Monday, December 24, 2018

10 Survival Tips for Moving During the Winter

Snow, ice, sub-zero temperatures… Winter sounds like the worst possible time to move to another home, doesn’t it? Well, not necessarily.
Moving in the winter tipsEven though a winter move, compared to a summer move, can present its own unique set of challenges, moving in the winter months can also have indisputable advantages. Benefits of moving in the winter include taking advantage of lower movers’ rates and getting to choose only top-rated movers.
Each year, thousands of families schedule their moves during the winter – either because they wish to gain from the lower prices offered by most professional moving companies or because the circumstances force them to move out during the cold months of the year.
Moving in the winter doesn’t have to be as daunting and discouraging as it sounds. When getting ready to move in the winter, you should keep in mind that a winter move is still perfectly manageable with a little forethought and good preparation.
Here are the top 10 winter moving tips to survive your midwinter move.

1. Hire professional movers with years of experience

Hiring a professional moving company to assist you when you’re moving from one home to another is always a good idea. However, when you intend to move out in the middle of winter, that idea becomes exceptionally good.
Considering the fact that most people choose to move house during the peak moving season (May-September) when the weather outside is nice and warm, moving cross country in winter should give you a number of advantages when using professional movers.
In most cases, you’ll get more flexible scheduling because of the availability of top-rated movers and the lower prices for the same quality moving services – sometimes up to 30% off the standard rates. Also, moving in the winter means you’re likely to get more personalized attention from the movers thanks to the decreased demand for professional moving services.
Still, the best thing about using a full-service mover for your winter move is the unprecedented level of safety you’ll get. In reality, hiring an experienced moving company will practically eliminate any winter-specific risks – bad injuries due to slippery paths and roads and cold temperatures.
Seriously, when was the last time you drove a large rental truck in unfavorable winter weather conditions?

2. Keep an eye on those weather reports

When it comes to good tips for moving in winter, one thing you should not forget to do is to keep an eye on the weather reports in the week and days leading up to your moving day.
Winter moving tips
Keep a close watch on the weather forecast prior to your move day.
The winter season can be rather unpredictable and the last thing you’d want is to have to deal with adverse winter weather conditions on your move-out day – strong icy winds or heavy snowfall. Basically, if a winter storm is approaching your area, you’ll want to know about it in advance so that you can do something about it.
If the forecast says that really bad weather is expected to hit your area on moving day, then it may be unwise to continue your move as planned. In such cases, speak with your moving company about rescheduling to avoid danger and trouble.
Most moving companies will have a lighter workload in the winter months so rescheduling your move due to the whims of Mother Nature shouldn’t be too big of a problem for them. Rest assured that nobody, not even professional movers with years of experience, would be too keen to work during a snowstorm.

3. Start your move earlier than you’d normally do

Days are much shorter in the winter, meaning that you’ll get much fewer daytime hours than you would during a summer move. This is why, it’s important to get the moving process early in the morning so that you can finish for the day before it gets too dark. More daytime hours will make your move safer too as you won’t have to go outside when it’s slippery, cold and dark. As a bonus, working during the light of day will mean more comfortable temperatures for everyone involved in the winter move.
Don’t forget to add extra time for the completion of each moving activity. The cold and snow outside will make the home moving process harder and slower too. Certain delays are to be expected because of the harsh winter conditions, and it’s always a good idea to plan additional time for a few unexpected problems as a result of the bad weather.
As a rule of thumb, the earlier you start preparing for your move in the winter, you should feel less stressed out and much safer as your moving date approaches.

4. Pack your things in a way that prevents cold-weather damage

When packing your things for a winter move, you need to make sure that your temperature-sensitive belongings are protected well for the cold weather outside. Especially dangerous are the temperature fluctuations which your delicate possessions will endure when taken out of your warm home and loaded into the back of the moving truck.
Moving across country in the winter?
Double-wrap your wooden furniture in moving blankets to protect them from the cold.
Your chinaware and glassware pieces will be particularly susceptible to cold-weather damage and may crack due to the fluctuations in the ambient temperature. So, don’t forget to add extra packing materials such as packing paper and bubble wrap in the boxes that contain kitchen plates and glasses in an attempt to protect your breakables from the cold outside.
Also, a winter move may prove to be too much for most of your delicate pieces made of wood, especially true for antique furniture. In most cases, double-wrapping all your delicate wooden items in thick furniture blankets should be enough to keep them warm and safe during the winter relocation. When in doubt, consult with professional packers and movers about the best way to pack antique furniture during the winter.
Electronics are also very sensitive to temperature fluctuations. If possible, pack your electronic devices in their original boxes, then wrap them well in thick layers of packing paper first, and then in bubble wrap to keep safe during the wintertime move.

