Category Archives: Moving Tips

Whether you are relocating to a different town, cross-country, or the opposite side of the globe, moving can be stressful. To ensure a hassle-free move, here are five mistakes you should avoid.

1) Poor planning

Moving is more than just packing your stuff in boxes. It takes time, a lot of time, so you need to plan way ahead of your target date. Start by creating a checklist. Identify which items are essential and which belong in a garage sale.

Book a moving company well in advance especially if your trip falls on a weekend, holiday, or during peak season. Summer is often a hectic time for movers and some companies may not be available during holidays. When picking a time to move, choose off-peak hours so you don’t get stuck in traffic.

Measure your doorways, hallways, and furniture. If you are moving to a smaller space, consider selling or donating your big items.

Ask the trucking company for exact dimensions of available cargo space. Hiring a truck or trailer that cannot fit your bed or sectional is a huge waste of time, energy and money.

Do sporadic packing months ahead and then go full blast weeks before your moving date. You shouldn’t be scrambling with last-minute packing on the morning of your move.

Here’s a quick checklist when planning a move:
· Determine your move-out date
· Count back to eight to ten weeks
· Sort your belongings
· Set a budget
· Hire movers

2) Poor research

Choosing the right moving company is critical. Some may offer a very enticing deal only to charge you more than what was originally quoted.

Ask family and friends for referrals. You can also check with your property manager or real estate agent. The Better Business Bureau is a solid source for reliable moving companies.

Part of your research is finding a company that offers insurance to cover any items that might get lost, stolen, or damaged during the trip. Moving day can be incredibly stressful and you want to feel assured that your valuables are protected if something happens.

Some moving companies offer liability coverage based on the following:
· Total weight of your cargo
· Assessed value of your cargo
· Full cost of replacement

3) Failing to declutter before packing

As mentioned earlier, moving takes careful planning. Do not simply stuff everything into boxes. If you do not declutter first, you may end up paying for more boxes and extra weight that you don’t need.

Moving is the best time to sort through your possessions and get rid of old clothes, gadgets, and items you don’t want to keep. As you pack, toss unwanted items into boxes for selling and donating.

4) Forgetting to pack moving day necessities

So you’ve packed everything and you’re ready to move. Where is your toothbrush? What are you going to wear for the next few days? These are items that you need to pack separately so you don’t need to shuffle through boxes.

Pack your toiletries, some clothes, a first-aid kit, and moving day essentials such as box cutters and screwdrivers into a personal carry-on bag.

5) Stuffing more weight than what a box can hold

Packing too much weight in one box can cause injuries. Put bulky items in small boxes so they are carried alone.

Moving can be a huge expense, and obviously you want to be able to do it with the least amount of money. It doesn’t mean you should hire your brother’s girlfriend’s father-in-law’s truck. Respected companies such as Joe’s Moving will ensure a smooth and safe move from start to finish.

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!

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.

Moving into a new home can be stressful. Ensuring nothing gets left behind and everything is packed properly is overwhelming. If this is your first time moving, chaos may occur if the moving is not properly planned. For a seamless, easy move, keep reading for our top 9 tips for first time movers.

#1: Shed the excess

Make your move a mentally cleansing process. Shed all excess items that you no longer need and take only what is important. Donate old clothes, furniture and any other household items you do not use. The less you have, the less stuff you will need to transfer over. This will allow for a much easier, more efficient packing process.

#2: Organization is key

The best way to make your moving process easier is through careful organizing. Assign categories to each box and stick to it. This is better than sorting between rooms, as you will have a better idea of all you have. For example, if you organize all your coats into one box, you may realize you have way too many. This can help you with the elimination discussed previously.

#3: Give back

Remember that just because you do not use something anymore does not mean no one will. Help those who are less fortunate by donating gently used goods at your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. Not only will your new home look better, but giving back will make you feel good.

#4: Make some money

 After you are done helping others, help yourself. Make some extra money by selling higher-end or more valuable items. Brand name clothing and accessories or nice furniture are all great options to sell. If you have any valuable antiques or vintage pieces in your closet, those may sell well too. For clothing, check out a local consignment store or Poshmark. Furniture can be sold via Craigslist or AptDeco and specialty items are better off on eBay.

#5: Keep a notepad handy

Moving can be stressful and overwhelming. Make the process easier by not letting little details be forgotten. Whether it is on an app on your phone or an old-fashioned yellow notepad, write down anything that needs to be remembered. Whether it is the name of a donation point, where to drop off your cable box or a reminder to pick up extra screws, do not let anything slip your mind.

#6: Stay up to date

Have a calendar nearby and keep track of any upcoming events that are taking place. Remind yourself to call the moving company on Tuesday and buy new sheets on Friday. Writing down important deadlines are a good way to keep organized and make sure nothing is missed.

#7: Change your address

This is something that is often forgotten about until you have been settled into your new home for a few weeks. Change your address a week before you officially move so that you do not have to worry about it later. It will be much more frustrating to have to retrieve mail that went to your old home.

