Monday, May 20, 2013

Sacramento Movers Share Tips For Brides And Grooms Combining Households

First-time brides and grooms are older than ever before, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau figures. The median age for men marrying for the first time is now 28 and it's 26 for women - that's 30 percent older than in 1960.


Because today's first marriages are occurring later in life - not to mention second or third marriages - more often the modern dilemma is whose couch stays and tallying how many flat-screen TVs the couple has between them.
 

When couples married 40 years ago they were barely into their 20s and often still living at home. The traditional wedding shower carried great value as it supplied newlyweds with all the necessities married life required, including dishes, cookware and bedding.

Proper planning is the key to starting off on the right foot in the early years of marriage. Use the following tips for combining households for first-time marriages:

  • ·         Go through each house together, and identify which items are duplicates. Talk about each item honestly. If you can legitimately use two of something in your new life, such as televisions or stereos, go ahead and keep both.
  • ·         Do the same evaluation for small items, such as silverware, as you do for the larger items. These smaller items can add up quickly, and often produce the most basement or attic clutter.
  • ·         Organize with boxes and colored markers. Contact your local TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® moving company to purchase a variety of box sizes before you begin so you can appropriately tag and box both items that stay and those that go along the way.
  • ·         Think about donating to those in need. If a garage sale isn't of interest, consider donating to local churches or synagogues, homeless shelters or the Salvation Army.
  • ·         Experts agree that couples can successfully blend two households if they take time on the front end to address the move. The key, as with all organizing projects, is proper planning. For more moving advice, visit www.twomenandatruck.com.


TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Carolyn Durkee, Marketing Manager at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Sacramento Movers Suggest Planning Ahead To Make Pets Comfortable During The Move

Pets can get stressed during a move, but extra care and consideration can make the transition easier. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, moving is one of the most common reasons a pet is given to an animal shelter and the No. 1 reason why a dog is given away. The lack of knowledge about pet care and relocation often leads to people to leave their pet behind.



The experts at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® and the Humane Society offer a few tips to make the move easier for pet owners:

Before the move:
  • ·         Remember to update pet’s tags and information with the new address and contact information as soon as possible.
  • ·         Visit the veterinarian to get a physical and a copy of the pet’s medical history.
  • ·         Keep pets contained when movers are present and while traveling to prevent injuries or runaway animals.

Cats:
  • ·         Before and after the move, surround the cat with familiar objects ― feeding and water bowls, toys, blanket or bed.
  • ·         Gradually introduce them to the new home by restricting them to one or two rooms at first.

Dogs:
  • ·         Slowly introduced to the new surroundings – dogs should be leashed outside until comfortable with the area.
  • ·         Consider arranging a friend or pet sitter to come over for a couple hours a day to ease the dog’s anxiety if you are unable to stay home the first few days.

Fish:
  • ·         Traveling is the most difficult part of the moving process for fish. Place in bags with a mix of new water and clean water from their aquarium – the less the fish are crowded the better. Put rubber bands around the top and place the bags inside a dark, insulated cooler.
  • ·         Let the filter run for a few hours before putting fish back in the tank. Try to limit time away from the normal habitat to less than 48 hours.

Birds:
  • ·         Make sure to use appropriate sized carriers for birds. Cover the bottom with litter. Secure the door with a clip from the outside. Keep cool and protected from the sun.
  • ·         Bring a supply of old food and water – gradually switching from old to new supplies.


TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Carolyn Durkee, Marketing Manager at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Sacramento Movers Share How to Move a Chandelier


Trying to pack and move your chandelier can be a troublesome task. Depending on the size and the complexity of your chandelier, it may be useful to have one or two people helping you.

(Photo Credit: Gharexpert)

The first step would be to remove the power and slowly remove the chandelier onto a thick towel or a blanket. Be sure to keep all of the nails and screws in a safe place where you know that you won't lose them! Depending on your chandelier, remove any dangling and removable pieces. Such as individual crystals, light bulbs, shades, etc. With each individual piece, try wrapping them up in soft pieces of cloth and putting them in their own individual box. Be sure not to use printed newspaper or the ink may rub onto the pieces and leave stain on your precious pieces.

Now you should be left with the lamp itself. You can either wrap the whole thing with towels and blankets and secure it with tape or you may want to purchase bubble wrap and wrap the lamp with at least three layers of it. The safest way to move your chandelier will be to put it back in its original packing material. However most people wouldn't hold onto that. Measure the size of your chandelier and find a box that's big enough for it. Fill big gaps with towels or blankets and fill the rest with other packaging material.

