Category Archives: Boston Moving Company

Spring Moving Benefits

Spring Moving Benefits - Pony Express Moving ServicesSpring forward and fall back may be a daylight savings time expression, but I like to think it applies quite nicely to moving. Of the tens of millions of people who move in North America each year, many have no choice as to when they move. Real estate, family, and work all join in to play a role in dictating the timeliness of a move. However, for those of you who are at liberty to make this transition as stress-free as possible, consider the luxury of this: spring forward so you are settled to enjoy the fabulous summer weather and a well-deserved vacation, then fall back into relaxing routine in the autumn. Sounds good?

Here are Pony Express Moving Services ‘s best reasons why a Spring moving makes great sense:

  1. Weather can greatly impact the success of a move. In springtime most regions of the country experience fairweather days. Hefting heavy boxes on hot days, or wintery cold ones, is not fun!
  2. Availability of moving companies is likely to be better. The summer time is traditionally thought to be a great time to move, which means moving companies may be busier, right? Get a head start and book early!
  3. Kids are still in school so if you need their help, spring break could be an ideal time to move. On the other hand, if you want the kids otherwise preoccupied, school days are ideal. Spring is a win-win!
  4. Settle in to your new home in time for summer entertaining and holidays. Why give up your down time during the summer to facilitate a move when you can take care of the hard work first? Your housewarming party can be out on your new deck! And you won’t miss out on holiday time.
  5. New beginnings are irresistible and that’s what spring’s all about. Need I say more?

 

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

Reasons To Hire A Professional Mover

Moving to a new home is both emotionally and physically stressful. The decision to either hire a professional mover or do it yourself is always a debate. Should you hire a group of professionals to do your moving for you?

Let’s take a look at their advantages:

1. Packing: Leave it to the professional mover

Packing alone accounts for approximately one quarter of your moving expense. Yes, that’s a significant number. Let’s do a quick cost benefit analysis: if you pack your stuff yourself, you may actually end up spending more.

First, you will probably use more cartons or boxes than required. Second, your fragile belongings may get damaged due to insufficient packing, so you end up incurring heavy costs. On the other hand, professional movers are trained to pack efficiently and do it quicker. What could take you weeks may take them only a few days.

Reasons to Hire A Professional Mover2. Know-how of the locality

Professional moving companies are very thorough in running local area checks. Understanding the routes and the neighborhood is essential so that your belongings can be safely dispatched and transported.

3. Your belongings are safe and insured

Let’s face it. Your hired help are professionals who are more experienced than you are. The safety of your belongings is of paramount concern to them. Your personal belongings are insured. This will provide you peace of mind. These professionals use heavy-duty wrap for all furniture and plastic covers to avoid damage and to seal your stuff from dirt and dust.

4. Use of the right equipment

A do-it-yourself approach is fine. Unfortunately, a borrowed truck from a buddy does not come with the right equipment to move your stuff safely – another reason you’d want to hire professional help. They come with the right gadgets that make moving simpler.

Your professional mover will use hoisting straps, two wheel, four wheel or appliance dollies, ramps and custom built trucks with air ride cushions to transport your belongings in a safe and secure manner. So whether it is moving an L-shaped couch out of your door or dismantling your furniture, your hired band of help will figure it all out for you.

5. Straight forward estimates

Ideally, there are no hidden costs when you hire professional movers. Their charges are estimates of the distance or the kind of service or storage you opt for. Since this is a local move, the distance cost will be relatively lower. These movers will discuss moving and service cost prior to when the moving begins.

6. Friendly customer service

Being trained professionals, these movers, in addition to providing you with the necessary services, also possess an impeccable customer service rating. Easy to approach, they provide suggestions and solutions to your moving problems. So if you want things done differently or require their opinion, feel free to voice it out.

7. Flexible storage facilities

Let’s say that you need to reach your final destination later than planned. Your professional movers will provide you with storage facilities with overnight, short-term or long-term storage options. Additional charges are applied, of course, but your belongings are in a safe vault under protection from theft, loss or damage.