#8: Be creative

 If you have run out of packing paper or bubble wrap, do not fret. Search around your house for other solutions. Items like newspapers, magazines, blankets and old clothes are all viable alternatives to your traditional packaging materials.

#9: Find a trustworthy moving company

The right moving company can transform your moving experience completely. Finding a trustworthy, reliable company can make the process seamless and much easier for all involved. At Joe’s Moving, we know how stressful moving can be for you. Let us help you make it easier by providing you with great workmanship and first-class customer service. Contact us at 800-796-3963.

Moving is a rough experience for animals. They become agitated when they are placed in a vehicle. This is due to the fact that they are acclimated to an environment where they roam around. Here are some tips you can try to help your pet be at ease with moving.

1. Take your pet with you in the vehicle.

Pets want to be with their owners all the time. If you give them enough attention, traveling to a new home will not be so hard for them.

If you have a dog, make sure to keep a leash on them all the time. Cats normally prefer the security of being inside a crate during travel. You can place a blanket on the carrier so that they will not see their surroundings changing.

2. Keep your pets away from the hustle and bustle of moving.

Reduce the stress of your pets by keeping them in a quiet area while doing preparations. If you cannot leave them at a friend’s house, place them in a bedroom or living area. Make sure that it is secluded and there are few people and not a lot of activity. Provide enough food and water for your pet to keep them satisfied.

3. Pay attention to the special needs of your pet.

Some animals require special attention when being moved. For instance, fish react strongly to stress. Moving can be traumatizing for them if not fatal. They can be transported in short distances using bags filled with their old tank water. If you are traveling a long distance, it is best to give your fish away.

Guinea pigs suffer from moving or being jostled around. Their hearts are particularly sensitive. Make sure they are transported using a warm and comfortable carrier.

4. Maintain your daily routine.

Make sure that you still follow your routine schedule with your pet once you transfer. If he is accustomed to having time to play outdoors, then continue doing so. Use a leash for the first few days to ensure his safety.

If your pet is used to having a doggy door, set one up in your new home. Do not buy new toys anymore. Bring their favorite toys, bed, treats and other familiar items instead. Place them in places where your pet normally finds them in your old home. This will help your pet acclimatize and feel at home faster.

5. Be patient.

Once you have settled in your new home, give your pets a chance to explore their new surroundings. Allow them to sniff around. Do not be too hard on them if they sometimes hide from you. Let them be as long as they know where the litter box and doggy door is located.

Your pets will definitely need some extra loving from you at this phase. It is highly recommended that you hire a professional mover to assist you in moving. This way you will have extra time for your pet. When you need a Miami moving company, we can help.

Joe’s Moving and Storage Inc. has more than 40 years of experience in the business. Call us so we can discuss how we can help you out.

51.7%, more than half, of all residents of Miami-Dade County were born in another country according to official US Census Data. We are proud of how open our city is, and we believe that our diversity is our strength. As part of our dedication to the people who want to move here, we are providing a guide to moving internationally.

1. You Do Not Need Every Item You Have

Generally, if you have more items, it will cost more to move it. Take a good, hard look at everything you own, and ask if you really need it or cannot get it in the country you are moving to. That quilt that Grandma made is irreplaceable, but you can buy a new TV at your destination.

2. Organize Everything on One List

Moving is a stressful time, and a little bit of organization can go a long way. Try to compile all of the information that you need on one document, and back that document up. It is easy for things to get lost in the maelstrom that is moving, so simplifying is vital.

3. Create a Checklist of Everything That Needs to Be Done

One of the first things that should go on your one sheet is a list of vital actions to take. Doctor’s appointments, insurance information, and schools’ records need to be obtained. There is a very long list of things you have to do, and going through it methodically will be crucial to a smooth transition.

4. Label Everything

On your master list, you are going to want to keep a record of every box that you are bringing with you. Labeling all of your boxes with their contents is a good way to understand what you have and what you are missing. Plus, when you unpack, you will know what to unpack first.

5. Check, Double-Check, and Triple-Check Your Documents

The people at immigration are rarely a forgiving group. Before you depart, you need to know exactly what you will need to present for them. You should be able to find some guides online about what you need to depart your country and what you will need when you arrive. We also recommend backing up these documents. If your copy is a physical copy, it may be a good idea to scan these and store them digitally. Your visa is especially important here.

6. Storage Is Your Friend

If you are moving short-term, consider putting your furniture in storage. For a move that is fewer than two years, storing your furniture with a company is wise.

7. Prepare for Culture Shock

In your home country, chances are you have a favorite grocery store or restaurant with your favorite foods. You speak the language of everyone around you, and you know the culture of your hometown inside and out. When you moving to a new country, you are leaving all of that behind. You may need to take language lessons, or talk to someone from that country to understand a little bit more. In some places, showing up to a party two hours late is the norm, while in other it is a grave insult. These are things you need to know.

At Joe’s Moving, we are experts in helping people move internationally. If you have any questions, please let us know. Call us, and our friendly, experienced, and highly-professional staff will help you with your move abroad.