1. Clothes: Donating clothes are the simplest way to get rid of old unwanted clothing and excess baggage. Stop by your local Salvation Army, where they already have empty bins for you to drop off clothes. Or stop by Crossroads Co. or Buffalo Exchange if you want to make some quick cash by selling your old clothing.
2. Furniture: You might notice that furniture is one of the heaviest items you have to bring with you to your new location. Perhaps you can donate spare furniture to nearby relatives, and invest in new furniture.
3. Shoes: If you own many shoes, you probably know they can clutter up spaces easily. Donate shoes that you no longer like to local charitable organizations!
4. Toys: Your children will eventually grow out of their favorite toys, so why not donate the ones they no longer play with? Likewise, why not donate toys to kids who never even held a toy before.
5. Books: Let’s be honest here, will you really read all your books again? Look at your shelf and find out which books you haven’t touched in a while, and will not probably read again. Donate these books to local libraries or schools.
6. Food: Canned foods can be heavy for a move, so consider donating them to needy families!
7. Electronics: Haven’t used that old DVD player in a while? Or that TV from 1990? Donate them to local organizations, in which they can give these items to families who would be happy to use them.

There are probably more items you can donate before your next move. Look around your house, and consider what things are useless to you. Also, before you donate to each place, remember to check out their policy—if items need to be packaged or items that they may not accept. Research for local charitable organizations or stores you can donate your belongings to. You can also consider having a garage sale if you want to get rid of numerous items.

After you have donated some of your old belongings, consider what items you can transport yourself during the move.

Lastly, Student Movers is happy to help you move to or from Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside, Imperial Valley, San Bernardino, or anywhere else in California! Just give us a call!

This might seem standard, but being organized is one of the best ways to combat the build-up stress before the actual move-in-day. This brief list of do’s and don’ts for moving day can be a helpful resource in making sure everything is taken care of.

1. Check the list: Before you depart from your old house, make sure you double-check your list, and then again when you arrive at your new home. Check if anything is missing from your list, or from the moving companies when they arrive. Checking the list and being careful can ensure you that all your belongings will arrive safely!
2. Kids/pets: Small kids and pets can easily be harm during the moving day process, which is why adults have to make sure they are out of the way. If possible, hire a babysitter for them on moving day, or put them into a room where they can play with toys or watch movies during the move.
3. Transport valuable items yourself:  Consider moving some items—the most valuable ones—by yourself. This way you can keep a close eye on these items, and ensure there will be a less likelihood of damages. Check here for some important items you might want to transport yourself.
4. Simple manners: If you want your movers to be kind to your belongings, then be kind to them! Try offering them light refreshments to your movers on moving day. This is a great way to show your movers that you appreciate their hard work. If possible, make sure to leave them a tip when they are finished moving!
5. Lastly, when you finally arrived at your new home destination, get ready to sign the bills and say thank you to the movers. Double check on everything by walking through your new home to guarantee your shipments has arrived safely

By following these simple guidelines, you will have a less likely chance of forgetting anything important, and have a less stressful moving day!

Once you are all settled in at your new home, try having a housewarming party, and meet your new neighbors!

In either case, here some important items you might want to transport yourself:

• Keys for file cabinets, extra car keys, house keys, and etc.
• Valuable jewelries, and other small valuables
• IRS tax records, Financial Records, and all other important documents
• Medications
• Expensive possessions such as electronics—Ipads, Itouch, etc.
• Family albums, photos, letters and postcards
• Irreplaceable mementos
• Checkbooks
• Computer disks and software backups
• Personal documents: Birth Certificates, Passports, etc
• School records—if you have children, pack along their school records as well
• Stocks & bonds
• And any other personal belonging you feel is important to set aside

Beside these items listed above, you might also want to consider packing some extra clothing, towels, and toiletries in case your move is delayed. Furthermore, after you have packed all your boxes, make sure to label which boxes are for the movers and which boxes are for you to transport yourself. You might want to label “Do Not Move” onto the boxes, and to move these boxes away from the boxes the movers will take with them.

If you are moving internationally, you might want to consider checking out these quick tips in preparing for your oversea move.

Once you are all settled in, consider having a housewarming party!

For people who may be moving internationally or to study abroad, moving will be much different from a regular relocation from one town to another. Here are some quick tips to take into consideration:

• Apply for visas: If you’re studying abroad for a quarter (or semester), you will definitely need to obtain a student visa. Act quickly—visa processing may take up to three months, so right when you receive your admission letter, apply for a visa! Likewise, research what type of documents you may also need—import goods, other visas within the same country, work visas, or to take up residence. Your best friend will be the Embassy or Consulate General of the country in which you plan to live.
• Passports/Photo Copies: We all know we need a passport in order to fly out internationally, but you might want to check out when your passport expires. If it is expired, make sure to renew your passport at your local Post Office, or you can renew by mail. Also, you may need to obtain new photocopies—make sure it is in color, printed on photo quality paper, and in 2×2 inches (51x51mm) in size. You can obtain your photos from most photo processing locations—Costco, Walgreens, Post Offices, Kinko’s.
• Determine the approximate size of your new home: Many countries, such as in Asia, have much smaller housing when compared to the U.S. Rooms are more narrow, and do not have much spatial room. Research and prepare for this type of information, because it may be helpful in terms of want to bring—furniture, clothing, and personal belongings. If you’re staying in a dorm room for study abroad, pack lightly because there will be little room for both you and your roommate.
• What will you do with your current residence: This may vary, but if you are planning to come back in a few years, you might want to sublease your place. However, if you do not want the extra work of subleasing overseas, then consider selling your place.
• Hire an international moving company: You probably will need help moving into your new home! No sweat. Interview and hire a moving company in advance to make sure they are available on the dates you plan on moving.
• Obtain all vaccinations: Give yourself (and your children) plenty of time to complete shot series. If you are studying abroad, obtain your health records from your doctor and photocopy the documents.
• School records: If you are a parent, obtain your children’s school records and grades. You may want to contact the school your children will be attending at your new location. Determine what documents or paperwork needs to be completed.
• Arrange for transportation for your arrival: For study abroad students, you can sign up for a Buddy Program, where someone will pick you up, or you can take a taxi or shuttle. Make sure you obtain a map and know your destination address.
• Notify your bank that you will use your ATM card abroad (if you are a study abroad student) The last thing you want to happen is not being able to withdraw money!
• Photocopies of everything—your visa, passport, permits, health records, school records, etc. You never know when you will lose your belongings at the airport! So make sure you email yourself the documents, make multiple copies, and have someone at home have a copy as well.

These are just some basics you will need to complete, but there is much more to do before moving! However, these basic tips are a great start for making this transition as smooth as possible.

Need to get rid of some furniture or belongings? Check out some tips on garage sale!

For further information on travel: http://travel.state.gov/

For study abroad students (in CA): http://eap.ucop.edu

Do you miss your friends, your mom, or your boyfriend/girlfriend? Now, do not fret because we know most people would want to keep in touch with their loved ones after your move. It is extremely important to keep in touch with friends and family since they are the “meats and potatoes” of your life! Maintaining communication with your loved ones is easier than you think, and it’s all thanks to technology.

Here are some great ways to keep in touch:

1. Home/Vacation visits: This is the most evident and simple way to keep in touch with people. Go visit home during the holidays or long weekends! If you’re far away from home, plan vacations together with friends and families.
2. Skype/Video Chat: Well here’s something you might be familiar with! Video chats are a great way to have a face-to-face conversation! Furthermore, this free application works as long as you have Internet connection, which is always a plus!
3. Social Medial Platforms: Oh hey Facebook and Twitter! These two platforms are remarkable because you can share videos, photos, and invites for parties or gatherings!
4. Phone calls/ Text messages: Text messages are a quick way to send a simple “hi” or “how are you!” You can always text a whole conversation up, or you can leave that to the simple phone call away! Make a phone date to catch up, and no flaking!
5. Letters: Here’s a traditional way of keeping communication with loved ones. Although letters are not the quickest method of contact, many people still value written letters/notes. Consider sending letters for birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations! You can always stick to the “pen pals” tradition as well.

Remember: do not wait for your family or friends to make the first move! Maybe they are busy, or in fact, maybe they are waiting for you. Make it your priority and responsibility. Take advantage of our current technologies, and arrange for meet-ups—it will refresh your relationships!

Many college undergraduates will graduate soon, and you may need to keep in touch with loved ones if you plan to move where the job takes you! Make sure you know what’s next for your journey!