5. Clear sidewalks and driveways of snow and ice

When moving in the winter months, safety should be your number one priority. On the day of the move, you must make sure that the sidewalks and driveway outside your home are completely clear of snow and ice. Even when you’re hiring professionals to assist you in your winter relocation, you want to be sure that everyone stays safe and your moving day won’t suddenly become too dangerous for you, your family and your movers.
Remember that you must do whatever it takes to prevent accidents and injuries during your winter move. Walking on slippery paths and roads is pretty dangerous even without having to carry heavy boxes and large pieces of furniture.
Shovel your driveway and sidewalks or pay somebody to do it for you. Be mindful that sometimes shoveling the snow may not be enough because it may simply leave a very slippery layer of compacted snow or ice underneath.
So, if you find it tough or even impossible to remove that remaining layer using your snow shovel, then you’re going to have to salt those dangerous areas and wait until all the ice has melted.

6. Protect the floors in your old home

Following the winter moving advice above, by now you should have made the outside path to the moving truck as safe as it can be. Keeping your exterior route free of snow and ice is a big step in the right direction but it’s time you think about protecting the high-traffic areas in your home as well.
Tips for moving in the winter
Use cardboard pieces left from packing to protect your floors against damage.
If there’s snow outside on your move-out day, you can be sure that the multitude of feet will bring plenty of snow, sleet, water and even sand inside your home. And when that happens, someone can easily slip up and fall – something that you should try to keep from happening at all cost. Moreover, the water brought from the outside may damage the floors in the old home, which could result in costly repairs for you.
Protect your old home’s flooring and keep slipping accidents at bay by placing large cardboard pieces on those critical areas to protect the floors from damage. Remove any area rugs before positioning those pieces of thick cardboard flat on the ground. In addition to keeping potential snow, water and dirt under control, the cardboard coverings will provide much-needed traction for everyone involved in the move.

7. Dress appropriately for your winter move

The next winter moving tip is basically common sense – to wear appropriate clothes and shoes during your winter move. What you may not realize though is that dressing up appropriately for the occasion won’t necessarily mean wearing the bulkiest and thickest coat you’ve got in your dresser to keep you warm.
When moving in the winter, your best bet is to wear layers of clothing so that you can take off a layer or two when you get hot while packing up your last boxes or carrying heavy items. Later, when you stop for a short break, you can always add another piece of clothing to keep your body temperature optimal. Don’t forget to prepare warm winter hats and gloves for everyone as well.
Also, put on your best pair of winter shoes – the one that will provide maximum traction and comfort while you’re constantly going in and out of the home. Your choice of footwear is really key for keeping your move day as safe as possible. Remember that one careless slip may easily ruin your winter move and bring about plenty of troubles.

8. Prepare hot drinks for everyone

Your winter move will be smooth and problem-free only when you make an effort not to miss even the not-so-important details. Prepare a plan for action – a super-detailed moving checklist that includes all the tasks and activities you need to take care of until you reach your new residence.
Moving house in the snow
Remember to offer hot drinks to every house moving helper.
A quality moving checklist will help you stay on the right track and always be one step ahead when the most important day of your move comes around. Still, make a mental note to include checklist items that are unique and specific to your own move.
You’ll be moving house during cold weather, so you need to be ready to keep everyone warm by offering hot beverages in abundance – tea, coffee, and of course – hot cocoa. If you’ve already packed up your regular cups and mugs, then you’re free to use disposable plastic cups which you can easily recycle afterward.
If you have the time and resources, you may choose to prepare or purchase sandwiches or other types of snack that will go perfectly with a cup of hot beverage. After all, you want to show everyone that you’re a considerate host who wouldn’t really mind keeping up the energy of all helpers on Moving day.

9. Make sure the new-home utilities are up and running

Now it’s time to turn your attention to the place you’re moving to so that you know the new house or apartment is ready for occupation. And your number one priority for you is to ensure that the major utilities in the destination home have been connected and are running properly at the time of your relocation.
It’s crucial that you arrange for the connection of the new-home utilities at least one full week before your move-out date. Check with your realtor, landlord or property manager to check whether the electricity, water and heating in the new home have been turned on and functioning correctly before you leave your old residence.
Failure to transfer your utilities during a summer move can be easily classified as a serious moving mistake. However, after battling through snow, ice and cold, it’ll be more than a rookie mistake to find a dark and unheated place with no running water – it’ll be a mid-winter disaster.

