Helpful Tips for Summertime Moving:

Summertime moving when children are out of school, graduates are relocating to their new jobs and professionals are making changes is common. Up to 13% of people and families move over the summer months whereas the rest of the year less than 8% move. Here are a few tips that should make your upcoming move easier.

Setting a timeline will ensure everything’s done well in advance. With a month before your trip call the moving or the moving van company to schedule the pickup and drop off dates. Take photos of each room so set-up goes more quickly once you arrive. The familiarity of the set up will also help children adjust more quickly to their new home. Collect copies of the children’s records from school and put them in a special box you’ll take with you along with other important documents like copies of health records, vehicle titles, etc.

With 3 weeks to go, begin weeding through things to decide what you need to take and discard things you no longer need. If you haven’t used something in over a year, put it in a donation bag. A cupboard full of butter tubs can go in a recycle bin. And things that are broken or no longer work should be trashed. Be sure and designate a spot for packed boxes.

2 weeks before the move confirm your reservation with the moving company and find out what they don’t allow so you can dispose of it. If you have pets, you should book stays at pet-friendly hotels. Create a package of activities for children that will keep them busy as well. Also, remember that summertime moving is especially stressful for children so reassurance that everything will turn out great may be required frequently. Finally, be sure and schedule any cleaning services you’ll need.

With 1 week left separate the things you’ll take from those that go in the van. Make sure everything is prepaid and eat meals that don’t require a lot of cleaning such as frozen dinners, sandwiches and cereal. Make sure you take an “open first” box in your vehicle that will contain pots and pans, silverware and anything else you’ll need to get started. Finally, be sure to check in with water, power and trash companies to cancel service and put in a change of address with the post office.

When moving day arrives you should be set. If you’re moving yourself make sure you have sufficient help. The last thing you need is to try to set everything up immediately upon arrival. By following these simple tips summertime moving should be much less stressful. Consider using All Reasons Moving & Storage to ease your next move and save you the hassle and strain of doing it yourself.

PCS AND THE IMPACT ON MILITARY FAMILIES:

As a parent, you know that moving from location to location has a great effect on children. Although we know that kids will bounce back and find adventure in a new home, new friends, and a new school, they still have to transition and experience the real “impact” of moving.

Permanent Change of Station, or better known as PCS, is the official relocation of an active duty military member — along with any family members living with him or her — to a new duty location, such as a military base.

Military Moves Impact on Kids

Currently, there are 2,000,000 military-connected children in America. Military families move on an average of every 2 and 3 years, which means that about 500,000 military children change schools annually. Every school district in the US has military-connected children. Now let’s look at the real impact of changing a duty station for children.

One Move Equals the Following:

— a change of address

— a change of school

— a change of teachers

— a change of friends

— a change in schedules

— a change in routines

— a change in neighborhood

— a change in activities

— a change in housing

A Study by the Health Behavior News Service Journal of Adolescent Health

This study discovered that children in military families who experience PCS have an increase in the following mental health problem:attention-deficit, conduct disorders, self-injury, and suicidal behaviors. 

The study indicated that geographical moves are reported to have an adverse effect on the children’s mental health. Since PCS is typical in military families, the results were somewhat surprising.

Moving Can Cause Children Stressors

R. Scott Benson, M.D., a child psychiatrist in Pensacola, FL and a former speaker of the American Psychiatric Association Assembly, said, “it showed that these children experience these moves as stressors.” Parents should weigh in on the effects of a move on their children and give consideration to their developmental needs, Benson explained.

While PCS isn’t associated to mental health problems for all children, it’s important for parents and teachers to acclimate children during and after PCS. Wondering what you can do?

There are Some Great Resources Out There

As a veteran-owned company, we know the impact on the kids first-hand and found some great resources for all the Military Parents out there. Below are some great resources we have found for military parents!

1. Here you will find real life stories and resources to help you navigate your military life: https://blog.militaryfamily.org 

2. This resource provides PCS relocation information, job opportunities for family members, coupons, and more valuable resources for military families: http://militaryoneclick.com/tag/pcs-and-relocation/ 

3. This resource focuses on 24/7 online support for military parents and children. You can find educational programs for children, health and wellness tips, financial and legal advice, and more: http://www.militaryonesource.mil

What’s the Best Time of Year to Search for an Apartment?

t Rent.com, we often get asked the question, “What is the best time of year to rent an apartment?” It’s a tough question because there are a lot of factors that come into play. However, there are some general rules to follow.

Assuming you have the flexibility to pick a time of the year to move, the first thing you need to decide is what is more important to you: saving as much money as possible or having a lot of options to choose from.

Looking for Options: May – September

Most Americans move between May and September. This is not surprising when you think about the fact that young people start or graduate from college during this time, younger kids are out of school on summer break, and the weather is generally more accommodating to moving your household from one location to another.

