11 Brilliant Ways to Make Moving Easy

Posted on September 28, 2021September 30, 2021 by Chris Leo

Brilliant Ways to Make Moving Easy

The majority of people hate relocating. Packing, arranging, hauling, forcing friends to help – the whole process might seem overwhelming, but if you follow these tips and techniques, the moving day may be a lot less stressful. Here are different ways to make moving easy that will save you time and hassle!

LOOK FOR FREE MOVING BOXES

Save some money by getting all of the boxes you need for free. The best locations to look at include Craigslist’s ‘free’ section, food and clothes stores, and warehouse-style businesses.

GET RID OF YOUR BELONGINGS

Now that you’re going through your belongings, it’s a great opportunity to see what can be donated or discarded. Make an effort to reduce your things so that your moving will be simpler and your new house will be less cluttered.

SET A SCHEDULE TO AVOID BEING STRESSED

Make a plan! Remember to defrost, towel dry, and clean your refrigerator 24 to 48 hours before moving day. Otherwise, it will be filthy and leaking!

BEFORE YOU UNPLUG YOUR APPLIANCES, TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THEM

Take a photo of the cables on the back of your television and other gadgets with your phone or camera before unplugging them to be packed away so you know where they all go. This will save you a lot of time the next time you set it up.

PREPARE THE FIRST-NIGHT BOX

Most people do not consider this and wind up searching through many boxes on moving day to find their pajamas or coffee maker. Prepare a “first-night” box containing all of your amenities, some clothing, and anything you’ll need the next morning, such as plates and cutlery or your hairdryer.

WRAP YOUR DRAWERS WITH PLASTIC WRAP — WITH JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING INSIDE

Have plastic wrap to maintain dresser drawers closed while the moving truck jiggles them about, or for trays of goods that are alright staying in the trays as long as they don’t fall out. You may also keep the contents in there because the drawers are no longer at risk of slipping open.

USE WINE CASES TO STORE YOUR GLASSWARE

There’s likely to be a nearby pub, winery, or even some supermarket stores with empty wine cases you can grab. It keeps your glasses organized, and it’s simple to insert some newspaper or other padding into each pocket to protect and secure them.

MAKE A BASKET FOR PACKING SUPPLIES

Save yourself the trouble of misplacing packing goods or rushing around your house/apartment because you left the scissors in one room and the tape in another. Get a box or a basket for supplies that you can carry from room to room; that way, you’ll have everything with you when you switch activities and won’t have to waste time looking for materials you left in another area.

MAKE HOLES IN THE SIDES OF THE BOXES FOR EASY LIFTING.

Cut triangle-shaped holes on either side of your heavier boxes using a box cutter to create improvised grips for easy lifting.

USE SOFT ITEMS AS PADDING

You don’t require as much packing as you believe! Soft things from around the house can be used to securely and effectively pack other items. Towels, stockings, sheets, and other soft or squishy items make excellent and inexpensive packing material. This helps you save money and save space as you don’t need additional storage space for your stockings, towels, and sheets.

USE COLOR-CODED LABELS

When you wish to start unpacking at a non-glacial speed, black and white labels are difficult to identify. Instead, use bright labels — either handwritten or printed — and create a color-coding scheme for your boxes to easily keep track of what is where.

Tips For Moving With Kids

Posted on September 14, 2021September 15, 2021 by Chris Leo

Tips For Moving With Kids

As the house is a special source of safety and comfort for children, many families are afraid to leave their comfortable environment. While parents understand why it may be important to move, your children might not be sure why.

Here are simple measures that might help ease the anxieties of your children and make the entire moving journey as easy as 1, 2, 3.

TALK ABOUT THE MOVE IN AN OPEN FAMILY FORUM

Make the announcement about the move to everybody in the family and focus on “when” and “where” and “how” in the move. Make sure your child knows that this move is a pleasant experience for the entire family.

INCLUDE THE KIDS IN THE MOVING PROCESS

Encourage your children to join you in planning the best route for your family to go to your new house. Introduce the children to the moving truck driver when he or she arrives. Make sure your kids understand the significance of staying out of the driver’s way as he or she is loading boxes and furniture into the truck for safety purposes.

