Questions to Ask Moving Companies:

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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.

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Getting to Move Day:

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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.

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IRS Announces 2015 Filing Season Start Date:

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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has finally announced the 2015 filing season start date. And surprise! There’s no delay. Tax season for paper and electronically filed returns will open on January 20, 2015. That’s 11 days sooner than last year’s start date and 10 days sooner than the 2013 start date (though the 2012 season started a few days earlier on January 17).
Even better? There’s no tiered opening season. All taxpayers can begin filing on January 20, 2015. There was some concern about the tiered filing system because Congress had initially signaled that it might not sign off on all of the tax extenders. Congress eventually approved a tax extenders package which renewed all of those four dozen or so provisions for a year – with no changes – making it possible for all taxpayers to start filing at the same time. President Obama signed the tax extenders package into law on December 19, 2014.
IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said, about the extenders that, “[w]e have reviewed the late tax law changes and determined there was nothing preventing us from continuing our updating and testing of our systems.” He added, “Our employees will continue an aggressive schedule of testing and preparation of our systems during the next month to complete the final stages needed for the 2015 tax season.”

Tips on Selecting the Right Moving Company:

If you are thinking of moving to San Francisco, one of the first things you should do is select a suitable company to handle the move. Moving can lead to a lot of frustration but with the right company, it can be a lot easier. There are various companies to select from and this is why it is essential to take your time to find one that offers the services you require.

Most companies have websites that indicate the services they offer but while this is a good way to start your search, you should not base your decision on the information they provide. Use the internet to get an idea of the companies that are available in the area.

Get References

Get references from real estate agents who are based in the city. You can also use locals who have been living in the area for a while. They are more likely to have reliable information compared to the internet. Ask for references for companies that have been in operation for at least five years. An established moving company is more likely to have reliable services.

Set Appointments

Once you get references, set appointments with at least three movers. One of the best ways to reliable services from a San Francisco moving company is to request for an estimate during the appointment. The estimate should be based on a physical inspection of your home. An inspection will allow the movers to determine how much work will be carried out during the move based on the items in your home. You should not sign a contract before you know exactly how much you will be required to pay for the moving services.

The estimate has to be in writing. This is essential in case the moving company fails to fulfill the contract terms.

Does Your Mover Have Insurance?

This is one of the things that most homeowners overlook when they are looking for a San Francisco moving company. The company you use should be insured. It has to be liable in case any of your items are damaged or lost during the move. Without insurance, you will not get any compensation. You can also choose to purchase the insurance yourself instead of relying on the mover. Comprehensive insurance protects you from unexpected expenses in case anything goes wrong.

These are some of the things that you need to keep in mind if you want to find a professional and experienced San Francisco Moving Company.

Should I Use a 'You Load, We Drive' Moving Trailer to Move?

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As we've previously reviewed, you have three primary transportation and storage options when it comes to a do-it-yourself move: A rented moving truck, a portable storage container (POD), or a 'You Load, We Drive'moving trailer. Today we are going to discuss the 'You Load, We Drive' moving trailer option, helping you understand what this transportation option entails, how it works, and when a moving trailer should be used for your move.

What is a 'You Load, We Drive' moving trailer?

Typically operated by a freight carrier, a 'You Load, We Drive' moving trailer is a 28' truck that is used for long distance moving. A moving trailer is a very affordable long distance moving option for both large and small moves. Companies operating these moving trailers handle all of the driving, you simply load and unload your household items (or hire professional moving help) and they transport the trailer between your origin and destination.

How does a moving trailer it work?

Begin by contacting one of the three major moving trailer companies: ABF U-Pack®, Estes SureMove® or Old Dominion®. Each company will provide you with a quote for the transportation of your items as well as an estimate of the amount of space you will need, from the minimum of 3-4' to the full 28' trailer. The company will drop off your moving trailer at your home and (usually) provide you with up to three days to load your items. Once loaded, the trailer will be picked up and driven to your destination, usually arriving in 3-5 business days. You will then unload your items into your new home and the trailer will be taken away.

What are the benefits of a moving trailer?

A moving trailer is one of the most affordable ways to move long distance, and thus, is a major benefit. Companies that provide this service can offer affordable rates because they will use the entire 28' trailer, regardless of how much space you actually use. For example, if you utilize 13' of space the company will use the remaining 15' of space to transport commercial goods. Rest assured that the shipments are separated by a bulkhead to prevent your items from mixing in with the commercial goods. Additionally, these companies have very low minimum space requirements making it a very attractive option for small moves that only need a few feet of space.

What are the downsides of using a moving trailer?

Although a very affordable relocation option, moving trailers do have several downsides that you should be aware of. First, these trailers do not have an air-ride suspension. This basically means there is little shock absorbed and your items are more likely to be rattled around unless they are very carefully secured. Second, moving trailer companies do not offer a furniture blanket rental option. Because you cannot rent furniture blankets from these companies you are often forced to spend a significant amount of money buying your own or utilize less a effective option, such as bedding and towels. It is important to understand that furniture protection is vital to ensuring that your furniture arrives at your new home without damage. Be sure to factor in the cost of furniture blankets into your moving budget while shopping for a transportation solution.

