Thursday, March 19, 2015

How to Move Your Clothes Tips:


  • Moving clothes on hangers


So, you are looking at your closet or thinking about how to pack all of the things that you have. Clothes are usually one of the types of things everybody moves. But where do you start from? How do you do it? Here are some tips on how to select what clothes to take and great advice on how to move them. Usually the most difficult thing about every move is how and where to begin. This article will show you what you need to know to prepare for your move and make it simpler, easier and more efficient.

Moving Clothes Across Country

What do you need? Do not pack everything as every item you wish to move will boost up your overall moving costs. There is a selection that you should make about what you could consider getting rid of.

Old stuff. Those are things that are out of fashion, forgotten somewhere deep down in your closet – they could be clothes, shoes, or accessories. If you care about which color dominates in the haute couture then you need to make a selection.
Worn out items. These are things that are torn apart, worn out, and just don’t look good any more. May be you’ve been meaning for ages to go and fix that boutique pair of boots but never actually went on to do it. Well, you can still decide to just let go of them and get new ones. If not, make sure that such items are fixed before the actual moving date, at least a week before they should be ready, so that you have the time to pack them.
Things that don’t fit any longer. Perhaps your children have grown up? May be you lost weight? Whichever it is, if there are clothes that don’t fit you or a member of your family any longer, then they’re worth leaving behind. There are many options about what to do with things that are useable but not desirable to you any longer – donate them, sell them or just give them away.
Things you just don’t want. May be you put on that dress so many times that you are just tired of it? Or you don’t feel like wearing those particular pair of jeans any longer? Well, just do the same as with the category of things above and you’ll be just fine. In this way you are decreasing the amount of things to move and consequently – your moving costs. Here is also a good reason to go shopping after the move – you will have the chance to get some nice new things and get to know your neighborhood and your city, and isn’t that a cool thing!
Moving Clothes Tips

Here are some tips that can assist you with moving clothes to another state or just down the street!

Make a plan of the packing materials. Estimate how much and what sort of items you will be moving so that you would be able to get sufficient boxes, tape and bags. You don’t need to run to the store in the last minute just because you ran out of packing supplies. Which is where our next tip comes handy.

You can pack easily clothes on hangers - just get some wardrobe boxes!
Moving clothes with hangers. If this is what you want, then you could consider getting moving boxes for clothes on hangers. Just take out your clothes and move them to the box. Such wardrobe boxes are very convenient to use because they are quick to pack and unpack. You can place there clothes that need ironing, and you could fold the rest up and put it in boxes.
Use a calendar. Well, you don’t want to be left with just two hours in the end of the moving day to start packing clothes, right? So, begin early! Sort out clothes that are out of season or that you won’t use until after the relocation and begin putting them in boxes. Work little by little in the evenings and this will make your move less stressful for sure!
Pack only clothes that are dry and clean. Remember to get your clothes from the drycleaner’s before you leave. Any clothes that have been washed should be dry before packing. Sign the boxes with their content and name of the owner, for example “Anna’s winter clothes”
Don’t make boxes too heavy. In case you doubt that there will be enough boxes for the rest of your clothes, it is very tempting to just try and jam them all in but this could break the boxes and make a big mess. So, think about vacuum or garbage bags as a last minute resort, and if that doesn’t work, just run to the store to get some more boxes. Clothes could be quite heavy so don’t destroy your boxes like this.
Use your own packing supplies. In the meantime, plan how to use your suitcases, too! If you have travel bags and suitcase, just take them out and fill them in. No point on moving them empty anyway, right?
Do not pack clothes that you will need during the last days before and after the move. It is very likely that you will not manage to unpack all of your clothes on the first day of your move so fill a bag or suitcase with items that you could need.
Shoes need to be packed separately. Here is a guide how to do it.