10. Prepare well for the winter car trip

Hopefully, you’ll have taken our advice to use the services of an experienced professional mover during your winter move. This way, you’ll be able to guarantee the safety of your family members and still save on your winter move by hiring quality moving services for less money than what you would have paid in the summer.
Now it’s time for our final winter moving tip – to get ready for the upcoming car trip in winter weather conditions. Once your cross-country movers load up your items in their truck and leave in the direction of your new residence, the only things left for you is to secure the old home and embark on an adventurous wintertime journey in your personal vehicle.
Are you ready for that car trip?
Have your car serviced around one week prior to move day to minimize any chances of mechanical breakdowns on the road. Also, before you leave, you just have to know that you’ve got the following major life-savers with you in the vehicle:
  • Should you move in the winter?
    It looks like you’re not yet ready for the car trip to your new home.
    ice scrapers,
  • a jerrycan with extra fuel,
  • a spare tire and tire-changing tools,
  • a bag of sand,
  • tow rope,
  • a flashlight,
  • charged cellphones,
  • cash and functioning credit cards,
  • an emergency kit,
  • several warm blankets and clothes for each passenger, and
  • extra food and water.

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Top Tips For A Successful Move

Moving is a stressful time and there is a lot of planning that is involved. Many will recommend that moving a home or business should be left to professional movers. This will alleviate a lot of stress and streamline the entire process. Even though this simplifies the move, how do you choose the right moving company? The American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) put together a list of the top 10 tips for a successful move.

How To Choose A Moving Company

There are many moving companies out there that all offer the same services. Luckily there are some simple tips to help you choose the right one:
  1. Check out moving company ratings on websites like Yelp, Better Business Bureau and Angie's List. These sites offer testimonials from real customers to give you an idea of the kind of company you may hire to move your possessions.
  2. Make sure to get written moving estimates. We recommend that all estimates are done in-home and documented so no random charges pop up when you are done moving. It is also recommended you get around three estimates to make sure you are receiving the best price possible.
  3. Avoid any large payments before services are completed. Some companies may want a large deposit to hold the date of your move. It is recommended to be wary of any carriers seeking large down payments or even full payments before the move has even taken place.
  4. Get everything in writing. Like most service agreements it is recommended to have everything documented. This is especially important for the moving document known as the bill of lading.
  5. Finally, when choosing a moving company we recommend to ask questions. The moving process is confusing and it is understandable if you have questions. It is better to ask a question and be fully aware than to blindly trust.
There are many more moving tips that the AMSA has published and we recommend checking them out before beginning your move.

About Oakley Relocation

If you are ever in need of moving and storage services, trust the experts at Oakley Relocation. We are a full-service northAmerican Van Lines agent based in San Diego California. Contact us for a free moving estimate.

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

How To Move Houseplants

Moving houseplants might seem like a fairly ordinary task, but they are actually some of the most problematic items you will encounter during your move. After you’ve spent so many years nurturing them, will you have to leave them behind?
The difficulty of houseplants is that they are alive and often unwieldy. Some states have regulations against many types of plants entering their borders. Most movers will not move plants long distances – and for good reason. The truck gets no fresh air, and even during moderate temperatures, the back of the truck can get very hot.
If you’ve ever driven into California, you were probably stopped at the border by agents looking for plants and even for fresh fruit. California, along with other states, heavily relies on its agricultural industry. Plants can come with a variety of pests and diseases. Even with the introduction of just one innocent looking houseplant, an epidemic can occur. If you are carrying plants, border agents will have to declare them pest free before you will be allowed to continue. You should check with the state you are moving to to find out what types of regulations they have and if you should arrange for an inspection in advance.
Despite the difficulty, there are ways to keep your houseplants alive during the move. If you are moving locally, many movers will allow the plants inside their truck, with the understanding that there is no temperature regulation. Some plants are hardy enough to withstand a couple of hours in hot or cold temperatures. Some are not. It’s best to research the individual plants before allowing them on a truck if it’s for more than a few minutes.
The number one recommendation is for the plants to be moved in the car, but it’s understandable, that most large, or even medium-sized plants will not fit in a family vehicle. Even if you can fit your plants in the car or if you are moving them in the moving truck, it’s advisable that you “buy” yourself a little insurance by taking cuttings of your favorite plants, which can be stored in plastic bags containing moist vermiculite, peat moss or perlite.
If you do choose to move your plants, it’s important to prepare them:

At least two weeks before the move

  • Repot the plants into plastic, non-breakable pots. It’s important that they live in the new pots in their old environment for at least a couple of weeks. Plants do not like too many changes at once. Your ceramic pots can be packed and moved, so you can repot them again when they are settled into your new home.
  • Prune any wayward growth.
  • Examine your plants for pests and treat if needed.