Also, consider a storage facility or have a garage sale before your next move! You can always donate to the Salvation Army or sell clothing items to Crossroads Trading Co. or Buffalo Exchange.

Remember, we move to or from Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Imperial Valley, San Bernardino, and anywhere else in CA!

The first thing to do on this bucket list is the invitation—who and how to invite them. Try a unique invitation—a mix of modern and old tradition style—like combining the invites with a plate of cookies or pastries! This is a perfect step in remembering your neighbor’s faces! Moreover, invite anyone who you know in the area too. The more the merrier!

Next up, we have the food menu. Do not be stressful over the menu since it should be simple! To keep it elegant and easy, try serving the perfect combination of wine and cheese. Likewise, simple snacks of veggie dips and chips can be satisfactory too. Make sure to invite your guests after dinner so the party can be an “after-the-dinner” relaxation event! Lastly, since you might not know how many people are attending, make sure to supply more food than you expect.

Here are some more great tips to take into consideration:

• Before the guests arrive, prepare your home by spraying some freshener, stocking up the washroom, and placing necessities such as napkins and tissue boxes in noticeable areas.
• Tidy up the kitchen and dining room—close off bedrooms and any other rooms that still need some unpacking.
• Dress up! Dress to impress, but keep it classy.
• Once a few guests have arrived, make small talk and keep them comfortable. Show them around your new home, and make sure they feel welcome!
• Have some fun activities in mind—in case there are some dead awkward silences.
• Pick appropriate music for the age range
• You may want to pick out a theme for the party—use your resources
• Keep the noise level down. You do not want the party to get out of hand and leave a bad first impression.
• Do not expect perfection! Lighten up and enjoy your party.
• As an optional task, write or email a Thank You note to your guests and for any gifts you received at the party.

Need help with invitation ideas? Check out this site: http://www.zazzle.com/housewarming+party+invitations

Student Movers is happy to help you move to your new home so you can get that house-warming party started!

Remember, we move to or from Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside, Imperial Valley, San Bernardino, and anywhere else in California!

Also, check our Moving Tips from A to Z, or tips on garage sale before your next move!

Likewise, numerous graduates will be moving from Northern California to Southern California in search for a place of work within 100 miles of their college. Some will be moving for the job or wherever the job market will take them.

Here are some great tips you might consider for long distance moving:

Before You Move:
• Divide the goods you wish to move yourself
• Have all (electrical) appliances to be moved and disconnected prior to your move date.
• Defrost and dry your refrigerator (and freezer) the night before your move date
• Throw away all inflammable items, dyes, and paints
Moving Day
• Make sure your mobile phone is connected throughout the move date—it is important to stay connected with the moving crew
• Make sure all items and goods have been loaded out of the old residence
• Make sure nothing have been loaded into the van by mistake
Upon Destination
1. Upon arrival at your new resident, physically count your goods
2. Make notice of any missing items or damages on the bill/receipt at the time of the delivery—written proof is the best evidence
3. Make copies of all documents, including delivery papers that is signed by the driver

Note: If you have any questions regarding about the documentations or identifications that is required to move, contact the customs officer prior to the move date.

Furthermore, here are some quick links to check out:

Want to know if Northern or Southern California is the best place for your next move? Check out:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/06/northern-california-vs-southern-california_n_995414.html

Check out 5 Quick Tips for Moving Long Distance:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/5-tips-for-movi-123973

Check out Moving Tips from A to Z!

Lastly, Student Movers is happy to help you move to or from Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside, Imperial Valley, San Bernadino, or anywhere else in California!

Here are our winners:

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“In the summer I love getting a caramel frappuccino to cool me down. It’s been a long time coming and definitely needed! Thank you guys so much!”

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“I do enjoy a grande coffee.”

Thanks-A-Latte for helping get the word out that Student Movers has the best service around town! From the Bay to LA, Student Movers has you covered for moves anywhere in California!

Moving in Orange County can be an added stress to you already busy life. Whether you are downsizing, moving with your dog or family, or just relocating, Student Movers makes it their highest priority to satisfy our customers’ needs.

If you’re looking for movers in Orange County, make sure you verify your movers licensing and registration with the state of California, and make sure they have insurance. Student Movers is proud to provide any information to our customers, including our BBB, AMSA and California Pro Mover certifications, as well as our Angie’s List and Yelp reviews.

When you’re ready to choose a mover in Orange County, make sure you aren’t paying for the additional services you don’t need. Take the good student approach to moving: consider your moving options, do your homework, and try to move smarter, not harder. Student Movers goes out of our way to make sure that our customers (and potential customers) have all the moving knowledge we have acquired over the years available at their fingertips.

Remember, your move is more than getting your everything from A-Z from one home to the next; you may have to have a garage sale, donate some old goods to charity, find a storage facility, and even scout out your new neighborhood.

No matter where you’re moving to or from – be it Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside, Imperial Valley, San Bernadino, or anywhere else in California – Student Movers is happy to help.

The Student Movers is proud to support Move For Hunger in it’s drive to help end hunger in the U.S.  We work with a network of over 250 movers in 40 states and have helped collect over 420,000 lbs of food for food banks across America.

We feel strongly that hunger in the United States is a solvable problem, even in times of economic downturn. Move for Hunger aims to resolve hunger in America by collecting and redistributing food that is often discarded when people move.

Donating food that is non-perishable, such as canned goods, can lead to ending hunger in impoverished areas near you and across the country. Why throw away something perfectly good when people are going hungry?

Student Movers is happy to accept donations from our customers when they move. We will pay them forward to Move for Hunger, but your ability to reach out doesn’t end there. You can help them raise $10,000 through watching their video on Slide Rocket, a new online way to create multi-media presentations. Slide Rocket is giving the money away to the presentation that has the most views.

There aren’t many other ways that you can help donate money to a wonderful non-profit by just watching a video. Take less than ten minutes of your time, and help win ten thousand dollars for charity.

Click Here to watch Move For Hunger’s Slide Rocket Presentation.

Patrick Kennedy of Fair Companies designs SmartSpaces – the apartment equivalent of a SmartCar – to maximize efficiency in small living spaces for urban living. The idea seems highly plausible – low rent, desirable addresses, and big city living with plenty of nearby amenities – but would you be comfortable living in 160 square feet? That’s the size of most people’s living rooms. Check out their video below:

These mini-studios could work for those living by themselves and without a need for more room. If you work more than forty hours a week and are a weekend warrior, you’re never really home much anyway. These spaces would be for personal storage and a place to shower and sleep. California’s minimum square footage requirement for a living space is 160 square feet, but other states, such as New York, have much lower requirements.

For highly desirable locations, such as Manhattan, mini-studios can get smaller than 90 square feet. Living in a space that tiny requires a lot of planning and organization, as well as some serious downsizing. Check out how Felice Cohen does it here:

So, do you still think your home is too small?

A lot of us have requirements for larger spaces – pets, kids, storage needs, etc – that don’t allow us to live so minimally. And honestly, unless you are living in a largely impacted city, you don’t need to sacrifice space for location. However, for those on a budget, or just starting out in a big city, having an affordable living space close to the place where you work can offset other costs, such as transportation, housing association fees, and the cost of utilities or furnishings. Sure, you may not be able to invite your friends over for a gourmet meal you prepared, but big city living provides you with urban amenities just around the corner. And just think, when the time comes to move, you’re entire apartment will fit into a portable storage unit!

Location Hunting:

#1: HotPads

This app is for both the Android and Iphone platform, and provides some of the best search features we have found. If you’re looking for a new place, hotpads is a great resource for you. You can input a multitude of search filters, including price, square footage, location, and amenities. The best part about it is that ability to save searches, add favorite locations to your profile, and get directions to your new potential home all inside the app. You can even contact the property via email or phone call straight from the information panel. If viewing homes or apartments on a map isn’t a big concern to you, you can switch to the list view to see important details at a glance.  When you partner HotPads on your mobile device with the expanded capabilities on your home computer, you’re bound to find your dream location.

#2: Trulia

Trulia is a truly (haha) great app if you are searching  for a home or rental. You can customize searches in the standard manner (square footage, price, location, beds/baths), but you can also speak directly to a realtor and save searches to notify you when comparable properties appear. This app is great for consumers who are ready to purchase or sell a home as it can give you a great idea of where your current market value lies. The ability to browse realtors and agent profiles can provide you with all the tools you’ll need to sell your current home and relocate. Trulia also pulls up listing data for recently foreclosed homes.

