Category: moving

Suggestions for settling in a new home

Posted on by Denise Caron-Quinn

by Guest Blogger: Michaell Waugh.

Moving is probably one of the most stressful tasks experienced by the majority of persons. For this reason, many people have often refrained from moving. The stress can be minimized by getting in touch with the right removals. The relocation companies will offer everything that is required to make sure a successful movement takes place. These companies facilitate the required amount of workers as well as equipment to get the work done.

There are many removal companies, all with the potential to offer excellent services. The right removals will offer a full service that involves packing, loading and transportation to the new residence. The removals will focus on moving the items to their destination, allowing you to concentrate primarily on getting yourself settled in the new home.

Before choosing a company it is important to research the company thoroughly. When you do your research, you will be in a position to get information on the services on offer. It is equally important to find out the company’s level of experience and reputation in the industry. A company which has been in operation for a long period is borne to offer its services with a high degree of ability.

The right removal company will offer an insurance coverage to cater for possible damages while transporting the goods. Although the insurance cover can be purchased through other channels, the process can be simplified by considering a company that offers insurance. It helps to cover your valuable items from getting broken or damaged during the move. Accidents happen regularly hence it is necessary to be ready with adequate insurance coverage during the move. When examining the insurance cover offered by the Sydney Removals Company it is important to verify which coverage is most suitable.

To find a quality removal company make a review of the services provided by each of the companies. Find out whether the company will indeed offer the services you need. In case you intend to do the packing yourself, some removal companies will let you undertake that job, so that you will not have to cater for the bill of that service. Paying a close look at the services provided by each of the companies will help you to decide which of the services suit your needs.

It is equally important to consider the cost being charged by the removal companies. Cheap removals are also available. Therefore, if you want to benefit from substantial savings these will provide your way out. In case your budget is limited, you will need to opt for a company that offers quality services at a competitive rate. This way you will not compromise quality for the least prices. Furthermore, it is important to scrutinize how the price has been calculated. Find out whether the cost will be charged on an hourly basis or according to the amount of goods being transported.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/moving-and-relocating-articles/suggestions-for-settling-in-new-home-6102555.html

How To Plan An Office Relocation

Posted on by Denise Caron-Quinn

By: Guest Blogger: Clare Moorhouse of Help Moving Office. Help Moving Office is an online resource that guides companies through the entire office relocation process. Help Moving Office offers free Office Relocation Checklists and Planning Guides to help plan a successful office move.

As companies try to reduce their overheads and prepare for the future, office relocation is proving to be an effective strategy for getting into better, cheaper and more appropriate office space. It can enable a business to consolidate, reduce excessive costs and build a stronger platform from which to grow. But planning an office relocation can be a time-consuming and challenging task, and with so much to do, it can be difficult to know what to do – let alone where to start!

Help Moving Office has put together five key steps on planning a successful office relocation:

1. Are you in a position to move office?

There are many reasons why a company might want to relocate; better facilities, bigger/smaller office space, the need for a better location or simply to reduce overheads.  Whatever the reasons, it is important to be clear about the motivation behind the relocation in order to define criteria and map out your new office requirements.

Questions to ask yourself:

  • Is an office move necessary will it prove beneficial to the business?
  • What are the lease conditions for leaving your existing property (notice period, option to break etc.)
  • How do we exit our office lease and what is the required notice period?
  • Can the business afford to relocate?

Asking these questions, and being clear about the goals/objectives of the move, is a key starting point from which you can formulate a clear and Office Relocation Project Plan.

2. Start the planning early

Many companies make the same mistake and underestimate the amount of time and effort required in planning an office relocation, and this can result in escalating costs, drop in productivity and unnecessary disruption to your staff and business. It’s never too early to start planning your office move, but best practice suggests that, depending on the size of your business, between 9-18 months in advance of your lease expiry date is recommended.

Starting the planning of your office relocation early will not only give you the best possible chance of achieving a smooth transition, but it will also enable you to make the right informed decisions and help to avoid any costly or operational mistakes that might affect your business during the move or even throughout the course of your new tenancy.