The advantages of hiring a professional moving company may outweigh the do-it-yourself approach. It is also less stressful and poses a lesser health hazard. So put your reservations aside, and hire a professional mover for the job.

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

Moving With Children Tips

Because of the stresses, long list of responsibilities and fatigue that we, as parents, go through when planning for and going through a move, it can be easy to overlook what our children might be going through. Here is a list of important things to consider to make this important transition as stress-free as possible for your school-aged children.

Moving With Children Tips - Pony Express Moving ServicesSocial / Emotional Considerations

Any kind of change can be particularly scary to children, and it is normal for school-aged children to magnify in their minds anything that is even slightly fear-producing.

Therefore, children are often impacted even more than their parents by a move — even though they may not express or overtly show their level of stress or worries on the outside.

Some of the worries and emotions your children could experience during a move include the following:

  • A sense of insecurity and fear about making new friends, or being accepted or liked at the new school.
  • Academic worries related to switching teachers and schools, and encountering new curricula and standards.
  • A sense of loss over leaving current friends, teachers and even their current home and neighborhood.
  • Additional apprehension should the move be associated with life-changing events such as divorce, change-of-job for a parent, financial changes in the family, etc.

More often than adults, children will mask their fears, concerns, anxiety or even depression, sometimes because they themselves are not aware of their underlying emotions or do not want to burden their parents.

So what can you do as a parent to help ensure that your children go through the move with as little stress as possible?

  • Be aware of just how much the move could be affecting your children and encourage them to talk about their feelings and concerns. Do this in a calm, nurturing environment. Maybe plan a “special” dinner with their favorite foods and lead a family discussion Share with them one of your concerns or worries. But then tell them how you worked this out. This will give you the opportunity to draw out their feelings and then help them through their concerns. They will often be tremendously relieved.
  • Make the move fun and give them a sense of control by allowing them to do some planning with you. For example, you can go online together to check out the location of the library closest to your new home, or the closest bicycle shop or specialty stores they like, or the nearby Y or Parks with classes or sports they may want to enroll in. Then make a point of putting on your moving calendar a time that you can go over with your children (if you are moving to someone in close enough proximity) to look over the new places. If you let your children feel that they are a part of the moving process, they will also feel more a sense of excitement over the experience.Take them to the new house or show them pictures of the new house and invite them to participate in the decorating process. Ask them what color paint they would most like for their new bedroom. Offer to buy them a new comforter, and together make some exciting plans for what the new house, and their new bedroom, will look like.
  • Create additional moments of family bonding during the time of the move. As tired as the grown-ups might be, try to sneak in a family game night just before or after the move, go out to the movies, turn the moving boxes into a fort, or turn the packing process into some sort of game. It’s good for them to associate the moving process with something happy and celebratory.

Practical Considerations

Be sure that you have done all the preparatory work necessary to ensure that your children make as seamless a transition into their new schools as possible. If appropriate, find out the summer reading or summer homework for the new school. Speak to your children’s current teachers to determine if there is any information that would be important to impart to your children’s new teachers about their strengths, needs or preferences. Speak with the new school and, if possible, the new teachers to ascertain if your children will need to do any catch-up work so that they are on par with the other children. If necessary, provide them with whatever tutoring or help they need, so that they can be optimally successful and happy at the new school.

Do everything you can to ensure that your children will be able to make friends quickly. Look into enrolling them in local after school classes or leagues. If you attend a house of worship, look into classes and groups your children might enjoy. Try to meet the parents of your children’s new classmates and set up after school playdates.

It is critical to plan ahead for the big day of the move. Here are more tips to plan for your move.

