Recent US Census Statistics show that more than 15 percent of the population moves from their residence each year. The majority of these people choose to move during the summer, when their schedules allow for time off from work or school.

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.

You know where you want to go, and when you want to get there, but it’s the “how” of your move that seems like a mountain of impossibility. Knowing what to plan for and how to execute it can make your move easy and your fresh start in a new home enjoyable. We’ve taken some of our most common questions on moving from our customers and put them here so you’ll have all the answers. Consider it our Student Movers cheat sheet.

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.

Family Service Association, or FSA, is a non-profit organization across the United States that provides help to families in need since 1953.  The mission of our FSA chapter is to provide quality human services, child development, housing and senior services to residents of the Inland Empire and Desert Communities. Visit FSA here.

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.

Christmas has come and passed another year. Time to take down all those decorations you spent so many hours untangling, fixing, and putting up around your house. If you don’t want to go through all that again, here are some tips on getting organized for next year.

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.

Still shopping for last minute gifts? Concerned your thoughtful present won’t arrive in time for Christmas Day? Student Movers is here with some tips on last minute holiday shipping.

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.

When it’s the holiday season and you have to clear out the spare bedroom for your relatives, what do you do with all of your extra stuff? Renting a storage unit can be an easy way to keep things you don’t always need from creating clutter in your home. There are a lot of options out there for storage units, and not everyone’s needs are the same. Before you rent a unit, make sure you ask yourself these questions:

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.

The California Moving & Storage Association (CMSA) has just approved us to be a California ProMover! We are amongst a select group of CA intra-state, household goods MOVERS who carry this certification. Our commitment to a professional, ethical business practice and quality customer service has made this all possible.

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…

Traveling with plants can be tricky that’s why our first rule to moving houseplants is this: don’t let other people move them for you… Plants are fragile and if you move them yourself, you’ll have more control over their environmental conditions.

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…

How does this work again?? MOVING, say what?

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

Please, don’t forget to MOVE your PETS!

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

There are several issues to bear in mind when moving; when you decide to pick up then pack up it affects not just you alone, but also your entire family including your children and even your pets. To decide that you’re moving is a major change for everyone involved, which can cause people’s anxiety and emotions to run high.

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.

Here at Student Movers you can trust our employees and our service. The work we do for you is our highest concern. The constant feedback that we receive from clients allows us to evaluate what we do and how we do it. Our interests include the examination of employees, testing levels of work proficiency, and overall consideration of a moving success. We take into account every step of the moving process so that you don’t have to; it’s our goal to relieve your stress, not add to it.
It’s been a proudly known fact that our customers hold us high in esteem. Not simply for the quality of our service, but for the relationships established. Moving can be a very chaotic time, but it’s our company’s reliability streak that will help provide some stability and support for you and your family. Student Movers knows how to help you during every stage of moving. The students and employees at Student Movers have one thing in common: we care about you, your family, and all people in our community that our company strives to help.
Moving can be a difficult process, however, it’s our goal for Student Movers to make your move, and possibly, your life just a little bit easier. To contact us about moving, please, visit our website for more information: http://www.thestudentmovers.com/

Here’s an interesting correlation one wouldn’t normally expect: MOVIES and MOVING.
When considering the various messages that movies send to its viewers, we should also consider the cultural meanings we associate with them. Movies impact our society, our daily lives, and ultimately, our beliefs. This article puts an inventive twist on identifying the top 15 movies that relate to not simply the idea of moving; but it’s effect on us, our friends, and our families. We commend this article from which we can examine moving as an emotional and social experience that we can all relate to.

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/

The difference in choosing Student Movers over any other moving company out there is simple. It’s a rational choice, but also a heartfelt one. Our loyal customers will tell you that STUDENT MOVERS serves YOU with the highest quality service throughout all stages of moving to create your best move. We work hard to consistently uphold the core values of a well-balanced, profitable, and ethically motivated professional moving company. Our reliable movers treat not only your items right, but your family and your home right too. We see it as our highest priority when helping you move to make the experience as delightful for you as it is for us.

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

Student Movers has joined up with the Move for Hunger!

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

Student Movers is the featured member for June.

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

Student Movers is now members of the AMLPA.

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.

• Clear out unwanted goods – hold a garage sale.
• Get rid of flammables – paint, petrol, gas cylinders.
• Empty fuel from mowers, clippers, trimmers and so on.
• Clothes – do you need them all? Charity shops may want them.
• Separate books – disposable, family reading, valuable.
• Check all electrical goods – will they work in the new home?
• Start making up your change of address list.
• Arrange to have mail forwarded.
• Arrange termination date for electricity, gas, oil, telephone and other main suppliers.
• If you are taking electrical goods such as a stereo, see if you still have their original boxes.
• Have rugs cleaned.
• If you have children, separate cherished toys to travel with you.
• Round up personal documentation – marriage/birth certificates, driving licenses and so on.
• Keep passports separate so they are not packed.
• Want to take the car? Check on import regulations and the duty payable.
• With regards to family pets– make sure vaccinations and documentation are up to date.
• Will your new home be ready? If not, you need to arrange temporary storage.
• Shops, schools, theaters, life styles – it’s never too early to find out about your new home.
• Start running down freezer stocks.
• Arrange your finances – close or transfer bank accounts, savings accounts and so on, if necessary.

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.