Moving and Storage Blog

Why San Diego?

Tue, 08 May 2012 23:59:00 GMT

Maybe you've thought about it, but haven't quiet made the move to San Diego. But why not? Here's a bit about the area.

San Diego Movers is the second largest city in California, seventh largest in the US. A population of about 1.3 million people enjoy the great year-round weather (an average temperatures of 60 to 70 degrees with less than 10 inches of rain a year). Beaches, bays, palm trees, hilly urban areas, flat sprawling mesas, foothills, mountains, and desert a variety of scenery in a great community.

Technology, Seaport, Tourism, and Military drive the local economy. Many enjoy it's array of communities from the Gaslamp Quarter and East Village, Little Italy and Cortez Hill. The city is the prime example of economic growth, residential development, and quality-of-life of the south-west, where people can live, work and play.

there are 4 neighborhoods of note, sophisticated & diverse Hillcrest near downtown San Diego Movers and Ocean Beach, the prime California beach community. Suburban choices include La Mesa, that feels like good ol' American suburban neighborhood and the inland community of Poway movers.

Move For Hunger Monthly - May 2012

Mon, 14 May 2012 21:18:00 GMT

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Congratulations to AMWAT Moving & Warehousing - in Tallahassee, FL for being honored as our Mover of the Month for April 2012.

Since joining Move For Hunger in October of 2009 AMWAT has donated over 4,769 Pounds of food for America's Second Harvest of the Big Bend. This is enough food to provide over 3,668 life saving meals for those in need. In addition to food collections from their customers, AMWAT has held food drives with Gold's Gym, Publix Food Store, FSU, and even their local brewery!! Last month alone they hosted two food drives in addition to the food they collected from customers relocating.

To read more about AMWAT Moving & Warehousing's commitment to fighting hunger CLICK HERE.

Events Update

Move For Hunger recently held a HUGE food drive at the New Jersey Marathon. Move For Hunger went all out with the celebrity treatment, we let spectators and racers walk our red carpet and get their photos taken like the stars they are!! Click Here to See More.

Real Estate Agent Highlight

Linda Salkow (Prudential Arizona Properties) has been a part of the Move For Hunger - Real Estate Program since 2010. She recently held her 2nd annual Desert Mountain Food Drive and Collected over 2,000 Pounds of Food!! Read more about Linda's hunger fight CLICK HERE.

Our Newest Partners

A big thank you to our newest Mission Partners: Prudential Americana Group & Prudential Arizona Properties. Also welcome our newest Signature Partners: Rand McNally, Moveboxer, and Mango Moving !! Thank you for your commitment to our Hunger Fight.

Move For Hunger is a non-profit organization that works with the relocation industry to pick up unwanted, unopened food from those who are relocating and deliver it to local food banks across the country. To date, Move For Hunger is working with over 330 movers in 41 states and has collected more than 480,000 pounds of food. With the support of its partners, Move For Hunger is turning the average food drive into one of the nation's largest, year-round service programs. For more information or to find out how you can help support Move For Hunger, visit www.MoveForHunger.org and make an online donation to help our hunger relief efforts.

Efficiency Makes A Difference

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:12:00 GMT

Good afternoon Alex,

I just wanted to let you know that all went well with the move last week. The team you sent out was so efficient and courteous – it was a pleasure.

Thank you again for all your help and quick responses.

Ingrid

What is a USDOT Number?

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:58:00 GMT

It sounds like an unproblematic question but it’s deeper than just knowing what the acronym stands for. Yes it stands for the United States Department of Transportation but truly knowing how it benefits you as a potential Orange County mover will possibly save you thousands of dollars.

On October 15, 1966, Congress established The Department of Transportation to ensure a safe, fast, and convenient transportation system with the interest of the American people in mind. As part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the issuance of the USDOT number is just one of the man regulations enforced to ensure road safety.