Here are some other things to consider:

  • It is best to have your children stay with a grandparent, family member or trusted good friend on the actual day if someone is local. This will keep them safe and happily engaged.
  • If this is not possible, hire a sitter to spend the day with you, looking after their safety and tending to their needs.
  • Prepare ahead of time ample food and drink. The food should be as non-perishable as possible and easy to eat. Include in your ice chest some of your children’s favorite foods and treats to keep them positive.
  • Prepare ahead of time toys, games and books to keep your children entertained during the long moving process.
  • Your children are going to want to take a nap or relax during the process. It’s a good idea to leave a blanket, pillow, or other comfort items (perhaps their favorite stuffed animals) that they have access to during the day.
  • It is critical to have with you a box of items that you might need in a hurry. Make sure that this box remains in a safe area during the move (the bathtub is a great place to keep important items that stay with you and don’t go on the moving truck). These items should include medicine, Band-Aids, your children’s favorite books, toiletries, and other personal items.
  • Given that the front door of your old and new homes will be open during the move, make certain that your children are kept safe and remain inside the home.
  • Children will often want to play with the moving dollies and cartons that are in the home during the move. Moving boxes can be a great source of fun for children, but they can be hazardous with little children if your little one gets inside. And attempts to speed race on a dolly can also prove treacherous. Be sure to monitor your children’s usage of moving equipment during a move.

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

How to stay focus during your move

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How to stay focus during your moveMoving is a complicated process that requires a lot of planning, review of many details and other time-consuming tasks. Along with the process of house-hunting that precedes it, bringing all of your belongings to your new home can start to feel stressful if you don’t take a measured and thoughtful approach that reduces stress and keeps you focus.

How can you maintain peace of mind while moving? Take the following advice into account as you start to plan the big trip:

Make a schedule and stick to it

“How can you keep your responsibilities for the move in focus?”

With so many moving parts involved in a move, it’s easy to let something fall through the cracks. Whether it’s turning on utilities for your new home or booking a packing service to box up your possessions before the movers arrive, there are plenty of needs to consider.

How can you keep your many responsibilities in focus and complete necessary steps in an organized, efficient way? Make a schedule. Use the calendar app on your phone or pen and paper – whichever works best for you – to schedule all the tasks you need to complete in advance of the move.

The major advantage behind this approach is breaking up the work into small, easily managed pieces while ensuring you give yourself enough time to deal with everything involved. Instead of getting overwhelmed, you have the reassurance of knowing there’s a relatively small amount of work to do each day.

Remember the reward that awaits you after your move

While planning a move and making sure it goes off without a hitch is a major exercise both mentally and physically, there’s a major benefit awaiting you at the end of the process: Your new home. When you choose a high-quality professional mover like Pony Express Moving and plan ahead to take care of things like activating your utilities and switching over your internet service, you make your eventual arrival something to look forward to.

You might feel bogged down in all the work that comes with moving or anxious waiting for the big day. Just remember that the reward is worth it – a house that you chose among many other candidates, one that appeals to you and will soon be ready for you and your family to move into. The payoff of living in your new home is certainly worth the wait.

Moving to Boston

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Moving to Boston has long been synonymous with a new beginning in the New World. Of course, the reasons for moving have changed, but for many expats, their impending move to Boston still marks the beginning of a new life.

Moving to Boston

Even if you only have a general idea of US American history, Boston’s significance during the formative years of the USA is unlikely to have escaped your attention. New England’s largest city — and one of the oldest in the entire country — played a pivotal role in many events leading up to the independence from Britain.

Boston’s Historical Past

Of course, the local residents of Boston proudly preserve and display this heritage. History buffs moving to Boston are bound to have a blast exploring the city and its past! Since its founding, a steady stream of people moving to Boston, enticed by the promises of the New World, caused the city to experience significant growth throughout the 1800s.

The two biggest and most influential groups who started settling in Boston in large numbers were Italian and Irish immigrants in the first half of the 19th century. The influence of both these groups is still very tangible today. The Italian and Irish communities settled down in North End and South Boston, respectively. The residents of these neighborhoods still value their home country’s traditions, which is why e.g. South Boston is home to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The City of Neighborhoods

When moving to Boston, you have the choice among a multitude of neighborhoods catering to different tastes. Each of these 23 boroughs has its own distinctive atmosphere and demographic profile, earning Boston the nickname “City of Neighborhoods”. Owing to this great variety, there is no single neighborhood that expats moving to Boston prefer. Nonetheless, below you’ll find a short overview of some of Boston’s vibrant neighborhoods which might make your decision a little easier.

