Category Archives: Local 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.

Health tips for moving in the spring

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Health tips for moving in the spring

Sometimes due to the shower of buds and blossoms, spring goes hand-in-hand with pollen allergies. Many people suffer from asthma, sneezing, runny noses, coughing and itchy eyes. These symptoms can be troublesome and extremely irritating, making it difficult to focus on moving and physical labor.

The following suggestions can reduce your chances of being adversely affected by spring allergies and will allow you to handle your move with ease:

  • Check the weather and pollen count: Allergies can be intense during the height of the pollen season. Check the local weather and the daily pollen count in your area to prepare for the expected severity of your allergy symptoms. The pollen density tends to be higher from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., so it is best to start your move in the early afternoon. Windy days are the worst for allergy sufferers because pollen spreads easily–if there are high winds forecasted, make sure to take allergy medication to alleviate the symptoms. You can find allergy medicine over-the-counter at any pharmacy or supermarket–just remember to check with your doctor before taking them.
  • Seal your boxes: Make sure to seal all of your boxes tightly to keep pollen out, which can indirectly affect your health. Apply one or two layers of thick packing tape to all of the openings of the box and creases where pollen may enter. Just because your boxes are inside the house, doesn’t mean that they’re safe from being contaminated with pollen. If you leave your windows open during the spring, pollen can easily blow in and cover the surfaces of your home in a light yellow/green dust. It may not be immediately visible to the naked eye, but it can be affecting your health.
  • Take care of yourself and dress appropriately: If you’re moving on a sunny day, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and help you see properly. Also, if your allergies are causing itchy and watery eyes, use eye drops to alleviate the discomfort during the move. Wear light clothes that will not hinder your movement and allow you to move freely as you lift heavy objects and load them onto the moving truck. You should always wear sneakers or boots and never any open-toed shoes, as these can pose a hazard when working with heavy objects. Make sure to dress warmly, as the temperatures are likely to be cooler in the morning during the spring. Layer your outfit so that you can shed as the temperature gets warmer throughout the day. Wear a hat to shield yourself from the sun, and remember to apply sunscreen to exposed areas of skin.

Other tips to remember:

  • If you are moving plants it is better to move them on your own than to keep them in the truck. They are more likely to get jostled around in the moving truck, which can damage or even kill them. Also, they won’t receive any sunlight in the back of the dark moving truck. Once you move into your new home make sure to replace the old dirt with new dirt that contains plenty of fertilizer.
  • As the spring season is notorious for being rainy, it is a smart idea to set up a makeshift canopy between the moving truck and your home if rain is forecast on your moving day to avoid your items getting wet.
  • The end of the spring is closer to the peak moving season of summer than the early part of the spring, so try to schedule your move for early spring– from the end of March through April–to ensure that you get the lowest prices possible.

As stressful as moving can be, there are simple steps you can take to ensure your move goes as seamlessly as possible. A little preparation goes a long way, and in this case, it will save you time and money- something we can all get behind. Contact Us if you need any help moving.

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.

City To City Moving Tips

City To City Moving Tips

There can be plenty of reasons why you’re contemplating a house move right now. There will probably be one major reason to trigger the household move (like the end of a lease or a new job offer out of town, for example), and sometimes that main culprit may be accompanied by a number of smaller yet still significant reasons (like dissatisfaction with your current job or problems in your personal relationships).

But whatever the primary cause for the big change ahead of you, the final result is that you’re moving to another city soon and you still need to get ready for the Big day. And by getting ready, you should understand completing a ton of important tasks if you wish to have a successful move.

As you will find out soon enough, careful planning and meticulous preparation are everything when it comes to city to city moving – EVERYTHING! Don’t leave anything to chance but organize your time perfectly and make your new city move one for the books.City To City Moving

City to city movers: why you need the pros

Whether it’s voluntary or largely circumstantial, the decision to move to another city is the very first thing in a long line of pre-move jobs that you will be tackling one by one. A good job offer in another city is reason enough to get you to start packing up your stuff, as is the irresistible desire to follow your heart after having met someone special in another part of the country. What matters right now is that the day of your move is approaching fast and you will need to figure out a relocation strategy that will actually work.

The thing is that you will need the right approach to handle the house move because city to city moving is not to be underestimated. The question to answer here is whether or not you will resort to the services of professional new city movers. And if it turns out that you do, you should follow the logical steps of finding and hiring a city to city moving company that will be 1) agreeable to your moving budget, 2) responsive to your individual relocation needs, and 3) showing professional attitude toward the entire moving process.