What is a USDOT Number?
A USDOT number is a unique identifier that all companies operating a commercial vehicle transporting cargo or passengers should have if they are operating over state lines. The USDOT number will allow officials to monitor and collect information for audits, reviews, crash investigations and inspections. Not only should cargo carriers have a USDOT number but should also be registered with the FMCSA.

Currently, 31 states across the United States are required to have a USDOT number. If any carrier in any of the 29 other states is travelling long distance, the USDOT number is a requirement by law.

How the USDOT Number Benefits You
If you plan on using a long distance moving company, the USDOT number is something you should ask for and keep note of. Not only is the USDOT number required by law, you will need this information to check records for any recent reviews, failed inspections, safety ratings or crash investigations.

Moving Tip 1: To search for a company, you can use the SAFER system by FMCSA. You will have the option to search by company name, USDOT, or MC/MX records. Verify that the moving company is registered to operate in your current state, the state you are going to, and all states in between.

Moving Tip 2: Avoid being scammed by a rogue mover posing as a licensed moving company. When the truck arrives, checked doors of the cab and the rear tractor for visible USDOT numbers.

The USDOT number is extremely important to the success of your Orange County move. Bypassing a minor detail such as the USDOT number, can lead to damaged or lost goods. Take full advantage of the services and features that will help make your next move successful.

FMCSA Moving Companies

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:40:00 GMT

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration was created in 2000 by the U.S. Department of Transportation in accordance with the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999. FMCSA efforts are dedicated to preventing casualties and injuries caused by buses and large trucks. FMCSA mandates rules and regulations that bus, trucking, and moving companies must follow. Rules and regulations include safety information, educational messages that are aimed at making the industry more efficient. In conjunction, the FMCSA works with safety interest groups, motor carrier associations, and government agencies.

Motor Carriers including interstate and moving companies are required by the FMCSA to register based on where they are located and plan on operating. In most cases, motor carriers will have to register with the DOT and the FMCSA before they are legally able to operate their motor vehicle. Once a company has registered, they will be given a motor carrier number which will be displayed on company trucks. The FMCSA also controls what level of financial and insurance responsibilities the company will have.

What FMCSA Does For the Customer
FMCSA was put in place for San Diego movers like you to ensure that your rights are protected. The ultimate goal was to ensure that each move is a successful and smooth move. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has provided several resources to protect consumers before, during, and after the move. A published booklet that should be handed out by every mover called "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" outlines:

Selecting reputable movers
Outlines your rights and responsibilities
What to expect from movers
Understanding the terms and conditions in contracts
How to address problems that may arise

Before making a decision on a mover, verify that they are registered with FMCSA. Verifying this ensures that they have been educated with the latest laws, rules, and regulations. Once the moving company has arrived, check for the US DOT number that should be printed on the doors of the cab and the rear tractor. If you need more information, you can check SAFER (Safety and Fitness Electronic Records) and get a company snapshot of a moving company’s profile free of charge.

Moving Elderly

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:37:00 GMT

Change is something most elderly have a hard time with. Moving to another home is stressful for even healthy young adults. Imagine when you have lived in the same home for many years and have settled in. Moving to a new place can disrupt their routines. The stress is increased when they move further away from old friends.

When moving seniors, it's best to do all possible to make a quick and easy moving day. It's best to do their packing for them, or move little bits at a time far ahead of the moving date. A whole lot of memories go into everything they own, give them time to sort through all their things, before packing or throughing something out. This time also helps in mentally preparation of relocation. If there aren't many to help, consider a professional moving company.

Those elderly that are no longer able to care for themselves, It would be strongly adviced to hire a moving company to help pack, move, and unpack belongings. Also consider a maid service to help clean up the old location after moving. This many strange people in their home may cause unease, agitation, upset, and create anxiety. Take them to the park or a nice restaurant while their stuff is being moved out. Take them to their new home to have them decide where everything is going to go, this helps them ease into the idea of relocation and lets them rest assured that their property has arrived safely.

