Furniture Movers

(We just like their style in Omaha Nebraska!!)

By Kristy Annely

Relocating a home or office requires a lot of furniture to be moved. Moving some furniture to the new location is often cheaper than buying new furniture. Besides, people will want to move personal effects, antiques and other items that are irreplaceable.

Furniture movers move furniture in a professional way. Hiring them makes moving easy and saves precious furniture from damage. Having had the experience of moving jobs they are well aware of packing, loading and unpacking procedures. Depending on the distance and items to be transported they also suggest the best means of transport. Sometimes most carriers have extra space. If furniture is listed on an online market place then many carriers actually post attractive bids.

These movers are more than mere transporters. They help in the entire relocation process. The furniture is properly packed and insured, irrespective of whether the move is local or long distance. Professionals carry out the entire job. Some aspects of the furniture moving process are difficult. Moving antiques and pianos require specialists for the job. During the move they keep track of the shipment.

Packing is a crucial point for a successful move. One must be aware that accidents can happen. Special packing material is used for delicate items, to minimize damage in case of an accident. Specially made crates are used extremely delicate items.

Moving furniture through small doors also requires the services of an expert. Hand trucks and trolleys are useful for moving the furniture. Movers place special movers or wheels under some heavy furniture pieces. It becomes easier to move and load them then.

The ways and means employed by professional movers are time tested and safe. Furniture moving is best left to them to handle.

Ten Moving Tips

By Steven Gillman
These moving tips may include a few things you hadn't thought of, or things you just need to be reminded of. Forget that safe deposit box, for example, and you may have to drive a long way to get at it. Ten more moving tips follow.

1. Get rid of things. Consider carefully what you need to keep. People spend hundreds of dollars to move things that will undoubtedly be thrown away some day. It's not just a matter of the expense, but the hassle too. Moving time is the best time to get rid of the things you really don't need.

2. Have a yard sale. It's a good way to get rid of those things, and you might even raise enough money to pay for the move.

3. Use lists. You will forget things, especially if you don't have a list or two. Start with a list of things to do before the move. It may include getting school documents transferred, filling out change of address forms, returning borrowed books and movies, transferring prescriptions, getting maps, and arranging utility shut offs and start ups.

4. Make the the moving company reservation a month ahead. You wouldn't want to find out they are booked up on the date you need them.

5. Pack early. It's hard to say how long it will take until you are doing it. Start early to avoid running around looking for boxes at the last moment.

6. Have an "essentials" box. This will have things to make your arrival easier, like toilet paper, paper plates, soap and such. Pack the box where it is easily accessible.

7. Check weather reports. It's no fun arriving in a snowstorm with your coat packed away somewhere. Allow for extra moving time if the weather is going to slow down traffic.

8. Notify family and friends of your new address and phone number(s). Do this before you have the phone shut off.

9. Save your receipts. Save receipts for moving expenses, like gas, hotel rooms, and anything else related to the move. Then ask your accountant or tax preparer if you are eligible for a tax deduction for moving expenses.

10. Try to re-establish your routines quickly. It helps to quickly re-establish routines in your new home, so if Friday night is movie night, don't break with tradition. Moving is less traumatic if you have some consistency in daily life. If you are moving with children, this may be one of the more important moving tips.

Steve Gillman has invested in real estate for years. To learn more, get a free real estate investing course, and see a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500, visit http://www.housesunderfiftythousand.com/

Packing for the Big Move

Stuart Simpson

When you are moving and have to hire movers, it’s cheaper to fill the entire truck, right? Wrong. The cost per 100 lbs. decreases, yes, but you have more of these 100 lbs. to multiply. Even if you hire a truck and move it yourself, filling up the truck with useless items will cost more petrol money too!

Storage for non-essential items for moving later can end up costing more than the items are worth.

Moving can end up being very costly.

Here are some tips and practical considerations for your move.

Organization: Set aside an area in the garage where every family member can put things they no longer want. Have another pile for items that are “maybe keepers”. It’s hard to cull our possessions. Have the family as a whole help decide on what to keep in the “maybe” pile. Sell the rest at a garage sale and call the Salvation Army or local charity and donate the rest. Either they’ll send in a truck, or worst case, you’ll have to take it to them, but you might qualify for a tax right off.

