What to Know About Long Distance Moving Quotes

On By timelss9

So you’ve decided to hire professional movers. That’s a wise decision. Long-distance relocation isn’t something you can easily pull off by yourself. However, remember that no two moving companies are alike. There’s always going to be a difference in the […]

Where to Start When Planning Your Upcoming Move to Austin

On By timelss9

Getting things done is way easier than getting things started. Take writing, for example. It’s more effortless to write the body and finish the article than when you’re at the beginning, staring at a blank page, struggling to find words to ignite your ideas.

That’s how it goes for your move as well. The operation might seem daunting at first, but once you’ve laid out plans, everything should proceed smoothly.

But the question is, where do you start planning? Is it by packing? Downsizing? Contacting movers?

Luckily, there’s no need to stress yourself more than you have to. Everything you need to know is written in this Austin relocation guide.

So without further ado, here goes!

Determine Your Needs and Evaluate Options

The best way to come up with a great plan is by knowing the specifics. Start by asking yourself:

  • Do I have the energy and time to pull off the move by myself? 
  • Can I risk missing a couple of days from work to complete my move?
  • How big is my home? Can I move large furniture or fragile items without professional help?
  • Is it worth buying dollies, straps, and other moving equipment for a one-time operation?

Additionally, you should also consider services that can help make your move convenient, such as:

  • Renting a truck or moving pod to assist your DIY move.
  • Hiring a professional moving company.
  • Using a mixture of both (like doing the packing but letting movers move your stuff).

Once done with this part, notice that you now have a clearer picture of how things will progress. Although there’s a limit to what you can do by yourself, it’s understandable to hesitate with getting help because of budgetary restrictions. However, many movers offer excellent services at affordable prices. Hiring professionals provides the ultimate protection for your belongings while alleviating stress.

Do Your Research

When moving to a big city like Austin, information is your best friend. Knowing what to expect, how logistics work, things to avoid, and a couple of other things will speed up the process and prevent future problems. Even if this guide doesn’t cover every nook and corner of Austin, here are some important must-knows to help you start:

  • What’s the weather like?

Like most of Texas, Austin skies are perfect for outdoor activities. Summer is brutally hot and humid, while the rest of the year is mild, even during winter. You might want to let go of your boots and snow gear. Keep in mind that although you can survive the heat with fans, air-conditioning is highly recommended.

  • Cost of Living

As one would expect from a prominent city, Austin is a moderately expensive place. It may not be as costly as NYC or San Francisco, but the overall cost of living index is still higher than the US average. The median home price is $421,526, according to walletinvestor.com. But that’s nothing to be surprised about considering the city’s thriving economy.

  • Can you get a job in Austin?

Definitely! The primary reason why people move here is for the bountiful employment opportunities that it offers. Along with a low unemployment rate, you’ll find plenty of jobs in the tech industry, finance, retail, food, and hospitality, as well as in healthcare, law, and education.

Best Neighborhoods in Austin

The community you choose to settle in plays a massive role in your quality of living. So having an idea of an area’s vibe will help you make a decision you won’t regret. That said, here are some popular neighborhoods to explore:

  • Cherrywood: Situated just east of the University of Texas, this tree-filled area is a common pick among students, retirees, and UT faculty and staff. Several bars and restaurants also line Manor Road, providing residents with ample places to unwind.
  • North Loop: Featuring the traditional Austin vibe of funky and liberated, North Loop radiates with quirky energy. You’ll find plenty of convenience stores, strip centers, and thrift shops in this popular neighborhood, along with eateries like Pint House Pizza and Foreign & Domestic.
  • Downtown: Of course, how can you forget the heart of Austin? Though the area is overrun by a growing homeless population, Downtown offers access to Lady Bird Lake, the adjacent 10-mile hike and bike trail, and amazing restaurants and bars, particularly in the 2nd Street District.
  • Westlake: Want to be closer to nature? Consider purchasing a home in Westlake close to the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. The place features 227-acres of Hill Country flora along with three miles of nature trails.
  • Crestview: If you’re looking for a place that feels small despite the big city feel of Austin, then this neighborhood is meant for you. The community here is tight-knit, and houses aren’t too big or grand to make you feel unwelcome.