Here are the some reasons you can end up making that first crucial contact with the moving experts:

Time. Do you have to move out of your place fast, and if yes, just how fast? Lack of sufficient time to prepare properly for moving out is one of the common reasons why people choose to go with a professional moving company. The so-called emergency moves or short notice moves cannot be usually handled by non-professionals simply because the latter have not been trained to pack, protect, carry, and load heavy, large and awkwardly-shaped household items around the clock. When you do something on a daily basis, you tend to get good at it, don’t you? The majority of city to city moving companies know just how to keep a very high level of efficiency throughout the move by maintaining unrivaled speed and safety at the same time.

Safety. The safety of your possessions and your own health should be a big concern – something to seriously think about before moving from city to city. Safety is especially crucial during the packing stage where fragile and easily breakable items could get damaged or ruined forever unless they are professionally packed and adequately protected. Also, if you own things that are extremely valuable /antique furniture/ or exceptionally difficult to transport /a piano or a pool table/, then you won’t have much of a choice but to hire experts who know what they are doing. Risking irreparable damage to your prized items or risking your own health cannot possibly justify your informed(?) decision not to contact city to city movers.

Affordability. Moving locally to a place located just a short distance away from your current home, or moving within the same town or city, is usually a prerequisite for organizing an affordable self-move. However, if you plan to move to another city hundreds or thousands of miles away, then it’s good to remember that the right way to go is to hire city to city moving services. The numerous hidden costs of self-moves will prove, once again, that sometimes it’s much better to trust professionals than to risk your time, money, and health only to make a pointless statement.

The cost of moving from city to city

Without a doubt, you will be very interested in knowing the cost of moving from city to city before the arrival of moving day. This is so because

  • you will want to know if you have enough money saved to cover the moving costs in the first place,
  • you will want to exert control over the move-related expenses by creating and adhering to a relocation budget, and
  • you will want to avoid any unpleasant surprises when it’s time to pay for the services of your new city movers.

Be mindful that trying to guess by yourself how much the new city move will cost you simply won’t work. With the exception of the move distance that remains a constant value even if you wish it weren’t so, there’s no possible way for you learn how much all the stuff you’re moving will weigh, let alone how much you will be charged for the additional service of packing.

Failed attempts at guessing the cost of city to city moving can only lead to unmet expectations and general disappointment. Instead, complete the cost calculation the right way: first, know what factors will influence the final moving price, and then learn your own relocation cost with a good level of accuracy.

  • Due to the future transportation costs, the distance between the two cities will influence the final bill. You can’t expect little or no difference in the cost when moving from New York City to Salt Lake City on one hand, and when moving from New York City to Boston on the other one. After all, the difference is around 2000 miles!. But it’s also true that you won’t be able to do anything about the move distance so you don’t have to really worry about it.
  • Your city to city moving company will charge you for the overall weight of your items for moving unless you’re moving locally, in which case you will be charged by the hour. After all of your household items have been loaded into the moving truck, your items will be weighed at a licensed weigh station and you will be informed of the precise weight of the stuff you’re tasking with you.
  • What and how many extra services you request will affect greatly the cost of moving from one city to another. Just think about packing – the job that takes the most time to complete – and you should be able to understand why each additional service will burden your set moving budget even more. Even if you haven’t asked for some of those extra services, they may be needed for the successful completion of your new city move.

In any case, because of the excess of question marks surrounding the new city moving rates, the only way to know how much you will pay in advance is to get a Free Quote online or call Pony Express at 617-983-8700 .

Moving in the summer

We know the many virtues of summer as the perfect time to move. Not only is the weather gorgeous, but it’s less likely to impede your progress by turning into rain or snow. Students and many workers also have the added bonus of more flexible schedules. Summer is also when there are simply more houses available, and July especially is considered a boom time for the real estate industry.

Moving in the summer

But just as there are many benefits to a summer move, there are certain challenges inherent to the season. It’s important to recognize these obstacles and prepare for a quick and less costly move.

“Hot weather can make moving a genuine hassle.”

1. The weather
You may not have to contend with ice during the summer, but all that sunshine and warm weather can still have a negative effect. Higher temperatures can make moving feel all the more intense, and it’s easy to lose your nerve when you’re covered in sweat. It’s a problem that’s going to be especially pronounced over the next few years. According to the Weather Network, summer 2016 will feature record-breaking highs across the U.S., with less precipitation expected throughout the North East. All of that means warmer, dryer air, and that can be difficult to look forward to during an extended moving process.

