Questions to Ask a Moving Company in Virginia Beach Before Hiring Them

If you’re planning a move, whether near or far, you might have some questions about how to go about choosing the best moving company to do the job. As you consider several moving companies in your area, here are five key questions to ask to help you make the right decision:

1. Do You Hold the Proper License?

To narrow down your choice of movers to only the best, start by looking only among those that are appropriately licensed. Local movers that aim to relocate their customers only within the same state should hold a state license.

Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding moving. An interstate moving company should have a license number that has been issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

Federal law calls for professional moving companies that work beyond state lines to be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Interstate moving companies should provide a copy of their federal tariff to you if you request it.

Check with the FMCSA to determine if the moving company is up-to-date with its operating license.

2. Do You Have Experience with My Kind of Move?

Your next question should be in regards to the experience of the moving company, specifically in handling your type of move. If your move requires navigating up and down several flights of stairs, for example, you want to be sure that the moving company has experience in doing such.

Some moves require navigating all kinds of challenges such as steep stairs, small doorways, low ceilings, small elevators, and so forth. Look for a moving company that can take on the job and does it with care. 

3. Do You Have References?

Ask potential moving companies for references before you consider hiring them. You’ll be entrusting your expensive belongings and treasured keepsakes to them during relocation. A professional, trustworthy company will be more than happy to provide you with references. 

Take the time to do your own research about the company as well. Don’t rely on references alone. Seek online reviews or see if you can get feedback from others in your neighborhood or community who have used the same moving company. 

4. Can You Provide a “Not-to-Exceed” Estimate or Binding Quote?

Some moving companies can leave their customers with an unexpected bill that exceeded their expectations. Though most moving companies offer estimates, they are often non-binding. A non-binding estimate means that the estimated quote they provide you for your move is subject to change. 

Seek out a company that can offer you a binding quote or “not-to-exceed” estimate. That way you can rest easy knowing that the bill you planned for is the bill you’ll get. 

5. Do You Use Subcontractors?

It’s essential to know who you’re hiring to handle your move and to research their dependability. Sometimes, moving companies subcontract to smaller moving companies who might even subcontract to another. You want to eliminate any surprises on moving day, so make sure the company you select is doing the moving.

Do Your Research

Asking these five questions will help you decide which moving company is ideal for you. 

Learn more about our moving company and the services we offer. You’ll find that we provide everything you require in a reputable moving service. Contact us to learn more, and we look forward to serving you! 

Organizing Boxes During a Moving Process: A Helpful Guide

 

The average American spends about 2.5 days a year searching for lost items. Most people have searched for a misplaced wallet, house keys, or the TV remote at some point in their lives. 

Losing something in your house is frustrating, but it usually turns up. But, when you’re moving to a new house or apartment, there’s a chance that you forgot to pack the very thing you can’t find. 

Luckily, some careful planning during the packing process can prevent mishaps like these. Keep reading to learn how to start organizing boxes for your move. 

Label Each Box By Room

The easiest way to pack is to go room by room. Don’t pool together the books or knick-knacks from your entire house. Instead, pack the books and knick-knacks based on the room they were in. 

Then, write the name of the room on the side of the box. If you don’t have a corresponding room in your new home, write the name of the room it came from. That way, it will be easier to remember what’s in the box. 

This method of packing will keep you organized along the way since you can check each room off your moving organization list. It also makes it easier to find things when you unpack.

Include a Content List on Each Label

Writing the name of the room on each box is helpful, but what if you need to find something specific? If you need to find a can opener, it’s not helpful when you have ten boxes that say “kitchen.” 

It’s a good idea to also mark the side of each box with a list of its contents. You’ll know exactly which box is hiding the can opener. Plus, you won’t have to cut open every box, which will keep everything more organized. 

A content list can be as simple as writing a basic listing in Sharpie. Or you could print off a special label or spreadsheet and tape it to each box. 

Make an Inventory List As You Pack

If you use professional movers, they’ll have a list of every item they moved. But it won’t be a detailed list of everything you own. 

You should create a home inventory list to keep track of all your belongings when you move. You should include serial numbers and warranty information for major appliances and electronics. This inventory list will also come in handy if anything gets lost or damaged, and you need to file an insurance claim.  

A simple inventory could even take the place of writing a content list on each box. Instead, you could assign a number to each box and write a corresponding list for each number. Plus, if you’ve numbered your boxes, you’ll know if a box is missing.

Prepare for Your Move and Start Organizing Boxes Today

As soon as you decide to move, you can start organizing boxes. Preparing for an organized move takes time, but it takes the stress out of the process. Plus, unpacking is much easier.

No matter your relocating needs, Brooks Transfer & Storage Company can help. Contact us today to find out how we can help make the moving process easier.

6 Tips for Getting Rid of Some of Your Stuff Before Moving

A household move is an ideal time to remove items you no longer want, need, or use. Avoid bringing unnecessary stuff into your new home by eliminating junk drawers, overstuffed closets, and bins of things you haven’t taken out in years.

Cleaning out before your move also means fewer items to pack and load when the moving truck arrives. Learn more about how to get rid of stuff as you prepare for your move.