#3: Apartment Guide

Apartment Guide is a great app for those on the hunt for a new place to rent. The ability to simultaneously use a map view and list view of available properties satisfies most users desire to view pertinent information at the same time as location. They have extensive data on available units, are can provide you with all of the contact information necessary to make an appointment to view a new complex. This app is a great supplement to the Apartment Guide printed materials.

Moving:

#1: My Move

My Move for Iphone and Android provides a resource on your phone to file away important notes and tasks to get accomplished. It can also provide you with moving quotes from various companies and handy tips, but we all know where the best place to get those is (www.thestudentmovers.com).  The best part of this app is the organization of moving tips into time frame categories, allowing you to properly plan your move ahead of time and avoid last minute problems.

#2: State Farm MoveTools

State Farm is working on helping make long distance moves easier for the average customer. Their app can help you manage all of your to-do list items, and even suggest weekly moving tasks to keep you on track. The best part of this app is you can digitally pack a box and print barcode labels. These labels can be scanned on your phone, and show you the contents of the box without even opening it! Great for long distance moves where you need to pack up and get the right items out without hassle.

#3: Move Planner

Move planner is great if you need a place to create to do lists and manage them. Beyond basic list management, this app is lacking in serious content, but can be great for keeping you on track with the million things floating around in your head.

If you’re planning your move in the near future, make sure you check out some of these high quality apps. They can really make your life easier and save you a ton of time.

1. Timing
Sales do best during the morning hours on Saturday and Sundays. Most people have the day off and are out and about running errands or taking kids to and from sports events. Make sure you start your sale early to catch all the die-hards, and make it last until at least noon, giving people time to get up and have a cup of coffee before they start hunting down bargains. Check to make sure the weekend you’re planning on having a sale doesn’t conflict with a local event, parade, or holiday (such as Thanksgiving) in order to attract a bigger crowd. Some holiday weekends can bring out larger crowds, like president’s day or labor day. If you’re planning ahead, try to aim for a sale in the fall, as spring is traditionally the time when most people sell their old things (spring cleaning). A fall sale can prove to have bigger turn out with less competition.

2. Advertise
You can’t sell in a well, meaning you have to get the word out that you’ll be having a sale. You can’t rely on “If you build it they will come”. Make signs that are bright, big, and sturdy. Post up signs a few days prior to your event with the date and time you’ll be selling. Remember, most people will be reading your sign from a passing car, so keep it big and simple. Advertise online through craigslist, the pennysaver, yardsalesearch.com, or garagesalestracker.com. When doing so, make sure you include when, where, and what you’ll be selling. If you live in a rural area, use landmarks or general directions to get to your home. If you can, post large items separately and advertise your sale with it. Use brand names of items whenever you can, including clothing and accessories. You can also choose to advertise in a local paper. Many newspapers have a garage sale classifieds section that sells at a cheaper rate than normal classifieds. Remember to keep it short, as many will charge you by the word.

3. Talk to Your Neighbors
Many neighbors will be interested in stopping by your garage sale, if for no other reason than to be nosy. They may even have a few items of their own to put on consignment with you, or be inspired to have their own sale at the same time. Getting a neighborhood together to have an annual or seasonal garage sale can attract a large number of buyers.

4. Clean Up
No one wants to pay good money for dirty, beat up stuff. Before you put out your things, wipe them down, clean them up, and fix any minor things that can be repaired. Not only will this help you bring top dollar for your items, you may end up keeping some things that appeared less valuable when dirty or damaged.

5. Pricing
Everybody loves getting a good deal at a garage sale, but no one wants to give their things away for free. Generally, pricing should be around one-fifth of retail pricing for items in working and good shape. For near new or rarely used items, you could get up to one-third of the retail price. Make sure you clearly label items, and try to use general pricing signs where applicable (used books, clothes, etc). People love to get a deal, so try using the “BOGO”, or buy one get one technique. BOGOs encourage people to buy quantities of items you are trying to get rid of, and makes them feel like they are getting something free. For big items that you’ve posted separately online for sale, print out a Quick Response (QR) code on a piece of paper that will send people to your ad’s URL. This can encourage people to think about the purchase and call you when they want to come back. Towards the end of your sale, start slashing prices. You want to get rid of this stuff and not donate it, right? Before you sell anything that may be of actual value, make sure you know what it is worth. Take your items to a local pawn shop or specialty store and ask to have them priced. You may even find an interested buyer!

6. Display Everything
If you have nicer items to hang up, hang them up. Offer to sell them with the hanger. If you have books or clothing, place it on a table so people don’t have to bend down to the ground to rummage through things. A bright or… unusual… piece can be showcased center stage at your sale to bring people out of their cars. People don’t want to look through boxes of junk and trinkets. Bring out a table that isn’t for sale to place items on.

7. Be Inviting
Don’t hover over people, making them feel uncomfortable. When someone begins to haggle, do so politely with them. They aren’t buying your emotional attachment to objects, and are typically out to get the best deal. Try to play relaxing music to encourage people to browse for treasures. If you have an interesting or large-ticket item, display it – it will generate conversation and get people out of their cars. Try selling coffee or lemonade, and maybe even donuts or snacks. If they want to get their wallets out for food and drinks, customers will be more likely to start up a conversation and take something home. Make sure you have plenty of parking – move your car down the street. If you don’t have a front yard, driveway or garage, consider having a backyard sale. People are always curious to checkout someone’s home.

8. Be Safe
You are opening up your home to strangers, knowing that you will have plenty of goods and cash on hand. Be safe. Ask a friend, neighbor, spouse or young adult to be at the sale with you at all times. Make sure you keep an eye on the cash box, and an eye on your belongings. You’ll be surprised with what some people just walk away with in their hands. Also, make sure to lock up your front door or garage door if you don’t want people entering your home.

9. Freecycle
Once your sale is done and the signs are coming down, put smaller items to the curb for free. A picture of your curb under the free section of craigslist will surprise you with how fast your belongings disappear. You can also take belongings in usable condition to the Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other charity thrift store of your choice for a tax-deductible donation. If you do so, make sure you itemize what you donate, as your CPA will surprise you with the value you can write off on some items.

All of this seems like it can take a ton of time and effort, but being dedicated to getting a good turn out will give you more dollars in your pocket. Whether you’re moving, or just cleaning house, a sale can be the perfect way to clear up extra space and turn some of your old stuff into cash!

DOGTV wants to provide a friendly pet sitter by means of your television. Their initial debut will be in San Diego on Cox (channel 2635) and on Time Warner (channel 148). Gilad Neumann, CEO of DOGTV, says “Loving our dogs so much, we feel guilty when we leave them home alone. DOGTV provides customized television entertainment, while the rest of the family is away at work or too busy to play. Studies show it relaxes and stimulates our dogs, keeping them healthier and more content.”

So how will all of this help you? Well, your dog can suffer from anxiety and plain ol’ boredom when you’re gone for extended periods of time. DOGTV will provide soothing content for you friendly fido to watch while you’re away, stimulating them mentally so they don’t tear up the house or bark and howl all day. Moving can be an extremely stressful time for dogs, especially with strangers coming in and out of the home frequently and the sudden change to a new location.

Air Animal, one of our associates we met at the AMSA 2012 Conference, specializes in pet relocation services. Their comprehensive pet moving packages are designed to help keep your pet calm and relaxed during relocation, and arrive with that same loving smile on his or her face that melts your heart. You can read up on moving your pets of any species on Air Animal’s website, but they always recommend you take the proper steps to prepare before your move. This includes microchipping, veterinary consultation, updating vaccines and shots, and potentially getting a blood sample to prove your pet is free of rabies and other diseases.

Finally, once you arrive to your final destination, take your furry friend out to stretch their legs. There are few better places on the coast of California to take your dog than the dog beaches. Running up and down the coastline, digging in the sand, and playing in the waves can provide a great day of exercise and make sure your pup gets all their wiggles out. Check out this list to find some of the best dog beaches in California.

All joking aside, AMSA provides great resources to companies in the moving and storage industries, and we’re happy to have a network of individuals we can rely on in related fields. Check out some of our photos, courtesy of our very own Shawn Wood.

Compare Floorplans

Make sure you’re going to have room for all of the furniture and belongings you want to take with you before you move. Compare floorplans, square footage, ceiling height, and available wall space. Knowing how much space you have to work with is crucial in evaluating what furniture you will take with you to your new home.