Because of this, there is more turnover in rental units during this time of the year as compared to most any other time of the year–which means you may have a wider selection of units to choose from than at other times of the year.

The flip side is that there may also be greater demand from renters vying for those rental units during the summer than at other times of the year. This may mean that you have to act more quickly in making a decision about a rental so as not to lose it to another interested renter.

Looking to Save Money: October – April

If you’re looking for a deal on an apartment, winter is generally the best time to find a new placeto live. Apartment turnover is much slower during the winter months, so while you may have fewer units to choose from, property managers may be more likely to cut you a deal to fill their vacancies.

In addition to doing your apartment search during the off-season, you’ll generally get a better deal on an apartment in markets that have greater supply than demand. Try to get a feel for the vacancy rates in the area and look for neighborhoods with new apartment construction. Neighborhoods with higher vacancy rates and new supply are a good place to start looking for an apartment for rent.

Set your kids up for success this school year with these back to school tips:

It’s back to school season, and families are shifting into school mode after a long, relaxing summer. As we approach the fall, nerves are setting in for many students starting their first day of school. New beginnings can be scary, especially for those children who moved to a new town this summer. Stay on your “A” game as a parent with these 10 tips for your child’s success.

1. Plan a fabulous first day of school outfit. Let your child plan what they want to wear on their first day. Make sure they pick an outfit that makes them feel happy and confident. If your budget allows it, purchase something brand new so they can start the year with a fresh, new look.

2. Practice their schedule with them. Once your child gets their schedule, walk through their classes with them so they know where they’re headed for their classes. This is especially useful for incoming middle-schoolers, who will now be traveling to classes on their own!

3. Get fun and durable school supplies. Download your child’s school supplies list and do some research online for special school supply deals. Many websites offer package deals that include the same products as retailers, but at a lower price. Let your child have a say in what you purchase so they feel confident and fully equipped for school.

4. Help to decorate their locker. Purchase a magnetic mirror, little magnets to hang pictures, washi tape, or other cute decorations. If possible, head into school during the summer, or after school lets out one day, to decorate the inside of their locker with wrapping paper. A personalized locker is sure to lift your child’s spirits if they’re having a bad day.
5. Make hearty breakfasts. Make sure your child goes to school on a full belly so they feel energized during the school day

6. Pack nutritious lunches and include a note. Pack foods that are filling and healthy. To make your mornings easier, you can even pack lunches the night before. Also, leave a little sticky note inside their lunch to let your kids know you’re thinking about them!

7. Encourage them to get involved with an after school team or organization.Joining a team or organization can be a beneficial experience for your child. It will encourage them to be active, and will introduce them to new people. Push your kids to step out of their comfort zones and try something new and challenging.

8. Keep communication with your child open. After school, show interest in their day and their homework, but don’t interrogate. Let them come to you with help and questions naturally, and always make sure they know you’re there to help if they need it.

9. Get to know your kids’ teachers and friends. Your kids spend their entire day with their friends and teachers, so you should get to know them! You can understand your child’s perspective better if you are familiar with their main influences.

10. Show your kids extra patience and support. This is nerve-wracking stuff! Every child responds differently to stress, so be prepared and supportive through it all.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® wishes you an enjoyable back-to-school season! In the meantime, we are here to help with any packing supplies, storage, local or long-distance moving needs you may have. We can even help after your move is complete with our in-home moving services, such as reorganizing furniture, or helping get rid of items you no longer need. Contact your local franchise to learn more.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. For more helpful tips and tricks, follow our blog and like us on Facebook. Let us help move you forward!

What moving truck size do I need?

Trying to choose the right size moving truck?​

Look around your home and try to imagine all of your belongings stacked inside a moving truck. How much space will you need? Since moving in a rental truck requires you to determine space needs in advance, this is an important thing to figure out before making a reservation. If you rent a truck that’s too small, you’ll run out of room. But, getting one that’s too big means paying for unused space. To avoid these situations, take a closer look at different trucks to determine how much they can hold. 

Moving truck sizes and capacities

The first thing you’ll want to do is research rental truck companies and see what truck sizes they offer. Knowing the available options (and how they compare to each other) will help you make the right decision.

Using room estimates to choose the right size​

A common way to pick a truck size is to reserve whichever vehicle the rental company says is best for the number of rooms in your home. Take a look at the chart below to see what’s recommended:

This seems pretty straightforward, but picking the right truck might still be confusing. For example, let’s say you’re moving four rooms. According to the chart above, you could go with a 15-foot U-Haul® truck or a 16-foot Budget® truck. Which one is best? And if you should get a 16-foot truck from Budget, is that the same as a 16-foot truck from Penske®?  

How much can a moving truck hold?