A couple of days before the move

  • Water your plants. Your plants should be moist on moving day but not wet.

On moving day

  • Pack your plants. Wrap the base in packing paper or in old linens and carefully place them inside a box. Make sure the plant is completely supported in the box. You can carefully put a second box, upside down, over the first box to completely enclose the plant. Be sure to punch some air holes and clearly mark the box.
  • Load the plants last and unload them first.

Once you are settled, don’t shock your houseplants. Unpack them slowly and carefully. Let them sit in the same place for a while to settle into their new environment.

Thursday, July 12, 2018

California Moving and Storage Association (CMSA) Northern Chapter Meeting

On Wednesday night we had the pleasure of attending the California Moving and Storage Association (CMSA) Northern Chapter meeting. We heard from chairman Bob Fraser and President Steve Weitekamp about the current state of the industry.

It is always a pleasure to hang out with our fellow members and stay informed of issues that can impact our business.

Monday, May 14, 2018

Room-by-Room Staging Strategies

Bathroom: Clean Up the Walls

Grimy bathroom walls are a major red flag to buyers. Here is an easy way to get rid of surface mold: Mix a spray bottle with one part water and one part bleach. Just spray it on the wall, and watch the mold disappear. Give it a fresh coat of paint, and your grimy bathroom will go from red-flag to red-hot.

Monday, April 30, 2018

Moving Between Moves: 7 Tips for Finding Short Term Housing

In an ideal world, moves would match up perfectly. Your existing lease would end the same day your new one starts, and you’d already have a brand new home ready for the day the sale of your current home closes. In the real world, though? Things have a way of being a little more complicated.

It’s not uncommon to find yourself with a few days, weeks, or months to spare in between moving dates, which means having to find a place you can stay in the interim. Fortunately, there are quite a few options when it comes to temporary housing, and you should be able to find a great place to call your home-between-home for however long you need. Read on for 7 tips you should consider when looking for short term housing, and advice for choosing your best option.

#1 Know your options
Unless you have a friend or family member willing to put you up between your moves, you’re likely going to need to find a viable temporary housing option through a rental or vacation company. Start with an internet search for “short term housing” in the area you want to be living, and a few different types of properties should show up.

Short term rentals: These are typical apartment or housing rentals that are available with variable lease terms. For most short term rentals, the less amount of time you want to lease for, the higher your monthly rent is going to be.

Corporate housing: Pretty much the same as short term rentals. While corporate housing is created with the general intent of providing temporary lodging for traveling business professionals, short term housing during a relocation is actually the most popular reason people seek out this type of rental, according to the Corporate Housing Providers Association.

Sublets: Depending on the extent of the rental market in your area, you may be able to find a subletting option that works with your timeline. Subletting means taking over a lease from an existing tenant for a set duration of time, and may require approval from the tenant’s landlord.

Vacation rentals: Sites like Airbnb, Owner Direct, and HomeAway connect property owners who are trying to rent out their homes (or a room in their house) for a short or long period of time with people who are looking for temporary housing. While you may think these types of rentals are purely for vacationing, many listings offer longer term options, particularly during off-season months.

Extended stay hotels: If you need housing for more than a couple of days, you’re probably not going to want to spend the pricey nightly rates of typical hotels. Extended stay hotels, however, are designed to accommodate guests who need to stay somewhere a little longer. Rates vary based on the length of your stay, the room that you choose, and the hotel chain itself.

#2 Use a broker
The easiest way to gather a lot of options in one place is to work with an apartment broker. Brokers will be able to tell you what sorts of temporary housing options exist in the area you’re interested in, and can break down your best choices by rate, location, and amenities. And because apartment brokers are paid for by the property managers themselves, there is no cost to you for using their services. Just note that most brokers are looking at short term rentals and corporate housing options, and won’t necessarily be scanning vacation rentals or extended stay hotels. If you want to go the latter route, you’ll probably have to do the digging yourself.