2. Heat-related damage
It’s not just people that have to contend with warm weather. Many personal objects can also warp or break down due to the heat in your vehicle or moving truck. According to the Council on Library and Information Resources, both CDs and DVDs are quite sensitive to temperature variations. Most of these items must be stored around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and it doesn’t take long in 100-plus-degree temperatures to ruin these for good. It’s also important to consider light exposure. If discs aren’t properly packed away, ambient sunlight can warp or destroy them. Like the heat, it doesn’t take much light to damage an entire collection.

3. Busy moving services
Because there are so many benefits to moving in summer, a number of people take advantage and relocate before the fall. In fact, according to figures from the Realtor.com Network, between 11 and 13 percent of moves take place in summertime. All of those moves result in a greater demand, and that often means less flexible moving dates and tighter schedules all around. Even the best services aren’t immune to the summer surge, and you should enter any summer move expecting some delays. If you plan ahead properly, though, you can help mitigate some of these issues.

A truly cool partner
No matter what challenges summer may present, you can still overcome most of them if you hire the right moving service. Pony Express Moving Services has years of experience planning and implementing summer moves (not to mention fall, winter and spring). They understand the logistics involved in this time of year and account for heat and temperature. Pony Express Moving Services is a partner during the moving process, and they make moving like your own little vacation.

Moving Terms Definitions

Moving is hard enough without all of the confusing industry moving terms that can be thrown around dictionary

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Here are some common moving terms defined to make your search for the perfect mover a little bit easier.

COI – A COI, or a certificate of insurance, is used to give proof of insurance to commercial and residential buildings in case damages to the property occur during a move. *Always make sure your moving company is properly insured to protect yourself from personal loss.

Access – Access refers to how the crews will be entering/exiting the property at origin and/or destination. Long walks, narrow stairs, and parking are all things to consider when telling a surveyor about your move in order to give you the most accurate estimate.

Shuttle – A shuttle might be used to transport your goods if the planned truck is unable to make a normal pickup or delivery because of geographical or urban planning (think: low bridges, narrow roads) constraints. The shuttle is the smaller truck used to complete the pickup or delivery. There are separate charges for this service, depending on the size and location of the shipment.

Binding Estimate – If your mover gives you a binding estimate they are guaranteeing the total cost of the move based on the quantity of items and services shown on the estimate. This type of estimate means that you will pay the agreed upon amount regardless of the difference between the estimate and the actual cost of your move.

Non-Binding Estimate – Non-binding estimates charge you based on the actual cost of your move, regardless of the initial estimated cost. This means you could end up paying less or more based on the actual amount of work necessary to complete your move.

Bill of Lading – If you hear the term bill of lading don’t get nervous! The bill of lading is an important part of your move that is actually a service agreement detailing terms and conditions of your move and the receipt for your goods. All moving jobs have a bill of lading attached making it easier to review services agreed upon.

PBO / PBC – here’s an easy one! PBO / PBC just means that the items were packed by owner (you, the customer) or packed by crew. No sweat.

OA/DA – Everyone loves a good abbreviation but they aren’t much fun when you’re stressed! Don’t worry if a salesperson mentions an OA or DA during your conversation. These abbreviations refer to the origin agent (the company at the origin of your move who will service the first half of the move) and destination agent (the company at the destination address responsible for completing the move.) If the company you’re getting estimates from is part of a van-line then the agent on the other end of your move will also be a part of the van-line and you can rest assured that your goods will be handled in the best way possible.

Class 1 Move – A Class 1 move, also known as crate and freight, have your belongings move from one dock to another in shipments. Crate and freight may be a better option for those with smaller moves and can be handled by preferred agents outside of a company’s regular van-line network due to travel restrictions during peak season.

Hoist – In the case of large or heavy items that need to be handled in or out of homes through windows, you may need to use a hoist. Hoists are auxiliary services offered by movers using specialized equipment, such as a hoisting crane and a moving platform.

Valuation – The amount of cash value assigned to the items in a shipment is called valuation in the moving world. When purchasing valuation, the customer will pay a certain amount of money for their items to be covered at the assessed value in the event of damage. There is a required $0.60 per pound minimum for all moves, but for an additional charge you may purchase other levels of valuation options.