Making a game out of exploring the best route to go in an atlas or on a road map, or allowing your children to paint and name their own boxes and pack their “special possessions” are two other ideas on how you can get the be involved in the moving process.

ALLEVIATE FEARS

If at all feasible, take the kids to visit their new house and neighborhood before they move in. This will help to remove some of the “mystery” surrounding the move. Introducing your children to their new neighbors will give them confidence in their ability to make new friends after the move.

If you are unable to visit your new neighborhood, try to gather as much information as possible about it. The Internet can provide a wealth of information. Also, take a few photos of your new home and surroundings (ask your real estate agent for assistance) and make sure your children are aware of everything.

TRY NEW ACTIVITIES

Encourage your children to participate in extracurricular activities in their new community to help them make new friends. Sports leagues, neighborhood kid’s groups, and programs tailored to your child’s interests will keep them occupied and help them adjust to their new surroundings.

Allow your children to choose their favorite restaurant, type of cuisine, or activity once you’ve arrived at your new location to “celebrate” their role in making the move a success and the start of a new adventure.

Clutch Moving Company is here to help you with your moving process. Contact us today or you can also request for a quote to have an idea of the cost of moving.

What Should You Do If Your Intended Moving Date Isn’t Available?

Posted on September 14, 2021September 14, 2021 by Chris Leo

What Should You Do If Your Intended Moving Date Isn’t Available?

We cannot emphasize enough the need of booking early in order to guarantee your desired move date.

Instead of attempting a DIY move, hiring a moving professional makes sense since it reduces stress, saves time, and it gives you peace of mind to know that you gave the details of your move to an expert. Furthermore, you can relax knowing that your personal belongings are safe in the hands of professionals.

Here are some solutions for you if you can’t get the date you want for your move, especially if you know you want a full-service moving company.

PUSH BACK YOUR CLOSING DATE

If you are in the midst of selling your house and are unable to secure your preferred moving date, you may be able to negotiate with your agent to move the closing date. According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), you are not alone because closing delays can occur for a variety of reasons, and reaching an agreement with a buyer is frequent.

CONSIDER RENTING BACK

Renting back the house from the buyer may be a possibility if you are still in the negotiating process of your home sale and need to negotiate a later relocation date. This allows you to maintain ownership of the house for a longer length of time while paying the buyer the balance of their mortgage payment, property taxes, and homeowner’s insurance (PITI).

Please keep in mind that this is not financial advice. Everyone’s case is different, as are the rules and regulations of different states. Make sure to seek advice from your personal legal/financial adviser.

INQUIRE ABOUT SHORT-TERM APARTMENT LEASES

Negotiating a lease for an apartment is a bit of skill. This is especially true if you approach your landlord or leasing agent about extending your living arrangements on a month-to-month basis or for less than a full year.

This may be a tough sell, of course. This can also help, to stress your intention to pay the rent on time and to be a considerate neighbor, and maintain the property with respect.

EXPLORE ALTERNATIVE WORK ARRANGEMENTS

Should you need to go to work, you could contact HR to see whether they can make any adjustments to your working arrangements – like a remote start or a delayed start date. As employers know that life happens, they are usually ready to be flexible.

Instead of doing a DIY move, hiring a moving professional is likely still meaningful, because it reduces stress, saves time, and enables an expert to organize your move on your behalf. Also, you are guaranteed that professional movers will handle all your personal belongings with care.

If you are planning to move, contact Clutch Moving Company, to take care of all of your moving needs. We also offer storage solutions if you haven’t found a space for your additional stuff. Clutch Moving Company will take care of things and take away the pain and stress of moving.

Guide to Renting Storage Units

Posted on August 12, 2021September 1, 2021 by admin

Renting a storage unit is a wonderful, space-saving alternative whether you need to temporarily store items while moving or store them long-term after downsizing.

For people in need of storage, storage facilities offer a safe, convenient, and easy-to-find alternative. The majority of storage facilities also provide a variety of unit sizes and services, long term and short term storage facilities, to fit your budget and requirements.

Continue reading to find out more about renting storage units.

TYPES OF STORAGE UNIT FOR RENT

Full Service Storage – It is like a “valet type”. A full-service storage company’s idea is that they will pick up and deliver your items to the storage facility. Many full-service storage facilities also allow customers to request and schedule pick-ups and returns from their smartphones.