Clear Out That Garage

One of the biggest differences between a home and an apartment is garage space and a lack of personal yard space. You’ll no longer need the lawn mower, weed whacker, leaf blower, rake or garden hose, so you’ll have to decide what you’ll do with your belongings. If you don’t see a need to store them, try selling them on craigslist or at a garage sale. Consider discussing a garage sale with your neighbors and advertising it in the Penny Saver or online. Why not make some extra cash to help pay for that security deposit?

Learn to Stack and Hang

Using space efficiently is one of the biggest tricks to downsizing with style. Try mounting items on walls to save floorspace, buying stacking drawers for small items like toiletries, or hanging things from the ceiling, like pots and pans. The more space you can use efficiently, the less you’ll have to store or sell.

Choose the Right Place

Are you staying in the same town to be near to friends, family, work and school? Are you moving to a new city and getting a fresh start? Either way, consider your apartment or condominium complex and evaluate it for all sorts of things that weren’t a concern in your home; parking, noise level, crime rate, freeway access, utilities, laundry facilities, and amenities such as a pool or fitness center. Rank these items with your family or roommates and decide what is most important to you. Apartments at the end of a unit tend to be quiter, as you only share one wall with neighbors. Also, consider what time of year and for how long you will be living at your new residence. Do you want to live in a beach city during the summer, or maybe a mountain town for the winter?

Check With Family and Friends

When you’re moving and downsizing, check with family and friends to see if they can either help with the move or temporarily store some items for you. Make sure you know if they are going to be using your belongings or storing them, to avoid any messy conflict when you come to get your stuff back. Make sure that any children involved in the move understand why you’re moving, and emphasize the positives – like maybe a new pool or playground just outside the door.

Whatever your reason for moving from a home to an apartment, downsizing can be a stressful time for everyone involved. Know that Student Movers is always here to help, and check out our article on storage units and considering your options before you make any commitments.

While most are familiar with full-service movers and self-service truck rentals, many people are unfamiliar with the other options that exist in the marketplace.

PODs or trailer shipping provides the option for customers to pack their own belongings while having a professional driver do the long haul. With a reservation, the company will deliver a storage container to your current address. You load it, they haul it, and you find your belongings at your new home waiting to be unloaded by, you guessed it, you! Portable storage saves money, as it is comparable to a self-service truck rental, but provides a professional driver to move the unit to your new residence. Packing can be a headache, but you can always couple it with labor only or packing services.

Labor-only services provide the extra hands you need to move out of your current place on time. Whether your lease is expiring, or the escrow is closing, it may just be unfeasible for you to pack your items, load them up, and get out on time while still managing your normal life. Whether you’re moving with a U-haul, Penske Truck, or in your own pickup, having someone help you with the heavy lifting can be a real time saver.

If you have a housing gap issue, or need some time to sort out your new place before you move in ALL of your belongings, consider renting a storage unit for a month or two. You can have a labor-only service help you get your belongings in there, or have them packed for long-term storage professionally to insure their safekeeping. Check out our article on picking the right storage unit here.

Whether you’re the kind of person that will do-it-yourself or the kind that prefers not to do the heavy lifting, evaluate all of your moving options before you decide on what approach to take. Moving successfully is a balancing act between time, labor and cost. Student Movers always provides our customers with the service options they need, not the costly options we want them to have. So be prepared, and know your moving options before you dive in to your move!

Frank McCourt must sell the Los Angeles Dodgers by April 30th, 2012. Moving over to a new owner is a welcome change for many fans, as McCourt had several financial blunders during his ownership in addition to personal drama.

More than 10 opening bids were received before Monday’s soft bid deadline. Interested parties included previous manager Joe Torre along with developer Rick Caruso, Magic Johnson, former owner Peter O’Malley, Mark Cuban (owner of the Mavericks), Time Warner Cable, and even Larry King. Bidders are required to pay a $25,000 fee to cover the cost of investigation and legal expenses incurred by the MLB.

McCourt’s legal obligation to settle in divorce and bankruptcy court have forced the sale of the LA Dodgers, in which he invested $430 million back in 2004. With such a large amount of bids, the sale price of the team is expected to break $1 billion, and some speculate it may break $1.5 billion, toppling the previous record for sale of an MLB franchise (Chicago Cubs, 2009).

But of course, Major League Baseball has to approve the sale to move ownership of the team. They have stated that the MLB will only approve of 10 bids for the divorce and bankruptcy courts to evaluate. Whatever the outcome, the new owner can be expecting to hear about his/her move in date by April 6th, and have the keys to Dodger’s Stadium on April 30th.

The biggest concern for bidders is that McCourt will potentially retain ownership of the parking lot that surrounds Dodgers Stadium, and may force the new owner to lease the land from him.

Whoever the new owner, many fans are glad to be moving on to a better season this year. And we know just the right movers to help get them in to that new office.

Plan the Move:

Call your mover well in advance so you know they will be available on the day you need to move. Student Movers is always happy to help accommodate last minute moves, but knowing you will have a team to help you in advance can help settle your nerves and provide a problem moving solution.

Have your mover review all of your belongings you wish to transport and discuss special packing services or containers for some of your more abstract or valuable belongings.

Consider your move date and availability. Do you have a lot of items to move? Do you HAVE to be out of your current residence by the 1st or 31st? If so, it may help to have Student Movers packing service come earlier in the week to guarantee you are ready to go on the last day of your lease or escrow.

Evaluate your belongings:

Are you leaving some of your current belongings for the new resident? Will you be taking everything down to the light bulbs? Here are a few tips for moving some of the items you may not have given your full attention:

Air Conditioners: Consult a local dealer or service provider to see how you should best move your AC unit. Some sealed units should be bolted down for transport.

Bedding: Put your clean sheets in a clean container. Nobody wants to wash everything after they’ve moved because you put it in a dirty box. Consider throwing light articles into dresser drawers or other pieces of furniture.

Beds: Will you or your mover dismantle the bed and set it up in your new home? Should you need Student Movers to help you assemble or disassemble any items we provide this service at no additional cost. Queen and King size beds do take up a lot of space in a moving truck. Let your mover know if you have a specialty bed, such as a tempurpedic or adjustable bed, that needs to be moved.

Boats: Moving a boat or yacht is a job in itself. Don’t surprise your moving company with extremely heave items that you forget to mention like yachts, gun safes, pool tables and pianos.

Books: Stack your books in a strong container with the bindings alternating directions. This will help the pages from sticking together. Books are heavy and can blow out the bottoms of boxes, as well as weigh down furniture, making it impossible to move.

Canned Goods: Make sure you pick a solid box or container to hold these items, as they are heavy. Remember to keep individual containers under 50lbs. A really neat program that the Student Movers is involved with is Move For Hunger. Should you want to donate some canned goods to the local food banke we would be more than happy to deliver the items for you.

China: Wrap these fragile items individually, with large pieces going at the bottom of a container, typically standing on their edge. This means plates going in vertically. Plates are much stronger on edge than they are when sitting flat in a box. Pad the bottom and edges of the container before putting your valuables in them. Please keep in mind that we recommend specialty boxes from HP Corporate Group or Box Bros for specialty packing needs.

Clothing: Clothing is typically light and packs well in suitcases, boxes or trunks. Ask your mover if they can move your hanging items on the hanger. Student Movers does provide free wardrobe boxes through our loaner program. We bring the requested amount of wardrobe boxes the day of your move and you return them when done. If you want to keep them, $10 per box not returned will be added to your bill.

Clocks: Pendulum on clocks should be removed or secured before transport to avoid damage. Small clocks can be wrapped and placed in containers.

Curtains and Drapes: Before moving day, remove your curtains from rods and place them in a container or a dresser drawer. You may also choose to have them dry cleaned while you move and pick them up once you are at your new home.

Drawers in Furniture: Light articles can typically be stored in furniture drawers for transport. Do not place heavy items, liquids, breakables, or firearms in drawers.

Documents: Make sure you have all of your important documents, including, but not limited to: medical records, x-rays, MRI’s, tax documents, receipts, logs, photographs, passports, birth certificates, insurance records, and other important documents.

Dryers: Check with your service technician to insure safe transport. Motors may need to be secured before moving them.

Food: Dispose of food in open containers that might spill or spoil en route. Perishable foods should never be stored or shipped.

Freezers: Completely defrost your freezer one to two days before moving. Your unit should be dried and aired to avoid musty odors building up.

Glass Tops to Furniture/Mirrors: Typically, these items should be crated to avoid breakage. Consider investing in mirror packs.

Glassware: Stemware and glassware should be wrapped individually and placed in a padded container. Do not nest unwrapped glasses inside of each other. Place glassware right side up, not on its side.

