purchase price of the new home, or any costs of related to buying or selling either home, or homeowner’s association fees. Renters can’t deduct any charges related to breaking or entering into a lease, nor can anyone deducted other money lost, such as unused gym membership dues or other subscription services.

Of course, none of this information is a good substitute for sitting down and talking to a qualified tax professional, and all of the information and links to the any of the forms you may need can be found at IRS.gov and in Publication 521, Moving Expenses..

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Request a Free Quote Online.

Packing Books For a Move

Packing Books For a MoveThere are a few predicaments all book lovers can relate to.

One, the overwhelming desire to buy or borrow new books when you already have a huge to-read list at home.

Two, hours at a time vanishing when you don’t realize how long you’ve been reading.

Three, cursing your book-buying habit when it comes time to move.

Moving books is tough! They’re heavy, often fragile, vulnerable to water damage and tough to keep organized. You might own hundreds or even thousands of books. You might be able to appreciate how poetic your favorite habit becoming such an albatross during your new chapter in life would be… if you weren’t in such a bad mood. Luckily, moving books doesn’t have to be frustrating! In fact, packing books and moving your collection efficiently and safely is easier than you think! All you have to do is follow a few of these helpful book-moving guidelines:

Go through your collection.

Moving is the ideal time to take a long, critical look at all the books you have. Culling your book collection means you’ll have fewer things to pack and move. Start this process a month or two before your move is scheduled. Go spine by spine, and look at each book you have. Ask yourself if you’ve read it, if you plan on reading it or if it has sentimental value to you. Be honest. You didn’t read Absalom, Absalom when it was assigned in college, and you probably won’t read it now.

If you can’t answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions about any particular book, it’s time for that book to go. Don’t leave it sitting around so you can go back on your choice, either. Instead, take the books you’re passing on to a used bookstore or one of many other places that take book donations. Seeing those books off may hurt a bit now, but your movers (and your back!) will thank you later. Plus, you’ll have more room to buy new books!

Go for small boxes.

One of the easiest mistakes to make when packing books is packing boxes too full. Books are heavy, and their bulk adds up quickly. Go for boxes that are smaller than 16″ by 12″ by 12″, even if those are the common measurements for small ones from hardware stores.

Re-purpose smaller banana boxes, apple boxes, or old shipping boxes. If you have no choice but to use larger boxes, don’t fill them all the way full. You can fill them halfway with books and use the other half for clothing, linen, or other lighter items. You want to avoid the potential disaster for both you and your books that heavy boxes can cause. Spread out the weight of the books, even if it means packing more boxes.

Take the time to prep each box.

Heavy, overloaded boxes filled with books break more easily than others. If you need to pack boxes full of books, you’ll have to prepare them first. Cover all the seams on the box with a double layer of packing tape. When you tape the center flap on the bottom, make sure the tape runs at least halfway up the box on the sides.

Extra tape crisscrossed across the bottom of the box is never a bad idea. If you want to be especially cautious, cut additional pieces of cardboard to place inside the bottom of the box. This will add additional protection and weight disbursement.

Pay special attention to the way you pack both paperbacks and hardcovers.

There are certain techniques you can take when packing both paperbacks and hardcovers so they remain safe.

Tips for Hardcover Books

  • Hardcover books should be placed upright, with their spines against the side of the box.
  • You want to pack hardcovers tightly, but not so tightly that you won’t be able to get them out of the box.
  • If you’re packing moderately valuable editions, wrap those in packing paper to protect their covers.
  • If they’re especially valuable editions, use cardboard slotted between volumes to keep them from shifting during transport.

Tips for Paperback Books

  • Paperbacks can be packed in multiple ways. You can stack them flat or spine first so that their paper edges face upwards. Don’t pack them so the edges of the pages face down or they’ll bend and warp. If you leave the boxes this way long term, they’ll be permanently damaged.
  • Fill empty spaces with wadded-up paper to help limit any shifting in the box. You want to keep the books from falling onto their sides or bending.

Now that you  know how to pack your books like an expert, you still have to worry about moving them.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Request a Free Quote Online.