Hiring a full-service storage business eliminates the need for the consumer to transport their belongings to the storage facility. Many full-service facilities will photograph and record your possessions as well. If you forget what’s in storage, all you have to do is glance at a photo or check your online inventory list.

Self Storage – Self-storage is without a doubt the most popular storage option. These facilities provide a safe, secure, and cost-effective method to store personal possessions as well as bigger items like boats.

People who use self-storage must bring their things to the storage unit personally. When they want to take something out of storage, they do it themselves. Because self-storage services do not maintain track of what is inside a storage unit, customers need to document their own possessions. self-storage is typically less expensive than full-service storage, making it more appealing to people on a budget.

WHAT SIZE STORAGE UNIT SHOULD I RENT?

The good news is that the majority of self-storage facilities rent out storage units of various sizes. Most storage containers come in at least five sizes:

5’x5′
5’x10′
10’x10′
10’x15′
10’x20′

Many companies also have bigger sizes available. Most full-service storage facilities also offer a range of storage unit sizes, although the price and square footage required will almost certainly be determined by the number of bins (or boxes) you need. Sizes of full-service storage units vary greatly, so double-check with the facility you want to hire.

HOW LONG CAN I RENT A STORAGE UNIT?

You may usually rent a storage container for as long as you need it. You’ll find it at one of the numerous storage firms accessible, whether you need short-term or long-term storage. Some people even hire storage facilities for an indefinite period of time to provide extra space for personal or work-related things.

However, storage providers will almost certainly have a minimum rental period. Most companies offer monthly or weekly contracts. A three-month minimum may be required by some storage companies. Do not forget to notify the company on a specific date if you want to discontinue your storage rental. If you don’t, you could find yourself paying for the next month regardless of whether you’re using the storage facility.

HOW IS THE PRICE OF A RENTED STORAGE UNIT DETERMINED?

The price of a storage unit is determined by how much space you need and how long you keep it. Contracts at self-storage facilities are generally month-to-month. This gives the customer the choice of storing items temporarily or for a short period of time.

Full-service storage facility contracts differ from one company to another. Some companies need a three-month commitment, while others provide month-to-month services or even weekly storage units.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A STORAGE UNIT?

Keep the following in mind when you are comparing storage facilities and their features:

Video surveillance
In-person surveillance
Climate control
Accessibility
Sizes available
Pricing and Contracts
The facility’s overall safety and security
Online reviews of the company
Number of locks

WHAT ELSE CAN I STORE BESIDES HOUSEHOLD ITEMS?

Storage units can be rented for specific items like boats, vehicles, RVs, and motorbikes in addition to storing household items. You may need to rent an extra storage container (or a larger one) if you need to store appliances or large furniture items.

SHOULD I INSURE THE ITEMS IN MY STORAGE UNIT?

We strongly advise that you insure all of your belongings before storing them. This will not only provide you peace of mind, but it will also help you in replacing any goods that are destroyed or stolen while in storage (God forbid).

Keep in mind that some storage facilities offer complimentary damage and loss protection for your belongings. Many storage facilities now provide their own low-cost self-storage insurance solutions. Remember that your items could already be protected by your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.

STORAGE SOLUTIONS BY CLUTCH MOVING COMPANY

If you are looking for a trusted and reliable storage unit provider, you can depend on Clutch Moving Company. We offer moving solutions and storage units for when you need extra space to store your belongings. You can rent storage units long-term or short-term. Our warehouses are 100% safe and well maintained. Call us today, we’re here to answer all your questions.

Important Things to Consider When Hiring a Moving Company

Posted on August 12, 2021September 1, 2021 by admin

When planning your moving process, there are a number of things to consider. You’ll probably be looking at hiring a moving company in addition to organizing your stuff and planning out logistics.

For the moving process to become smooth and easy, the best thing to do is to hire a moving company. Even though you would need to allocate a budget for this, hiring professional movers will make the process a lot less stressful, and there’s a lot to be said for the relief that comes with delegating the task to someone else.