Full Value Protection – Full value protection is a valuation option where the moving company is liable to repair or replace any lost or damage items at their full value minus any deductible amount on the valuation option.
Have more questions about moving terms, or want to book your move? Call us today at 617-983-8700 and we’ll get you started or request an estimate online.

How to Move During Major Holidays

Move During Major HolidaysHow to Move During Major Holidays

When you decide to move, you never know when your actual moving day will be.  If you’re selling a home, it could be snatched up by a buyer within a month or take over a year to find the right person.  Unexpectedly, you could end up moving around a major holiday or celebratory event like a birthday or graduation.  This complicates things if you wish to celebrate, and the moving company is scheduled to arrive during the festivities.  No disappointment necessary – you can celebrate and move simultaneously without missing the fanfare by following these moving tips.

Talk to Your Moving Company

Check with your moving company regarding moving rates during major holidays and holiday weekends to ensure it doesn’t cost more than anticipated.  If you absolutely must move around that time, you can budget for more money.  Also, make sure that movers are available at that time.  Packing in advance or hiring movers to pack for you will relieve extra pressure.

Traffic Report

Ask your municipality about changes and delays in traffic patterns due to previously scheduled parades and other holiday events.  Finding out at the last minute that a road is closed could interrupt the route chosen for moving.  Inform your movers of possible snags in transporting your furniture which they may or may not realize and let them know your concerns.

Hire a Sitter

If you have younger children who are disappointed in missing out on holiday festivities because of the move, find a sitter.  A sitter could take your little ones to a Halloween Trunk-n-Treat or the fireworks.  It will enable you to move into your new place and keep them amused.  Although they will miss their parents in the beginning, they’ll return with happy holiday stories to share.

Look for Holiday Activities

Before you move to your new town, find out what holiday activities they offer residents or what nearby festive events are happening.  Although you may cherish your typical holiday traditions, here’s your chance to create new ones, make new memories and meet new neighbors.

Host a Themed Housewarming or Holiday Party

How much fun would it be to host a holiday-themed housewarming party or in celebration of family milestones like an anniversary?  In fact, with a ready-made theme, a joint housewarming/holiday party will be memorable, highly anticipated and easy to plan.  If you need assistance from friends and family, ask them to bring a paintbrush to help paint, food for a potluck party or wear comfortable clothes for an unpacking party.

Don’t Stress Over Decorations

Yes, decorations are part of the magic of the holidays, whether it’s for Christmas, Independence Day or a special birthday, but is it the most important ingredient? Absolutely not! Adding to your stress by worrying that you didn’t hang graduation balloons on the mailbox after you just moved is unnecessary.   Furthermore, don’t beat yourself up that your furniture isn’t perfectly arranged or a trash can temporarily lurks in the living room.  With time, your home will assume its welcoming aura.

Postpone the Party

Maybe moving wiped you out so much that you just cannot fathom celebrating.  A holiday or birthday celebrated on a different day does not diminish the fun or its importance.  Postpone the party until after your moving boxes are empty and your energy returns.  Then you can party hearty and celebrate in style in your new home. Remember, moving is hard work and all you need for a perfect holiday is your favorite people.

Moving Myths

Naysayers will tell you that hiring a moving company and moving in general are bad ideas.  It’s too expensive; too much work and you should just stay put instead of striving for better.  However, we all harbor dreams of living in exciting cities and beautiful homes that not only suit our needs but offer us comfort and peace at the end of hard days.  Tales once told about unpleasant moving experiences spiral into horrific moving epidemics.  Don’t let the mythmakers deter you from planning your move! Listen up while we debunk common moving myths.

Moving Myths

Any Box Will Do

Most people will suggest you visit your local grocery or liquor store for used moving boxes.  However, this is not always foolproof.  Boxes should be sturdy with flaps free from damage and uniform in size so that they’ll “be easy to stack on a dolly,” says Realtor.  If you choose to use boxes not provided by your moving company, you risk packing prized possessions in a box that won’t stay intact when movers pick it up, causing possible loss or damage.

You Don’t Need Special Packing Supplies

Although it’s easier to pick up any old pen found in your junk drawer or mug on your desk, not every pen makes its mark.  A permanent marker used to label moving boxes will last longer with more clarity.  Use packing tape that will secure boxes – not peel off seconds after you tape it.

Move on a Friday

Rumor has it that it’s best to move on a Friday since you’ll have the whole weekend to commit to unpacking, says Realtor.  Of course, that’s true, but you’re not the only one with the same idea.  Movers are busiest on weekends and in warmer weather making moving dates hard to find and pin down.  Prices could also be higher.

