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!

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 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.

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
4. 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.

Vacation rental homes are a time honored tradition among American families, especially during the summer months when the kids are off from school and can enjoy themselves at the beach. Many vacation homes have weekly or even monthly rates, but a majority of these vacationing families rent the house for a month or more. While many of your personal belongings will be left behind, unattended for long periods of time and without any supervision, it is important to make arrangements for a neighbor or family member close by to act as a caretaker to ensure you come back to your home in the same condition as when you left. If you do not have anyone to do you this favor there are companies available, for a fee, that offer personalized home care services.

A great option to consider is self <a href="atlasallied.com">storage</a> or even seasonal <a href="atlasallied.com">storage facilities</a> where you can save money over a house sitting choice and store your most prized possessions in a secure, climate controlled environment that has full CCTV (closed circuit television) security systems and twenty-four hour watchmen patrolling the premises. Depending on the amount of <a href="atlasallied.com">storage</a> space you need, this could range from $40.00 to $300.00 per month in fees.         

There is never any contractual obligation or lease involved with renting a <a href="atlasallied.com">storage</a> space; this is a month to month agreement with payment due usually at the beginning of the new month and notification of cancellation required 2 weeks prior to <a href="atlasallied.com">moving</a> your stuff out. Upon renting your <a href="atlasallied.com">storage</a> space, most facilities offer either a complimentary rental truck for do it yourself moves or they have relationships with several <a href="atlasallied.com">local moving companies</a> that can help you by doing all the heavy work.

Storage options don’t have to be just relegated to the renters themselves, the owners of these vacation homes can benefit greatly as well from having reserve furniture, carpets, extra appliances and more in <a href="atlasallied.com">storage</a>, near at hand for any emergency and readily available for seasonal changes.

Moving with pets is a sensitive issue to address when relocating. Since moving can cause unneeded stress on your pets, it's important to try and reduce these stress levels as much as possible. You also want to maintain your animals' health and happiness when moving pets. With a few suggestions, moving with pets can be a positive experience for you and them.

There are a few things to accomplish before you begin moving with pets. Their health should be checked and certain precautions should be taken. By following Allied's guidelines for moving with pets, your pets can enjoy and safe and healthy move. Here are some things you can do to ease the stress of moving the family pets to your new home:

Pet Moving Tips: Auto Travel

• Before leaving, schedule a veterinary examination to check your pet's health, obtain copies of vaccination records and a health certificate (if required), update identification tags and discuss a tranquilizer or precautionary measures for the trip.
• If traveling to your new home by car, make sure to get your pet comfortable to auto travel by taking it on short trips around the neighborhood
• Don't feed your pet for seven hours prior to your trip, pack a container of fresh, cool water, and stop frequently for walks
• If stopping at a hotel overnight, make sure the hotel allows pets
• Never leave your pet in the car alone
• Birds and small pets such as hamsters can travel in their cages if the cage can be placed in a stable, well ventilated area free of drafts (covering the cage while the car is moving often calms an animal)

Pet Moving Tips: Air Travel

If moving with pets by air, contact the airline well in advance to check regulations and services:

• Consider direct flights to minimize the amount of time your pet will be confined Select a portable air-transport kennel that's large enough for your pet to stand and move around a bit
• Let your pet get accustomed to the kennel well in advance of the trip
• Don't forget to mark the kennel with "Live Animal," your pet's name, your new address and phone number and any special handling instructions
• After boarding your plane, ask the flight attendant to confirm your pet has been loaded on the plane

Moving with pets does not have to be a stressful experience. With the pet movingtips from Allied, you and your pet can enjoy a positive relocation experience, stress-free. The safety and health of your pet is most important during relocation. So, be sure that when moving with pets, these two aspects come first and foremost.

Pet Move Resources

The following links are not endorsed by or affiliated with Allied Van Lines.

The Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Assoc. Intl., Inc.
www.ipata.com

Pet Hotel and Travel
www.pet-hotel-and-travel.com

Pet Community
www.petswelcome.com

Pet Care
www.healthypet.com/index.html

As you know, clutter can often make or break a sale! Let’s work together to educate your clients on the best ways to de-clutter a home. You’re the real estate expert and we’re the storage expert - so this e-mail, part of our e-mail series on working with movers, offers some “home de-cluttering” tips that you can modify or update, and then share with your clients.

3 Quick Ways to De-Clutter Your Home

1. Have a Garage Sale:

   Before putting your home on the market, think about having a garage sale. There are more advantages than just getting rid of items that are cluttering your home, you'll pocket some extra cash to off-set your moving costs and it will lighten your load on moving day, which could save you even more money!

2. Ask an Expert:

   Your real estate agent will help you by doing a walk-through of your home to identify any problem rooms or areas that need to be de-cluttered.

3. Use Storage Services:

   Want a surefire way to make a small room look larger? Storage could be your answer. Working with your real estate agent, you should determine which rooms would benefit from furniture storage. By eliminating large pieces, you will be able to open up your floor plan and make your house look noticeably larger!