Appliances: Sometimes taking your fridge, washer and dryer with you can cost you more than they are worth. These items are large and heavy and could add $100 to $200 to your move per appliance. If you are selling your house, you might be able to work the new owners a sweet deal, otherwise place an ad in the paper and get rid of them. Get new or used ones at your new location and you’ll be money ahead.

Tools: Cull your tool collection and if you are driving or renting a uhaul, take them in the car or truck with you. Tools are heavy. Besides, they’ll come in handy at the new location and you won’t have to wait for the movers to unpack everything to find them. And if you are taking a uhaul, be sure to load them last so the tools will be the first to unload.

Furniture: Take what you need and want; just make sure it will all fit. No point in moving it to find out it won’t fit in the new place and you’ll just have to rent a storage unit or sell it. Try to do a layout of your new house and place in the furniture. Do the math to see if it will all fit. You’ll be glad you did.

Piano: Be prepared to pay for special handling when moving a piano or organ. You do not want to put a piano in storage. Sell it or take it.

Pool Table: Do you still use it? You know the slate will have to be removed and the table will have to be leveled at your new location. Be sure you crate (with wood) the slate for travel. Prepare for additional moving expense.

Valuables: Do not ship your valuables. If you must, you could ship them to yourself, but use adequate insurance and don’t ship anything that can’t be replaced.

Storage Shed: If you have one, you’ll probably decide to leave most of these storage items or get rid of them. There’s no point in moving them from storage at one house to storage at the other. It’ll just take up more room in the uhaul.

Items not to move:

Flammables – including any kind of aerosol can. Items like deodorant, hairspray, spray paint, etc.

Firewood or lumber

Food (eat it all, don’t ship it)

Clothing – update your wardrobe and cull out for the garage sale

Magazines – If you must, cut out recipes or tear out articles you haven’t had time to read, but don’t take the whole magazine.

Storage is an option but eventually you’ll still have to move everything. I hope this article helps you get realistic with the items you need for moving.

http://www.moving-storage-supplies.com

Moving & Relocation Company - Tips in Hiring

By John Groth

After you have made the decision to relocate the business, you will want to consider hiring a moving and relocation company. If you have a simple move or you have done it before several times it may be an unnecessary expense. But for the vast majority of relocations the "do-it-yourself" approach may be a mistake. Relocating can get complicated very quickly. In order to assure a smooth move a better idea is to hire a moving and relocation company. However, it's vital they understand exactly your specific moving requirements. Of course it's you're responsibility that you hire the relocation company that is right for the scope of the move.

The right relocation company to hire can be somewhat of a research project. Once you've put together the basics of you moving plan now you need to find the right partner to help you with the moving project. There are many moving and relocation companies that seem to offer similar services. One may specialize in corporate and office relocations. Others offer more general services and can do more. Others may have the ability to move sensitive equipment and electronics. In addition if you have a specific need, such as an international relocation, or moving into a metropolitan high rise, you can narrow your choice between the specialized and generalized relocation companies. So to start with you have to isolate your special needs so you can better make the final decision.

Price is always important, but hiring a moving and relocation company on that factor alone can be short-sighted. Some specialized services are very expensive, such as moving servers and other electronic gear. However, if done wrong or equipment is damaged and your company has a shortfall in service the costs to the business can be devastating. The answer to selecting the right moving and relocation company is to find one that is affordable, will resolve all the details and take care of all of your special needs.

An additional help is to get bids from various companies. Ask for their suggestions on how to handle your special needs. Once you have a good understanding of your options the bids can be evaluated. As you narrow down the list, study the testimonials and speak to former customers. Did the moving and relocation company follow the company instructions, were there any problems, how were they resolved, and special needs the company had and would you use the company again? All are questions that need to be answered. There may be more areas to explore but these are basic for you to help arrive at an informed decision.

Once you've make the final decision, be sure all the special needs are clearly spelled out, the timetable is set and you have a complete understanding on how issues are to settled. From here on you should have a smooth move.

John Groth is a Relocation Specialist. Go to Business Relocation and Moving ideas and find valuable resources, a free money saving relocation guide and informative articles about business and individual moving and relocation.

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"Life is my college. May I graduate well, and earn some honours!"


