Moving Tips

Studies tell us that moving is one of life’s most stressful events. One of the main reasons people hire professional movers is to cut down on the headaches associated with relocating.

If you have an upcoming move, you need to find a reputable company to rely on. 

Here are questions to ask a moving company before hiring them.  

1. Are You Licensed?

There are some unlicensed movers out there who might provide subpar service. You need someone with the right licenses and accreditations. 

There’s nothing wrong with asking a company about their licenses. Any reputable business won’t mind providing proof. 

Look for state-specific moving licenses and accreditation with the Better Business Bureau. This shows they have the right training and provide trustworthy service. 

2. Can You Provide References?

Talking to past customers is a great way to ensure you’re working with a high-quality moving service. Before hiring someone, ask for some references.

Make sure the references used the moving company for the same service you’re looking to hire them for. You need to know they can get the job done right. 

Look at online reviews, as well. This is a great way to get a firsthand account of how the company does business. Also, check for testimonials on their website. 

3. How Long Do You Expect the Move to Take? 

You and your family have to put your regular lives on hold while moving to a new home. It’s nice to have an idea of how long the process will take. 

Professional movers should be able to give you a reliable timeline based on the number of bedrooms and the amount of furniture you have.

4. Can I Expect Any Additional Fees?

When you get a quote from a moving company, ask about any extra fees you may incur. The last thing you want is to get hit with a much larger bill than you expected. 

Some movers charge extra for things like gas, moving extremely heavy objects, packing, and disposal. 

5. How Will You Keep My Items Secure? 

A professional moving company will take good care when loading and transporting your items. Ask what security measures they have in place. 

Reputable movers should have ways to protect your furniture while transporting it to your new house. They’ll also ensure enough movers will be present to handle large items.

Inquire about any protection guarantees they have in place. 

Don’t Forget These Questions to Ask a Moving Company

Before you enter into an agreement with professional movers, be confident they’re qualified to do the job right. 

Keep these questions to ask a moving company in mind when searching for a local business. We provide residential moving services in the Tampa area. Contact us for help.

When it’s time to expand your business, moving to a new office space can be an exciting step. However, the process is very complicated.

Moving an entire office requires a lot more planning than a residential move. The transition must go smoothly, so you can get operations up and running again as quickly as possible.

To help you out, we’re going over six tips for moving an office. Let’s get started.

1. Find the Right Moving Company

It helps to find an office moving company early in the process. They must understand your requirements before moving day.

Moving professionals can also advise while you’re preparing your office for the transition. Making assumptions about essential elements could cause a huge mess.

When getting quotes, a moving company will probably want to come to have a look at your office. This is your chance to ask questions about how you can make the move easier.  

2. Create a Timeline

The last thing you want is to start the moving process too late. If you do, you and your staff will be scrambling to get things finished.

You also don’t want to start too early. This could put an added strain on your office and disrupt business. The goal is to lose as little productivity as possible.

When making a timeline, consider the amount of furniture and large equipment you must move. You also need to think about how long it will take to get operational in the new office.

3. Take Inventory

Create a spreadsheet and make a detailed inventory of everything that’s going to the new space. This will help the moving company get a sense of how much material they’re dealing with.

An inventory is also a great way to determine what you need to get rid of. If you have office equipment or furniture, you’re no longer benefiting from, and there’s no reason to take it with you.

4. Plan for IT Requirements

An IT department is one of the most sensitive parts of an office to move. You must speak to your IT manager about their requirements.

If you have in-house servers, they probably must get moved to the new office first. Smaller items like computers, cables, and IT equipment need to get inventoried and sent over too.

5. Get Employees Involved

Your staff is an excellent resource during an office relocation. Get them involved if you need help packing or taking inventory.

At the very least, each employee should pack their desk before the move. You don’t want them trying to get this done while the movers are there working.

6. Transport Small Items Before Moving Day

A great way to utilize your employees is to have them take small items to the new space on moving day. Things like pictures, personal items, plants, and breakroom supplies can all get transported separately from the large pieces.

A good rule of thumb is to clear out everything except what the movers will handle. This makes the process easier for both them and you.

Moving an Office Doesn’t Have to Be a Hassle

Office relocation seems like a daunting process. However, if you think logically and plan ahead, you’ll be in your new space before you know it.

Use the tips discussed above when moving an office for a smooth business transition.We provide corporate moving services in the Tampa area. Contact us today to get started.

You’ll feel like a stranger in Tampa until you get to know some of your neighbors, so it’s best to make an effort to socialize as soon as you can.

Apart from helping you to fit in, studies show that harmonious neighborly relations are especially important in aging communities. However, it’s safe to assume that these findings could apply to communities all over America. 

Here are some easy ways to meet your neighbors without feeling awkward. 

Keep it Simple – Say Hello

When you move into a new neighborhood, common courtesies will go a long way towards helping you make friends. Say ‘hello’ to everyone you meet. 

This simple greeting gives them the option to strike up a conversation if they want to. It’s an easy way to get people talking without approaching them directly with awkward small talk. 

Walk Your Dog

Dogs are great for meeting people. They attract the attention of fellow dog lovers, who may approach to admire the new pet on the block. Studies show that dogs are excellent facilitators of human interactions. 

They also give you an excuse to walk around the neighborhood to get familiar with your new surroundings.  

Get Outdoors

If you don’t have a dog, gardening is a good way to meet local community members too.

Have you noticed that your nearest neighbor is often out there doing their green-fingered thing? Getting busy in your own garden could allow you to strike up a conversation with them. 

Likewise, passers-by could stop for a chat if they see you busy outside. Gardening is an excellent way to meet people on almost neutral territory.

Get Involved

Join your local community’s Facebook page as soon as possible so you can stay up to date with happenings in your hood. You can also scour local newspapers and websites for upcoming events. 

Local markets, charity, and school events are an excellent way to show an interest in your new neighborhood and meet people at the same time.

When you show that you’re prepared to be an active member of your community, people will warm up to you right away. 

Meet your Neighbors on Purpose

If you’re not the shy type, you can try a more direct approach to meeting the neighbors.

One way is to knock on their front door and introduce yourself. However, this approach can be challenging. You might catch them at an inconvenient time, getting your neighborly relations off to a bad start. 

One way to get off on the right foot is by hosting a get-to-know-each-other get-together. Most people love a party, and they’ll have the benefit of bringing people along that they already know. 

It’s also a shortcut to meeting as many people as possible fast.

More Information on Managing Your Move

When you make an effort to meet your neighbors, you’re paving your way to a place in your new community. This means you’ll feel at home a lot sooner and have access to first-hand information about your surroundings.

Read our blog for more relocating tips. Or get in touch if you have any questions.