Hope these tips will help you and your beloved chandelier on your next move!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Sarah Chally, Marketing Intern at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Guest Blog: What to Look For in a Qualified Cross Country Moving Company

Moving is an arduous task in and of itself. The last thing you need is to worry about whether or not your stuff will actually make it to your new home on the other side of the country. Figuring out whether or not a moving company is reputable and qualified isn't always an easy task, though. Thankfully, you do have options when it comes to determining your chosen company's reputation, and ways of putting your mind at ease as you make your way across the nation.


Scout for Reviews
One of the best ways to find the perfect moving company and to find the peace of mind you'll need to send them across the country with all of your belongings is to figure out what others have to say about their services. Ask around town, ask any friends that have had an experience with a particular company and search for reviews online. Be sure the reviews you look at are not all on the website of the moving company itself, and that the information on unbiased sites is just as positive. It's not difficult to cherry-pick testimonials for a promotional website, but having a negative review removed from a third-party site is almost impossible. Don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth, either. If your mom’s neighbor used the moving company you’re looking into and half of his stuff got damaged, then you might want to reconsider. On the other hand, if your best friend’s roommate hired a moving company that was efficient and affordable, they may be the ideal choice.
Figure Out How They Charge
If the moving company you’re considering hiring only charges per mile, they may not actually specialize in cross-country or long-distance moves. If they are legitimate movers, they should either charge per pound or by how much space your stuff will take up in the trailer. Some will give discounts if you fill up the whole trailer, or if you’re willing to have other people’s stuff moved at the same time if those people are going in the same direction as you. Don’t worry, though; your stuff shouldn’t be left behind for those other people to enjoy, and you shouldn’t receive random pieces of someone else’s furniture. Instead, the company will keep these items separated by belts and with different colored stickers. For example, your things will have yellow stickers whereas the other person’s stuff may have green. Either way, determining how you'll be charged for the move can give you an idea of the company's reliability and experience in the realm of long-distance moves.
Find Out How They Intend to Bill You
No legitimate moving company should ever ask for a cash payment up front, and those that do may very well be fraudulent. You could potentially lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars as all of your belongings disappear into the night. One option is to put down some cash up front as a deposit, with the remainder to be paid after safe delivery, but overall, the best thing to do is hold off on any payment until you’ve received all of your stuff at the new location.
Ensure That They're Insured
Make sure the company you’re looking into has insurance. While the chances of something happening to your stuff are slim, you want to make sure it will be covered in the event of an accident. If the truck overturns on the highway and your piano fell onto the pavement, the company would cover the cost of repair or replacement. Not only will you be left with no recourse for damages from an uninsured company, but a lack of proper insurance is a good indicator that you're working with a slipshod, fly-by-night operation. Reputable cross-country movers will always carry the proper insurance.
Check Them Out With The Better Business Bureau
The purpose of the Better Business Bureau is to inform the public about companies that are not up to par when it comes to standards of operation and customer service. They keep companies ethical. If the company has a low rating with the BBB, you probably want to steer clear.
Compare and Contrast
Don’t go with the first company you come across because you don’t want to spend too much of your time searching for the right company. It’s worth the time and effort to find one that’s right for you. One company may offer a better deal than another, but you’ll never find that out if you don’t give the situation its due diligence. Chances are, there are several moving companies in your area. Have them each give you estimates, and ask them how long it might take for them to load the truck, deliver and unload. It might take one company a week to go cross country while another promises to deliver within four days. You don’t want your stuff roaming around the country for an extra three days if it isn't necessary.
Don’t fall prey to a moving company that will run off with your things or damage half of your valuables. Instead, take a few moments to really think about which company will help you the most and give you the best deals. Just because they call themselves “qualified” doesn’t mean that they actually are, so look into your chosen company and make sure that you're making an informed choice.
About the Author
I’m Amanda Kostina, a blog junkie and a writer. I work for WhiteFence.com, a platform for comparing the prices of countless service providers. We aim at providing cheaper and easy accessible services to homeowners, who are overpaying unnecessarily. Our site offers lowest prices and free quotes for home appliances, internet, electricity, natural gas and other home utilities.
Interested in Guest Blogging for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®? 
We hope you enjoyed this guest blog post. If you are interested in guest blogging with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® or have general comments or questions contact Carolyn Durkee, Marketing Manager at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.