Louisa May Alcott

Cookie Man in Panic Mode

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea

Thursday 22 May is the official date of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea 2008, but you can host a morning tea anytime in May in your office, home, school or community centre to raise money for cancer research, education and support services.

http://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/

Fixed Rate Vs Variable Rate Mortgages - What Is The Difference?

By Maurice King

What is the difference between the fixed rate vs. variable rate mortgages? For most people looking to buy their next home this questions comes up all the time. When you look at the bank's posted rates you usually see interest rates for many different terms as for fixed and variable interest rates.

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For most the choice is always the same and that is a fixed rate mortgage but you do have options. And although the fixed rate mortgages are the easiest to understand they are not always the best choice.

The difference between the fixed rate mortgage and the variable rate mortgage is in how the increase rates will be set. The fixed rate has an interest rate that is set based on the bank's interest rate around the time you arrange that mortgage. The variable rate mortgage will be based on what the bank rate is and fluctuates over the life of the mortgage. So, do you know which one you want to get?

You will want to do as much research as you can to find out about fixed rate vs. variable rate mortgages and which one is right for you. The more you know the easier you will be able to decide which one you want to go for. Here are some of the things that you need to know about each type.

Fixed Rate Mortgages:

One: With the fixed rate you will have a set rate.

Two: This type of mortgage is based on the bank's rate around the time the mortgage is set-up and the rate is fixed for the duration of the mortgage term. If your mortgage term is for 5 years your payments will remain the same during that time.

Variable Rate Mortgages:

One: These mortgages are becoming more popular these days with mortgage hunters. This type of mortgage is better for higher risk threshold customers. If you have this type of mortgage you will have to hope that the bank rate will remain stable.

Two: This type of mortgage will depend on the bank you use and the bank rate. Variable rate mortgages can save you a lot in interest over the life if the mortgage, but your payments will fluctuate up and down with the market.

These are not all of the things that you need to know when it comes to fixed rate vs. variable rate mortgages. They are the most important ones though. You want to go online and do as much research as you can. It is important to understand the difference between the two. So always take the time to learn all you can.

You need to know how the fixed rate mortgage and the variable rate mortgage will fit your lifestyle and your financial needs. By doing your research you can quickly figure this out. That way you will be able to better able to make a decision about which type you should have. Do a search on any major search engine for fixed rate vs. variable rate mortgages or speak with your bank or mortgage broker. This will give you a great place to start your research.

So get started now and make sure that you look at more than one site to learn. The more information you can find the better you will understand each type. So what are you waiting for, start your search now.

Maurice King is a ReMax Whitby sales representative for RE/MAX Spirit.

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It's hard to beat a person who never gives up.

Babe Ruth

No Use Crying Over Spilt Beer!!

A man's gotta do what a mans gotta do!!

Moving Companies - Interstate Moving

By Jennifer A Strong

We live today in a fast moving, fast changing world. As such, change has become a part of our lives. Thus, moving to a new location has become a part of modern civilization itself. Sometimes the move is a required part of your job, sometimes it is undertaken for personal reasons.

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Whatever the reason, moving your whole household can turn out to be a tough task. You can either decide to do it yourself or entrust it to household goods movers. You need to keep in mind quite a few factors in mind before deciding upon a moving company that would suit your needs.

Most household goods movers provide free quotes for their services. You should take advantage of this fact. The 'quote' is calculated keeping certain key factors in mind.

The first of these is dependant on your household itself, or more specifically, its size.

The second is the distance involved in the move – are you moving just across the town or across the country?

Another factor is the amount of time that will be involved in completing the move. Finally, all these calculations would be tied in with your budget.

Household goods movers normally provide a range of services. You can neither opt in for a full service, a self-move, truck rentals, or storage facilities. A full service move involves hiring professionals who take care of every aspect of the move for you. This includes packing facilities, the loading of the goods, transportation, unloading at the new site and then unpacking.

If you have staircases in your home, it would add to the cost of moving. Also, packing facilities can prove to be costly. You might want to consider to do the packing yourself. This brings us to the next type of service that is gaining popularity – a self-move.

The household goods movers whom you employ would take care of the transport facilities of your belongings. However, as mentioned earlier, you have to do the packing and unpacking yourself. We now come to the third kind of move – the 'small move'.

This might involve (but not necessarily) a small distance (say, within a state) and also, the amounts of goods to be transported might not meet the weight criteria of the commercial van lines. Also, this facility allows you the freedom to move only a few goods, for example, antique furniture, bulky household appliances etc. Also, a small move comes with its full complement of moving services.