Companies moving office should always err on the side of caution and assume that everything will take longer to organize than imagined.

3. Break-down the Office Relocation into manageable bite-size chunks

An office relocation might seem like a daunting project to undertake at first, but by breaking down the process down into simple steps and tasks, it makes the entire project much easier to manage.  Help Moving Office has a range of Office Relocation Checklists  to help manage and execute your office move effectively.  It’s the easiest way to manage your office move and ensures that everything gets done on time and nothing gets forgotten.

4. Hire Professionals

Calling on the help of external professionals plays a big role in helping you achieve a successful relocation and will ensure that neither time nor money is wasted.

The expert advice needed to help with the key stages of your office move should include:

  • Tenant Rep Broker – to help find and secure the ideal office space and negotiate the best office lease terms for your business.
  • Real Estate Lawyer – to review the office lease to ensure everything is properly documented and that your commercial interests are fully protected as a tenant.
  • Office Design Company – to create a functional and inspiring workplace which increases productivity and enables your business to thrive.
  • IT & Telecom Solution Provider – to ensure your IT and phone systems are set up properly in the new office and minimize any disruption to your business throughout the move.
  • Office Moving Company – to ensure your office move day goes like clockwork with everything working and in its right place.

Getting professional help for your office relocation is the single, most important “MUST DO” for companies wishing to achieve a successful outcome.

5. Make sure you don’t forget IT!

Your IT systems and business phones are an indispensible element of the running your business, and without these working properly in your new office – your business could suffer dire consequences.   Planning your IT relocation early will get your business fully operational quickly in the new office without any IT delays or disasters.

Use the IT Relocation Checklist available at Help Moving Office for a step-by-step guide to the migration, infrastructure set up and testing of your IT systems so that disruption is kept to an absolute minimum throughout the relocation.

An office relocation is a huge undertaking for any business, but with the right planning and support you will be in a better position to plan a successful office move that your business deserves.

Long Distance Moving Tips

Posted on by Denise Caron-Quinn

by: Guest Blogger Christina M Scully

Moving long distance is a difficult process, more so than moving a town or two over. As a type of move that involves crossing state lines, it takes these moving tips, preparation and some changes to get the job done. Before you decide to pack up all of your belongings and trek your entire life along with you, it may be time to do a little spring cleaning – for your entire house.

If you have not worn or used something in more than a year, it is time to get rid of it. The last thing you want when you are moving long distance is to have to bring all of your possessions with you. Hold on to the keepsakes full of memories and the necessities. If something needs to be replaced, buy it when you are in your new place of residence.

A good way to rid your home of things that are still in good condition, but that you plan on leaving behind, is to have a garage sale. Remember, your trash is someone else’s treasure. Selling the prom dress your daughter has not worn since high school or the centerpiece that grandma gave to you years ago that is just sitting in the closet are both great things to offer to others.

Now that you have narrowed your belongings down to the necessities, moving long distance will be much simpler than before. The next step is to make a list of everything you are moving while you are packing up the boxes. Then be sure to label each box by writing the general contents of it and the room you plan on bringing it to on the top. Although this is a tedious process, it helps to be organized when you have a home full of belongings being packed up and moved across state lines. This way, when you move into your new residence, you can check off everything on your list to make sure it all got moved.

Before you can start a new chapter in your life in your new home, you must transport everything to your new location. Finding a company that will aid you in moving long distance will lift a huge weight off your shoulders. Getting aid from a company is also much cheaper than trying to transport everything yourself.

Once all of your belongings have been transported to your new home, the unpacking process begins. This process may take some time, but the preparation and organization that you started in your previous place of residence will certainly help.