San Diego Blood Bank Donation Thank You Letter

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:50:00 GMT

Dear Ms. Oakley:

On behalf of the San Diego Blood Bank's Board of Directors, blood donors, and patients we serve, thank you for your generous gift of $500.00 in support of the San Diego Blood Bank.

It is through the visionary support of philanthropic organizations and people like you that we are able to continue our 60-year mission of serving patients whose lives depend on it.

Thank you very much for your compassion and generosity.

Respectfully,

Jackie Vella
Director, Foundation

3 Unknown Moving Tips

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:31:00 GMT

When you move you should always have an emergency backpack ready. It should be filled with at least 2 water bottles, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, and a change of clothing. You may be asking yourself, “But I have all of these things in my luggage”? But the truth is, even though you can put them in your luggage, with a backpack you have easy access. These are the items that when you need them, you won’t want to rummage through your luggage for them. For example, you just moved a large screen TV up a stairwell; you need water, just reach into your backpack instead of looking for the boxes where you put the water.

While cleaning your new home you amass a large amount of sweat. Instead of looking through all of the boxes for your clothes, just reach into your backpack for a new shirt.

Small TV/Stereo

When you get to your new home there is a chance that you may not get everything settled on the first night. In this case, you still want to be able to relax once you lay down but your big screen TV or entertainment system is still packed away. No worries, just pull out the small TV or stereo you took with you in your car and you’ll be able to relax on your first night even though your major electronics are still packed.

Pre-game

You don’t have to necessarily move everything at one time. If possible, move some stuff before your official moving day so when it comes, you’ll be more prepared. For example, maybe you know someone with a truck and they can move your bed for you before your moving day. If you can do this then you’ll be able to just lay down for a quick rest once you’ve moved in. There’s nothing worse than realizing after a long day of moving that you still have put together your bed before you can go to sleep. With theses 3 tips, your move should become a lot easier.

Move Yourself or Hire a Professional Mover?

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:32:00 GMT

There is perhaps no greater decision regarding your move than whether you are going to hire a professional moving service to help you with the move. This decision will affect your moving expenses as well as the time commitment required of you.

Moving Yourself
Some decisions are harder than others. If your main concern is adhering to a tight budget, perhaps moving yourself is the best option. However, if you are unable to devote the time to coordinate the move over the concerns of money, your best bet is to hire a professional full-service mover.

If you're moving your one-bedroom apartment across town or across state, it's probably just as easy to gather some friends to help you pack and load the truck. This will allow you greater flexibility and is sometimes less expensive than other moving services. However, you will be responsible for all the grunt work, including loading and unloading the heavy furniture and appliances.

But if you have friends and/or family willing and able to help, you have a couple options. You can save some money by renting a van or even a trailer to attach to your vehicle. Remember to carefully consider the distance of the move since driving a moving van/truck can be a stressful event considering your inexperience driving trucks or pulling a trailer. If this doesn't sound like your cup of tea, there are hybrid moving services available such as the self moving services where you pack and load the truck and the professionals do the driving. It saves you the hassles of traffic while still giving you the comfort of knowing who is doing the packing and loading.

Hire a Pro
There are several reasons to choose a professional moving company over moving yourself, not the least of which is the fact that a moving company can save you time, effort, and stress. If you are moving a 3-bedroom house across the country, you might want to consider going with a professional moving service. While it may appear that hiring a full-service mover is more costly, you might want to consider that doing it yourself may require you to miss work and (possibly) a chunk of your paycheck. Hiring a professional will free you of the tedious planning, packing, loading, driving and unloading, thus allowing you to concentrate on the important stuff such as making sure you and your family is comfortable.

It is also important to remember that your belongings are important to you, regardless of their worth. While you may take every precaution in packing and loading your furniture and fragile items, you are not nearly as experienced in doing so as is the professional mover. They do this for a living and are skilled in handling your belongings. Should something happen to your items, the movers will be liable. However, if you should damage your items while moving yourself, you have no recourse.