Dorchester: Dorchester is the largest and also the most diverse neighborhood in Boston. Residents from Vietnam, Ireland, Cape Verde, and many other countries live together and make the neighborhood one of the most vibrant in the city. The Franklin Park located here offers walking and biking parks as well as numerous picnic areas.

Beacon Hill: This neighborhood is one of the oldest in Boston. Its architecture is reminiscent  of the old colonial times with brick houses and ornate doors. Its location on top of the hill and its historic landmarks makes it one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Boston.

South End: With its proximity to Downtown and the Back Bay, the South End has become one of the most desirable neighborhoods. It is especially popular with young professionals and the gay community. Nonetheless, due to relatively affordable housing and its over 30 parks, more and more families have started to settle in South End.

West Roxbury: Tree-lined streets and single family houses give West Roxbury a suburban feel. The neighborhood is especially desired amongst families because of its youth programs and because you can get to Downtown in 30 minutes and still have a front yard.

Jamaica Plain: “JP”, as locals call it, is one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in Boston. The ethnic diversity, the green spaces and the good connection to Downtown are some of the many reasons why young professionals and families alike love the area.

If you want to know more about one of Boston’s neighborhoods, the homepage of the City Administration offers a detailed breakdown of all 23 of them.

Skyrocketing Rental Prices

Much to the dismay of anyone interested in moving to Boston and, of course, the local population, extensive gentrification has caused rental prices to skyrocket. Today, people looking for homes in the area of the city face fierce competition on the rental market in one of the most expensive cities in the USA. If Boston’s upscale neighborhoods just outside downtown are the only option for you, prepare yourself for extortionate monthly rents. Proximity to the “T”, Boston’s number one mass transit system, is likely to increase your monthly rent even further.

With educational institutions of worldwide renown in and around Boston — such as Harvard University and MIT — the influx of students is considerable, and many opt for off-campus living. Naturally, this makes finding a home when coming to Boston from abroad quite a tricky task. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to jump on the first available housing that appeals to you rather than taking time to shop around.

Timing Is Everything: Moving to Boston

Boston’s rental market is very seasonal. September first is known as the traditional move-in date of the year, as this is the day when many leases start. Being too early or too late will both have the same result: fierce competition has a chance of dashing your hopes of finding a decent place to live when moving to Boston. Usually, Boston’s apartments go on the market about four to six weeks before the lease date.

Your financial plan or budget for your move to Boston should take into account the fairly hefty sum of money you likely will have to pay right before moving in. Apart from demanding the first and last month’s rent up front, some landlords also require you to pay a security deposit. With the rental prices in Boston the way they are, this will almost definitely amount to a considerable sum, so keep this in mind when planning your move to Boston.

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

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What To Expect When Hiring Professional Movers

What To Expect When Hiring Professional MoversReady to move but not sure what to expect when hiring professional movers?

Whether you’re moving between neighborhoods or across states, the process seems chaotic. Even after you hire professional movers, you may feel uneasy about the big day.

Have no fear!

We’re here to help. Moving doesn’t have to be a hassle. Hiring professional movers should take the stress out of your move, not add to it.

Let’s dig into what you should expect when you hire a moving service.

Before Hiring Professional Movers: What You Need To Know

Before hiring professional movers you’ll need to know when you’re going to move. Most movers will ask for a 4-week to a 6-week window of time.

To ease your process, and guarantee your safety while you move, come up with a plan. A great place to start is a checklist of the things you need to do to prepare yourself and your family. This will keep you on track for the weeks leading up to your move.

Whether you are planning a local or long distance move, professional movers are here to provide you with a stress-free move that stays on your schedule.

Before You Move

Your moving day will be here before you know it. After you make your checklist, you’re ready to start packing.