It Doesn’t Matter Which Mover You Hire

Although you may think it doesn’t matter which moving company you hire, it means the difference between high prices, hidden charges and loss/damage/theft or safely receiving your belongings at a reasonable cost.  Compare prices and moving services each company provides and rely on word-of-mouth.  At  Pony Express Moving Services, we will work with your budget and offer you a variety of services.

Movers Wait to be Paid

Called “the biggest myth about moving of all”, movers cannot wait to receive payment until moving day is over.  The majority of movers require a deposit to hold the day, secure supplies and a crew.  Then payment is due for transporting and unloading your items upon receipt.

Don’t Worry – Moving Insurance Covers EVERYTHING

Who cares if the movers break your fine china? The moving insurance included in your contract will cover everything you own even if it wasn’t on the inventory list, right? Wrong! Insurance in your moving contract only covers part of lost or broken items.  If you wish to sign up for more protection for something valuable, you will have to get extra insurance.  Read the fine print in any case.

Hidden Charges Always Pop Up

You’re not even worried about moving expenses when you first begin scheduling your move.  Then the bill appears, you review it, and cannot understand why hidden costs were added to the final total.  Ask your moving company representative before you sign the agreement about which costs you are responsible for or choose us at Pony Express Moving Services .  We will discuss the cost and figure out how it works with your budget.

Moving Out of Your College House, Dorm, or Apartment

Moving Out of Your College House, Dorm, or Apartment

Moving Out of Your College House, Dorm, or Apartment

Moving Out of Your College House, Dorm, or Apartment

As most college students are preparing for finals and end of the year projects, the last thing on your mind is probably moving out of your dorm, apartment, or college house. Whether you are graduating this spring, moving abroad, or are taking a summer job somewhere other than your college town, you may have to think about moving on top of finals.

Moving isn’t fun—it doesn’t matter if you are moving a whole apartment or a single room dorm. However, when you have a professional moving company like Pony Express Moving Services, moving is easy. Below are several reasons why you should hire a moving company to help you move out of your college house, apartment, or dorm.

Reasons to Hire a Moving Company for College Moves

  • Final exams. Why is it that you must think about packing and moving during final exams? Unfortunately, when the end of the year comes, so do finals and moving. When you hire a moving company, you can focus more on your studies and less on how you’re going to move.
  • Stairs. Do you live on the 5th floor of your college dorm? Remember how hard it was moving all of your items to your dorm room? Don’t go through that again. Let a mover help you!
  • Goodbyes. Whether you are graduating or simply leaving for the summer, saying goodbye to your closest friends is never easy. Focus more on spending time with friends and saying goodbye rather than packing and moving.

College should be one of the best times of your life—don’t let it go to waste by packing and moving furniture all day! Let Us do it for you!

About Pony Express Moving Services

Pony Express Moving Services is a moving company located in Boston, MA. Whether you are graduating or just leaving for the summer, our movers can help you move out of your college home and into your new home.

We are the perfect moving and storage company for students attending:

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology     Cambridge
  • Harvard University     Cambridge
  • Boston University     Boston
  • Tufts University     Medford
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst     Amherst
  • Boston College     Chestnut Hill
  • Northeastern University     Boston
  • Brandeis University     Waltham
  • Worcester Polytechnic Institute     Worcester
  • Mount Holyoke College     South Hadley
  • University of Massachusetts Boston     Boston
  • Smith College     Northampton
  • Clark University     Worcester
  • Williams College     Williamstown
  • Amherst College     Amherst
  • Wellesley College     Wellesley
  • University of Massachusetts Lowell     Lowell
  • Berklee College of Music     Boston
  • Babson College     Babson Park
  • University of Massachusetts Medical School     Worcester
  • University of Massachusetts Dartmouth     North Dartmouth
  • Bentley University     Waltham
  • And more …

Call us today to get a free quote!

Moving Day Made Easy

Moving Day Made Easy 🙂

When moving houses, the average household relocates 7,400 pounds — nearly four tons — of stuff, and an eight-room home uses 100 boxes in the process. The average interstate move costs about $4,300, while staying in-state costs about $2,300. All these stats add up to one massive undertaking. Read our guide for advice on cutting it down to size.