Winter Move Tips

Winter Move TipsIf moving in winter doesn’t sound exciting to you, we can’t blame you. Moving in winter is not such a horrible idea. There are positive sides to it. Because most companies have winter rates and summer rates, you can benefit from these discounts! Most people move in the summer, so you will find quite a few discounts available during the cold months. When you schedule a winter move, you are likely to get a better deal along with the ability to pick your dates. Here’s why.

Moving in winter can save you money

The moving season reaches its peak in the summer and then starts to decline in the fall. Because that’s when the back-to-school season begins. So, by winter, the number of moves gets very low. The busy time for moving companies ends in September, and that’s when discounts really start to pop. As we get closer to December, prices continue to drop. Moving in winter is especially affordable in January and February. The prices start to rise again in March, and the busy time for movers is at full charge by the end of April. So, why not take advantage of these facts and move during the winter months?

Storage renting prices drop in the winter too

Storage facilities’ occupancy usually drops in winter, so you can take advantage of the best prices. Typically, this is the best time to grab some amazing promotions for the state-to-state moving. To boost your storage unit price deduction even further, schedule your move for a weekday. Or toward the middle of the month. That’s when moving companies are usually the least busy.

Moving in winter comes with less competition

Especially when you live in an urban area, moving during the high season can become a real challenge. In the summer, there are often several clients moving in and out on the same day. You could find yourself having to maneuver past a few different moving trucks.

Winter temperatures are safer for your belongings that the heat

Most of the US can reach sweltering temperatures in the summer. But the outside temperatures get even more intense inside a moving truck or your car. When you choose to move in winter, you are able to drastically lower your risk of ruining everything you own. Packing in a colder climate is much safer for your household goods that the scorching heat. Remember that one sweaty slip-up could mean goodbye to your delicate record collection or a valuable painting.

Always anticipate delays, especially when moving in winter!

When it comes to moving in winter, summer relocations do hold one advantage over them. It is those few extra hours of daylight. With fewer daylight hours, a move that you expect to take just one day could take two. So make sure to plan for that and keep your expectations in alignment with reality. Try to stay flexible if the move needs to be rescheduled altogether. Sometimes you might get really unpredictable weather.

Stay organized during your winter move by following these steps:

  • Confirm all the details of your relocation with your movers.

Opting for moving in winter is pretty smart. Winter is a rather low season for most movers, so you should have a wider range of dates available to choose from. But please remember that you still need to check in with your movers on a regular basis. Contact us once a week before the move, and the second time a day or two before the move. This is important because the weather in winter can be treacherous.

  • Keep checking the weather channel.

Speaking of weather, keep close track of the changes. Keep an eye on the weather channel every week that leads up to the move, and then every day the week of the move. If you think that there’s a possibility that the weather can shut down roads or hinder your movers, call the moving company and express your concern. In those cases, it is better to delay the relocation than getting caught in a winter storm.

  •  Protect your floors by covering them.

If you have carpeting and hardwood floors, it’s essential that you protect them because movers will be tromping all over them on moving day. You can use a couple of cheap plastic tarps from the nearest hardware store. Also, lay floor mats down at every outside door.

Make sure you’re relying on reliable and skilled professionals!

When you’re dealing with cold conditions, the experience will make all the difference. And that’s where the movers like Pony Express Moving Services set themselves apart from the crowd. All of our movers have received professional training in order to learn how to perform every relocation safely and efficiently in any type of conditions. Moving in winter isn’t exactly cheap, but hiring a professional company with a reliable, skilled team is not a service to try and cut costs on.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Request a Free Quote Online.

Merry Move During the Holidays

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Happy holidays!

Merry Move During the HolidaysWhile others eagerly unpack last year’s ornaments, you’re stuck with the less than holly jolly task of packing up your festive decor. Whether relocating across the country or next door, moving during the holidays is no easy task. Besides all of the seasonal distractions, you’ll now have to deal with planning a relocation as well.

Thankfully, moving doesn’t mean you have to turn into a Grinch this holiday season – not if you’re well-prepared, anyway. To ensure that your upcoming relocation is as merry and bright as possible, we’ve laid out a list of what to consider when moving during “the most wonderful time of the year.”