Grandfather Clocks: Remove chimes. Secure weight chains tightly against the base of the clock with wire or strong string and remove weights and pendulums. Consider contacting a reputable clock technician to prepare the works against damage.

Hangers: Moving is a great time to down size by donating extra hangers and clothes, or even get more if you need them. Ask about Student Movers’ wardrobe box loaner program.

Jewelry: Keep valuable jewelry in your immediate possession to insure its safety.

Kitchen Utensils: These items should be clean and placed in containers, with larger items placed on the bottom and lighter ones on the top. Consider padding or wrapping each piece to prevent dents or scratches. Small kitchen appliances such as toasters or waffle irons may be wrapped and placed in the container with your utensils.

Lamps: Remove any ornamental pieces and wrap them individually. Large lamps will typically be transported outside of a container and small lamps can be wrapped and placed in boxes or containers.

Mattresses: Contact your moving service to see if they provide a plastic wrap for your mattress, like Student Movers does. You can also protect your mattress with an old sheet or blanket.

Medicines: Seal bottles and jar stoppers and place in a container upright.

Mowers and Gas Powered Tools: Gas tanks should be drained and oil reservoirs emptied. No flammable mixtures should be transported on public carriers.

Paintings/Pictures: Small pictures can be safely placed in blankets and wrapped for safe travel. Large or valuable paintings should be crated. Ask your mover for details.

Stereos: Secure any tone arms and remove any CDs from the unit before travel.

Records: Place records vertically in a padded container, individually wrapped. Records on edge are more resistant to breakage.

Plants: These should typically be transported and handled personally.

Refrigerators: Defrost and thoroughly dry your refrigerator before moving. This is VERY important, and the doors should be left open for several hours prior to transport to avoid mold and odor build up. All removable parts should be taken out of the refrigerator and packed up separately. Motors may have to be bolted down prior to transport, contact your local serviceman for details. Be sure to allow enough time for your refrigerator ice to melt before the movers arrive. You don’t want the ice to melt during transport. The moving truck will get quite warm, especially in summer, and will cause ice to melt even faster. We recommend you consult your user’s manual for your refrigerator so that you know the manufacturer recommended way to move the unit.

Rugs: Remove any tacks you may have in your rug or carpet. You mover will roll them up for safe transit. If you are storing your rug, consider having it cleaned prior to storage.

Sewing Machines: These are safe to transit in their case. To avoid any rubbing damage, wrap them in a blanket or place them in a padded container.

Silverware: Wrap silverware individually and place in a padded or original container to avoid scratches.

Stoves: These must be disconnected prior to pick up. Be sure gas lines are shut off tight and capped, if possible. If there are any loose burners, coils, griddles, deep fryers or other removable parts, wrap and pack them separately.

Television Sets: Remove any television antennas, and check with your local service technician to make sure that your unit is ready to move.

Toilet Articles: Seal corks, tops and stoppers of cosmetics, medicines and perfume bottles with natural nail polish, paraffin or masking tape before wrapping separately in paper and placing upright in a container.

Tools: Tools can generally be placed in a strong container without wrapping. Valuable tools should be wrapped to avoid damage.

Valuables: Legal documents, important papers, jewels and currency should be handled by you personally. Keep them in your immediate possession.

Washers: Automatic washers must be serviced by an authorized service man. Motors should be checked and secured, tumbler action protected and fastened in place.

Transfer of Services:

Make sure you check with the services you already have at your home to send them your change of address. This includes:
Cable, Newspaper, Trash, Post Office, Banks, Schools, Medical Services, Netflix, Libraries, and Utilities (telephone, electricity, gas, water, fuel oil). Your electric company can turn on and off and transfer your services by visiting them online – SoCal Edison, PG&E.

Get familiar with your new area:

Check out local amenities that you will plan on using, including: parks, schools, libraries, shopping centers, movie theaters, malls, and restaurants. Have fun and make it a scavenger hunt for your new favorites, or utilize a service such as yelp to find the best places around town.

Day of the Move:

Moving can be stressful. Make sure you remember to turn off the utilities, lock the windows and doors, and turn in any and all keys you have to the residence. Nylon rope and packing tape are always handy to have around on a moving day. You never know when they’ll come in useful. Make sure you putty or repair any holes in the wall left after you have removed your belongings. If you can, touch these items up with paint to avoid costly expenses and the possibility of your security deposit being billed.

Finally, RELAX. Know that you have hired a credible mover and have taken the time to plan your move ahead of time. Leave everything to your mover; they’re expertly trained for the job.

Student Movers was proud to be part of the 2011 sponsors at the 6th Annual Volunteer Recognition Event this past December. It is only by bettering our community that we can truly help others succeed.

Check out a video on what makes FSA stand out, and consider giving back to your local community in any way you can.

FSA Responds to a Community In Need from FSACA on Vimeo.

Lights:
Don’t wrap your lights around your arm hoping that you can tie them in a knot that won’t tangle. Use cardboard sheets to help your lights stay organized and tangle free. Start by cutting pieces of cardboard that fit in your holiday storage container. Take these panels, and cut a two to three inch slit in the center of the top and bottom of the panel. This is where you will slip in the tails of your lights, starting with the female end and winding them on to the cardboard until you hit the male end. This way, you can plug in the strand next year and un-wrap them right on to the tree.

Ornaments:
Ornaments can be oddly shaped, and are best stored in the original packaging. But, of course, you threw out that packaging a few weeks ago. Try egg crates. Simply put the ornaments in the crate and push down the dividers that may be in the way. This will give you a safe, padded box to keep some of your more invaluable holiday decorations.

Garland:
Try the light method on a piece of cardboard. One piece of cardboard should be enough for your entire garland, unless your tree looks like the tin man.

Popcorn String/Candy Canes:
Really? You want to store this for a year and put it on the tree again? Do you know what ants are?

Star/Menorah:
This is the centerpiece of your holiday decorating, and should be handled with the utmost care. Place the piece in bubble wrap so that it is secure and safe, and then place it in its own container or box.

Trees:
Most sanitation departments have a tree pick up day. Contact your service provider to find out when tree pickup is, or if you’ll have to schedule on of your few large item pickups to come after the holiday. If you do have to use a large item pickup, try to clear out some extra space in your attic for all these holiday decorations. Toss anything you haven’t used in two years. The foot tall kiddy pool you’re saving for your grandchildren is not worth holding on to. If your sanitation department wants trees bagged, don’t drag it through your house and bag it outside. Bag your tree where it stands. Trust me; dry trees shed more than a Labrador in spring.
Fake trees are convenient for storage and clean up. If you have a fold up tree, just box it up and away it goes. Trees with removable branches should be disassembled in order, and then put in to a box. That way there’s no guesswork as to what goes where next year.

Storage:
Once you put all your hard work into organizing your decorations for storage, don’t ruin it by storing your items improperly. We recommend plastic containers over cardboard boxes, as they are water resistant, crush resistant, and reusable for a longer amount of time. Be festive; get a red or blue box to signify your holiday items. Finally, store your items in a dry place with proper ventilation. Extreme heat in the summer can damage some items, and water (a flooded basement) will kill nearly all of your holiday decorations. If you find you need extra space for the new Santa and his reindeer display you got this year, take a look at our recent article on storage units.

Take the time to take care of your holiday decorations and they will play nice with you when it comes time to put them up again.

Christmas Student Movers

Student Movers wants to wish our customers, friends, and family a Merry Christmas and share with you some amazing holiday lights that we saw this Christmas season. First up is the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Cruise of Lights, which offers narrated boat tours through the Huntington Harbour every Christmas season. Student Movers took some of our movers out to enjoy the holiday season. Huntington Harbour residents truly deck the halls by decorating their boats, docks, and homes. This was the 49th annual cruise of lights in Huntington Beach California that the Philharmonic has put on, and the money raised goes toward promoting music throughout schools in Orange County.Student Movers favorite holiday house in the Huntington Beach Harbour was the surfboards with Santa’s reindeer’s on them.  

