Author Archives: wpadmin

5 Helpful Tips for Renting Your Next Home

Some people find the whole idea of renting a new home slightly scary, overwhelming, and confusing. Since renting means you don’t own the actual home, it’s important to be vigilant in everything from damage prevention to your legal rights as a tenant.

We are here to guide you through the top helpful pointers to keep in mind when renting out your next home.

Full Comprehension of Landlord-Tenant Laws in Your Area

We cannot stress enough how crucial this step is to ensuring your rental agreement runs smoothly. Make sure to research all relevant laws and potential threats to legal documentation of your rental agreements. Once you have a comprehensive view of what renting a house looks like in your area, you’ll feel more comfortable signing the contract, and have the ability to remove potential judicial stress.

Read Your Lease Carefully

As much as we’d like to think that all landlords want the best for their tenants and don’t look for trouble, there are always exceptions to the rule. Your official lease is a legally binding contract between you and the landlord. This includes rules, conditions, and legal information that must be signed by both parties. If you have the slightest concern that the contract is unjust, you are allowed to seek legal counsel and hire an attorney that specializes in landlord-tenant matters.

Inspect the Property Again and Again

You don’t have to visit the property every single day to look for potential flaws, but you should definitely visit more than once before you sign the contract. Make sure to take photos and document any visible damages. This will help make sure you’re not held accountable when your lease is up. The landlord will then make a decision whether to fix the damage, or leave it as is.

Get To Know The Neighbors

Many people tend to skip this step when searching for a home. It’s tempting to find a beautiful area, a convenient home, and overlook the neighbors. Believe it or not, your neighbors are a useful source of information. Your neighbors are the ideal people to ask about the neighborhood, and could even provide you with great recommendations. Your neighbors may also be familiar with the landlord and previous tenants, and give you vital information that may make or break the deal.

Establish a Good Relationship With Your Landlord

It’s important to always have a healthy relationship with your landlord, and maintain a stable flow of communication. Pay attention to your landlord’s communication preferences. For example, is he always too busy to answer the phone? Does he take a few days to get back to you? How quick is he at resolving important matters? These are just a few components of understanding who you are dealing with, and what to expect throughout your lease.

Finding a new home to rent can be exciting, and is a great opportunity for a change. Just make sure to keep in mind that the process of renting isn’t only about the thrill, but about making smart decisions. Use the tips mentioned above to help you find your new home!

If you are planning to move to your next new home, make your life easier by trusting Joe’s Moving and Storage, Inc. Contact us now for your moving and storage needs!

Five Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Miami

Five Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Miami

Moving is never easy whether it involves moving into a different town, city, or state. However, it will always depend on your mindset. Every place will always have something different to offer that you have never experienced.

In Miami, for instance, there are things you will always look forward to and need to prepare yourself for when moving. Here are the five most important things you need to know when moving to Miami:

The Weather and the Humidity

When you move to Miami, the first thing you will notice is that it is hot and humid most of the time. You won’t need jackets unless you’re going indoors. In Miami, people love their air conditioning.

You’ll shiver from the cold in restaurants, bars and other establishments, but immediately feel the heat once you step outside. Nonetheless, it is a misconception to think that it is sunny all year round.

Weather can be a little erratic in Miami. Sometimes it rains in the morning, and then suddenly it is sunny in the afternoon. Miami also has a rainy season which sometimes leads to flooding. From around June to November, residents even experience occasional hurricanes. So, stock up on emergency hurricane supplies just in case.

Transportation

In Miami, there are taxis and buses. These methods of transportation are not reliable. You have to have your own car. If you want to save, you have to own the car that you are using. Most cars in Miami are leased.

Another thing about transportation is that you might have to get acclimated to how the drivers get from point A to point B. You’ll be surprised at how obedient – or not – the drivers are of traffic rules. Later on, you’ll realize that it is the only real way to get to your destination. The best way to really commute is to have a cool head about everything.