Hire Professional Movers

Thanks to the intro above, you now know the importance of getting professional assistance. But how exactly can movers help you? They can do most of the planning for starters—no need to test your patience or stress. On top of that, they can move your belongings safely thanks to their useful set of tools, organized workflow, and ample experience. Lastly, the best part of the deal is the insurance they provide, giving you peace of mind and ultimately reducing your anxiety.

Start Decluttering and Making Preparations

Downsizing your belongings is essential in the moving process. Not only does it expedite the operation, but it’ll also save you money since you’ll be transferring fewer items. Start by sorting your household items into three groups: for sale, for donation, and for trash. Once you’ve done that, proceed to gather supplies if you decide to pack things by yourself. Inform your family and friends of your moving date so they know when to come over and help. Last but not least, make sure to change your address and transfer your utilities in advance.

One Final Tip

Before you proceed with your plan, there’s one more piece of advice you can take. Take note that this one’s optional. It’s not necessary, but it’ll help a lot if you do it:

Spend a day or two in Austin. You may have done your research, but nothing beats experience. Take time to explore the neighborhoods and evaluate the vibe and atmosphere of each before purchasing a home. Consider:

Do you see yourself living here for years? How do you feel about the people? Think you’ll jive with most of them? Besides a higher salary, what could make you enjoy your time living in the city?

Of course, only you can answer these questions. Whatever your reasons are for moving, know that Austin is always ready to welcome you!

How to Move on a Budget

On By timelss9

Let’s face it, moving is a pain. It takes a frustratingly long amount of time and lots of effort to box up all of your possessions from one place and move them to another. To ease the burden, some people choose to hire a moving company to do all of the work for them, but to some, this may seem like an affordable option. There are plenty of ways to hire a moving professional, while saving big on other areas of your move.

Reduce and Recycle

The more stuff that you have to move, the higher your moving costs will be. Most cheap movers provide quotes based upon the estimated weight of your move. So, if you have some possessions that you no longer want or use, give them away instead of taking them with you. Many donation centers will come and pick up working appliances, clothing, and household items for free. This option will also give you the added benefit of a tax deduction at the end of the year for the donations that you make. If you have items that they won’t accept then consider taking them to a recycling center instead.

Moving Supplies

If you have a rough idea of the date on which you will move, you can get moving supplies ahead of time for a reduced cost. Watch local stores for sales on rolls of shipping tape and labels. You can often get boxes for free just by asking local retail stores if they have some extra from products that they get shipped in. Pallets are often set outside businesses with a “free” sign attached to them too. There are also lots of places online that allow you to order used boxes and packing materials for a more eco-friendly relocation.

Plan it Out

If you plan on renting a truck for the move, try to choose a moving date that isn’t in the summer months or on a weekend. The rates are often much higher during this time because the moving trucks are in such high demand. This doesn’t mean that you have to move during the winter months though. The fall or spring work just as well. Also, use the moving truck to haul your largest possessions before you tackle the small ones. This way, you can return the moving truck faster, and you will be charged less. Small items can often be fit inside your car. And, ask your friends and family members that are going to help you which day works best for them. Get a clear schedule set up before you rent your moving truck, or you might end up not having enough help.

Calling in the Professionals

If there is no way that you can get anyone to help you move or complete the task yourself, hiring professional movers might be your best option. To keep your costs low, tell them what your available budget is, and ask them what services they will provide for that amount. Often, if you pack up your stuff and have it ready, or offer flexibility with your moving dates, they are willing to give you a discount.

Compare Moving Quotes

A common mistake among moving households is settling for the first movers to offer them a quote. If you do this, you’re basically shutting down other options that might be better than your current deal. That’s why you should obtain quotes from at least three different companies. Compare their prices, services, and insurance coverage with each other. Some known movers will charge more, given their excellent track record and satisfied customers. However, if you’re running tight on budget, hiring a new company isn’t such a bad idea. Just make sure that your potential mover has established a decent reputation already.