Next up on Student Movers amazing holiday lights list was in Laguna Hills, CA at the “Blount’s Nellie Gail Home” 25473 Nellie Gail Rd. Laguna Hills, CA. Over 100,000 lights dance to Christmas music. Free apple cider and a tours inside the home of the most spectacular Christmas villages make this home truly stand out. The highlight was that the Christmas dispay is interactive by texting 313-312-5473 and your message shows up on the LED board on the front of the house within 60 seconds. Yes, we texted www.thestudentmovers.com

]]> http://www.thestudentmovers.com/news/2011/12/merry-christmas-from-student-movers/feed/ 0 http://www.thestudentmovers.com/news/2011/12/the-student-movers-wipes-out-with-john-henson/ http://www.thestudentmovers.com/news/2011/12/the-student-movers-wipes-out-with-john-henson/#comments Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:25:36 +0000 studentmover http://www.thestudentmovers.com/news/?p=181 Student Movers was happy to help out John Henson, co-host of ABC’s hit show “Wipeout!”, with his most recent move. Lucky for us, there wasn’t a gauntlet of big balls waiting for us!

Read on here for more information on when “Wipeout!” will return.

Today is expected to be the busiest day of the year for the United States Postal Service. Monday saw the acceptance of over 800 million pieces of mail, a 40% increase in mail traffic. USPS guarantees delivery by Christmas Day on Express Mail accepted by December 22^nd, within designated zip codes.

But what about some of us who are more “last minute” than others?  There are several other shipping options, including FedEx, DHL, UPS, that can give you an extra day – or three. All are expecting some of the busiest days of the year. FedEx claims it will deliver all packages in time for Christmas if overnighted on Friday, 12/23, and even states it will deliver packages on Christmas day with their SameDay service. DHL asks for customers to have packages into a DHL location no later than noon on Friday to ensure Christmas delivery.

We recently had a chance to catch up with D. Scott Davis, Chairman and CEO of UPS, at the San Diego “Deliver Growth” event, sponsored by Inc. Magazine and UPS. Davis claims they will ship an estimated 22 million packages on December 22^nd, accounting for a large portion of their yearly business. UPS will deliver packages on the 24^th (with Saturday shipping service/next day air) that are received on the 23^rd, but will not make deliveries the 25^th or 26^th.

Student Movers was honored to be apart of such an amazing event. UPS talked about their efforts to help entrepreneurs locally and globally with the launch of their new site, http://thenewlogistics.ups.com/, which makes shipping an easy process for business owners and much more business logistic help.  The panel discussion consisted of Adam Dailey
 CEO of Ludus Sports, David Schmidt 
is the inventor of the LifeWave Technology and founder of LifeWave, Philipp Schloter 
President 
and CEO 
of Abukai, and moderated by Troy Hazard
Author of 
Future-Proofing Your Business, The Naked Entrepreneur, and How to Get the Edge in Marketing Your Small Business.

1. Is your storage need short or long term?

The best way to evaluate your storage needs is to go through your belongings and consolidate. If you can create free space in your own home, you will not need to rent a storage unit. If you still have items that need storage, consider the next time you will need access to them.

2. How much space do you actually need?

Gather all the items that you wish to store in one area. Evaluate the space that you plan on renting to accommodate at least this many items. Too small a space and you risk damaging your belongings by stuffing them in to the storage unit, and too large a space will be a waste of money.

3. Are you renting the unit for extra space or because you are moving?

When moving long-distance, it is very common to need short-term storage near your destination. Coordinating a move out of one home and into another typically creates a time in which you may not be able to move items to your new home, but have to have them out of your current home.  If you aren’t moving, and are just looking for extra storage, pick a location that is conveniently located near your home. Many of our customers at Student Movers use storage containers such as PODS, ABF-U-Pack, 1-800 Pack Rat, and U-Haul storage containers. The advantage is that the storage container is dropped off at your home and access to your household goods is simple. When you’re done with the storage container, make a call to the company that dropped it off and they will com and pick it up. Student Movers offers labor only service for loading and unloading storage containers. If you require SMSCS (Student Movers Storage Container Service) you can book your appointment here.

4. If you’re moving, do you want a unit here or at your destination?

You have many options when it comes to moving your belongings from one location to another. You can request your movers store your belongings until you are ready to take delivery of them; you can rent portable storage units to be packed by you or your movers and shipped to your new location; you may even put your belongings in a self-storage facility until you are ready to move them to your own location. Consider the pricing of each option, and factor in the amount of time and effort involved from you. This will help greatly in deciding which options are best for you.

5. Do you want packing services?

There are two main things to consider when debating on packing services: Do you have the time to pack things yourself? And, what are the differences in cost for insuring your belongings if packed by a service or if packed by yourself? Many moving companies will insure the items they pack, but not insure items packed by the customer.

6. Are any items you have sensitive to heat, cold, moisture or dust?

Certain items, such as paintings, electronics and family heirlooms, require climate-controlled environments. Many of them also have dust free spaces as well. Student Movers recommends Extra Space Storage for climate controlled storage units. Student Movers also recommends using moving blankets and wrap when placing your items in storage. No one wants their items covered in dust when they’re removed from storage. Invest in your items and see it pay off in the long term.

7. What will you store in the future?

Perhaps you will store a personal watercraft or lawnmower now, but what will you put in your unit when the seasons change? Where will those boxes of holiday decorations go when the seasons turn? Will you need more space for items you currently use but plan on storing in the future? Do you plan on storing a boat or rv or some type of vehicle? Think about your storage needs and come up with a solution that can work for you in the long term.

8. Will you need 24/7 access?

Not all facilities are open around the clock. Will you forget that you needed something on a Monday when the facility is closed?

9. Is the unit secure?

The safe keeping of your belongings in storage is critical to them being successfully stored. Evaluate your unit to make sure that no one can access it besides you, and, in case of emergency, the facility. Do some research on the types of security the facility offers and evaluate what your needs may be.

10. Do you need insurance?

Homeowner’s insurance usually doesn’t cover belongings in storage or transit. Check to make sure that your belongings are covered, whether you are moving or not.

And, as if you needed another reason to take us seriously, this certification means a great deal to our industry and to us. This moving industry’s consumer protection and certification program is designed to help make your decision easier. Being a ProMover means that we abide %100 to all federal regulations as well as the American Moving and Storage Association’s Code of Ethics.

Student Movers cares about our community, which is what makes our job so amazing. Without our promise to you, this certificate would mean less to us than an unsharpened pencil! So, let’s get moving because with Student Movers you can trust that we’ll do things right! Even if we skipped detention…

Also, it’s okay to consider other options like giving them away… Coming up with alternatives might be best for you and your chlorophyll friend (at Student Movers we love our Biology!).

There are several environmental factors that could potentially harm your plant, which you should consider:

1. Shock:  it depends on what genus or species (there it is again, Biology!) that you have, but some plants are more susceptible than others are and moving can create a need for recovery.
2. Temperature: This is most important. Plants exposed to temperatures that are below 35 degrees or exceed 95 degrees will most likely die…However, the plants transported safely in either breathable boxes or the correct containers have a better chance of surviving in temperatures for more than an hour.
3. Light: Plants cannot be left in dark for too long because they with “etiolate” or start to show abnormal growth, which makes your plant more susceptible to disease. If your plant has been in the dark limit it’s exposure to direct sun light.

By the way, cuttings can sometimes survive for several days if put into a bag containing anything from peat moss, vermiculite, paper, or even a towel. This process aids in saving space as opposed to taking your whole house plant…

First step, CALL US! It’s common to feel overwhelmed when starting a move, but it’s important that you give yourself time. What’s the expression? $#*% HAPPENS…

Procrastinating won’t change anything, so check out our coverage areas to see if we can help move you.

Next step, depending on what your expected moving deadlines are, we will schedule a time to come meet with you to discuss the particulars of your move.

Once the move is scheduled, we will call you and confirm the details discussed of the first meet. It’s a crucial step for us and for you; pinpointing the stages of your move will help the entire process go more swiftly and smoothly.

Student Movers can provide further information on companies we trust, which may make the transition of moving easier for you and your family.

Before our movers head out, we guarantee:

Ø    Great Hygiene

Ø    Knowledge of Equipment

Ø    Outlined expectations (time, cost, etc.)

Ø    Clean-cut, clear, and direct communication

Ø    Consent to any large, unusual, or expensive items (to be moved)

Ø    Understanding of your move’s required stages

Ø    Aware of specific needs or adaptations by client

Always, before every move, Student Movers checks our equipment and trucks for quality as well as safety.

Communication is key to us at Student Movers. We make sure our team gets the job done right (A+!!) by thoroughly debriefing our employees and preparing them for the move ahead.

By air???

Ø    Make reservations or arrangements in advance. Follow airline instructions.

Ø    Obtain a shipping container a week or two in advance. Familiarize your pet by placing him in it, gradually increasing the length of time until they seem at ease.

Ø    Carefully schedule boarding and shipping arrangements so that your pet is well cared for until you are able to receive it at your new home.