Know a little Spanish

Miami is the home of many Cubans, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Brazilians, and other Latin Americans. It is a good idea to learn the language. Chances are, you’re going to need a little Spanish to help you get around the town or get to know locals. It’s also a great way of widening your network of friends.

You’ll have to let loose

If you are the kind of person who loves to plan and set schedules and meetings, Miami might take you by surprise. Miami is a free-spirited place. It is filled with people who love to dance, celebrate, and live their best lives. No matter how much you plan, sometimes everything you’ve set out to do will be thrown out the window. You have to let loose.

You have to leave the stress so that you can start truly living. That’s how exciting Miami is and that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. There is creativity and progress in non-conformity, and Miami lets you reveal that part of yourself.

You will never get bored

Regardless of all the hassle, Miami is what you have always thought it was and more. The colors, the people, the festivals, the food and the 24-hour nightlife are just a fraction of how great Miami is. You’ll always look forward to waking up and starting your day knowing it will always be a different day each time.

You’ll meet so many people of different cultures, experience the art scene at its finest, and get to try different kinds of food every day. You’ll always be able to learn and improve your perspective in life. You may be alone, away from the friends and family you’ve known, but never feel lonely.

There you have it. At the heart of it all, moving to Miami may have its ups and downs, but the excitement and thrill will always be there for you. Know that no matter how much you learn about Miami, you’ll never fully understand the area until you’re here. You need to fully embrace what’s in store for you to grasp how beautiful and captivating it truly is.

Joe’s Moving can help you move to Miami. We are Miami locals, and we are ready to assist you today. Contact us now for a free quote.

Miami Winter Events for Families

Being blessed with sunny winter, Miami boasts many winter events for families, especially for kids and kids at heart. If you are in Miami or are visiting Miami this time of year, here are some Miami winter events for families you and your kids can look forward to.

New World Symphony’s Sounds of the Season

If you and your family enjoy listening to music, especially the orchestra, this event is for you. Happening on December 15 at the New World Center, this concert performed by the renowned New World Symphony will surely fill your hearts with delight. Sit back and relax as you listen to Christmas carols and other songs of this wonderful season. This year, the group will include ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, some selections from The Nutcracker and many more.

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

Coming on its 28th holiday season production, Miami City Ballet brings you The Nutcracker. This reinvention of the classic fairy tale is happening from December 15 thru December 24 at the Adrienne Arsht Center of the Performing Arts. Bring your kids and let them experience the beauty and elegance that come with a ballet performance.

Santa’s Enchanted Forest

Around this time, Miami gets to host a new neighborhood: Santa’s Enchanted Forest. One of the largest holiday theme parks in the world, Santa’s Enchanted Forest houses hundreds of rides, shows, games, and other attractions. Fill your nights with bright and shiny lights (more than two miles!) Hop on to some of fun rides, including the largest travelling ferris wheel in the country.

This theme park is located at the heart of Miami at Tropical Park and is open until January 7, 2018 from 5pm to midnight, including holidays (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day).

A Visit to the Coral Gables Museum

Even if kids are on their winter holiday break, they shouldn’t stop learning. Take your family to the Coral Gables Museum and let them see and experience art.

Every month, on the second Saturday, the museum celebrates Family Day on Aragon from 2 to 5 p.m. This joyful event offers complimentary museum admission. They also have fun arts and crafts activities your kids will surely enjoy.

Strawberry Picking

Fruit picking is always a nice and fun family bonding activity. Especially if you have kids who have not yet done fruit picking, this is the time to do it. Winter season is the time for strawberry picking! In Miami, there are several places to U-Pick. Try Knaus Berry Farm, Sam and Philly’s, Burr’s Berry Farm and U-Pick Kendall.

