Category Archives: Moving Tips

Make Moving During the Holidays a Painless Experience

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Make Moving During the Holidays a Painless ExperienceMoving during the “most wonderful time of the year” is anything but wonderful. At a time when people look forward to cozying up at home, the last thing most of us want to do is pack boxes, clean, and wrangle odds and ends.

But some people don’t have a choice. Selling your home in the winter, graduating from college, or relocating for a new job are just some of the reasons people move during the holidays.

If you find yourself in this scenario, trust us when we say that moving doesn’t have to ruin your holiday fun. The following tips will help make it less hectic and more bearable. We promise!

Include a change of address in your holiday cards

This year, you can kill two birds with one stone with your holiday cards: they can also serve as your change-of-address announcements. If you know your new address, consider including a change-of-address note in your holiday cards to alert family and friends.

Donate seasonal items

The holiday season is a prime time to spread goodwill to others. Consider giving some of your gently used items to those who may otherwise have no way of affording them.

Warm clothes, in particular, are in demand at consignment stores during winter months, and parents welcome toys for their kids. If you’re not sure where to donate your goods, your local Salvation Army is a good place to start.

Ask for a holiday discount

You may find that movers are in the giving spirit this time of year and will show their appreciation for your business.

Book your moving company early and ask for a discount. This time of year is not as busy as others, so the movers might feel more generous and agree to a reduced price for their services.

Another bonus: Your moving date is more likely to be available to book because movers aren’t as busy during this time of year.

Keep gifts to a minimum this year

Secret Santa gift exchanges, Yankee Swap parties, and traditional gift-giving among your friends and relatives are all part of the holiday season. However, the last thing people who are moving need is more stuff.

To keep the mess to a minimum, ask people to not bring or send presents until you have moved into your new home.

As an alternative, consider keeping gifts wrapped until you arrive at your new place for easy packing and unpacking.

Recycle supplies

Relocating involves a lot of moving supplies like bubble wrap and boxes, but you don’t have to spend a lot on them.

To avoid waste and save some money, reuse the boxes and paper from packages you receive during the holidays.

Ask your friends for their leftover boxes and wrapping paper as well.

Pack accordingly

You’re bound to have a lot of boxes on your hands, which can make it difficult to find your box of decorations. But make it easy to deck your new halls by packing your ornaments, garlands, and festive adornments last.

Load your holiday decor boxes last so when you move into your new home you can give it an instant holiday feel.

Give yourself the gift of a moving company

If you have to move during the holidays but you’d really prefer to reduce the stress of moving, we recommend gifting yourself (and your family) a professional moving company. It’ll be more expensive than moving boxes yourself, but hiring an extra set of hands will allow you to focus on the parties and festive get-togethers that happen during this time of year.

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 for Moving During the Holidays

Things to Remember About Moving in Fall

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  • Moving in Fall is generally more affordable to move during the fall months
  • Movers will have more availability and are more likely to meet your schedule
  • Keep colder weather and shorter days in mind when trying to complete your move in one day

Moving in FallMoving in fall is typically much more affordable

Nearly 40 million Americans move every year, and more than half of them move between May and September. As there’s less demand for moving companies and truck rentals in the fall, moving costs are usually lower and moving companies are more likely to negotiate.

Movers have more flexible schedules

As fall is the off-season for most moving companies, you’ll have more flexibility to choose a date that works for you, rather than being forced to move when they can fit you in. There are usually more weekend moving dates available from September to November.

Keep in mind that most people move toward the end of the month, so it’s best to try to avoid this time period.

School calendars are different in each school district

Most families try to move during the summer months to be settled in before the beginning of the school year.

While that’s not always possible, it’s important to note that kids in the south start the school year in early August and schools up north start at the end of August or after Labor Day. That means if you move from the north to the south, your kids might be missing about a month of lessons.

It gets dark earlier

When planning your move, keep in mind that the days get shorter and there’s not as much sunlight as the calendar approaches the winter season. We change the clocks back an hour for daylight saving time on the first weekend in November and it starts getting dark as early as 5 p.m.

If you’re moving late in the fall, make sure you start loading and unloading early in the day.