Timing

‘Tis the season for moving (sort of)! While not actually considered “peak moving season,” the holidays can be an extremely busy time for movers. After all, they are people with holiday commitments too. This means if you’re planning to hire a moving company, it’s important to book a reliable service as soon as possible.

Also, keep in mind that moving on a holiday weekend costs more than moving on a non-holiday. If you’re planning a DIY move, holiday traffic will be a concern, as roads fill up with holiday shoppers and travelers. Bloomberg reports that the busiest brick-and-mortar retail shopping day of the season is “Super Saturday,” aka the Saturday before Christmas Day. Other busy shopping days include Black Friday and, for last minute shoppers, the week before Christmas. The U.S. Department of Transportation states that the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years periods are among the busiest travel times of the year. FYI: Thanksgiving Day happens to be one of the heaviest long-distance travel days for vehicles. Given this information, it’s probably best to avoid moving these days, if you can.

Budget

With all of the gift-buying and travel expenses incurred during the holiday months, it’s already hard enough to stay on a budget this time of year. Add in the moving expenses – from boxes to movers – and you’re probably going to need to start looking for other ways to tighten your belt this season. Don’t fret (yet). If you’re hiring movers, keep in mind that you may be able to save a few bucks by landing a mid-week move. Avoid moving on a holiday weekend when moving companies may be short-staffed.

Packing

If you live for the holiday spirit, then there’s nothing more depressing than an undecorated home during the November and December months. To avoid feeling depressed once you’re in your digs, I suggest packing up your Christmas decor, gift wrap, presents, and holiday wardrobe in separate and clearly labeled boxes. Ask the movers to put them in your main living room when they arrive at your new home. This way you can unpack your holiday treasures as soon as you arrive. While you may not feel like unpacking every single belonging before New Years, you could – at the very least – decorate your new staircase with some festive garland.

Donations

Donating your things may not be the most exciting part of moving, but it’s certainly an appropriate thing to do during the holiday season. Thankfully, charities such as Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity and The Salvation Army will gladly pick up your salvageable items free of charge. You should also save your receipts, as the holidays marks the end of the tax year. These donations could put more dollars in your own pockets – and after an expensive move, that is a good thing!

Weather

Unfortunately, you can’t control the weather on moving day. If you’re relocating to or from colder parts of the country, such as the Northeast and Midwest, be prepared for cold – sometimes frigid – temperatures. From icy roads to white-out blizzards, the holiday season can usher in dangerous winter weather conditions, posing serious challenges for moving. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to ensure your winter move goes as smoothly as possible.

Make sure you have proper moving supplies and winter-ready garments to deal with treacherous conditions. Boots, hats, gloves, shovels, and salt may be necessary. Pack up your belongings in as many waterproof plastic bins as possible. Watch out for slippery sidewalks and stairs. And don’t forget to have your heat and electricity turned on in your new home by the time you arrive.

Family Concerns

If you’re planning to uproot your kids in the middle of the school year, be prepared to help them with this adjustment period. Make sure their important documents and school records are transferred to the new school accordingly. For the most part, this means transcripts; report cards; immunization records; any academic testing the child has undergone; and other various files and records. I suggest contacting the old school for more information on how to securely transfer these documents to the new school. Most schools have a holiday vacation between Christmas Eve and New Years. So hopefully you’ll be able to unpack and help your children adjust to the new place during this time period.

Safety

Unfortunately, home invasions and robberies seem to increase during the holiday season. SafeWise reports (per the FBI) that 400,000 burglaries take place every year in the U.S. during the November and December months. In my opinion, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The last thing you want happening is a break-in this Christmas. To prevent that from happening, make sure you set up a security system either before or right after moving in. Call your security system provider a few weeks prior to the move to schedule a time for them to come out and install the system in your house.

After you’re done packing and planning, kick back and sip some eggnog. You’ll be decking the halls of your new home in no time!

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Request a Free Quote Online.

When is the Best Time to Move?