Ø    Feed your pet no less than six hours before flight time. Give your pet water no less than two hours before flight time.

Ø    If pet accompanies you allow extra time at airport. If shipping pet, allow two hours gap for arrival.

Ø    Be certain your information in accurate i.e. address, contact name and number if something were to happen.

By car???

Ø    If your pet is not used to traveling by car, try to make short trips. This will accustom your pet to the motion and teach it how to behave.

Ø    Dogs should be taught to lay quietly down. Your pet should never endanger the lives of you or your passengers.

Ø    Some cats may never feel comfortable; some may find their own spot in the car. You must decide whether or not your pet should remain in the carrier or not.

Ø    If you must stop overnight, make sure your animal is not restricted to lodging with you.

Ø    Be sure your pet is properly tagged and that you hold all the required documentation for up-to-date shots.

Ø    Take with you a Pet Travel Kit: food and water dishes, a can opener (?), treats, a favorite toy, blanket, and comb or brush.

Ø    Consider taking a scooper, some plastic bags, and paper towels in case there are any unfortunate accidents…

Ø    Check with your doctor about sedatives, sometimes they are necessary. Ask about alternative methods if your pet is not prescribed.

Information provided by: American Movers and Storage Association

As usual, it’s all about preparation when making a successful move, especially if you’ve decided that SCOUT can come too…

It’s important to understand that the home environment and setting, which are familiar to your cat or dog, become disrupted when moving thus increasing your pet’s level of stress and possibly their bad behavior.

First and foremost, the best thing you can do is lock them in a room while moving furniture and boxes. It sounds almost harsh, but Student Movers can tell you from experience that it’s the best way to keep them safe and you hassle-free.

Next, depending on the circumstances for your move, Student Movers can help advise you on how to transport your pet. Animals should never be packed up in a moving van, that’s for sure!

Keep your pet safe and secure by putting them in a carrier, on a leash, or in a cage. Pets can become frightened and bolt away, so make sure they have a special identification tag, if the worst were to happen…

Last to consider, when moving across distances, are the local laws and state entry requirements for animals! Crossing state lines with an animal requires a range of certification and up-to-date shots, among other necessities, all which validate the safety of your animal.  You can find information about these online or by contacting the appropriate state agency.

Student Movers is proud to share these MOVING TIPS with you. We believe that these pet loss prevention steps will serve you well on your next move. We value family here at Student Movers and there’s no greater family than your family of pets. Please, send us a PICTURE and share with us a story about YOUR PET and an experience you’ve had moving!

Please send your images and stories (max 75 words) to: info@thestudenmovers.com

Student Movers has a few helpful suggestions taken from the American Movers and Storage Association, which we encourage you to integrate into your family’s discussion so that the moving process will be much easier on everyone.

First, when considering others, and specifically your kids, it’s best to be open and honest about the move from the get-go. Take a preventative approach to sour reactions and potential resentment by encouraging your family to express their feelings and opinions from the start. Letting them know that their voice is heard will strengthen the trust in your relationship and will lay the foundation for any successful move. Most importantly, this step requires your serious acknowledgment of those feelings expressed so that changes can be made accordingly. Ultimately, you must evaluate their concerns for a more efficient and joyful move!

Be aware of the experience your family has had with moving; have you moved before, and if so, what were the circumstances? Relating to others is important when moving. It requires not simply the acknowledgment of their feelings, but also the assessment of how they might handle obstacles and challenges commonly faced in moving.

If your kids are young they may need more attention than those who are older or have moved before. Take into account their sense of identity in relationship to the place you are currently at: their school, their friends, and the family routine. A child’s fear of being left behind and the significance of small toys or items are sometimes forgotten. It’s important to slow down and check in with your kids, letting them know that you’re right there with them all the way. Moving can create uncertainty so it’s best to do what you can by increasing their feelings of stability. Encourage your child’s participation by making the move into a positive activity, one that everyone can work together at and achieve as a unit.

Lastly, it’s unfortunate that feeling unsettled is an inevitable condition of moving to a new place, however, you can do your best to minimize its affects. Timing is important, especially when considering your child’s schedule and school. Contrary to what most may believe, moving during the summertime can be harder than during the school year. Since school is a primary source for making friends, summertime poses minimum opportunity for your child to meet and make friends. Depending on your child’s educational institution, curricula in the elementary grades tends to be more flexible than that of high school, which is usually more structured. We suggest talking to the faculty and surrounding community, but ultimately, you must evaluate the timing as it best fits your own family’s particular needs and standards.

Tips for Moving with Children:

• Include the children in making plans for the move. Take them with you when house hunting or when looking at apartments.

• If your moving somewhere distant, help your children learn about the new area. Check out games or informational websites devoted specifically to that place.

• By using dolls and/or wagons, give your child a sense of what moving is through role playing and play-acting.

• Take the time to have a “last visit” to places your family spent time at or is particularly attached to.

• Prepare individual travel packages labeled with each child’s name containing toys, clothing, and snacks.

• After all the major unpacking is done, let the family take a break. Don’t try to do everything as soon as you arrive.

• Let the children decide how they will set-up or decorate their new room.

• Take the time after the move to listen to what your children learned and experienced. Ask about their new school and new friends.

•  The first weeks of school may be difficult for your child. Pay attention to new behaviors and follow their progress closely.

• Children may react to the move by reverting to babyish actions. Instead of scolding them, be reassuring. They will relax and return to their normal behavior.

•  If you are moving to a radically new environment –rural to urban, or vice versa- advise your children about the new situations that may arise.

Have you seen all of these? Maybe now you can look at them in a new light and that goes for moving too!

TOP 15 MOVIES about MOVING:
1. Karate Kid (1984)
2. Toy Story (1995)
3. The Firm (1993)
4. Money Pit (1986)
5. Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)
6. The Lost Boys (1987)
7. Footloose (1984)
8. Funny Farm (1984)
9. Twilight (2008)
10. Odd Couple (1968)
11. Moving (1988)
12. Son In Law (1993)
13. The Beverly Hillbillies (1993)
14. Coyote Ugly (2000)
15. Raising Helen (2004)

To see full and original article please visit:
http://www.changeofaddress.org/blog/2010/top-15-movies-about-moving/

Orange County Movers| San Diego Movers| Inland Empire Movers| Palm Springs Movers| Sacramento Movers| San Francisco Movers|

As you are aware, many people throw out a good deal of “stuff” when they move. Unfortunately a lot of this “stuff” is food that can be delivered to a family in need. That’s why Student Movers has teamed up with Move For Hunger to support the Orange County Food Bank & Family Services.

Please set aside any unwanted, non-perishable food items before your move and Student Movers will deliver the food to the Orange County Food Bank & Family Services.

Move For Hunger is a non-profit organization that works with moving companies across the country to support the efforts of local food banks. Your donations will directly impact families living right here in California. Student Movers is grateful for your business and truly thankful for your generosity.

Student Movers is honored to be a member of the BBB and hold an “A” rating.

Student Movers Motivation

Student Movers is dedicated to spreading the word to our customers, friends, and family about how we can all make a difference by helping raise money for prostate cancer. Movember is a call to action that we hear loud and clear, its time we all help make a difference by giving a little to a huge cause.

$5 of every Student Movers move in November will go towards our donations

http://www.amlpa.org/members/featured-member

About the AMLPA

The AMLPA is a non-profit organization designed to oversee and organize the moving labor services industry. The moving labor industry is a fairly new market segment of the moving industry however its exponential growth over the years mandates that an organization must provide structure to the industry.

Similar to the AMSA (American Moving and Storage Association) that oversees the full service moving industry, the AMLPA is designed to provide certifications, guidelines, compliance and a level of consistent quality not yet available in the moving labor services industry. The primary reason for the lack of structure is that the industry itself is new and the dust has yet to settle. As with any large industry, consumers need a certain level of recourse and industry professionals across the nation need a trade association for support and compliance.

Mission Statement
The goal of the American Moving Labor Professionals Association is to provide a high level of quality within the moving labor services industry. To create industry awareness of our services and ensure that consumers are received a quality service. As with any trade organization, the AMLPA will require certification of moving labor companies by verifying license, insurance, local and state compliance and quality of work.

The AMLPA will provide industry professionals with compliance measures, resources for business growth, marketing assistance and assistance with legal matters. The AMLPA will provide consumers with dispute resolution, qualified member listings and information on the moving labor services industry and how they can benefit from the service.