Depending on whether you’ve hired a full-service moving company you may need to pack your items yourself.

Pack your items in boxes beforehand. Tape these boxes closed. Leave them in the room in which you packed them.

Label each box with the name of this room and a few key items.

If you have hired full-service movers, they will handle this packing for you.

What To Expect On The Day Of Your Move

You’ve made your list. You’ve followed it for weeks, anticipating the big day.

Now what?

Your moving service will let you know far in advance when they will arrive at your home. Make sure you leave room in front of your home for the moving truck to park.

Failure to do so could result in an extra “long carry” fee.

Once they show up, you should identify the operator of the truck. Often, he supervises the crew. Consider him your go to guy when you have questions.

Your day should pan out something like the following steps.

The Walk-Through

Your movers will conduct a short walk-through of your home to produce a written inventory of goods. They will assess the condition of every item in your home. Next, they will assign each item an inventory number.

This list helps to ensure everything arrives at your new home in the condition it left your old home. It guards against false damage claims made on previous damage.

You should agree with this assessment. Check that no item is missing from the list.

Request a copy of the written inventory.

Determining Best Practices

Expect for the movers to determine the order in which to load the truck.

Your moving service will determine in which room to start and how to best fit items into the truck.

Set aside anything you don’t want to enter the truck such as flammables, personal items, breakable items or high-value pieces.

Movers Prepare Entrance and Set-Up Ramps

Next, your movers will safeguard your home for the loading process. They’ll use blankets and padding to protect your carpet, stairways, hallways and floors. They’ll mark any hidden stairs within your home.

Your moving team will also safeguard the outside of your home. They’ll mark off any hidden steps or broken sidewalks.

Your moving company will come prepared with all necessary tools like carrying straps, carpet protectors, shrinkwrap, and rope.

Techniques For Loading

Movers will disassemble each piece like dresser mirrors and beds. They’ll wrap every item in padding.

Your moving company loads the truck from floor to roof. This will resemble a puzzle, so don’t worry if you catch a glimpse of your things stacked on top of each other.

To prevent your items from shifting, movers will arrange pieces for the tightest possible fit within the truck. Sometimes this involves taking items from other rooms and placing them together. You will tell your movers exactly where you want your items placed in your new home.

You will tell your movers exactly where you want your items placed in your new home.

If you let your movers know ahead of the time they can usually arrange to take your old or unwanted items off your hands. Professional movers may donate these items to local bay area charities or dispose of them.

Before Heading To Your New Home

Once packed tightly, your items are ready to move to your new home.

Remember that driver we spoke about in the beginning? He’ll present you with a bill that lays out all of the conditions of your move.

This includes your estimate and expected date of delivery. You will need to sign off on this bill.

Your movers are responsible for removing all tools, padding, boxes and anything else they brought into your home. No garbage should be left behind.

Make sure you have a contact number for your movers and that they have clear directions to your new home.

At Your New Home

You’ve made it!

Consider having two people at your new place. One will oversee the inventory checklist, marking off and inspecting all delivered items. The other can assist your movers by letting them know where things go in your new home.

If you find an item damaged during your move after the fact, it’s okay. You can always file a complaint with your movers after they leave.

You’re Ready To Hire A Professional Moving Service!

The excitement of moving to a new home should outweigh the emotional or physical stress.

Knowing what to expect with professional movers eases stress. The more prepared you are beforehand, the faster and smoother the process of moving.

Advantages of moving in the spring

The spring season is a time for rebirth and renewal, as the weather gets warmer, flowers bloom and the air feels crisp and clean. Being that it’s a season that signifies change, it only makes sense that it’s also a popular time to move. The changing of the season and the transition from the cold, frostbitten chill of winter to the warming sun and gentle breeze of spring is a perfect way to transition into a new stage of your life. Spring is also advantageous for many other reasons.