Not only will they help you pack your belongings and relieve you of the heavy lifting, but they’ll also make sure that the whole day will go smoothly, allowing you to focus on more important moving day responsibilities.

Unfortunately, there are some horror stories to be avoided when looking for a moving company. Do not rely solely on your friends and family. Before scheduling an appointment, be sure to verify and check your local movers. We came up with a list of things to consider when you are looking for a moving company.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TRUSTED PEOPLE

You most likely know a number of individuals who have used moving companies in your area. Contact them and inquire about their experiences and who they would suggest. It’s likely that someone you know had a bad experience with an otherwise highly rated company, or that they were slapped with a slew of additional costs that weren’t disclosed on the company’s website.

Similarly, someone may have had a fantastic experience with a very new moving company that does not have a significant online presence. If you start with friends and relatives, you could get some useful information that you won’t find online.

ONLINE REVIEWS

When you’ve narrowed down your list of companies to consider, read online reviews to discover more about them. People usually post reviews if they’ve had a particularly excellent or negative experience, and both of these things are important to know before hiring a moving company.

You can simply browse moving reviews on different online reputation management and business review platforms like Yelp, Angie’s List, and Google. You can learn more about other people’s first-hand experiences, and it may even show some important things you wouldn’t have known otherwise.

PROVEN TRACK RECORD

Hiring a moving company that’s been around for at least a few years is typically the best option. You should be able to get a general idea of their track record in terms of being on time, keeping fees fair, and preserving the condition of their belongings based on the information you find online. Unless you have a few excellent recommendations for a new moving business, stay with the ones that have established their competence and expertise over time.

INSURED AND LICENSED

Never use an unlicensed or uninsured moving company. Only those that are properly licensed and insured are required by law to safeguard your belongings.

NO HIDDEN RATES

When you contact a mover to schedule a service, they’ll quote you a price depending on the number of hours and movers you’ll be needing. Keep in mind that this is a base fee that does not include any additional packing materials, potentially higher rates for moving large, heavy items, or other add ons.

Moving firms can’t offer you a specific quote, but they can give you an idea of how much you’ll pay. Always inquire about what constitutes an additional cost, and if they refuse to provide the information, go on to someone else.

EXCELLENT MATCH FOR YOUR NEEDS

Ensure that the moving company you choose can fit all your belongings, whether you are moving in a studio apartment or in a four-bedroom apartment. Consider your specific requirements, and then ask the proper questions to guarantee you’re getting the best option. You might be needing white glove delivery for your valuable and fragile things, or you might be needing help with packing & unpacking.

Specific requirements like these are usually covered in a full-service moving company, like Clutch Moving Company. We provide a variety of options for our customers, from residential moving services and commercial moving services, to white glove delivery. And we also provide storage options for people who need it,

Moving competition is intense, no matter where you are, you will always have options to choose from. Research, ask around, and don’t be afraid to move on to another company if they raise any red flags.

Generally, you want a company with a proven track record of safety, dependability, and good service quality. Even if you just plan to use the firm for one day, a lot might go wrong.

The more time and effort you invest into finding the ideal moving company, the less time you’ll have to spend dealing with any accidents. Contact Clutch Moving Company today to help you with your moving and storage needs.

Six Essential Items You’ll Need On Moving Day

Posted on July 2, 2021September 1, 2021 by admin

Moving into a new home is such an interesting time. It’s both exciting and stress-inducing. Undoubtedly you’ll spend weeks packing with a long list of to-do items that must be ready for the big day. One overlooked item on that list though is a checklist for your “moving day kit” that will help make your move much easier and less stressful.

Clean Bedding and Pillows

One of the last things you’ll do before packing boxes into a truck is to strip your bed. When you are doing that, remember to grab a clean set of linens to put in your moving day kit. This is going to help you transition into the comfort of your new bedroom in your new home.

It’s amazing what a freshly made bed can do to make a room feel settled instead of unfamiliar and chaotic! You’ll also thank yourself at the end of an exhausting move-in day when you can crash on a clean bed without having to hunt around to find sheets to make the bed.

Cleaning Supplies

Ideally, if you are fortunate enough, you may be able to have access to your new home before moving day, so you can prep ahead by cleaning the new space. But even if you are able to take care of the cleaning before moving day, having basic cleaning supplies on hand will come in handy.