While room estimates are certainly a great starting point, it’s important to know that two trucks classified as the same size may actually have different dimensions. Below are the moving truck sizes offered by five rental companies and the interior dimensions (depth, width, height) of each truck, so you can better understand the loading space:

U-Haul®

• 10-foot – 9’11” x 6’4” x 6’2”
• 15-foot – 14’6” x 7’8” x 7’2”
• 17-foot – 16’9” x 7’8” x 7’2”
• 20-foot – 19’6” x 7’8” x 7’2”
• 26-foot – 26’5” x 7’8” x 8’3”

Budget®   

• 12-foot – 11’8” x 6’3” x 6’1”
• 16-foot – 16’ x 6’3” x 6’7”  
• 24-foot – 23’10” x 8’ x 8’   

Penske®​

• 12-foot – 12’ x 6’6” x 6’1”
• 16-foot – 16’ x 7’7” x 6’6”  
• 22-foot – 21’11” x 7’8” x 8’1”
• 26-foot – 25’11” x 7’8” x 8’1”

Ryder®

• 16-foot – 15’11” x 7’9” x 7’4”  
• 26-foot – 25’10 x 8’1” x 8’1”  

Enterprise®

• 16-foot – 16’ x 7’6” x 7’6”
• 26-foot – 26’ x 7’6” x 8’

Note: The information for Ryder and Enterprise was not found on their respective websites — company representatives provided the truck dimensions over the phone or through a website live-chat feature. 

As you can see, the 16-foot Ryder truck is 1” shorter, 2” wider and 10” taller than the 16-foot Penske truck. This equals 160 cubic feet of extra cargo space (there are 960 cubic feet in the Ryder truck and 800 cubic feet in the Penske truck, according to their websites), which is enough room for a few more boxes! Keep this in mind when checking prices — you may want to calculate the cost per cubic foot so you can make an accurate comparison.

Calculate which moving truck size you need

Choosing a truck size based only on room estimates or dimensions might not be the best way to go about it. After all, you may have more items in each room than the average person, and you probably don’t know the cubic footage your household belongings take up. To help make it easier to find the right truck size, use a room-by-room space estimator. Simply enter everything you own into the calculator to get a good idea of the cubic footage you’ll need.  

Of course, it’s still possible to get the wrong truck size no matter how careful your calculations are. How you load the truck combined with the unique shapes and sizes of items could mean ending up with too small of a truck, but playing it safe and renting a larger size than you need can mean spending more money on fuel. What if there was a way to get prices similar to truck rental without having to know in advance exactly how much space you’ll use?

Don’t worry about moving truck sizes — choose U-Pack

Instead of picking a truck size and hoping it works, try using a service that lets you have more control. U-Pack is a “you pack, we drive” moving service with flexible space options. We provide tools to help you estimate the room you’ll need, and then we make it easy to adjust as you load. Here’s how it works:

• Get a quote based on the linear footage you think you’ll use in the moving trailer or the number of moving containers you think you’ll need (round up on these — you don’t get charged for containers you don’t use).
• Load your belongings (we recommend loading high and tight to fit more things in the same space).
• If you need more space, use it! You can use all of the containers you reserved, or take up more linear footage in the trailer and pay per extra linear foot used. We can deliver additional equipment if needed, and the price will adjust to reflect any extra room.
• Need less space? That’s fine, too! We’ll reduce the final price and charge only for what you used.

Compare the U-Pack moving trailer to rental truck sizes to get an idea of the available space:

Note: These figures are for estimation only. You and the driver will indicate actual space used on your Bill of Lading.

Still have questions about truck sizes?

Because there are so many options to choose from, and many different ways to determine what you need, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out the right moving truck size. Make it easier by going with U-Pack, where you only pay for the space you use. If you have questions about how a U-Pack move works, or about what truck size you should get, give us a call at 800-413-4799 or leave a comment below.

Additional information​

U-Haul truck sizes

Ryder truck rental information

Moving truck FAQs

Compare U-Pack to truck rental

U-Haul® is a registered trademark of U-Haul International, Inc. 

Budget®is a registered trademark of Budget Truck Rental, LLC.

Penske® is a registered trademark of Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P.

Ryder® is a registered trademark of Ryder System, Inc.

Enterprise® is a registered trademark of Enterprise Holdings, Inc. 

Top 4 Saint Paul Moving Compaines:

Saint Paul city is the capital and one of the most populated cities in Minnesota, a state in the United States of America. The city is located on the east bank of the Mississippi river and has a large population of about 300,851 people. Thousands of people move to the city to work in the numerous multinational organizations such as Ecolab and the Xcel Energy Centre. Saint Paul also has the headquarters of the state of Minnesota and other important governmental organizations. The city also has important landmarks as it is found near historical heritage sites such as Native American settlements thus serving as a tourist destination. This makes the city one of the most sought after relocation destinations in the United States of America due to the abundance of job opportunities. As we all know moving can be a stressful activity and many people seek the services of high quality services that will reduce their burden and make moving a pleasant experience. The article will further discuss the top four best moving companies in the city of Saint Paul.