Find the Perfect Time to Move

Relocating on a budget is all about timing. Like any industry, the moving business has its peak and off-seasons. Summer is particularly the busiest time of the year. It’s when most families choose to move thanks to the pleasant weather. The roads are also packed with people heading to beaches and vacations. As a result, relocation demands skyrocket together with the prices.

Note that it’s also difficult to reduce costs around September. Why? Simply because school is starting and students are moving into their dormitories and apartments. If you’re quite keen on saving, execute your move during winter when you’ve got limited competition. But of course, you’ll have to deal with the harsh conditions. That’s why it’s best to time your move during the fall in which prices and the weather are still reasonable.

Hold a Yard Sale

Remember those items that donation centers didn’t bother to accept? You can still squeeze money out of those in a yard sale. Make sure you’ve prepared the prices beforehand so that transactions will proceed smoothly. If a buyer tries to bargain, don’t think twice about accepting and closing the deal. You’re going to throw stuff away that won’t sell anyway. Might as well get something than nothing. Besides a yard sale, you could try selling your goods on social media. People who live nearby might be interested and hit you up.

Be Resourceful When Packing

Packing your belongings while letting the movers handle the heavy lifting will save you a great deal. You can reduce expenses even further by using existing materials in your home as packing supplies. Sheets and blankets can be used as padding to mitigate impacts. Make use of old newspapers to wrap breakables. Load your books in suitcases and leave dressers as is. Lastly, you can wad extra laundry in fresh trash bags. It’s all about innovation and getting creative!

Ask Your Friends to Come Over

Skipping out on hiring movers leaves you with the daunting task of doing everything by yourself. But that’s impossible and unnecessary. People like to say ‘the more, the merrier’ so why don’t you ask your friends for help? What? Are you too shy to do it? Well, that’s what you’re thinking, but little do you know, they’re more than willing to assist you! Just don’t forget about the incentives! Buy everyone pizza or drinks on you tonight!

Plan Your Utility Transfer

Knowing when to transfer utilities will help avoid unnecessary expenses. Make sure to contact your provider and ask them to cut off utilities in your old home the day after moving out. It would be inconvenient to have no electricity or running water on moving day. Subsequently, instruct them to transfer the services to the new address the day before you arrive. This ensures that no utility service is wasted and you have no extra bills to worry about.

Watch Out for Moving Scams

All your efforts to save will be for nothing if you hire rogue movers. The worst-case scenario would be them giving you a too-good-to-be-true estimate, make you deposit a large amount, and then hold your belongings hostage in a warehouse unless you fork over additional cash. As for their typical modus operandi, rogue movers will include hidden charges after the move. You can avoid these situations by checking online reviews and ensuring that the movers are registered with the FMCSA.

 

Moving Resources | How To Find An Austin Realtor

On By timelss9

When you want to make a smooth and painless real estate transaction, one of the most important things that you need to do is find a reliable realtor. Selling or buying a home is one of your biggest and most significant financial transactions. It is upon you to ensure that everything is done right. A good realtor can make the difference between a good and a bad real estate transaction. If you work with an ineffective or inexperienced realtor, the outcome of your transactions will be as disappointing as the whole process of selling or buying a home. There are simple things that you can do when you want to find the best realtors in Austin. The simple thing that you should do include;

Conduct research

When you want to find the best Austin realtor to help when selling or buying a home, you have to conduct research both offline and online. Research is important because it will help you gather all the important information you need to make the right decision. When you get online, search for the best realtors in Austin.  It’s really strange that many people do more research to hire yelp movers than they do finding their agent. Considering the value the agent can bring to the table, this is crazy!

Check what other people who have sought the services of a given realtor before say. You should raise a red flag when you find a realtor with a lot of negative reviews. When doing your offline research, talk to people who have sought the services of realtors before.

Get referrals

Do you know anyone who has sought the services of a realtor before? This will be one of the easiest ways to find a reliable realtor. If you have a friend or relative who is happy with the services that he/she received from a given realtor, he/she will definitely be happy to give you a referral. Ask other businesses you are currently using. Reach out to your moving company and see if they can recommend someone. However, you should conduct your own independent research on the realtors that you have been referred to know for sure that they have the reputation for providing quality services. Do not dwell only on what you are told by the person who referred you to a given realtor.