1. Plan Ahead

There’s no reason to wait until a few days before your move to decide what to pack and what to get rid of. Begin the decluttering process as soon as you know that you’re moving.

Set aside a few hours every day to clean out a closet, room, or a few drawers. When you work in smaller tasks throughout the day, it makes the process smoother.

2. Use the Three Box Method

Each room you go into, take along three boxes. One for the items you plan to keep, one for what you want to throw away, and one for the things you plan to sell or donate.

3. Save Your Mementos for Last

When an item has sentimental value, getting rid of it is more complicated. This means you need to leave the harder decisions for last.

Sort through your emotions to determine if you truly love the item or the memory that goes with it. If the memory is what you are holding onto, consider taking a picture of the item and then give it away. Maybe create a small scrapbook memento later using these pictures.

Or, consider passing the item on to another family member or a friend. It might be easier to give up the item if you know it’s going to a familiar home.

4. Use Up Extra Items You Have Collected

Do you stockpile certain things, such as toiletries and dried food products? 

While having a stockpile is nice, do you want to spend the time and money to move it? Try using up all these extra items now to avoid having to move them to your new house.

5. If You Don’t Need It, Eliminate It

Here is an excellent method to follow: if you haven’t used an item in the last six months, eliminate it. 

If you’re still having trouble deciding about an item, ask yourself these questions:

•   How often do I use this?
•   Is it hard to replace?
•   Is it outdated?
•   Do I have many similar things?

Answer these questions truthfully, and the decision to keep the item should be clear.

If you’re still conflicted, challenge yourself, “Is it worth the time and effort to bring this item to my new home?” If your answer is no, it’s time to let the item go.

6. Use the Practicality Test

Are you unsure if you need to keep something or donate it? If so, ask yourself if you are going to use it in the future.

Limit the number of clothes you take along. An excellent way to do this is by donating anything you haven’t worn in the past 12 months.

For kitchen utensils, check for any duplicate items you can get rid of. The same goes for towels and sheets.

Get Rid of Stuff Before Moving

Believe it or not, learning how to get rid of stuff before moving isn’t an impossible process. Decluttering before your household move will help give you a fresh start in your new home.

For assistance with your packing and moving, call our professional and experienced team at Brooks Transfer and Storage. We provide superior services for all your moving needs.

Moving Supplies Checklist: Essential Packing Materials for Moving

Having the right supplies for a household move is crucial to ensure your belongings make it to your new home safely.

Keep reading for the only checklist of moving supplies you’ll ever need.

Packing Materials for Moving

The essential items you need for a long-distance move are boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and labels.

Boxes

Boxes are definitely part of your moving essentials. Be sure to get heavy-duty boxes in a variety of sizes to accommodate all your belongings.

Use larger moving boxes to pack light items, including bedding and pillows. Medium boxes are more suitable for packing up kitchen essentials. Smaller boxes are handy for packing more substantial items like books. 

For fragile items, consider specialized boxes that offer cardboard dividers. This will keep things like glass and ceramics from bumping into one another and breaking.

Packing Paper

Packing paper is a useful item when packing for your move. Protect fragile items by wrapping them in layers of packing paper. 

 

Unmarked, clean packing paper is ideal for wrapping and packing scratchable and breakable things like plates and dishes. It’s also simple to crumple up and pack into spaces in moving boxes so that nothing shifts inside the box. 

Packing paper is easy to handle and simple to recycle.

Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is also an excellent resource for protecting your fragile items.

Protect items like vases or china by securing some bubble wrap around them. It’s a simple process and will help prevent breakage during the move.

Packing Tape

Secure your boxes with high-quality packing tape. Make sure you have enough. It’s better to have extra tape than not to have enough. 

Get several rolls of clear packing tape. Invest in tape in its own dispenser with a cutter. This way, it won’t be necessary to use scissors each time you need to cut a new piece.

Labels and Markers

It’s essential to label every single box that you pack. So, make sure you have plenty of labels available.

Consider using labels with different colors. A color-coding system allows you to select a color for a specific room, and then those boxes will go to the room with that designated color.

Remember to have some permanent markers available for indicated the contents of your box on each label.

Miscellaneous Items

In addition to the primary supplies, you’ll need a few more things to keep your move organized and efficient.

Furniture Pads

Have some furniture pads, blankets, and covers on hand. Use these to wrap furniture, home décor, mirrors, artwork, and other things to prevent scratches, nicks, and other damage. This padding will cushion items while moving or storing to keep them clean and secure.

Stretch Plastic Wrap 

Stretch Plastic Wrap can be used to bundle, bind, and fasten your belongings. Use it to wrap cabinets or dressers so that the doors and drawers stay closed. Or, wrap an open container or basket so that the contents remain in place. You can also use it to secure furniture pads to things that need to be protected. 

Simple Tools

Keep a small toolbox available with screwdrivers, hammer, wrenches, scissors, and tape measure

You may need to deconstruct furniture, remove fixtures and nails, and adjust things in your home throughout the packing process.