When should I use a moving trailer for my move?

A 'You Load, We Drive' moving trailer can only be used for a long distance move. A moving trailer is your best option if you who do not want to drive a rented moving truck and if you are able to move into your new home right away without having to store your items temporarily.

Hire moving help to load or unload your freight trailer

Aside from the obvious physical benefits of hiring moving help, there are several other reasons to consider hiring movers. Firstly, you are billed for the amount of space you use on your trailer. By hiring professional movers you will be able to maximize the available space and, ultimately, use less space, saving you money. Secondly, moving trailers have a spring ride suspension and your household items are more likely to rattle around during the drive. Professional movers have the expertise to know when and where to use e-track straps and how to best pad and wrap your furniture to help reduce the risk of damage.

Learn more about hiring movers to load your moving trailer and see why it's both beneficial and affordable. You can also request a moving help quote online or by contacting Customer Support at (888) 354-8303.

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Tips and Tricks to choose the perfect Bay Area Movers:

Planning a move or relocation can be stressful, but knowing how to prepare can help in providing a smooth transition. Every situation is different, but the rules are the same. Here are a few tips and tricks that will help:

• Establish a firm move date.

Knowing when you will be moving will help establish a window of time to get things done. With a firm schedule in place, tasks can be distributed to alleviate a rush.

• Find a place to live

Once you know when you are moving, deciding where you will be moving to is the highest priority on the list. You’ll be able to determine distance, what you can and cannot bring, and whether or not you will need storage.

• Contact a reputable moving company.

The right moving company can help alleviate a number of problems. Bay Area Movers is available to help pack, crate and give you estimates of how long the move will take, the costs, and resources you can use in your new location.

• Get packing supplies.

Packing supplies are a must for a great move. Your moving company should be able to help direct you to places where you can find boxes at an inexpensive cost, or they can provide them for you. Bay Area Movers will help you pack and haul away your boxes if needed to help you get settled quicker.

• Contact your utilities and other service providers.

Once you know your move date and know where you are moving to, it’s time to arrange for connect and disconnection of services. Keeping a binder of names, numbers and when you requested services and personal records will keep you organized while providing a checklist of additional things that may need to be done.

• Start packing.

When you pack, finish one room at a time and color code your boxes for consistency. Using a color coding system will help you locate items quickly and will give your moving company a ledger in which to work from. Once your movers have a system of where boxes need to go, things will go a lot smoother.

• Pack-and-Go Box

For every move there needs to be a box of items that will travel with you. This should include toiletries, sheets, paper goods and anything else that will keep you going for at least a day or two just in case.

These are just a few tips and tricks that will help create the perfect move without hassle. Utilizing the services of reliable movers who are familiar with the area will be well worth the cost. Bay Area Movers is ready and available to assist in your transition. For more information on their services, contact an associate today!

What to Know If Moving to Silicon Valley – San Jose, CA:

There are some people who do everything they can to finally make the move to Silicon Valley. Then, there are others who stumble upon this move by chance, either through a career opportunity or a relationship. It does not matter which category you fall into if you’re moving to Silicon Valley, there is a good chance that you don’t know everything you should about the area.

Be Prepared for the ExpertsEveryone seems to be an expert on some topic in Silicon Valley, even if they have no idea what they are talking about. The good news is that those in the technology industry have a way of being able to filter out the fakers.

Try not to get too annoyed, and don’t feel you need to engage in a debate just to prove your point. You will merely exhaust yourself and someone else will quickly take their place. Just ignore those self-professed experts that pop up everywhere; you have more important things to do.

The Area is Not as Uptight as You ThinkMany people have this vision in their mind that Silicon Valley moves at a fast pace; everyone is busy and always on their way to an important meeting. You will quickly learn that this is not the case, so if you are one of those people who enjoys being stressed and overloaded all day, you may want to start meditating, or take a yoga class.

There is actually a calmness and relaxed feeling about the area. Sure there is hustle and bustle as folks are rushing to punch a time clock, but don’t expect to see everyone working through their lunch hour every day just to climb the corporate ladder. People here want to be comfortable and happy, not stressed and overworked.

It’s Who You KnowSilicon Valley is not the place to be a loaner. Sure, you can enjoy your alone time, and you certainly do not need to make an appearance at every event you are invited to, but this is a place where you want to network and build professional relationships. You never know when a contact will come in handy.

Folks are FriendlyFor some reason, many people associate the area with snobby, stuffy and rude people. This is far from the case. Just because there are some highly educated, brilliant and gifted minds living here does not mean that they are not capable of being friendly too. You will find a fantastic community here. You may feel like a small fish in  a big sea, but the other sea creatures are surprisingly welcome.

Shoe String Budgets Will Not ThriveThe cost of living here is expensive; plain and simple. It is estimated that the cost of basic necessities here is over 60 percent more here than the national average. You will be lucky to find a decent apartment for under $2K a month. Therefore, if you are moving here and plan on landing a job when you arrive, make sure you consider the higher expenses, so you can have an appropriate nest egg to work with.

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