Many household goods movers provide storage facilities to their clients too. This can be either a long term or a short-term contract. Before you settle upon the services of any one of the several household goods movers, keep a few things in mind. Check the references of the company. Make sure that they are reliable and that they have a history of completing the move on time.

Also, inquire about the insurance facilities that the company would be willing to provide for your belongings.

http://www.movingcompanies.us/

When moving your office or residence in Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane or if you are moving interstate . . . it pays to use Magic Movers Removals.

Moving - Packing Materials and Packing Tips

By Hilary Basile

In the long run, it pays to purchase the right packing materials. Purchase sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts from moving companies and truck rental firms. Supplement with crumpled paper, blankets and pillows. Even clothing can serve as a buffer between breakable objects. Then, pack with a plan.

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Packing Tips:

Keep the following packing supplies on-hand: boxes, marking pen, bubble wrap, newspaper, tape, scissors and a tape measure.

Keep them to 20 kg or less. Put heavier items in small boxes and lighter items in big boxes.

Pack non-breakables tightly in smaller boxes so they are not too heavy.

Use clean newspapers to wrap items and bubble wrap for padding.

Pack breakables loosely in plastic storage bins with lots of bubble wrap.

Rent furniture pads (blankets).

Mark your boxes by room so you know exactly where everything goes. Use color coding or a numbering system, such as blue stickers for your son's bedroom or the number 1 for kitchen items.

Use your towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.

Write "FRAGILE" on all the ones containing breakables and stack these on top.

Purchase boxes specifically designed for certain household items, such as wardrobe boxes.

Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten transit screws.

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Tape any removed screws to the objects they were removed from.

Pack books tightly in small boxes. If they smell musty, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave the books stored for a couple of months to eliminate the smell.

Clean rugs and draperies before moving and leave them in the wrappings for the move.

Pack medicine and medications in a leak-proof container.

Carry all valuables with you.

Check with your local Department of Agriculture for regulations on moving plants from one state to another since some states have restrictions in an effort to prevent importing bugs or pests that can destroy valuable cash crops.

Packing for a move using a good technique and the right materials can mean an easier move and fewer broken items!

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Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com at http://www.myguidesusa.com/, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life's major events. Whether you're planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you'll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.

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Magic Movers "Moving Quote" for Mothers Day

"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother."

Abraham Lincoln

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Magic Movers Removals wishes all Mum's a very special Mother's Day in Australia today.

Burma Cyclone Relief

Support victims of the cyclone in Myanmar (Burma).

You donate, and Google will donate up to $1 million to relief efforts.

Moving House with Your Cat

By Laura Marsh

Moving house is a stressful time for the whole family, and often it is our pets who suffer the most. Cats are especially susceptible to the stress of moving house, as they are normally family animals and like to be involved; the confusion of moving house can be very traumatic for them.
There are however a few things you can do to make the move a little less disturbing for your cat.

When you start to empty and box up the contents of the house, start with one room first, and completely empty it. When you have done this, put the cats’ bed, toys, food, litter tray and a lockable carrier in the room. Having the lockable carrier in the room, will make it less intimidating for the cat when it needs to use it for the journey.

Introduce your cat to this room, as it will be its home for the next few weeks. Although the room will be empty, your cat should be quite happy as it contains the things your cat is used to seeing such as its bed. The good thing about using this empty room is that should you need to keep the cat away from something (when you are moving house a curious cat might jump in to a box being packed), you cat should not be upset as it is used to going in to the room.

When you have moved house, your cat should be your first priority. Find an empty room and place all the same items in it as you had in the empty room before. This will be your cat’s room for the unpacking time. Only let your cat out once the entire house is unpacked and sorted out.

Your cat will want to explore the house, however it may be nervous of the new surroundings, so talk soothingly to it, and try to calm it.

Also make sure you show the cat where its food bowl and litter tray are. Your cat will then being to explore the house by itself.

If you let your cat outside, try not to let it out too soon. Make sure your cat is used to the new house first, otherwise it may run away. Let the cat in to the garden in short, supervised intervals, and when your cat seems happy with the garden and how to get back in to the house, you can happily let your cat go and explore its new territory.