No matter how careful your moving company is, dirt is likely to be tracked into your home as your belongings are loaded into your new home. And with many moving parts, spills and unexpected messes are also unfortunately sometimes an issue.

If you don’t have access to your new space before moving day, you have all the more reason to come into your new home, ready with essential cleaning supplies. You’ll want to complete a few basic cleaning tasks before placing your items throughout your home. Think about it: once that oversized loveseat is in place, how likely are you to move it to clean the floor and walls behind it?

Here is a list of basic cleaning supplies we suggest you have on hand for your moving day:

Sponges
Dish soap
Hand soap for each sink
Paper towels
An all-purpose cleaner
A broom and a dustpan
Dust clothes or rags
Pro tip: At least one toilet paper roll for each bathroom!

Toolkit & Flashlight

While you probably won’t be hanging pictures on the walls right away, having a basic toolkit is a moving necessity! If you took apart any furniture to keep it safe during the move, you’ll have what you need to put it back together right away. Plus, you never know what you may need pliers or a hammer for, so it’s great to keep a small toolkit aside for moving day.

Phone Chargers and Bluetooth Speaker

Your phone battery may drain quickly on move-in day. There are undoubtedly going to be lots of calls. Or you might just want to play music while unpacking. Don’t forget to keep your charger handy so you can keep your phone fully charged all day. Also, having a Bluetooth speaker to play music is a great way to keep the stress levels down and make the time pass faster.

Don’t Forget Snacks (And Water)

Even with a moving company, moving can be physically hard work. Be sure to have snacks and bottled water on hand! If possible, put the water bottles in a fridge at the new home before you arrive so they are nice and cold! If that isn’t a possibility, pack up a cooler you can use to keep your water cold.

You can also throw power bars, apples, bananas and grapes in there. This will give you a great source of energy if you find you are a little hungry and need a power boost during the day.

Last But Not Least, Your Overnight Bag

One of the best ways to feel put together during a move is to pack a bag like you are staying overnight somewhere. Because let’s face it, that new home will feel like you’re staying overnight somewhere other than home! At least until some of your boxes are unpacked!

Pack a pair of pajamas and a change of clothes for the next day. Also pack your toiletry essentials like toothpaste, a toothbrush and your shower gels and shampoos. If your new home has a bathtub/shower combo, also be sure to purchase a clear shower curtain with rings before your moving day. This way you can actually shower your first night in your new home. You’ll definitely want to wash up after a long day of moving!

By following this moving essentials kit list, you should have everything you need while you’re unpacking, without having to go searching for things that are packed away! This will make the day less stressful and help everything run just a little bit smoother.

10 Top Moving Tips To Consider

Posted on July 2, 2021September 1, 2021 by admin

Just because moving can be a frustrating and complex experience, that doesn’t have to mean it has to be a negative one. At Clutch Moving Company, our goal is always to make your move a stress-free experience, every time. While we have your moving day under control and promise you will love the experience, there are some things you can do before your move to make things even less stressful, so today we want to share with you our top 10 moving tips.

1. Make A List And Plan Ahead

Make a moving schedule with a week by week moving checklist to stay on task. It may seem like overkill, but moving is a major process and there are a lot of little things to keep track of. Make sure you don’t wait until the last minute to get the ball rolling. Set a reasonable amount of to-do’s to check off each stage of your list and make sure you complete those to-do’s on time so you don’t end up in a stressful, rush situation.

2. Don’t Set Yourself Up For A Rush Situation

Moving day takes a while. To be on the safe side, don’t schedule plans for your moving day. The move can go longer than anticipated for any number of reasons, and between getting everything ready for the move and then unpacking and getting settled at your new place, you’ll be exhausted. There is no need to add the stress of having to be somewhere else at a certain time.

3. If You Don’t Need/Want It, Don’t Pack It

Take advantage of your upcoming move to do a deep spring cleaning of your home. Go through each room and separate out items to throw away and items to give away. No one wants to move into a new home with tons of clutter. You can donate unwanted items or host a yard sale and make some extra cash. Thinning out your belongings will also decrease the amount of money you have to pay your movers. The less stuff they need to move, the less expensive your move is going to be.