Moving Day Made EasyHow to Hire Movers

Keep in mind these tips to save a little cash on moving day:

  • Mind your timing. Moving company rates are higher at the beginning and end of the month, when most leases are up, and on weekends. If you can take a day or two off midweek or midmonth, your wallet will benefit.
  • Do some of the work yourself. Pack your own boxes, or even just get things inside more mover-friendly (unplug appliances, roll up rugs, disassemble anything you can) shaves off time and therefore saves you on the hourly rate.
  • If you hire anyone, you want them to be reliable and careful — and not overcharge you. Get detailed written estimates from at least three movers, and have them do an in-home inspection instead of estimating by phone or email.
  • Do your homework. Moving companies are among the most complained-about businesses in the U.S. Get references, and look for complaints and reviews at the Better Business Bureau, Yelp.

Lighten Your Load

A long-distance move is usually priced by volume (how much space in a truck the stuff takes up) and weight, and a local move by volume (size of truck needed) and time (local movers usually charge an hourly rate). What this means: Don’t move stuff you don’t need on moving day.

  • Weed out items to sell, donate, or throw out. Be ruthless — moving is a chore, but it’s also a chance to make a clean start. As you go through your things to fill boxes, make piles or fill trashbags with what you really don’t need. It may even be worth renting a dumpster (especially if the move is to a smaller space). Bonus: Unloading unneeded furniture on Craig’s List, having a yard sale, or making a tax deduction on donated goods can help you recoup some expenses.
  • Use it or lose it. Items that are not worth the cost of packing and moving: Pantry foods (eat what you can, and donate what’s unopened to a soup kitchen), cleaning supplies (also can be donated, or given to a neighbor), open condiment bottles (dump ’em), stacks of old magazines (clip the articles you love and recycle the rest), and partly used paints, propane tanks, or solvents (they could be dangerous, especially if they spill; donate or recycle properly).

Save on Moving Supplies

  • Collect free boxes from the local liquor store or grocery store — liquor boxes are particularly good, because they are often a good-quality cardboard, and are uniformly sized and not too big, so you’re unlikely to load them so heavily that they’re a strain to carry. Printer-paper boxes from an office or school are good, too.
  • Check online, on Craigslist for “curb alerts” of people giving away their packing boxes. You may also have some luck getting giveaway ones on freecycle.com.
  • Consider reusables. A few companies rent or sell reused cardboard and reusable plastic boxes. Check out usedcardboardboxes.com or zippgo.com or rentagreenbox.com.
  • Visit a home-improvement store. Home Depot and Lowe’s both offer reasonably priced moving supplies, as well as online checklists and other useful tools to help get you organized.

Box-Labeling Lesson

  • Mark boxes on the top and on the side (so if one is covered, you can hopefully spot the other) with a short summary of contents (kids’ books) and where they should go (playroom).
  • Stack filled boxes that go to the same room together, so they go out to the truck at the same time, and are (hopefully) loaded at the same time.
  • Use the app for that. Moving Van is an iPhone app ($1.99) that lets you snap photos of the contents of boxes, quickly catalog them, and assign each box a name or number. Then, when you’re unpacking everything (which isn’t always a super-fast process), and you need to find a specific item that isn’t unpacked yet, you can simply search for it on your app and immediately ID the box you need to look in.

Packing the Moving Truck

If loading it up yourself or supervising movers, keep in mind these rules of thumb.

  • When reserving a rental, follow the trucking companies’ size suggestions — but if in doubt, go bigger (you don’t want to have to make two trips).
  • Make of list of what you intend to move — and think about what you’ll put in first (see below). It’s no fun to have to take things out once you’ve put them in, if you decide too late that they’re in the wrong spot.
  • Know your packing order. First, load the biggest, heaviest stuff such as furniture and appliances (and don’t assume things need to load as they normally sit — sofas, for instance, take up much less space if flipped up on one end). Then, add the heavier boxes. Next go lighter items (furniture like chairs). On the very top, add the glassware and other breakables. Put your best puzzle-solver inside the truck to decide where stuff goes.
  • Boxes and items should be packed tightly together so they won’t move, and furniture should be wrapped in pads or blankets. Rope things to the walls of the truck to discourage sliding, and if the truck won’t be filled to the brim, keep the top surface level so nothing will topple down. A good last add is a mattress, which you can rope tightly into the end as an extra pad if items slosh back.

Do You Need Extra Insurance to Cover the Move?

Your regular homeowners’ and/or car insurance may cover a move but ask — if not (and even if so), it may be worth the peace of mind to purchase extra, from the truck rental agency or on your existing insurance plans.