Plastic Bags

Have some plastic baggies in various sizes handy. These will help you to keep small items together when packing up.

For example, when you take apart your furniture, you can put the screws into a small plastic bag and fasten it to the underside of the furniture with tape.

We’ll Handle the Rest

Contact us for any short or long-distance moving needs (including supplies). 

 

Children Moving: 3 Tips for Planning a Household Move With Children

Moving to a new home in a completely new city can be a stressful event for everyone in your family.

If you’re dealing with children moving along with you, the entire process can be even more overwhelming, which is why it’s important to plan ahead.

Whether you’re moving down the block or across the country, read on to learn three crucial tips that will help you plan a move with children in-tow.

1. Foster a Spirit of Communication

Often when children need to move to a new home or school, it’s upsetting for them. Communicate with your kids about the transition. Allow your child to process the fact that you’re moving. Allow them time to prepare and have closure with friends.

Talk to your children about moving in general and ask them if they have any concerns. When kids can express themselves openly, it makes everything easier to cope with and can help to ease their fears.

Encourage your children to ask questions about the move and let them know you’re happy to answer any of them as best you can. The more you stay positive and foster a spirit of communication throughout the process, the more streamlined everything should be.

2. Plan Ahead

You can reduce the impact of moving with your children by planning a few things in advance. Contact the new school your children will attend and ask them about any programs they might offer to help new students with the transition.

Make sure your kids all have the latest immunizations, and they have a full check-up from their doctor. Find out where local parks, museums, and other fun activities are located in your new city, state, or town.

When you plan ahead, your entire family will have a much easier time jumping into their new surroundings without hesitation. Find out exactly what needs to be done based on the new location well in advance, so the move goes smoothly for everyone involved.

3. Stay Upbeat and Positive

Moving can be scary, particularly for younger children. Do your best to get your kids excited about the move by always focusing on the positive.

If it’s within your budget, consider letting your kids pick out new furniture for their bedroom or allow them to choose a new paint color. These things can make the change more exciting and will give your children something fun to focus on.

Stock up on your kids’ favorite snacks before the move so they’ll have something familiar when you get settled. Show them some new and exciting places you can visit, such as a new pizza place, a brand-new park, or a local zoo.

Make Moving Fun

When it comes to your children moving, it doesn’t have to be a negative experience. Do your best to focus on the positive, encourage communication, and plan ahead for a smooth transition.

Express your excitement to your children about the move, and everything should fall into place.

For your moving and storage needs, visit our website and contact us today for more information.

 

 

Handle With Care: How to Pack Glasses for Moving

Every year, approximately 40 million people pack up their homes and move, either to another local home or somewhere farther away. Even if each home only has eight pieces of glassware, that’s over 300 million chances for breakage.

Unfortunately, glassware and ceramics are among the most frequently broken items during a move. You can’t do much to prevent someone from dropping a cup or dish while you pack. What you can do is take steps that will help prevent your glasses from breaking during the trip itself. 

Use Glass Pack Kit

Many people don’t realize it, but you can get moving boxes specifically designed for packing glasses.  Check with your moving professionals for these specialty boxes.

Called a glass pack kit, these boxes come with individual compartments for your glasses. Each compartment consists of sturdy cardboard that will resist crushing.

Glass pack kits also keep the glasses from bumping into each other, one of the main reasons that glasses break during shipping and moves. Of course, you should still provide some padding as added insurance.

Not sure about what goes into padding your glasses? Don’t worry. We’ll go over padding your glasses in the next section.

Lots of Padding

For glasses, packing paper and bubble wrap save the day. You can find these at most retail outlets, many office supply stores, and even for sale at package delivery outlets.

Start by packing the inside of each glass with wadded-up paper. This provides some internal support for the glass if the box comes under pressure. This can help stave off crush breaks.

Wrap the outside of each glass with either packing paper or bubble wrap. Don’t skimp on the packing paper. For standard boxes, make sure you put several layers of crumpled paper on the bottom of the box and on top of the glasses. It provides a cushion when the box gets jostled.

Mark As Fragile

Always make a point to mark all boxes with glassware as fragile. Label all sides of the box. If someone else handles the boxes, they might not realize it’s glassware. You might also forget by the time you’re unloading them at your new home.

Hire Professionals

You probably won’t hire professionals just to pack up your glassware. If you own a lot of glassware and other fragile items, though, getting some pros on the job can relieve you of a lot of stress.

You can focus on the organizational aspects of the move, rather than the nitty-gritty of actual packing. Plus, you won’t wonder if your fragile possessions got packed the right way. You’ll know they were packed properly.

Safely Packing Glassware

If you’re getting ready for a move and wondering how to pack glassware the right way, start with the right materials.

Get the right kind of boxes ahead of time. Glass pack kits come in many sizes for different styles of glasses. Take a glass with you and find the right size.

If you’re packing in regular boxes, use small boxes and invest in plenty of packing paper and bubble wrap. These will provide a cushion and internal support for your glasses during transit.

Need help with your move? Brooks Transfer & Storage specializes in residential moves and office relocations in the Virginia Beach area. Need help with your move? Contact us today.