4. Choose THE RIGHT Moving Company

The most important moving advice we can give is to do research on moving companies BEFORE you select the one you are going to work with. Nothing is worse than having a bad moving experience (And if you search online review sites you will see there are PLENTY of people that have had bad experiences with movers). You don’t want your belongings damaged during a move because you have unprofessional or inexperienced movers. Spending a little bit of time up front doing the research will pay you back exponentially in the peace of mind.

5. Don’t Delay Your Packing

When it comes to getting your packing done, don’t waste time. We get it. It’s not fun, but the longer you wait the worse it will get. Start by packing up items that you don’t use as often, or seasonal items that you aren’t using right now. Then go room by room and start taking down decorations, wall art, etc. Giving yourself enough time to pack also helps make sure your items are safe and secure for the move. Still not convinced you should pack your own stuff? No problem! Hire us to do it for you. Our movers are expert packers and we’ll make sure it’s an affordable rate for you.

6. Get Everything in Writing

No matter what moving company you end up hiring for your move, make sure you get everything in writing. Whether email or printed out on paper, you’ll want to know exactly what you are being charged for and avoid any unnecessary confusion or surprises. If you have any questions about what you receive, call the moving company right away to avoid any misunderstandings and to ensure your moving day isn’t stressful.

7. Review Cancellation Policies & Insurance Requirements

It’s important to understand your moving requirements. Does your mover require a non-refundable deposit to secure your move? What is the moving day change or cancellation policy? Does the mover have full coverage insurance or just the standard coverage? These questions are important to understand before your movers arrive and start the job. Nobody ever plans for an emergency, but more often than not, if you are prepared upfront, you’ll never need to exercise those contingency plans.

8. Remember To Change Your Address

Make sure you alert all the companies that use your address for billing that you are moving. You can let the post office know by submitting a change of address form on their website, but many memberships and subscriptions you have will require you to call or log into your account to change your address to keep receiving their products or services.

9. If Possible, Knock Out Your “Honey-Do’s” In Your New Home Before Moving In

It’s always easier to paint and do some home improvements before you add furniture and other belongings in your home that you’ll have to worry about working around. If you can get into your new home before moving day, make sure that honey-do list is checked off prior to adding in all your stuff. It may seem like one additional thing on an already packed list, but it will really pay off in the long run.

10. Be Available On Moving Day

Chances are your movers will have questions for you about what’s going in the truck versus with you in your car or where to put boxes and furniture once you arrive at your new home. Make the process easy and quick by being there in person when your movers are working. You can answer any questions they may have and make sure your furniture is exactly where you want it in your new home, making your unpacking process that much easier.

Did You Know Moving Companies Can Pack For You?

Posted on July 2, 2021September 1, 2021 by admin

Not every company will offer packing services, but if you are getting ready for a move, it is good to know that many moving companies will pack for you, making your move even less stressful. Today, to give you more insight into this service we want to give you the inside scoop on what this is all about and what moving companies are willing (and unwilling) to pack for you.

Packing Yourself

If you decide you’d like to forgo the packing services and do it yourself, you need to remember that a moving company is expecting you to have your belongings boxed and ready to load into the truck. While most companies will help with minor things like easy disassembly of furniture (e.g. a bed frame), you need to remember that if you require excessive help you will incur extra charges.

It’s also important to consider liability during your move. If a moving company does not pack your boxes, they are not responsible for anything that breaks inside those boxes. So if you are packing yourself you should consider their-party moving insurance. That way if anything happens during the move, you are covered.

Hiring A Moving Company To Pack For You

There are different types of packing services moving companies offer. You should make specific requests when you get your quote to ensure that the company you hire will offer the services you require. Some of these services may include:

Basic packing. This varies by company but could include: putting your household items in boxes, wrapping your furniture in blankets or plastic wrap, and minor disassembly (like taking the legs off your table).
Furniture disassembly. If your home entertainment center needs to be taken apart for transport, your movers will need to come prepared. Be sure to specify what you expect them to tackle when it comes to disassembling your furniture.
Electronics disassembly. Not all packing teams are ready to take apart your sound system! Wiring electronics requires a certain skillset, so be sure your movers are up to the job.
Packing fragile antiques or art. This type of packing likely requires building a custom crate. If you plan to send any large, fragile items to the truck, ask your moving company to give you a quote that includes custom crating. Sometimes it makes more sense to bring art to a local gallery or art dealer to be packed for transportation. But sometimes a moving company has the trained staff who can build a crate that will keep your prized artwork safe!