Monday, April 22, 2013

Sacramento Movers Say Asking The Right Questions Helps Consumers Hire Quality Movers

Hiring a mover can be a daunting task. With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to decide what makes one company better than another. It’s important to hire a company that’s professional, knowledgeable and accommodating.



The United States Census Bureau reports the average American moves 12 times in his or her life. And, according to the American Moving and Storage Association, nearly half of all moves are completed between the beginning of May and Labor Day.

Make sure to research the services a moving company offers and the rate at which those services are provided. It's also wise to check a state's moving and storage association to learn what regulations apply to local movers.

Consider asking these questions when calling a moving company:
·         Are you licensed?
·         Do you employ day labor?
·         What is your minimum charge?
·         How do you charge?
·         What payment options are available?
·         Is a deposit required?
·         Does your company provide worker’s compensation insurance?
·         How do you train your team?
·         How are my belongings protected?
·         Do you offer free estimates?
·         What is your cancellation policy?
·         Is there a contact number I can call on move day if there are any questions or challenges?

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Carolyn Durkee, Marketing Manager at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Sacramento Movers and How To Safely Transport Your Tree


How in the world do you move your beloved tree to your new home or new backyard spot safely and without it dying!?

(Photo Credit: Blackpinky)

Moving your tree (or bushes) can be a difficult task. Thus, it is important to be prepared for the move!
Before you start digging your tree out, first make the ground soften by watering the ground where the new location will be at. Do the same for where the tree is already at. Having the ground moisten with hose water will make your job much easier and less stressful. After the dirt is soften, dig a hole where you want your tree to be at. Depending on the size of your tree, make the hole an appropriate size so your tree will fit securely.

Now, you are ready to dig out your tree. It is important to note that you shouldn't dig very close to the tree. It can be hard to determine where the roots are. As a green rule of thumb, dig around 3 feet from the base. That way you can preserve as much of the tree as you can. After that step is completed, start sinking your shovel towards your tree. Make the dirt looser and it will give you an easier time when moving your tree. When your tree is able to be removed safely, lay a piece of large tarp near you. Lift the tree (with the help of others as needed) and lay the base onto the tarp.

Carry (or drive) your tree to its new location. It is important to note that it's vital that you bring the old dirt to the tree's new location. Put as much as the old dirt in the new hole as possible. Now your tree is in its new location! But your job isn't over yet! It would be wise to purchase landscape mulch. Spreading the mulch around the base of the tree will promote circulation and keep rodents away. Lastly... be sure to water!!! Water your tree as much as you can so that it will continue to thrive as it once did.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Sarah Chally, Marketing Assistant at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Sacramento Movers Reveal The Hidden Costs Of Moving Yourself


Many people assume they will save money by moving themselves rather than hiring a professional moving company. However, when considering other potential costs, they may be surprised to learn it’s often more expensive.

(Photo Credit: PropertyPanel)

While renting a moving truck might seem like a great way to save money, the experts at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® remind consumers of the hidden costs they may not have considered, such as:

  • ·         Time to pack, load and drive belongings to the new destination – plan to take time off work to complete these time-consuming tasks.
  • ·         Time (and headache) trying to recruit friends and family – understand there’s no guarantee everyone will show up on move day.
  • ·         Renting or buying proper moving equipment – remember the furniture pads, ropes, stretch wrap, dollies and straps to protect belongings during packing, loading and unloading. 
  • ·         Time to collect enough boxes to pack an entire home or business – avoid used boxes – no one knows what critters are living inside or if the boxes are strong enough to carry items.
  • ·         Replacing or repairing damaged items – Consider the cost of replacing damaged items handled by acquaintances verses trained movers. Not only do professionals handle heavy and unusually shaped pieces day-in-and-day-out, there is also valuation coverage applied to every move. This coverage is required by law, protecting the client with a basic protection in case of loss or damage to their items. If a friend breaks something, you are the one to pay, however if a moving company were to damage a piece, that company would be responsible for reimbursing you at least a fraction of the cost of the item.
  • ·         Doctor’s visits after a rough move – research proper moving techniques to be able to train friends and family members how to move heavy furniture without injury.


It may seem like moving yourself will cut down costs but when you add up the hidden costs of completing a move, most people will agree it’s less expensive – and much more convenient – to hire professional movers to take on the work and responsibility.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Carolyn Durkee, Marketing Manager at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.