Advantages of moving in the spring - Pony Express Moving ServicesAdvantages of moving in the spring

Moving during the spring season has many benefits a lot of people overlook because of how common it is to move during the summer. Because of the longer days and the increase in temperature, as well as cheaper prices for moving companies, it’s becoming more common to moving during the spring:

  • The biggest advantage when you choose to move during the spring is the mild weather which certainly makes the moving process a lot easier than trying to maneuver a moving truck in the snow or having to load it in the sweltering heat. Moving includes a lot of work, and doing this kind of labor in high temperatures or inclement weather makes it difficult–sometimes dangerous. The excellent weather conditions present during spring definitely reduce the stress that we experience physically and mentally while doing moving-related labor.
  • Spring is also a great time to move if you have kids–there are a lot of days off from school during the spring. Long weekends for holidays and an entire week for spring break enable children to make an easy transition to their new school without affecting their grades. It can be very difficult for any child to attend new classes and make new friends–planning your move during spring break will help your child ease into his or her new school.
  • Spring is often one of the best seasons for selling a home. Many people like to buy a new home in the spring so they are settled by the time the summer arrives. Because of this, you are more likely to sell your house quickly and for a great price than you would be during other seasons.

Planning your moving in the spring season

Many people choose to move during the spring because of the abundant availability of movers and moving supplies, which will only become harder to find once the peak summer moving season gets underway. That’s why moving during the spring will save you money – there is less of a demand for movers and it will be much easier to find a company willing to work with you for competitive prices.

  • Secure a moving company as early as possible for your planned moving date, and then begin planning every other aspect of the move around that date. Brainstorm a list of all the things you need to have when organizing the move and keep it somewhere that makes it readily accessible for you at all times.
  • Get a Free Quote Now. Because of the fact that the spring borders on the peak season for moving, be careful when obtaining quotes and watch out for movers that try to take advantage of the urgency of the season by over-charging.
  • Before you start packing, make sure that you take an inventory of all your belongings, and make note of what needs to be packed first. The best things to pack first are all of your cold-weather clothes such as sweaters, jackets and boots. These tend to be the most difficult to pack and since you won’t need them for a while, it will be best to get them out of the way.

7 Other Things Your Movers Wish You Knew

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7 Other Things Your Movers Wish You KnewBecause, let’s face it, moving is stressful. And expensive. And did we mention stressful? It’s no wonder most people eventually decide to ditch the DIY approach and hire professionals. But that doesn’t mean the stress goes away. There are plenty of things that could go wrong.

To make the day go as smoothly as possible, you need to know how your movers work best—which includes when you should be there, when you can pitch in, and when you need to get the heck out of the way.

We quizzed some movers on their biggest pet peeves when it comes time for moving day. Here are seven things you need to know.

1. Don’t be afraid to do your homework—in person

“Our industry has a horrible reputation, and we’ve earned it,” says Aaron Steed, “There are good guys and there are bad guys, and it’s really hard to tell at the time of estimate.”

Every company is going to put its best face forward during the estimate process, but when it comes to finding out which companies will move your stuff and make you feel comfortable in the process, Steed recommends stopping by the office. In person.

“Some moving companies are the real deal, and then there are a lot of others where you just have a guy running it out of his apartment,” he says. With other companies, “the trucks have graffiti all over them and the guys look like they just got out of 10 years of solitary.”

Price is only part of the equation. Take some time to consider which movers have your best interest in mind and which are solely looking for a one-time paycheck.

2. Prep the move beforehand

Before you get out the bubble wrap, figure out what needs to happen for the day to go smoothly. Do you need to reserve your building’s elevator? Will the truck be parking on a busy street? If so, save a spot ahead of time. If you’re moving in or out of an apartment complex, make sure you know the rules—designated moving hours can cause major complications.

Don’t forget to inform your movers ahead of time if they’ll be transporting a particularly large or heavy item such as a washer, dryer, or piano. It might require extra help, and time spent looking for a third pair of hands is money wasted, says Mike Dahlman.