Things Moving Companies Likely Won’t Pack

It’s also important to remember that moving companies must abide by state and local rules when helping you with your move. So there are things that they will not pack for you and there are even things that they won’t move for you. If you think you have anything unusual to move, it’s best to be upfront and let your moving company know ahead of time so you can discuss it.

Here are some common things moving companies are not allowed to move:

Hazardous Materials. This category includes fire extinguishers, paint, and paint thinner, pesticides and insecticides, motor oil, charcoal, kerosene, matches, and bleach. A good rule of thumb is to look at it like this: If it shouldn’t be thrown into the garbage, your movers shouldn’t transport it.
Explosives and Corrosives. Think fireworks, propellants, or ammunition. For corrosives, any type of acid, including acid-based batteries, is a no-go.
Some heavy equipment. Anything that has used gas or other flammable fuel in the past is questionable, as it still likely has residue.
Perishables. If you still have food left in your refrigerator, your movers will not transport it in – even in a cooler. You’ll need to do that yourself, as they can’t be responsible for food that may go bad.
Pets. You’d think we wouldn’t have to include this one, right? But you need to make arrangements to transport your pets to your new home. They cannot ride with your moving boxes!
Weapons. It makes sense that your moving company would not transport your guns, but the transport of swords, knives, and archery equipment also needs to be discussed with your movers. They may be willing to move it, but not necessarily.

You also need to think about what you want and don’t want them to move. Keep your important documents and precious personal effects with you and transport them yourself. Although you hope that nothing goes awry during your move, it’s best not to risk it.

Ready to plan your upcoming move? Click this link and Clutch Moving Company would be happy to give you an estimate and show you how stress-free they can make your moving day.

Don’t Fall For A Moving Scam

Posted on July 2, 2021September 1, 2021 by admin

Unfortunately, if there is a high-dollar product or service out there, there are scammers that want to exploit people with it and take advantage of them. Moving is one of those things. Moving is especially tricky because most people don’t move that frequently, so they are operating in a territory they aren’t super familiar with and this leaves them even more exposed to potential fraud. Clutch Moving Company wants to make sure your moving day is not only stress-free but also fraud-free. Here are some simple ways you can avoid moving scams.

Don’t Rush Things At The Last Minute

Quite often the way that people get tricked into a scam is because they are rushing and not thinking things all the way through. So when you are planning your move, don’t wait until the last minute and try and rush. Set aside enough time to ask a potential moving company questions about their services. Also, if a moving company tries to rush you along, getting you to commit before you have your questions answered, this should be a major red flag.

What Is Their Online Rating?

Go online and look up reviews for any moving company you speak with. Specifically, look for any complaints that seem significant. Watch for language suggesting that the movers held a shipment hostage for more money, or that major goods were stolen from the home or the truck. One complaint is enough to raise concern; multiple complaints like this should show you a pattern though and a company you want to avoid working with.

Make Sure They Are Licensed

Any company that performs interstate moves is required to be registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT). Most Large, local companies are also registered as it shows professionalism and eases the minds of potential customers. Ask any potential moving company you are looking to work with for proof of license. That information should be readily available, either on their website or by request. Sites like the DOT track complaints against companies and the bad ones have their affiliations revoked.

Request An Itemized, Accurate Quote

In order to give you an accurate quote, a professional moving company should either require a detailed inventory of your entire home or a walk-through by one of their staff. Some companies offer quotes based on the size or number of rooms in your house, but chances are high that it won’t be accurate. You’ll likely find your final bill is a fair bit higher than that initial quote because you had “more freight than expected”. Most oving scams often begin with a surprisingly low quote that is too good to be true and then at the end you get shocked with a very large bill.