College Muscle Movers

Address:

720 Prior Ave NSt. Paul, MN 55104

Contact: +1 651 917-4108 
Description:

One of the best moving compounds found in the city is College Muscle Movers who are able to offer professional service which is top-notch and involves labour only relocating services with packing and storage options available. The staffs of the company are all handpicked and undergo a rigorous training exercise to ensure they are professional. The CMM is recommended for it offers services at cost effective prices.

Lighthouse moving

Address:

473 Smith Avenue south

St Paul, MN 55102

Contact: +1 651-300-0017

Description:

The second recommended is the Lighthouse moving company which offers over 7 years’ experience in moving people in and out of the Minnesota state. The company also has a solid and very ethical team who are highly rated for their services. It is fully licensed by the by the state and has a good working reputation as the workforce is polite and offers safe and efficient moving methods due to the years of experience.

Fisher Transfer

Address: 1090E Jessamine Ave,

St Paul, MN 55106

Contact: +1 651-774-2259

Description:

The other highly rated moving company is the Fisher Transfer which offers over 75 years’ experience in the field. The company is sought after due to their pleasant moving experience regardless of where you are moving be it a new house or a commercial building. With highly trained and professional moving personnel the company is almost guaranteed to give you high quality results.

Shirtless Movers

Address:

519 7th St,

Farmington, MN

55024

Contact: +1 8440-301-MOVE

The other high quality moving company available is the Shirtless movers, originally from the state of Arizona and Florida. The company has expanded and has started offering their high quality cost effective services to the state of Minnesota. At Saint Paul, the company will be suitable as it will offer a moving fee which will be inclusive and cost-effective. The company offers three highly technological levels of wrapping and loading. This means that the client will be able to choose the level that they are most comfortable with and the ones that are cost effective. The shirtless movers company also have the client’s interests at heart and offer free packaging boxes and wrapping paper. What make them unique is that they offer flat-rate price for all their trucks and movers which ensures the client has an economical and hassle-free moving experience that highly reduces the stress associated with moving.

How Much to Tip the Movers When You Hire Movers to Move Your House:

If you've hired movers for your upcoming move, you probably want to know whether you should tip the movers, and if so, how much to tip. Good movers should always be rewarded for their services and if you keep the following suggestions in mind, you'll be sure to find the right answer for your particular move.

When to Tip a Mover

Tipping should always be based on receiving good service from your movers.

If you feel you aren't receiving good service, don't feel compelled to tip. Tipping should be reserved for movers who do their job well. If a mover goes out of their way to accommodate you, then tip accordingly.  

But also remember that the people doing the actual moving - the physical lifting - are the ones who receive the tip, not the moving company.  So if the company itself was difficult to work with and you weren't happy with the service you received, but the actual movers were good, make sure you tip and tip them directly.  In other words, always separate the moving company from the actual workers.

How Much to Tip

The amount you tip will depend on how long the movers take, how difficult the move was - were there stairs or did they have to move awkward pieces that took time to move? The rule of thumb is to tip 5-10% of the total cost which is then divided between the movers. For example, if you're moving the contents of a three-bedroom house a long distance with a total move cost of $2300 you should give each set of movers $115 dollars to split between the number of people helping you move.

If you're dealing with more than one mover, give the total tip in cash to the head mover and he or she will split between the rest. 

If you received amazing service with the movers going beyond what was expected, tips can reach up to 10%. But the movers need to be really good, really helpful and do something outside of their normal duties, such as helping with last minute packing and moving, taking the time to carefully wrap fragile item or help you find a missing cat.

That's definitely the sign of a really good and caring mover.

When Not to Tip

One thing to keep in mind when tipping, movers should be on time (unless they provide a good reason), treat your things with respect and be organized. They should also follow your requests and answer any questions that you have about the move, and if something is missing, they need to provide a way for you to follow up to retrieve the lost item. They should also take ownership over anything that they break and should help you through the insurance coverage. Really, nothing should be broken or damaged when it arrives at your new house, but accidents do happen and it's how the movers deal with it that will determine if you tip or not.

If you have a bad experience with a mover, then don't feel the need to tip or provide anything extra.  

Provide Refreshments & Food

Whether you end up tipping or not, you should always provide cold drinks, coffee or whatever is suitable to the weather and time of day. Also provide food if the move takes a while and extends over lunch and/or dinner: pizza, sandwiches, something quick and easy to eat that doesn't require a lot of fuss. You can serve anything from fried chicken to sushi depending on what the movers like.

If you're not moving over the lunch hour, you can always have snacks on hand such as chips, apples or cookies. 

Water should always be available, so make sure you have paper/recyclable cups on hand for the movers to use.