  • Move clothes

Monday, March 2, 2015

Top Benefits of Choosing Professional Movers in San Jose:

It is a known fact that moving can be a stressful and difficult job. There are a lot of professional moving companies out there in San Jose that can take the job off our heads, but choosing the right one is important. Hiring professional movers San Jose offers you a lot of benefits that outweigh trying to move on your own. Professional movers are trained and experienced and ensure delivery of your belongings safely, securely, and within the desired time-frame.
Professional Movers San Jose
Top 5 Benefits of Opting for Professional Movers in San Jose
  1. Packing of Belongings
Packing of belongings on your own can be expensive as well as risky because fragile or valuable items require special packing. Estimating the number of cartons or boxes needed and filling them appropriately can be an uphill task. Professional movers in San Jose on the other hand, are trained and experienced and can pack in days or hours goods that might take you weeks to pack on your own. Professional movers know where to start packing from and move about efficiently. They are trained in handling the goods without causing even a scratch, or they’d be liable to pay for it. Moving companies provide special packing for valuable goods thus ensuring safe and speedy packaging.
  1. The Right Equipment
Professional movers have the appropriate gadgets and equipment to pack your belongings. They have specially equipped vehicles to transport the load instead of a borrowed truck which does not have adequate space for the inventory. Professional movers use two-wheel, four wheel or appliance dollies, hoisting straps, and have ramps and customized trucks with air ride cushions to move your belongings safely and in one piece. They are experienced to move different kind of belongings like an L-shaped sofa or furniture that needs to be dismantled. Also, as there is strength in numbers, a team equipped with all the right tools is sure to do a much better job then you could do trying to do it on your own or with the help of a couple friends. Not to mention this can easily result in injuries or property damage.
Additionally, professional services have storage facilities that can help store belongings for an extra cost for a night, short term or long term in case you reach the final destination later than expected.
  1. Knowing the Neighborhood
Professional moving companies in San Jose are well versed with routes, the locality of the destination, neighborhood, etc., which saves time and also guarantees safe dispatch and transportation of goods on time.
Also these companies have the required licensing needed to transport the belongings within the state or inter-state such as the U.S Department of Transportation number and the motor carrier license number which are vital for transporting goods and for driving big trucks with greater capacity.
  1. Insurance
Another great benefit of opting for professional moving companies is that they offer basic insurance for the goods and are thus they are liable in case of damage, misplacement or theft of the valuables.
  1. Cost Effectiveness
If the cost of wrapping, cartons and boxes for packing and large trucks for transporting the belongings on your own is considerable, professional movers win hands down because their estimate includes the cost for all of these.
Furthermore, in case of injury or property damage while moving the goods on your own, your loss is even greater. But this cost can be avoided with professional movers who are trained to handle goods appropriately.
In short, choosing professional movers in San Jose ensures safety, speed, convenience, making them the right choice to move your belongings.
Hire the best movers in San Jose and move safely!

Sunday, February 15, 2015

So You’re Thinking Of Renting Through Airbnb?

In case you aren’t familiar with Airbnb, it’s sort of like an eBay for short-term rentals, only without the bidding. Homeowners, or in many cases leaseholders, rent out either a room or the entire place for a nightly, weekly or monthly rate – presumably while they’re on jaunts of their own.
Since it’s relatively new to the market, there have been few regulations. Many landlords prohibit subletting and I assume that some leases are specifically mentioning that that applies to short-term rentals as well. But in cities like San Francisco, where the housing market is very tight for people who live here long-term, until recently, people have been hoarding properties and renting them out at higher short-term rates, rather than settle for lease prices.
In October of last year, San Francisco passed some regulations for the short-term rental market, including setting a maximum of 90 days a year for any given property and paying hotel taxes. Here is more information on the law.
If you still want to try it out, Airbnb might be a great way to help pay for your own vacation or a way to help finance your own living space without the commitment of a roommate.
Like eBay, Airbnb offers star ratings for both renters rentals. The more quality reviews, the better. That can be a bit of a sticky wicket at times. Even while you are on vacation, being disruptive or making too much noise can result in bad reviews. If you plan on really partying, you might want to stick with a hotel. Unfortunately, complaints can also ring up bad reviews, so if you clog the toilet while renting, it’s a good idea to fix it yourself.
On the other side, most is pretty obvious. Keep your place immaculate. Invest in coordinating linens. Paint the walls. Make sure everything works perfectly. Your goal in the beginning is to rack up good reviews, which might mean cutting your price and adding extra touches like gift cards to local restaurants, a box of chocolates or a bottle of California wine.
Give your guests a binder full of restaurant menus, public transportation information, local sights and activities. You also want to list any peculiarities your home may have, such as a door that needs to be lifted before opening.
Neighbors may not like the idea of strangers staying next door. You can do one of two things; you can either pretend they’re your friends or you can talk to your neighbors, telling them that you only rent to top-rated renters. I recommend the second.
While location is everything, there are many renters who want the San Francisco experience without paying San Francisco prices. If you are on the BART line or within easy commuting distance to the city, you can still generate good prices. Wine country is another huge draw, as is Silicon Valley, especially for business travelers.
There are no guarantees, though. I just plugged in my address and the monthly net was less than we pay every month. Regardless, check them out. It could be worth it for you.