Follow these tips and you can make the process a much easier one.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christina_M_Scully

Moving Tips: Five Things To Save Your Sanity And Your Things

Posted on by Denise Caron-Quinn

by: Guest Blogger Rick Del Sontro, the President of Zippy Shell USA.Buying a house, getting a new job, upgrading your living quarters – these are all usually wonderful and exciting things! So what’s the downfall? The actual moving process. It is long, difficult and usually quite expensive. There are a few things you can do, however, to make sure the process is as painless as possible.

Here is a list of 5 things to help you out that you will want to keep handy the next time you move. These tips will save your sanity, as well as your things.

1. Start early and give yourself enough time.

Moving always takes longer than you would expect. And you always have more stuff hidden away in your closet than you expect. There is also an illusion that happens when it looks like you are about done, but really still have quite a bit to do. Part of the remedy for this is to start a good 4-6 weeks before your actual moving day.

Start with the things that are out of season, like winter clothes, or gardening tools – whatever the case may be. Pack the things that obviously won’t be needed between now and then. Books/movies are another good place to start. When you start early, you can go slow and not worry about rushing things as you get closer to moving day.

You can also start early by saving up supplies and budgeting for the move. You don’t need to save boxes forever, but when it’s time to pack up, you will not regret having a corner in the basement for them.

2. Get organized!

One of the biggest things that will save come time to move and pack up is your ability to get (and stay) organized. Having a plan, and knowing exactly where things are and what is coming next will reduce stress like nothing else on this list.

Start out by creating or getting a list of all your “moving to-dos”. You can find many moving checklists online available for free. These will include things like address changes, new resident packets, tax breaks, etc – the stuff that easily falls through the cracks until the last minute.

Another way to get organized is to create categories for your move. You can pack everything in these categories into the same boxes, and know exactly what you are unpacking. Examples include “electronics”, “office”, “kitchen”, “clothing”, etc.

Also be sure to have the proper supplies ready for the move (mentioned also briefly in point number one). Have lots of tape handy, different size boxes (clothes are much lighter than books, for instance, and can therefore be in a bigger box generally), permanent markers to label things, and of course some quick and easy food to re-energize yourself!

3. Get rid of the clutter.

The more you move, the more things you will realize you can live without. Saved every single piece of homework your child has ever done? Consider cutting that in half. Have enough clothes to fill the truck? Give some to your local Goodwill. Do you have a small library in your home? Ditch the ones that collect the most dust.

Getting rid of your extras will save quite a bit of room. This is a category to take inventory of before you start packing. If you can’t remember the last time you used something, go ahead and give it away – it is doubtful you’ll miss it!

4. Have a few “open first” boxes/suitcases.

This often gets forgotten. Pretend like you’re going on a 3 or 4 day vacation and pack what you would for that. Clothes, phone chargers, laptops, toiletries, etc. You want to make sure you can live for those first few days that you don’t have things unpacked. These need to be put in the moving trucks/cars last so they are easily accessible once you get to your destination. They are also handy if you need to be in a hotel for a few nights on a long road trip, or whatever the case may be. For entertainment purposes you might also want to throw in a few a books, DVDs, and games, especially if you have kids.

5. Consider going professional.

This does not have to mean hiring a company to pack up and move everything for you. You can rent trucks and trailers yourself, you can go with a mobile self-storage option, or you can keep things in a storage unit and come back later. The expense often outweighs the headache of doing a move 100% on your own.

Recommended Amounts For Holiday Tipping

Posted on by Denise Caron-Quinn

Holiday tipping is a way to show others how much you appreciate their services. In this tough economy, many individuals are struggling to make ends meet. If you have been blessed this past year, share it with others by giving them a proper tip.

Here is a list of recommended amounts for holiday tipping:

1. Housekeeper

If you have a housekeeper who works hard to keep your home clean it is customary to show your appreciation for their hard work around the holidays. The suggested tip amount would be one week’s pay.

2. Newspaper Carrier

These individuals work hard to get your newspapers to you. They brave the dark and the cold to deliver your paper in the wee hours of the morning. The suggested amount to tip your newspaper carrier is $20. However, if you can afford to give more, it would be a great way to show your appreciation.