Santa Mall Visits

Have your kids been naughty, or nice? We sure hope they have been nice because Santa Claus is coming to town! Have your kids’ picture taken with Santa at the following venues:

The Falls November 4 – December 24

Aventura Mall November 12 – December 24

Shops at Merrick Park December 4 – December 23

This season is truly the most wonderful here in Miami. If you are planning to move to this city, make it smoother by trusting Joe’s Moving and Storage Inc. Whether you are moving to, from, or inside Miami, we have you covered. Contact us now for your moving and storage needs.

5 Creative Ways to Declutter Your Home

Decluttering is not as easy as it sounds. Getting rid of things you have spent years keeping is always difficult. Questions like “What if I’ll need it one of these days?” will start creeping in as soon as you start throwing things out. Stop worrying and start getting creative as we give you these ways to declutter your home.

Do the 90-90 Rule

Ryan Nicodemus does the 90-90 rule to live the minimalist life. Basically, if there is something that he has not used for the last 90 days and does not plan on using it on the next 90, he gets rid of it. This rule will help individuals who have problems getting rid of things because they think they might need it in the future. If you haven’t used it for the last 3 months, chances are you won’t be using it anytime soon either.

Give One Item Away Every Day

This one might be a bit challenging to many people. However, decluttering in one go can be quite a challenge too. Especially if the place contains a lot of things, decluttering might take days or even weeks.

If you are busy, take decluttering one at a time. You can apply the 90-90 Rule too in choosing which item to give away. Next, think of a person who will need it the most. Maybe your aunt needs a new spatula at home? Then give that to her. By giving one item away every day, you will be surprised at how much change it can do to your place.

Do the 12-12-12 Challenge

The 12-12-12 challenge is simple if you follow these steps. First, get yourself 3 boxes and go to a room which needs decluttering. Next, identify 36 items in the room. Then, classify each item whether it is: A) something to throw away, B) something to donate, or C) something to stay. Each category must have 12 items at the end.

You can change your number to a lower one if you think 12 is too hard. However, you can challenge yourself and aim for a higher number to get decluttering done faster.

Ask Yourself Why?

When decluttering a place, start by asking yourself this question: Why do I have this? Many things in our places are there because we bought it for a reason. Maybe we bought those knitting needles because we wanted to start a new hobby. Go back to the time when you bought that item and see if the reason is still relevant now. Did you enjoy knitting? If not, you probably need to get rid of it already.

Do the Four-Box Method

This method is similar to the 12-12-12 method mentioned earlier, but instead of three, you have four categories. Take four boxes with you. One box will be for trash, another one for give away, third box for keep, and the last box for relocate. You need to be disciplined on the task and make sure that all the items placed are properly classified. Aim to have more items in the giveaway box.

Best to Declutter Before Moving

Remember, someone’s trash can become someone else’s treasure. Do not hesitate to give away things that you do not need anymore. Decluttering is the best way to start your preparation to move to a new home.

At Joe’s Moving & Storage Inc., we know how challenging decluttering can be. For the things you don’t want to give away, our company offers warehouses for storage. They’re regularly sanitized and meet the requirements of the Department of Defense to make sure your belongings are safe. For more inquiries about our services, contact us today.

5 Tips for Moving in the Colder Months

Moving during the late fall and winter is not easy. It takes a stressful experience and adds a handful of new and unique challenges to the equation. This is true whether you’re an individual moving from house to house or a business moving locations.

Now, you may think that moving during the winter in Florida is no big deal. This isn’t exactly true. It is certainly less challenging than moving during the winter in, say, Boston. Still, there are factors you need to consider and plan for to ensure a smooth move.

We have put together our top five tips for moving in the colder months. Read on to learn what they are and how you can start implementing them today. Don’t forget to contact us today for a fast and free online quote if you want a little help making the moving process easier!

Start Early in the Day

Whether you’re moving in the snow crowded streets of New York or the sunny avenues of Florida, make sure to start early in the day. This will give you more sunlight and safe hours if you’re moving in inclement weather. If you’re moving in Florida, starting early will give you a chance to avoid congested roads and busy areas.