Environmentally Friendly Moving Boxes

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:34:00 GMT

Instead of just picking up the cheapest or strongest boxes, first do some research to make sure that your box is recycled or can be recycled. There are two types of place to pick up some moving boxes; from a supplier or from someone who is getting rid of boxes. The latter is obviously cheaper and environmentally friendly because you’re reusing a box that otherwise might’ve been thrown out. If you’re only in a position to purchase moving boxes, then there are certain things you should avoid to stay environmentally friendly.

Sometimes a cardboard box looks like cardboard, feels like cardboard, and may even smell like cardboard. But the truth is, it may not be 100% cardboard. Sometimes boxes are contaminated with other materials such as wood, polystyrene foam, metal, plastic, wax, and newspaper can be found within your cardboard boxes. What’s the big deal? The problem with these contaminates is that they interference with remanufacturing the boxes because they have to be separated from the actual cardboard. This is a difficult, time consuming, and expensive process. Consequently, contaminated boxes often get thrown by the wayside. Although cardboard is biodegradable, the process is long and slow resulting in a large buildup of cardboard waste in landfills. To help prevent this needless waste, be green with your moving boxes.

So what can you do? Ask friends, co-workers, local supermarkets, and anyone and everyone if they have extra boxes that you can use for your move. This is a cheap and environmentally friendly way to obtain cardboard boxes. Or, if you buy moving boxes, make sure that they are not filled with contaminates and can be recycled. When you’re done with your moving boxes, you can then pay it forward and see if anyone you know needs any cardboard boxes or just recycle them yourself.

Although 65% of cardboard is recycled per year, and is the most recycled material in the United States, it is up to all of us to keep that number steady if not raise it. Who knew that something as simple as cardboard could be so complicated? This being true, it is extremely simple and uncomplicated to make sure you’re being green when choosing cardboard boxes for your upcoming move.

Moving Boxes and Packing Materials

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:37:00 GMT

What is a move? It’s not just finding a new home, it's not just finding a moving company, and it's not just paying loads of money to get everything done. There’s also loads and loads of packing to worry about. Minutes, hours, days, weeks; packing takes different amounts of time for different types of people with different amounts of things. And packing can be considered the most important part of moving. Packing your stuff in moving boxes as opposed to plastic bags can be the difference between a broken set of dishes and an unscathed one.

Let’s take a look at the different types of packing materials you can use

Moving Boxes

These boxes are not your average boxes. Don’t just use some boxes you had left over from your microwave and toaster oven. Moving boxes are tough and strong and can really keep your things safe and intact. With other boxes, you’re dealing with cheaper, unreliable materials that will not be able to bear the burden of your move.

Peanuts and Bubble Wrap

As a kid you loved playing with these fun but useful packing materials. Peanuts are those little figure eight pieces of Styrofoam. They’re used to cushion the items inside your moving boxes. Your stuff will be kept safe, and they’re great fun to play with once your move is over. The other fun piece of packing material is bubble wrap which is also used for insulation. Again, great fun to play with at the end of your move.

Miscellaneous

This includes tape, scissors, rope, twine etc basically anything and everything you’ll need to help keep your moving boxes closed and secured.

Now that you know what you need, you're ready to pack!

San Diego eWaste Drop-Off Events

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:18:00 GMT

Never Overlook San Diego eWaste Drop-off Events

There has been an increase in awareness about recycling and green issues in recent years, but one thing that many people don’t stop and think about often is the recycling of electronic waste, or eWaste. This is overlooked so frequently because most of us don’t think about our electronics as being recyclable. The truth is, there are many individual components of our electronics that can be repurposed or broken down and recycled, and there is no need to throw all that valuable material into a landfill.

Click here to see the next scheduled FREE eWaste Drop-off Event for San Diego

What eWaste Is

The first thing you need to be aware of is that your electronic waste actually contains harmful and toxic substances in many instances, in addition to all of the great reusable materials. You can’t just throw away your computer monitor, television, or printer for this very reason. Heavy metals from these electronics is in danger of seeping into the soil and contaminating our rivers, lakes, and oceans. Exposure to heavy metals can be lethal. That is why it is so important that you turn your old and broken electronics to a company trained to handle the disposal and recycling of electronic waste.