3. Child’s Teacher

Your child’s teacher has the immense responsibility of educating your child. There are very few jobs that are this important. Many individuals feel that gift cards are more appropriate for the teacher than money. One or two gift cards in the amount of $25 to the local book store or office supply store is a great tip for that special teacher.

4. Hairstylist

It is customary to tip your hairstylist with each session. So a random holiday tip may not be necessary. However, if you call your hairstylist and beg her to fit you in for that last minute holiday party, you should expect to tip her at least 50% over the amount you normally would.

5.  Dog Walker

If you have a good dog walker who always shows up on time and never complains about walking your dog during the rain and snow, you should reward them handsomely for their dedication.  A good tip amount for a dedicated dog walker would be the equivalent of what you would normally pay for three dog walking sessions.

6. Trash Collectors.

These guys have a rough job. Imagine getting up before dawn to collect other people’s stinky trash. The customary tip amount for trash collectors is $10 to $30.

7. Personal Trainer

If you have a good rapport with your personal trainer and have been thrilled with his or her services over the past year then a holiday tip is necessary. The normal tip would be $50 or the cost of one session.

8. Letter Carrier

Keep in mind, the U.S. Post Office forbids mail carriers from accepting cash. Any gifts that are given must be worth less than $20. But you can still your letter carrier how much you appreciate him or her by giving them a basket of fruit or a box of chocolates.

When you are out and about this holiday, spread a little holiday cheer by tipping your waiters and waitresses a little extra. You have the power to make someone else’s life a little easier through the simple act of tipping.

Useful Links: The Sweet Team

Tipping Etiquette Recommendations for the Holidays

Posted on by Denise Caron-Quinn

Holiday tipping is a way to show others how much you appreciate their services. In this tough economy, many individuals are struggling to make ends meet. If you have been blessed this past year, share it with others by giving them a proper tip.

Here are the details on tipping etiquette and recommends for holiday tipping:

1. Housekeeper

If you have a housekeeper who works hard to keep your home clean it is customary to show your appreciation for their hard work around the holidays. The suggested tip amount would be one week’s pay.

2. Newspaper Carrier

These individuals work hard to get your newspapers to you. They brave the dark and the cold to deliver your paper in the wee hours of the morning. The suggested amount to tip your newspaper carrier is $20. However, if you can afford to give more, it would be a great way to show your appreciation.

3. Child’s Teacher

Your child’s teacher has the immense responsibility of educating your child. There are very few jobs that are this important. Many individuals feel that gift cards are more appropriate for the teacher than money. One or two gift cards in the amount of $25 to the local bookstore or office supply store is a great tip for that special teacher.

4. Hairstylist

It is customary to tip your hairstylist with each session. So a random holiday tip may not be necessary. However, if you call your hairstylist and beg her to fit you in for that last minute holiday party, you should expect to tip her at least 50% over the amount you normally would.

5. Dog Walker

If you have a good dog walker who always shows up on time and never complains about walking your dog during the rain and snow, you should reward them handsomely for their dedication.  A good tip amount for a dedicated dog walker would be the equivalent of what you would normally pay for three dog walking sessions.

6. Trash Collectors.

These guys have a rough job. Imagine getting up before dawn to collect other people’s stinky trash. The customary tip amount for trash collectors is $10 to $30.

7. Personal Trainer

If you have a good rapport with your personal trainer and have been thrilled with his or her services over the past year then a holiday tip is necessary. The normal tip would be $50 or the cost of one session.

8. Letter Carrier

Keep in mind, the U.S. Post Office forbids mail carriers from accepting cash. Any gifts that are given must be worth less than $20. But you can still your letter carrier how much you appreciate him or her by giving them a basket of fruit or a box of chocolates.

When you are out and about this holiday, spread a little holiday cheer by tipping your waiters and waitresses a little extra. You have the power to make someone else’s life a little easier through the simple act of tipping.

Useful Links: The Sweet Team