3. Get your packing done before moving day

If you’ve elected to do your own packing, make sure it’s finished. That doesn’t mean boxes untaped and scattered throughout the house. That means boxes filled, taped up, and ready to go by the time your movers show up. Ideally, everything will be located in a central room, which speeds up the process and keeps your possessions safe.

Even better: Stack your boxes against the wall, giving your movers “the freedom to move (around) and bring things in,” Dahlman says. “We don’t want to impede the entrance. The guys need to move quickly and easily.”

And yes, you really need to finish taping up your boxes beforehand.

“People don’t like taping their boxes, but if a mover does it, it adds a significant amount of time and money to moving day,” Steed says.

4. Label everything

You don’t need to write down the specific contents of every box, but noting where in your new home it should go is essential.

“It’s easier if the movers know where to put it as opposed to trying to delineate where it goes on move day, when we’re charging our hourly rate,” Steed says.

Also, make sure to keep your movers in the loop. If they don’t know what “Humbert’s room” means, it’s the same as if you hadn’t labeled it at all. And now’s the time to decide what area is your “great room” and which is the “den.”

“We can’t have the movers standing around during negotiations,” Steed says.

5. Tell us what’s valuable

Try as they might, movers aren’t psychics. They don’t know that the blue vase cost you $2,500, or that your grandma gave you that crystal decanter, or the retail value of your crushed velvet couch. Let them know beforehand what items they should keep a careful eye on.

“The best way to deal with damage is to avoid it—by communicating about things that are fragile and meaningful,” Dahlman says.

6. Get out of the way!

You might think you’re helping when you hop in the truck to sort items or help lift the piano, but you’re not. Really. Stop.

“We’re professionals and it’s a skill. We have a plan on how things can be done best,” Dahlman says. “Have respect for that.”

That means getting out of the way and letting them work. You’re better served directing the movers to the right rooms or reassembling furniture in your new home. (Movers prefer that you disassemble and reassemble your own stuff, so if you’ve been hoping they’ll take on the task of putting your Ikea bed back together—you might want to think again.)

Not only can an eager homeowner slow down efforts, but he or she can also be an insurance liability.

“It jeopardizes work safety and our insurance,” Steed says. “We can’t let customers on our truck or carry things with customers.”

7. Tip the movers (and maybe buy lunch)

Yes, you need to tip your movers—between $20 and $50 is standard, according to Steed, but more is always welcome.

“We’re in the service business, and what we do is incredibly hard,” he says.

Want even better service? Try tipping at the beginning of the day, something Steed says is “pretty intelligent.”

If it’s a long day of moving, consider buying lunch as well.

“The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” Steed says.

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Avoid Being Taken Advantage of By Moving Companies

Moving is a stressful experience. While most places you deal with during a big move will try to help make the process easier, there are people out there who will try to take advantage of you when you’re feeling frazzled. It might be tempting to go for that cheap ad on Craigslist, but if you’re not careful, you could end up getting scammed. (Just imagine, you think you’re hiring a moving company, and instead you get one guy with a sketchy van. Not exactly ideal.) Here are a few things you should watch out for when you’re hiring a moving company.

Avoid Being Taken Advantage of By A Moving Company

What are some warning signs that a moving company is running a scam?

See a deal that sounds unbelievable? It probably is. The advertised price usually isn’t clarified by any small print or context and doesn’t actually say what the price is referring to. That’s what the scam is—as soon as a contingency is encountered (and there is always a contingency: stairs, loading route over 50 feet, etc.) the price will go up. Because there is no paperwork, there is no binding agreement. That’s how you’ll end up with half your stuff being held hostage on the truck on moving day.

What are the hallmarks of a reputable moving company?

For starters, they should have a presence on various consumer review websites, such as Yelp or Google+. A solid company will understand how important it is to build credibility and will make an effort to ensure they are getting positive reviews. Also, be wary of a score that seems a little too perfect, because it might mean they aren’t authentic reviews. As long as the feedback seems positive and reasonable, you’ll be safe.