Student Movers has also sponsored one of the contestants from the blue team in the Pound For Pound Challenge. We are so happy to be apart of the Pound For Pound Charity because we want the community to know that Student Movers is more than a moving company. Local food shelters need help now more than ever. Student Movers is dedicated to moving and its community.

POUND FOR POUND CHARITY

As contestants shed their weight and strive for a healthy lifestyle, for every pound lost they collect a $.50 to $5.00 per pound donation for local hunger relief efforts.

Contestants are being helped in reaching their goals of fighting against the diseases that are caused by being overweight. They, in turn, are helping those less fortunate in our community.

Packing Materials
Use only strong, corrugated cartons with covers. We can supply you with specially made cartons, for everything from mattresses to clothing and mirrors. The added protection of mover-provided cartons may avoid damage that results from the use of poor-quality packing materials. Your alternative is to collect boxes discarded by your grocery or liquor store. Save old newspapers for use in packing, but remember that ink may rub off and stain clothing or other items. *WARNING: Insect eggs and insects such as roaches can travel in food boxes.
Keep this in mind when getting boxes from food stores. Here’s a list a packing supplies that will come in handy:

• Plastic bags and labels for easy identification.
• Foam peanuts, Styrofoam pellets or “popcorn.”
• Tissue or craft paper for delicate packing jobs.
• Corrugated paper rolls for figurines and fragile items.
• Gummed tape (1 1/2 to 2 inches wide) and/or strong twine for sealing cartons.
• Markers and labels for identifying contents of cartons.
• Notebook and pencil for carton identification log.
• Scissors and/or sharp knife.

Packing Pointers
Before actually packing-up, you need to have a game plan. For example:

• Pack one room at a time. This will help you when it comes time to unpack.
• Pack a couple of cartons a day, starting well ahead of the move.
• Mark all boxes, designating room and box number. Make a carton identification log to show the number of boxes packed per room, and the total number of cartons packed. It’s a good idea to leave space in your log for a special comments section to note carton conditions or location of high value goods. Notify your mover of any high value items.
• Be sure to have plenty of “filling” material available.
• Be sure that the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.
• Packing tape or gummed tape is better than masking tape.
• Pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top. Try to keep a per-box weight of 50 pounds or less; it makes moving a lot easier. A general rule to remember on carton size — the heavier the item, the smaller the carton.

Packing Dish-ware

• Select a medium-sized carton (or mover provided dishpack) and line the bottom of the carton with crumpled packing paper.
• With packing paper stacked neatly in place on a work table, center one plate on the paper.
• Grasp a corner on several sheets of packing paper and pull the paper over the plate until sheets completely cover the plate. Stack a second plate on and, moving clockwise, grasp a second corner and pull sheets over the second plate.
• Stack a third plate. Grasp remaining two corners, folding two sheets of each corner (one at a time) over the plate.
• Turn your wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your packing paper.
• Re-wrap the entire bundle: start with one corner of packing paper and pull two sheets over the bundle, cover bundle with next corner, then the third corner; and finally, the fourth.
• Seal the bundle with packing tape.
• Place the bundle of dish-ware in a medium-size box so that the plates are standing on edge

Use this process on all saucers, bread and butter dishes, and other dishware. When packing smaller dishes, you may choose to stack in greater quantity.

Packing Cups

• With packing paper in place on the work table, position one cup six to eight inches from one of the corners.
• Now pull the near corner of the paper up and over the cup.
• Nest a second cup directly on top, with handle to left (second cup should “nest” itself in packing paper folded over the bottom cups).
• Pull the two side corners up and over, one at a time, and tuck corners inside the top cup.
• Hold the bottom and top cup in position and roll cups to the remaining corner. Fragile mixing bowls may be rolled in the same manner.
• Delicate cups, like china, should be wrapped one at a time. Antique glass or china should be stuffed with crumpled tissue and wrapped one at a time.

Packing Glasses and Stemware

• Stuff glasses and stemware with crumpled tissue or packing paper before wrapping.
• Lay on the corner of packing paper and roll it one or two full rotations (depending on size); pull sides of packing paper up and over glass/stemware and continue rolling to the far corner. Corrugated paper rolls or cellular boxes may be used for added protection.
• Place glasses and stemware toward the top of your box. Heavier items (dish-ware, pitchers,etc.) should be placed toward the bottom of the box.

Delicate glassware and stemware should be placed in an upright position, not on its side.
No matter what you’re packing, you should use crumpled packing paper in between each layer to assure a snug fit wherever there’s a gap. All boxes with “fragile” items should be marked accordingly.

Specialized Packing Tips
The list of individual household items is endless. Most can be packed by following our packing pointers. Here are some additional packing tips for major items. If you want a more comprehensive list of how to pack special items, drop us a line.
Bureau Drawers – Don’t overload. Too heavy a load can cause damage. Remove firearms and any items that might break or leak. Firearms, along with serial numbers, must be registered with your van line representative before the move.
Canned Goods and Other Non-Frozen Food – Pack upright with no more than 24-30 cans per carton. Don’t attempt to move perishables. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons.
Frozen Foods and Plants – Because of the delicate and perishable nature of these items, your mover is prohibited from accepting these packed items when your shipment is being transported more than 150 miles and/or delivery will not be accomplished within twenty-four (24) hours from the time of loading. Frozen food shipped within these guidelines must be packed in a freezer which at time of loading is at normal deep-freeze temperature.
Clocks – Remove or secure pendulum in large clocks. Grandfather clocks should be prepared for moving by expert servicemen.
Drapes and Curtains — Hang drapes over crossbars in wardrobe cartons, or pack folded in clean cartons. Remove curtains from rods, fold and pack in cartons or bureau drawers.
Flammables and Combustibles – Flammable liquids and aerosol cans must not be packed. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause them to leak, or even explode. For your own protection, you should know that if you pack these items and they cause damage to your shipment or others, you, not your mover, may be held liable.
Lamps and Lampshades – Remove bulbs, harps and shades. Roll up cord. Pack lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place upright in clean, tissue-lined carton. Wrap harp and finial (decorative knob) with packing paper and tape to inside wall of carton that contains shade. Wrap shades in tissue, not newspaper. Place upright in large, tissue lined cartons.
Medicines – Seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small cartons. If needed during travel, carry with you.
Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures – Tell your agent about valuable paintings for special care. Wrap small mirrors, pictures, paintings, and frames and place on edge in cartons. Place large pictures and paintings on edge in heavy cardboard containers. Large wall or dresser mirrors will be taken down by the movers and placed in special cartons. For added safety, place tape diagonally across mirror to protect better against damage. Do not place newspaper directly against paintings.
Personal Computers and Video Recorders – Pack valuable electronic equipment in original cartons when available. Otherwise, use strong, corrugated cartons and place protective padding on the bottom of the carton. Wrap an old blanket or protective pad around the item and place it in its carton. Place additional padding between the carton and the computer or video recorder. Wrap cords separately, label to identify usage and place in a plastic bag away from delicate surfaces. Non-detachable cords should also be wrapped. Place cords between the padded computer or video recorder and the carton. Be sure your personal computer is “parked” and ready for transport.
Silverware – Wrap each piece in cloth or low sulfur content paper to prevent tarnishing. Use an old blanket or moving pad as a wrap to prevent scratching the silverware chest.
Tools – Drain fuel from power tools (do not ship Flammables under any circumstances). Pack tools in small, strong cartons. Wrap separately if valuable.
Waterbed Mattresses – Drain all water from the waterbed and, grasping internal baffle systems with external vinyl, fold mattress 20 inches at a time. Adjust folds to avoid making creases across individual baffles. Consult your owner’s manual for special instructions concerning the care and transportation of your mattress. Do not place your mattress in a carton with sharp or pointed objects.
Cars and Motorcycles – Cars and motorcycles shipped on the moving van should be drained nearly empty of fuel. Motorcycle batteries should be disconnected. Automobile antifreeze should be ample to protect against severe cold in winter.
Barbecue Grills and Propane Tanks – Wrap grates and briquettes separately in a newspaper (or place all briquettes into a grocery bag) and place parts in carton. Pad carton with paper to reduce movement of contents. Propane tanks cannot be moved. Consult your local gas grill distributor for the safest method.

• Our paper products are made from mostly recycled materials.
• All recyclables including plastics, paper, and aluminum are collected, sorted, and recycled.
• Our virtually “paperless” system has reduced our paper consumption by 90%.
• Over the next few years Student Movers will continue to implement changes to make our company as environmentally-friendly as possible.
• Our office uses energy saving light bulbs