Find out how long a given realtor has been in business

You can find out how long a given relator has been in business by checking at the state licensing agency. Alternatively, you can just ask the realtor how long he/she has been in operation. You should avoid realtors who have not been in the real estate field for more than five years. This is the best way to avoid realtors who are still learning on the job. The longer the period that a given realtor has been in business, the more experienced he/she is and the more likely it is for you to get quality services.

Check licensing

Serious Austin realtors are registered by the state’s regulatory body. Before selecting a realtor to help when you want to buy or sell a home, it is important to check for licensing. While checking for licensing, also check whether there have been complaints and disciplinary actions. A realtor who has satisfied all the conditions that have been set by authority is more likely to provide you with the help you need.

Moving Companies For Long Distance Moves

On By timelss9

No two relocations are exactly alike. Whether you’re shifting to another neighborhood or relocating across the country, the moving process will be different for each person. But one thing is for sure – it’ll stress you out. And while residential moves can already be complicated, expect more problems to arise if you’re moving out-of-state. However, you shouldn’t worry too much. With a good long-distance moving company, your move’s success can be guaranteed right from the beginning.

But the big question is: How do you go about finding the right long-distance movers? To answer the question, here are some practical tips:

Cheap Isn’t Necessarily the Only Way to Save

While it’s true that hiring movers for cheap can significantly cut down costs, you might want to be careful. Some rogue movers bait victims by giving them offers that are too good to resist. Once you’ve taken their bait, they’ll come after you with hidden charges. Knowing this, you should understand that established moving companies have good reasons for their prices. One of those is the security of your belongings as well as providing you peace of mind.

Comparing Quotes is a Must

Don’t settle for the first company to drop an offer. Remember that you’re the boss of this operation. Of course, you’ll want to choose the best among your options. That’s why you should obtain quotes from at least four to five different moving companies. Don’t bother with the ones that don’t make the effort of visiting your home to provide an estimate. Once you’ve gathered their offers, compare the prices and services with each other. Make sure you select the one that can meet your needs and fits your budget.

Check For Legitimacy

Just because your potential movers’ website overflows with positive testimonials doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions. Most of these reviews have been meticulously selected to boost the company’s image. If you want to learn more about your movers, check out the reviews on Yelp or ask if they have complaints with the BBB. As a final precaution, ask for their USDOT number and run it through the FMCSA search tool.

Ask Questions

As the boss, you have every right to know the specifics of the operation. So don’t be shy to ask your movers questions and bring up your concerns. Make inquiries about important stuff like how they operate, what kind of training their staff undergoes, how they maintain their trucks and tools, what type of damages their insurance covers, etc. Keep in mind that communication is vital to any process. Plus, it helps your movers if you understand the way they do things.

Decide on Extra Services

Unless you’ve hired full-service movers, prepping for a long-distance by yourself can be complicated. But this doesn’t mean you can’t have the best of both worlds. You can still hire movers while doing basic tasks such as packing and cleaning. However, you might want to consider adding extra services, especially if you have lots of furniture. Most movers offer specific jobs for an added price like white-glove moving, furniture assembly, piano moving, and even shipping your car! Sure, it might bump up your bill, but it would be worth saving energy and time.

Prepare for Moving Day

Once everything is set between you and your movers, it’s time to get ready for the big day. The first thing to do would be to downsize. Sell or donate stuff you don’t need anymore. Bring as little as possible if you want to reduce moving costs. Next, gather supplies if you’re going to do the packing. Arrange for the transfer of your utilities and change your mailing address. Finally, be sure to inform friends and family of your moving date so they can come over and help. And that’s it!

Enjoy this big moment of your life. Wishing you a successful move!

Cheap Movers NYC

On By timelss9

New York New York!  What a great, amazing, and beautiful city.  But when it comes to finding best Movers NYC, there are lots of companies to choose from and many moving options you want to consider.  Finding that perfect balance between low-cost movers and high quality service isn’t easy, but we can help.   This website has a database of great moving companies in the city that are all fully licensed, insured, and equipped to safely handle your belongings.  Start saving today with the best moving companies that New York has to offer.

cheap-movers-nyc