Once you move, you need to remember to update the contact details on your cats collar, should your cat get lost in your new neighbourhood, people will need to be able to contact you.

For more useful information on cats and cat behaviour visit http://www.caringforyourcat.info/

Interview Tips For a Real Estate Agent

Interviewing a Real Estate Agent

So your sister just introduced you to her friend Ian, a real estate agent, and now you can't get rid of him, right? Wrong! Choosing the right person to sell your home is one of the most important steps of selling. Therefore, choose wisely.

At a minimum, speak with 2 or 3 brokers from different agencies. Ask prospective brokers the same list of questions, in order to compare their answers. Find out what they would do to sell your house.

Above all, choose a broker that you feel comfortable with and like. This person will help you make the biggest sale of your life, so find someone you think will do a good job!

The following is a list of questions that may be helpful to ask while speaking with prospective real estate agents.

How many years have you been in business?
For how long have you sold houses in this area?
How many houses did you sell in the past year?
What is your commission?
If I were to work with you, how would you market my house?
Will you organize meetings with potential buyers and will you coordinate them personally?
Can you give me names and telephone numbers of other families that have used your services?

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"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

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Nelson Mandela

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Congratulations to all those Graduating this week (specially this Thursday at UTS)!!

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The Checklist Every Landlord Needs

By Gloria Smith

One of the most taxing activities tenants and landlords must do is to conduct the moving in and moving out inspection of the property. The moving in “grand tour” of the property is done primarily so both parties would be aware of the present condition of the unit. This way, the new tenant would know how he should leave the unit at the end of his lease period.

This same grand tour is conducted just before the tenant hands in his keys and moves out permanently. If the moving in tour was done for the benefit of the tenant, the moving out round is more for the landlord. This activity is done to show the landlord that unit’s condition is the same as when the tenant moved in (save probably for a few minor damages due to regular wear and tear).

When this moving in and moving out tour is done, the tenant and the landlord both hold a document which itemizes all the important parts and fixtures of the unit or house. As they go through each and every nook and cranny of the house, they both tick what condition these items are in. This document is called the move in/move out form.

A move in / move out form is something that anyone can make. There is no need to consult with a real estate agent or with a lawyer because this is simply a checklist of all the fixtures in the house. You also only need one set of these, as the form you used during the move in inspection, is the same one that will be used when the move out inspection is done.

If you don’t want to prepare a move in / move out form, or would want to just follow a standard format, you can purchase and download this form from the internet. There are several real-estate related sites that provide users with various real estate forms and these can be downloaded by piece or by bulk or set, depending on the needs of the user.

This is article is brought to you by Gloria Smith at http://www.legalhomeforms.com/

Tips on Buying a House!

By Karan Singh

Step 1:
Determine your housing requirements: where do you want the house? What price range? How big a house do you need? What kind of a house is appropriate for you? The distance of your house from municipal and community services, etc…

Step 2:
Understanding you Local Housing Market: Hire an agent to determine the market prices for the kind of house you are looking for? Your agent gets paid, so he/she must work for you and work hard. Ask them any questions that you may have and make them work for you. Determine if it is a buyer's or seller's market? How favourable are the conditions towards you, etc…

Step 3:
Calculating your Costs: The most important thing when buying a house is your financial capability. How much can you afford monthly? How much down payment are you planning to give first up? Maintenance Costs? Renovation Costs? Services Cost? Propery Taxes? Insurance?

Step 4:
Choosing your Team: Make sure you choose an agent who you are comfortable with and who is willing to work hard for you and who has time for you. Do you prefer a good more experienced agent, or a younger one? And ask your agent to help you find a good housing inspector and mortgage lender.

Step 5:
Arranging your Mortgage: For this aspect, your agent should take care of the all the paperwork and all that is involved in this. After all, they are getting paid for their service. Understand all different types of mortgages and the benefits and cons of all these.

Step 6:
Closing the Deal and Moving: Make sure that all the paperwork has been taken care of and the appropriate and required documents are submitted before the notary and all the requirements have been met. Keep in frequent touch with your agent in order to be up to date as to what is going on with your house. Find a reliable moving company and assure that your moving is as smooth as possible.

Jasbir Singh is the founder of http://www.montrealonline.ca/

How not to move a Piano!!

Ooooooops!!

Thanks to the BBC in England for this little gem.