For the first time in 11 years, the four major moving companies that release data agree: More families are moving to California than are leaving it.

For a decade, high housing prices made it hard for people to stay in the state, even if they wanted to. But falling house prices and increased hiring are enticing former Californians to come home, moving company officials said.

"I think the people realize that when we move back to California, we're never going to have interest rates or (house) prices this low," said Linda Oakley, owner of Atlas Transfer and Storage Co. in Poway, affiliated with Allied Van Lines. "We want to live in California, where it's warm and sunny and happy."

Indeed, 2,926 more families moved into California than moved out of it, the third-highest figure of any state or Washington, D.C., according to the combined data of Atlas Van Lines Inc., United Van Lines LLC and Allied Van Lines Inc. For years, California had seen more households moving out than in. In 2007, Atlas' data indicated that trend had reversed, but it didn't turn around in Allied's data until 2011.

U-Haul International Inc., which doesn't provide the same type of data, said it helped move 5.6 percent more people into California than out of it, according to spokeswoman Ashleigh Wagner.

Wagner also had some local data from U-Haul: Between January and November 2011, it helped 1 percent more people move out of Escondido than in, it helped 1.9 percent more people move into Oceanside than out, and it helped 11.5 percent more people move into Temecula than out.

U-Haul, United and Atlas represent 40 percent of the moving market, and Allied is private so there is no market data available, according to Boston-based market analyst Pell Research.

By the raw numbers, California had the third-highest net gain of movers, behind Texas and Florida, but those are all states with large populations. When viewed as a rate, California ranks 13th, with 0.23 moves per 1,000 households. Washington, D.C., ranked first by this metric, with a net of 2.68 incoming moves per household, almost four times that of No. 2-ranked North Carolina (see this article online for the complete table).

Illinois had the highest rate of departing families among the 50 states plus the district, losing 0.91 families per 1,000 households. New Jersey and Connecticut had the next two highest rates.

California has long seen more people leaving the state as the cost of housing skyrocketed. By 2007, the median house price in North San Diego County peaked at $639,000, and it peaked in 2006 in Southwest Riverside County at $420,000, according to a North County Times analysis of transactions in the two counties. Those prices plummeted 38 percent and 50 percent respectively as a real estate bubble imploded and a recession pushed many people out of work. As of December's data, the nation had added more than 100,000 jobs for six consecutive months, and that trend is reflected in California.

"We're seeing corporations wanting to hire again," said David Frank, vice president and general manager of the San Diego office of Alexander's Mobility Services, an Atlas affiliate. "We're seeing technology companies wanting to get ahead of the game. Even if they're not selling product yet, they're hiring designers and those kinds of jobs. We're seeing Qualcomm, and Sony, and some of the other companies doing some of the hiring."

Oakley and other local moving company officials said 2011 had been an up year. Oakley said her business was up 6 percent compared with 2010. Her company moves people all over Southern California, and she said she's been bringing people in from out of state. Paula Nix, office manager for Eckert's Moving and Storage in San Marcos, said business was up in 2011, including local moves, although not always for the cheeriest of reasons.

"A lot of them are losing their homes, or they're just first-time buyers and they're all excited about getting a new deal on their home," Nix said.

Nathan Pletcher, an electrical engineer, has enjoyed the tech resurgence. On Friday, Linda Oakley's movers came to take his belongings out of his Leucadia home to bring them up to Mountain View so he can start work for Google.

He originally came to California from the Midwest. Now he and his wife, Andrea, a teacher, have fallen for California.

"We both like California a lot, we like to do stuff outdoors, we like all the opportunities California offers, oceans and mountains and stuff like that," Pletcher said the day before Oakley's company came to take his stuff away.

Move to the island paradise of Hawaii or back to the continental US with Atlas Transfer & Storage Co., an agent of Allied Van Lines.

We are here for your interstate moves from California to Hawaii or Hawaii to California. With our expertise, we can help your high-quality relocation and provide storage for your valuables until you arrive. We can keep our competitive so you can enjoy your new home. Click on the links below to learn more about what we offer as an Hawaii moving company:

Household Moving: From the packing and crating to the storage and vehicle shipping, we can take care of your every need during your residential relocation.

Corporate Relocation: We provide every corporate relocation with a single source contact for seamless, expertly managed relocations.

International Moving: Moving overseas? Benefit from the full menu of international moving services from Atlas and Allied International.

Household Storage: Our household storage services ensure we have a secure, cost-effective solution for any size and scope storage need.

Commercial Storage: Store your commercial commodities within our state-of-the-art, secure, climate-controlled warehouses featuring barcoded inventory management systems.

Do you have an upcoming relocation to, from or within Hawaii? Choose Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. as your Orange movers for your residential or commercial relocation. We are the Hawaii moving company to choose for quality service at competitive pricing. Contact us today regarding your Hawaii moving needs, or fill out our quick quote form for your FREE moving estimate right now.