Image courtesy of Flickr.

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Ensure moving day goes smoothly with this checklist that will help to minimize the stress.


Spring and summer are high season for moving in Canada. Even if you’re moving into your dream home, the actual process of moving itself can be highly stressful. But if you stay organized and pace your preparations over a few weeks, you’ll do a lot to make the big day go more smoothly. Just follow our guidelines below, and good luck in your new home!

Four to six weeks before the move

1 Create a master list of everything you need to do, and keep it handy to jot down things that occur to you in the coming days. Make note of special tasks like booking piano movers, sending change of address forms out, cancelling newspapers and utilities, special packing and storage needs.

2 Clean out closets, drawers, cupboards, chests, shelves, garage, attic, basement. Divide everything into four groups: Throw Away; Recycling; Giveaway/Yard Sale; Keep.

3 Hold a yard sale to get rid of things that are too valuable to throw away or recycle, but that you don’t want to take to your new home. Check your municipal website for items that can be donated for recycling or reuse: electronics, leftover paint, appliances and reusable building materials are a few items that can be dropped off there. Charities like The Furniture Bank will pick up old furniture and mattresses at no charge and give you a tax receipt.

4 Send out change-of-address forms to magazines and other correspondents. (Many periodicals now allow you to do this online.) Arrange with Canada Post to have mail forwarded to your new address starting on moving day. Begin changing over driver’s license and registration, passport, health cards, and other official forms.

5 Notify utilities, cable company, alarm companies, lawn service companies and other service providers of your moving dates.

6 Plan to use up as much of your food as possible, especially frozen items.

7 Call your insurance company to set up insurance for your new home and cancel your old policy on moving day.

8 Research schools in your new neighbourhood and register your kids at the new school.

9 Have upholstery and rugs cleaned; book window and eavestrough cleaning services.

10 Begin researching moving companies and getting estimates. Once you have chosen the company you want, confirm and sign the contract. If you are doing the packing, obtain boxes and other packing materials from your mover, or a moving supply or discount store.

11 Start packing less used items and storing the boxes in a convenient but less central room, such as den or family room. (Avoid storing them in the basement, which will just make headaches for the movers on moving day.)

12 If possible, visit your new home and make note of any special issues for the movers, such as narrow hallways or steep or winding staircases.

Two to three weeks before moving day

1 Keep records of all your moving expenses; in some cases, you can deduct them on your income taxes.

2 Continue packing boxes. Be sure to label all boxes clearly with the rooms they are going to.

3 If you live in (or are moving to) a condo, book the freight elevator for moving day.

4 Make sure appliances and house are in good working order and make any repairs agreed upon in your house sale.

One week before moving day

1 Defrost (if necessary) and clean out refrigerator, and clean oven. If you have a wood fireplace, have the chimney cleaned.

2 Start cleaning the house as much as possible, to minimize this task on moving day.

3 Finish packing all but the essentials you’ll need right before and right after the move.

4 Arrange to have pets and small children spend moving day with a sitter.

5 Start to plan for changes to the new house, such as booking painters or contractors.

6 Take down artwork and mirrors and pack them in special boxes or crates designed for this purpose.

7 Be sure arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth handover of keys to both the old house and the new house on moving day; usually these are given to the buyers’ and sellers’ lawyers.
Moving day checklist
Moving day checklist

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Buy Small-Cap Stocks to Avoid the “Rotating Blades of Death”

Fish yourself a Dow stock out of the earnings pond.
Go ahead—grab your rod and reel one in.
Now ask yourself this question: Will it blend?
The answer, of course, is yes. Forget scaling it, removing its tail, head and bones—that bass will blend into a perfectly grotesque liquid. Unfortunately, investors have to drink it…
Get the picture?
These fish are the Dow Jones components just before 4th quarter earnings came out…
Guess what happens next?