They should also provide you with a Move Coordinator or Office Manager—someone whose job it is to ensure your move results in a positive experience. This isn’t the same as just making sure a move goes smoothly. Sometimes issues are unavoidable: maybe the keys aren’t available for the new home, or the furniture won’t fit. A coordinator is accountable for moving you from A to B; they’re updated through the process when things aren’t going to plan and take care of any issues that might occur after the move. Both small and large moving companies often miss this step, so if you find a company that offers it, you know you’re in good hands.

What can consumers do to prevent being taken advantage of?

In short, you should plan ahead. When you book early, you have more choices available. It means you can take your time to find the moving company you have the best relationship with. If you have the time, it’s always smart to arrange an onsite visit so you can determine if a company lives up to its promises. (Did they show up for their estimate on time? Did they call if they were running late?) Remember, movers are responsible for safely and efficiently moving everything you own. It’s not a decision you should rush.

Is it commonplace for movers to require a deposit? How much?

It’s common for moving companies to ask for a small deposit, and the amount will vary. The only time you need to be wary is when they ask for full payment upfront, or a really large deposit amount.

What recourse do consumers have if they’ve been taken advantage of?

Get the name of an office manager or owner before the move as a point of contact in case something goes wrong. You should also make sure that a contract gets signed, as this provides minimum value protection for the customer and an opportunity to declare the value of items. If something goes wrong and the company refuses to take responsibility, the Better Business Bureau provides consumer protection and will attempt to gain accountability from the moving business. If the moving company is not BBB accredited, social media is often the last resort.

When you know what to look for, it’s easy to spot potential scammers and avoid them. As long as you take the time to plan ahead, your moving day will be quick and painless.

How to move a Washer and Dryer with Pony Express Moving

Moving a Washer and Dryer with Pony Express Moving Services

Washers and dryers are susceptible to moving damage

Washers and dryers are often damaged in a move when their drums have not been properly secured during pre-moving preparation and servicing. This can result in costly repairs and parts replacement. In comparison, the cost of professional servicing is nominal.

Pony Express recommends that you enlist the services of a qualified technician to service, disconnect and prepare your major appliances for a move, for your own safety and for that of your appliances.

Preparing Your Washer and Dryer for a Move

  • Disconnect
  • Clean & air dry
  • Secure the drum
How to move a Washer and Dryer with Pony Express Moving

Moving Washing Machine


What to Know About Disconnecting Your Washer and Dryer

Disconnecting the high-voltage electrical and gas connections for major appliances is dangerous and should be undertaken by a qualified professional. It is easy to make a mistake that results in a dangerous gas leak.

Before moving day, your washer and dryer must be completely disconnected. All utility service supplies (gas, electric, water) must be shut off and disconnected from the washer and dryer before they are moved. This includes switching off any electric breakers and shutting off any gas supply valves behind gas dryers. When you disconnect the water supply behind the washer and dryer, the drain hose should be removed from its standpipe.

Be careful when pulling your dryer out from the wall. There may be hidden electrical, gas supply lines or vents still connected. Your unit may have a flexible or solid vent pipe still secured by a clamp or screws. Remove these first before proceeding to move your dryer out from the wall. 


Safe to Do On Your Own: Cleaning Your Appliance

Before wrapping your washer and dryer in furniture pads, wipe it with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner to remove dust and grime.

It is very important that you leave the washer door open for 24 hours after disconnecting the water supply. This will ensure that your washer is completely dry and free of moisture, to prevent mold.


Avoid Costly Damage in Transit: Secure the Drum

Your washer and dryer may have come with bolts or moving pins to secure the drum and keep it stationary during transit. If you do not have these, ask your qualified service technician about the best way to secure your drum. Many appliance manufacturers also offer washer moving kits.


Important Notice

Your Pony Express movers are not qualified to help with disconnecting, servicing, repairing or reinstalling appliances or utilities at your point of origin or destination. Please have your appliances serviced, disconnected and ready for your movers to transport on moving day. Be aware that your movers can also not remove or install antennas, satellites or air conditioners, nor can they perform any electrical, plumbing or carpentry services.