Get It In Writing

The best way to avoid surprises is to know about them in advance. Request that the quote, as well as all of the terms and conditions, are sent to you in writing via email. Read them thoroughly and ask for clarification if anything is confusing. If you notice language about additional fees, be sure you fully understand what they are for. If the company you are considering working with is unwilling to clarify anything you aren’t sure about, this is a sign that you may be in for trouble down the road and want to keep interviewing moving companies.

Communication Is Key

A professional moving company should respond to your questions and communications in a timely and professional manner. If you leave countless messages before you actually get a response, that may be an indicator of how the rest of your business relationship might go. Choose a company that is good with communication and your moving day will be that much easier and less stressful.

Trust Your Gut

The saying “If something feels off, it probably is” exists for a reason. There are plenty of great moving companies out there. Don’t allow yourself to get sold by a salesperson into going with one that doesn’t feel right. If your gut tells you to move on, keep interviewing companies. You will find one that you click with and have confidence in.

If you are looking for a moving company that is not your average moving company that can make your moving day stress-free and according to plan, Clutch Moving Company is here to help. CLICK HERE to get a free, no-obligation estimate for your upcoming move.

5 Useful Tips to Make Moving Less Stressful

Posted on July 2, 2021September 1, 2021 by admin

Moving from one house to another can be more stressful than you think. Few people love it. We’re just creatures of habit, and moving where you live is unquestionably stressful.

Have a look at the following tips to make moving less stressful

PLAN AHEAD

This is our first tip in moving. Trying to pull off an already stressful move at the last minute will raise your anxiety levels to dangerously high levels. The best way to relieve stress is to stay prepared, which normally means organizing the move ahead of time.

For the whole process of moving, we suggest at least a month. This entails compiling a list of all the activities that must be completed prior to, during, and after moving. Take a look at our article, that can help you with what you can prepare on your moving day, making your move easier & less stressful.

Overestimating the time it will take to complete a task when moving is a common mistake. Worst case scenario, you end up getting some spare time. Not only can having a timetable help you stay focused but knowing you’re ahead of the plan will help you relax.

CONTROL WHAT YOU CAN

A smart tip for reducing stress in your moving process is to really control what you can control. This is true when it comes to moving. Certain events, such as late movers or a broken object, are an unwelcome (but inevitable) part of the process. Rather than thinking over the things you can’t handle, embrace them and focus on what you can.

Make sure you’ve changed your address with the USPS and DMV, and called the utility companies for your new home. Stick to your plan with checklists in hand.

TAKE A BREAK

It’s just as important to schedule breaks into your moving plan as it is to prepare for the move. Allowing yourself time for periodic breaks will help you stay focused and on track without being exhausted. Although it can be tempting to rush through the process, this is where problems are more likely to occur. Take a short lunch break, keep your personal hygiene in check, and know when to call it a day. All three of these suggestions will make the procedure more manageable both emotionally and physically.

FIND THE JOY IN DOWNSIZING

Moving is an excellent chance to dig in the back of your closets for items you haven’t seen or used in years.

Getting rid of unnecessary items can be cathartic for certain people. Others find it more difficult to dispose of their belongings. If you belong to the above category, here are a few pointers to make things simpler.

Consider donating slightly used furniture and products to Goodwill or the Salvation Army in your area. Rather than living in a cabinet or storage unit, they’ll most likely go to someone who wants them.
Make a little extra cash! Try selling products that haven’t been heavily used and are still in great condition.
If you’re downsizing from a home to an apartment or a smaller home, having less clutter and a more minimalistic style will help you relax until the move is complete.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL

At first look, a do-it-yourself move appears to be a fantastic way to save money. Make a day of it with a few buddies, some pizza, and a truck! Although this can work in some cases, some buildings, for example, may only allow moving firms to move tenants in and out to prevent damage to hallways and elevators. Certificates of Insurance are often required for these structures in the event of damage during the move.

If you hire a professional mover to handle the whole process from beginning to end or hire professional packers (to minimize the chance of goods being lost in transit, moving companies can also do the packing for you) and then rent a vehicle, outsourcing a portion of the process is a fantastic way to relieve some of the stress.

Moving can be a difficult task that requires a lot of your time & patience. You don’t have to put the burden of moving to your shoulders. Clutch Moving Company can make moving a stress-free experience, and make it more enjoyable. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.