Recycle San Diego

When you need to recycle your electronic waste in the San Diego area, you can turn to any of our green locations in San Diego, or take advantage of our free eWaste events. California law requires you give us your name, address, and phone number along with your old electronics. You’ll get a certificate of recycling that guarantees your old electronics have been properly disposed of and have not ended up in a landfill somewhere.

Safe and Convenient

This certificate releases you or your business from liability regarding the recycling of your eWaste, and it gives you peace of mind knowing that you’ve not only complied with the law, but also given those materials a fresh purpose. Recycle San Diego is properly permitted and fully insured.

What’s the right Air Conditioning Unit for You?

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:39:00 GMT

What’s the right Air Conditioner for you?

You’ve just moved into your new home or a plush apartment but there is one thing missing to help you through those hot summers, an air conditioner. For the ignorant individual, buying an air conditioning unit can seem difficult with the different weight sizes or horse power or volts and Btu’s also know as British thermal units. It can get a little hazy. Before you install a new air conditioner into your new home make sure you have the right one suited for your place of residence. The most notable types of air conditioning units are the window AC, the split air AC, the packaged air conditioner and the central air conditioner.

Window Air Conditioner

This type of ac unit is typically used a single room. You’ll notice these in most bedrooms or dorm rooms.The window air conditioner is normally has all its components such as the compressor, condenser, expansion valve/coil are encompassed in a single box. This unit is usually fitted in the wall of the room.
If you’re looking to cover more than one room, the split air conditioning unit might be the right choice for you.

Split Air Conditioner

The split ac unit is typically comprised of two sections, the outdoor and indoor unit.
The outdoor part of the ac unit is obviously portioned outside the room; inside the outdoor unit are the compressor, condenser, expansion valve and so forth.
The indoor section of the air conditioner contains the evaporator or the cooling coil and the cooling fan.
A slot in the wall isn’t required for this AC. Split air conditioning units are a bit more decorative than other units. It isn’t hard at all to find one that will add to the splendor of any room.
If you are looking to cover a bit more than two rooms, you might be in need to have an ac unit for your house then the packaged air conditioner is the path for you.

Packaged Air Conditioner

The packaged air conditioner can be made two different ways. The first would be where all the components, i.e, compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator are all included in a single box.
The condenser can be air cooled or water cooled.
The cooled air in the first alignment is pushed by a high capacity blower, allowing it to flow through the ducts leading to various rooms of a house.
The second alignment consists of the compressor, the condenser all in one shell. For this section, the compressed gas passes through single units, each of which have their own expansion valve and cooling coil, located in rooms throughout a house or a small building.
Other than these units, there is the central air conditioner. The central AC is used for enormous buildings like hotels or offices.

Central Air Conditioner

If you own a hotel or a giant building the central air conditioner will save you a lot of money. You won’t have to place an air conditioner in every room of the building.
Essentially, it’s a huge compressor that has the ability to make a lot of air conditioning. It will cool a giant mall, big halls, pretty much any huge space.
Hopefully you have a general idea on which is the right air conditioner for you. Before you by one though, ask about Btu’s and the energy efficient ratio otherwise known as EER’s.

Btu’s

British thermal unit’s will run from 5,000 to 18,000 in most air conditioners. Make sure you have the right amount for your place of residence. 18,000 Btu’s might be too much for a studio apartment, just a tad bit.

EER’s

The higher the energy efficient ratio the more affordable the ac unit is to operate.
This is just general knowledge to lead you in the right direction to your air conditioner utopia.