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When is the Best Time to Move?From hiring movers and renting a truck to packing boxes and decluttering closets, it’s easy for your moving date selection to fall to the bottom of your relocation priorities. Just remember, though, this one little detail can make an enormous difference when it comes to the ease of your move and the size of your bank account. Over the course of our own multiple relocations, we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that when you move is just as important as how you move. So in the spirit of learning from mistakes, here are the absolute best times to plan your next move in terms of convenience and costs.

Best Season to Move: It Depends

Ultimately, this decision comes down to your own needs, budget and preferences. Those trying to save money on a move should choose a late fall, winter or early spring move. Those with school-age children should consider opting for a summertime move. Those who strongly prefer to move in mild weather conditions may want to move during the fall or spring.

Fall: Great weather conditions for moving and you may be able to get a better deal on a home during the off season.

Winter: Cheapest time of the year to move since demand is lowest. Moving companies have more flexible schedules. May not be ideal if moving with children.

Spring: The weather won’t be as harsh as the winter months and demand is still lighter in March and April.

Summer: Ideal time if you are selling your home since demand is highest and you may get a higher price. Also, if you are moving with children then this season is ideal since they won’t be in school.

Best Month of the Year: Mid-September through April

If you define by “best” by cost then, generally speaking, you are more likely to save on a move during the late September to April window. Demand for movers usually slows down during this time frame and rates are low. According to various moving professionals, peak moving season stretches from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend, with roughly 70 percent of all moving takes place in the spring and summer. The reason for this? Families with children tend to move during the summer months to avoid any disturbances during the school year. It’s also easier to move in the spring and summer when the weather is ideal.

In addition, college students and other renters usually move in the early fall and late spring, since this is when most leases start and end. Keep in mind that if you live in a large city with university students, you’ll certainly want to try and avoid moving in early September. In Boston, for instance, the majority of apartment leases begin on September 1, making it the busiest moving day in the city. If you want to avoid moving mayhem in the streets, I suggest researching the most popular moving days (or lease start and end dates) in your own city.

Best Week of the Month: Mid-month

We suggest planning a “mid-month” move instead of a move at the beginning or end of the month. If you have the flexibility to avoid moving the first and last weekend of the month, then we strongly recommend opting for a mid-month, mid-week move. This is typically when demand is lowest and therefore, your costs may be lowest as well. As a general rule of thumb: the first of the month is more likely to be busy for movers since most leases begin the first of the month.

Best Day of the Week to Move: Weekdays (Monday through Thursday)

When picking a move date, it’s best to choose a weekday. Many moving companies like Pony Express Moving Services suggest moving during the Monday to Thursday window when there is less demand. So if you can afford to miss a day of work to move during the week, I highly recommend doing so. Moving on a Saturday or Sunday may increase your costs due to higher demand for movers and limited number of weekends in a month (especially during peak moving season). Moving on a weekday also means you’ll have the entire upcoming weekend to unpack and get organized before your following work week.

Best Time of Day to Move: Early AM

Good news early birds: mornings are the best time to get moving. If you hire a professional moving company, they’ll want to arrive in the A.M. – roughly during the 8 to 10 a.m. window. Early mornings usually mean cooler conditions for the movers during those warmer months. “The elements have a lot to do with it,” long-time moving professional Scott Dickerson tells me. “When it gets to be 105 degrees outside, we want to be gone by 2 p.m. to beat the heat.” If you’re moving yourself, it’s a good idea to get an early start as well. You’ll have more energy in the mornings (after that cup of joe, anyway), and you’ll be left with more time to unpack, organize and enjoy your new digs.

Other considerations when selecting your moving date

  • Weather: It goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyway) that you should trust your common sense. If you happen to live in a cold climate, you’re probably better off avoiding a move smack-dab in the middle of winter. After all, icy roads, treacherous conditions and heavy lifting make for a miserable time.
  • Work: If you have to move during a busy time at work, then it may be worth the extra bucks to move on a weekend date.
  • Family concerns: Have school-age children? It may make more sense to move during the summer in order to avoid a chaotic school year.

Of course, not all of us have the option to move at the most ideal time. The “best” time for you will really depend on: location, weather, budget, family matters and flexibility at work. Once you have these figured out, you’re on your way to a successful move.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Request a Free Quote Online.