Thirsty yet?
It’s earnings season again. And fourth quarter earnings have flat-out sucked so far. Excuse my French, but there’s no other way to put it. The market is slicing the poor earners to bits…
Caterpillar and Procter & Gamble just released disappointing earnings forecasts for the year. P&G dropped more than 3% on the day. Caterpillar wasn’t so lucky. It cratered more than 7%.
But wait—there’s more!
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Microsoft plummeted more than 9% on the day thanks to a whoppingfour downgrades after its underwhelming earnings announcement. No – that’s not a typo. Even this one-time king of the tech stocks fell straight into the rotating blades of death.
Here’s another fun fact: Out of the 30 Dow stocks, just one—United Technologies—escaped the flying bits of gore. It gained a mouth-watering 41 cents on the day. When the blades stopped turning, the Dow lost nearly 300 points to begin the week.
But before you run off into the woods with your gold hoard and survival kit, there’s something you need to understand: While the Dow fell into the spinning blades, another group of stocks managed to stay in one piece.
As a trader, that’s what you need to be looking for on days like Monday. When the market starts falling apart, there’s usually onegroup of stocks, one sector, or one industry that avoids the carnage. That’s a huge tell. When the big money is buying on a bad day, you know you’re probably onto something…
And that’s exactly what’s happening with small-cap stocks right now.
The big boys have had their fun. Now, small stocks are in the early stages of jumping out in front. The Russell is simply crushing the S&P since October 13th – the week stocks bottomed out. And over the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen more of the same from these little engines that could…
“That’s a sign of a healthy bull market,” I told you earlier this year. “You want to see the small companies–considered much more speculative investments–outperforming the big kids. Investors who are willing to take more risk leads to rising prices. That’s what’s been building over the past three months.”
So start thinking small. And stay away from blenders.
Regards,
P.S. This trade rings two bells. It’s the perfect way to protect your trading portfolio right now–while booking solid gains at the same time.  If you want to cash in on the biggest profits this market has to offer, sign up for my Rude Awakening e-letter, for FREE, right here. Stop missing out. Click here now to sign up for FREE.

Friday, January 30, 2015

Questions to Ask Moving Companies:


Do you work for the mover or are you a broker?

Broker’s play an important role in helping customers match up with moving companies. Keep in mind, however, that a broker cannot give you a binding estimate and a broker is not responsible for loss or damage.

Do you give binding quotes?

Over the phone, a mover or broker may give you a quote that is generally not binding. A mover may give a binding, or “not to exceed” quote upon reviewing your items in person. Brokers don’t typically give binding quotes.

Does the quote include extra charges?

For example – flight charges, long carry charges, appliance charges, parking charges, storage charges, fuel charges, awkward objects, etc. If you have a piano, you should let them know right up front. Ask them if they have equipment to help with heavy and awkward items.

Will my items be transferred?

Long distance moves can sometimes require your items be transferred to another truck. This extra handling increases the chances for damage to occur.

What forms of payment do you accept and on what terms?

We don't recommend that you hire movers if they only accept cash; be sure you are clear about the amount that is due on delivery versus the deposit amount, and whether deposits are refundable.Most companies that have a merchant account will accept credit cards so be sure to ask if credit cards are an option.

What type of insurance is included in your quote? What else is available to me?

Basic coverage is 60 cents per pound but your moving company may offer an upgrade at a reasonable price. You can also work with 3rd party insurance providers to cover the move.

What is the process if something were to break or is missing? Who’s responsible?

This is a follow-up to the previous question that clearly breaks down who is responsible for what. If you’re discussing a self-service move, you may not get reimbursed for something that you packed poorly.


Monday, January 5, 2015

Getting to Move Day:




Fantastic Tips on Getting to Move Day - 2-3 weeks before move day

Schedule your move at least two weeks in advance.

 The representative at Fantastic Moves will ask many questions to learn how best to

plan for your move. Let us know which items are especially sentimental, valuable or large and heavy.

 If you plan to pack yourself, start NOW. It takes longer than you expect. See our Packing Tips.

 Your packed boxes can be stacked 4-5 high. Place away from the furniture so the movers can have a

clear path for moving. Set aside any boxes you plan to move yourself and label as such.

Make a plan on paper where each piece of furniture goes in your new home. If a piece isn’t going,

please donate, or sell prior to the move. It can feel GOOD to have unnecessary items out of sight!

Don’t forget to clean out your garage, attic, and storage sheds.

 This is a good time to use food from the freezer or opened items in the pantry.

 Arrange address, cable, utility changes; cancel or redirect deliveries. Make sure you have phone

access on move day. Call Fantastic Moves if you have any questions as you prepare for your move.