Types of Moving Insurance

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:42:00 GMT

Have you reached that point in your life where it’s just time to move? Do you need to relocate for a new job? did you decide to live closer to your parents? Whatever the reasons are that you have to move, either way, you’re in for a certain amount of stress. While moving is a burden, you can alleviate some of the hardship by having your belongings covered by insurance. Having insurance during your move is not only a smart idea, but an absolute must. You never know if your mover will accidentally break your TV. Make sure for your next move you’re things are properly insured so your moving stress can immensely reduced. Here are the different types of insurances you can get for your upcoming move:

Full Value: This, like its name implies, will cover your entire shipment. This is the most comprehensive and expensive plan, but it puts more pressure on the movers to be careful with your things. Under this plan, if anything is lost, damaged, or destroyed, the movers can either offer to repair the item, reimburse you with cash, or replace it with a similar item. Some movers may limit their liability for expensive items (>$100), so make sure to ask them about their policy regarding this. The price for this protection plan varies and is subject to different deductible levels.
Released Value: This is the most affordable option, but it leaves you the most vulnerable. Under a released value plan, movers are only responsible for 60 cents per pound per article (intrastate moves may differ). So let’s say you packed your new iPod that weighs 5 ounces, if it breaks during transport, the mover is only liable to reimburse you approximately 20 cents. So you see that this type of insurance does not really do much in your benefit. The only plus side is that it comes at no additional cost to you. But be wary; if you do not say you want released value insurance, the mover will automatically give you full value.
Third-Party: If you choose released insurance, some movers may allow you to obtain third party insurance. This is an additional cost that must be purchased separately by you. With this coverage the mover will be liable for the 60 cents per pound per item. The additional losses can be recovered from the third party company that you purchased the insurance from. If this insurance is purchased through the mover, they are liable to present you with a written record of this purchase. If you use an outside company, check to make sure that your homeowner’s insurance doesn’t already cover you.

Keep in mind that there are some actions that may limit the mover’s liability of your things. These include:

Packing hazardous or perishable items without informing the mover.
Packing your own boxes.
Choosing Released insured.
Failure to notify the mover about expensive items (>$100).
Language in your contract that relinquishes the mover from any liability.
If you wait over 9 months to issue a written claim of your losses.

So now that you know your options, play it smart and always make sure that you’re covered from any accidental and purposeful damages.
For more information, visit the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) article on this topic: Understanding Valuation and Insurance Options.

VFW Post 3783 recognizes Mariann Prassel

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:41:00 GMT

Commander VFW Post 3783, John "Pontiac" Hine, and Ladies Auxiliary President Post 3783, Rose Busang, would like to express gratitude to an "outstanding volunteer," Mariann Prassel.

Mariann took over and leads our team which provides for the Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD.net)," Hine and Busang wrote in a news release. "Every winter VFW Post 3783 provides “Ditty Bags” to the VVSD so those homeless that take part in VVSD Winter Village will have a head start. Included in each “Ditty Bag” is shampoo, soap, wash cloth, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors and shaving cream and of course a netted bag to hold all the items securely which can be repurposed and used for laundering of their personal belongings. While these little items may seem everyday consumables for most of us, for someone coming off the street it could be their first opportunity in months to use real personal care products.

"Mariann makes countless phone calls with suppliers of toiletry products to negotiate the best price for bulk purchases. The monies used for the assembling of our ditty bags come directly from the community of Ramona. When you see us in front of the local businesses on Memorial Day and Veterans Day weekend with our Buddy Poppies, those funds must and do go directly to veterans' aide.

"Once Mariann receives all the products, she and a team of ladies spend an afternoon assembling 150 bags. She organizes a delivery team and they actually hand out the ditty bags directly to those at the Village. Even though it’s scheduled, the Village does not announce or advertise the day the delivery happens. Those that come in for lunch are handed these bags directly from Mariann and her crew. Any bags that are left over are later distributed by the Veterans Village.

"Mariann says it’s the response of those in the Village that drove her to head this project. It’s not the plethora of thanks they all receive; it’s the look in the veterans' eyes that shows that a simple gesture and a simple item truly and greatly impact those in need.