#3 Have a plan for your belongings
One of the biggest concerns people have with short term housing is what to do with their things. While some rentals require you to bring in your own furniture, many short term options come furnished, or may just be too small to house all of your belongings. If that’s the case, you’ll need to make sure you have a good storage option in addition to your rental. Even if you can bring in your own stuff, you may want to reduce the amount of heavy lifting and store your things while doing a short term furniture rental. Whichever option you choose, make sure you have a plan in place earlier rather than later.

#4 Be flexible with your search
When you’re moving somewhere for a long period of time, it makes sense that things like location and amenities would be very important. But when you’re just renting a place to stay for a little while, you may want to compromise a little bit to make the search easier. If you’re not finding a good fit in your immediate search area, expand it to include other nearby towns or neighborhoods. As long as you can still get wherever you need to be every day, you should be able to handle some short term inconvenience. As for amenities, put things like safety and cleanliness on the top of your list and stress less about things like upgraded appliances and amenities – you won’t be using them for that long.

#5 Consider the length of your stay
A huge determining factor in selecting your optimal temporary housing option is how long you plan to stay. Your best choices will be very different for a one week stay versus a six month stay, and you may find that budget-wise, an option that seemed appealing to you is actually too expensive given the amount of time you’d be living there. And if you don’t know how long you’ll be staying, you’ll need to be sure that whichever option you choose has flexibility in letting you add on time as needed.

#6 Don’t forget the pets
If you’re moving with pets, make sure you factor them into your search from the very beginning – you don’t want to find the perfect short term rental only to discover that they’re not pet-friendly. Some short term rentals allow pets, others have some units that are pet friendly and some that aren’t, and others don’t allow them at all. Of those that do allow pets, there is usually an additional monthly fee. Unless your pet has someone they can stay with during your temporary housing period, this is a variable to consider, and will have a major impact on which options you can go with.

#7 Take all costs into account
When budgeting for temporary housing, don’t just look at the monthly rent. Some options will also require you to also pay for things like parking, utilities, and general repairs over the course of your stay. When you’re searching, be sure to ask about any additional costs that you’ll need to consider as well as what those tend to come in at. Short term rentals can sometimes run a little pricey, so it’s important that you know exactly what you’re agreeing to spend before you sign on the dotted line.

Finding a short term rental can take a little bit of work, so be sure to start your search early. Even if you’re not moving for a couple of months, you should be able to find information about availability for your desired move-in period ahead of time. Be sure to expand your search beyond the internet too, and actually call leasing managers with inquiries. A lot of times you’re only seeing basic information online, and the real deal pricing and availability can only be learned through speaking with someone at the property. With so many types of short term housing options however, you should be able to find a great fit.

Friday, April 6, 2018

How To Keep Burglars Away From Your Empty House While You’re Trying To Sell

Last year, headlines were all about the fact that a home that belonged to rapper 50 Cent was burglarized. Fortunately, Fiddy wasn’t home at the time. As a matter of fact, the 21 bedroom, 25 bath mansion was vacant because it was on the market. The burglars didn’t make it much past the front door because of security alarms.   Most of us, of course, don’t live on lavish estates. Fiddy wasn’t alone though. Most burglaries are crimes of opportunity. Vacant houses are about as close to risk free as it gets for burglars. While they won’t find fancy electronics, they are known to take appliances, staging furniture and even the copper pipes.
Robbing for sale homes is nothing new. Burglars have been targeting homes with For Sale signs for decades. Today, though, many savvy Realtors and home owners are leaving the tell-tale sign out and listing the homes virtually instead.
Unfortunately, that makes the home that much more difficult to sell and the bad guys have the internet too. In one case in Oregon, robbers found their targets on free real estate apps. The watched the houses day and night and then returned during the day as cleaning crews. They even fooled the neighbors, who were thankful people were taking care of the vacant property.

How to Secure a Vacant Home

Whether you are away for a short trip or are selling your home, the best way to prevent burglaries is to make your home look occupied. Put lights on a timer and turn the porch light (motion detector is best) and a visible inside light on at night. Stop all mail and newspaper deliveries.
Plant thorny bushes near the lower windows, so burglars don’t have a place to hide. Buy security film for the lower windows and install a heavy security door.
No one wants to pay for electricity or alarm systems for a house they don’t even live in, but a security system makes your home a much more difficult target. Some alarm companies have temporary solutions.
Keep your neighbors and the police in the loop. Let them know that the home will be empty and that if you are sending any contractors over, you will let them know.
While all of this might seem like you’re throwing good money after bad, there’s nothing that gives buyers second thoughts than a home that’s been burglarized.