Leaves on the ground can be slippery

Fall is a beautiful time of the year as the leaves change color, but they can become a hazard as you’re moving around quickly. Wear sturdy shoes and be careful when carrying things because the walkways can be full of leaves and your footing might not be as stable as usual.

Before moving anything heavy, check out your walking route and clear a clean pathway. Keep a rake or broom handy.

Pack and unload for the season

While you’re packing and unloading your clothes and sporting gear, organize seasonal items so that you have immediate access to what you will need right away.

Pack and label your boxes so that you can find cold-weather items you may need shortly after you settle into your new place, like rain gear and warm clothing.

Dress in layers and keep extra clothing accessible

On moving day, as you’ll be continuously going indoors and outdoors, your body temperature may keep changing. Be prepared to put on and shed clothing throughout the day.

Have extra shirts, coats, hats and gloves readily accessible, in your car, not packed away in the moving truck.

Activate the heat and lights at your new home

A few days before your move, call the utility companies to set up your heat and electricity at your new home. When you finish moving in, you’ll want to be cozy and warm. You’ll also need plenty of light to unpack your things.

Cover your carpet or hardwood floors

During the fall, you’re likely to track in wet leaves, dirt and mud. When moving out, you want to get back your security deposit, so be sure to keep your floors clean and protect them from getting damaged.

Cover them with a plastic tarp or cardboard. Use floor mats to pad heavier furniture. When you arrive at your new home, be sure the movers wait for you to lay down plastic before unloading your items.

Plan ahead and enjoy your move

Moving is always stressful. If you have the flexibility to choose which season to move, choose the fall. You’ll probably save money and enjoy nice weather on the big day.

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 for Moving in Fall

Moving Out of State Checklist

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Moving out of state is a delicate matter that requires exceptional levels of preparation and planning. You definitely don’t want to greet Moving day without a clear plan of action. Why?

Because, unlike a local move across town, or a move to a neighboring or intrastate town or city, moving to a new state is the type of residential relocation that will bring a number of challenges to test your overall preparedness.

Will you be one hundred percent [100%] ready to move out of state?

Consult this moving to a new state checklist and see what it has to say about your out of state moving options and finding one of the best out of state moving companies in the country.

Out of state moving options

Just think about this: a local move will give you a couple of relocation options – hire movers or move on your own. It’s always a good thing to have various options and alternatives in any given situation so that you can make the best choice after conducting a careful analysis of the presented circumstances. The problem here is that you could end up with the wrong decision.

As a rule of thumb, choose to organize and execute a self-move only if

  • you’re moving locally within the same town, city, county or state (short distance),
  • you’re moving a relatively small number of household items that should fit into a standard rental moving truck,
  • you’re NOT moving any special household items that require professional packing and special handling during the move (antique furniture, pianos, pool tables, hot tubs, grandfather clocks, heavy safes, etc.),
  • you have moved house before, so you know how to plan, organize and pull off a self-move,
  • you have reliable friends who will give you a hand when you need assistance the most.

On the other hand, the moment your long distance move becomes merely a matter of time, the first thing you should bear in mind is that the greater move distance will narrow down your choices.

Moving Out of State Checklist

Let interstate movers handle the details of your long distance move.

In the majority of cases, the cross-country moving phenomenon proves to be a blessing in disguise because you won’t lose precious time analyzing whether you can move to a new state on your own, or not. Instead, you can concentrate on getting ready for the arrival of your state to state movers.

Also, your valuable household items will be in safe hands during the long haul between Point A (your current home) and Point B (your new house or apartment). Choosing professional packing services for some of the more expensive and fragile items you own will guarantee their survival during the long distance move.

Without a doubt, the best way to move out of state is to hire the services of a interstate moving company. The wide range of professional moving services you will be offered by the pros will give you the chance to select the type of expert assistance that you really need, thus enabling you to save on your upcoming move.

In addition to packing and unpacking, the best full-service moving companies in the country can also offer disassembly and re-assembly of large furniture, handling of specialty items, custom crating of precious items, hoisting of oversized items through windows and balconies, temporary storage and warehouse handling, and so on.

When hiring professional movers for your approaching house move, make sure you understand your options when it comes to Valuation and Insurance so that you can pick the best protection for your prized possessions.

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

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.

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.

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.