It is important to pack everything the night before in order to start early in the day. Don’t think you can pack during the first few hours of the day and then move. You will end up wasting precious time.

Be Prepared for Snow

This tip is more for our northern neighbors than those moving in South Florida. Who knows, though, it may snow once again in Miami.

Being prepared for snow means a few different things. First, make sure to shovel your driveway, sidewalks, and a path from your house to the moving vehicle. Then keep a close eye on these paths to make sure they stay clear of snow. Finally, sprinkle some salt over everything to keep ice from forming.

Think About Both Houses

A common mistake that families make when moving is to only prepare the house they’re moving from. They don’t give much thought of planning on how to take care of the house they’re moving to.

In the snow and cold, this means making sure to lay down a protective layer over the floors. In Florida, this means making sure all utilities are turned on at the new house.

Rain, Rain, and More Rain

This tip is for our Florida friends only: don’t underestimate the power of the rain. Much like individuals and businesses in the north prepare for snow, we need to prepare for the rain.

This can take many different forms, but a few smart ideas include: waterproofing your boxes, making sure the moving vehicle is parked somewhere dry, and keeping an eye on large puddles forming between either house and the moving vehicle.

The Busy Season

This is another tip for Floridians only: plan for your winter move being right in the middle of the busy season. While the streets may be empty around the rest of the country, they’re going to be packed here in South Florida. Remember to start moving early in the day, which will help minimize your time in busy traffic.

Make sure check out these packing tips and remember to call us today for all your moving needs!

How to Be Creative with your Leftover Moving Supplies

After moving into your new home, you will feel greatly relieved. However, all of your boxes, packing material, and bubble wrap still remain. You will begin to wonder what to do with all of the supplies that accumulate during the process. Joe’s Moving can help you out. We are an experienced moving company in Miami, and we can show you creative and entertaining activities you can do with your moving supplies.

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes can be a delight for the little ones. They are a perfect tool for children to explore their imaginations. A cardboard box can be a time machine, a space ship, or a turtle’s shell if the kids want to crawl around on all fours.

If you have some extra tape, you can create own Boxman. Try connecting a few boxes together in the form of a person. You can then make a face for them, and your little ones can have a new cardboard friend.

If you have a green thumb, the side of a cardboard box can come in handy. They are effective in fighting weeds. Place the cardboard down over a place where weeds pop up. Cover the cardboard with a layer of mulch, and leave it alone.

The cardboard prevents weeds from reaching the surface. In addition, the cardboard insulates the ground, which brings the soil to a temperature that kills the seeds right there. If you do this, make sure that you do not use cardboard with a wax coating or ink on it.

Bubble Wrap

Popping bubble wrap is fun in and of itself, if you ask us. Your kids could spend hours just popping all of the bubble wrap that you brought along with you on your move, and even the adults may get something out of it.

We think it is a good idea if you make it into a game. For example, you could see who can pop the most bubbles in two minutes. Color the bubbles a few different colors, and give bonus points to each color for an added challenge.

After you are finished moving, you are going to need to take a trip to the grocery store. Bubble wrap is a good way to protect your fresh fruits and veggies in your bags and in the refrigerator. This will help keep your bananas, apples, and pears from bruising.

If you are sending a gift to someone, bubble wrap may also prevent something fragile from being broken. Items get roughed up in the mail, and if you are sending something valuable bubble wrap may be the only way to protect it.

Packing Paper

Packing paper is incredibly useful in the holiday season. If you have a shredder, you can tear your packing paper into little pieces for your own confetti. This would be absolutely perfect for New Year’s or Christmas.

You can also keep the packing paper whole, and use it as wrapping paper. There is no need to fight the holiday crowds in December, because you will already have a way to make your gifts look nice at home.

If you have questions about moving, we can help. We have been helping people move since 1974. Contact us today. You will be grooving with Joe’s Moving.