Moving your home or business is a complicated and long process. Hiring movers makes that process infinitely easier for you. It doesn’t mean you have nothing to worry about, though. You 

will still have to pack some things, get the house in order, etc.

Something you also might be asking yourself is how far in advance should you schedule your movers?

Many worry about scheduling too far out, some maybe worry about scheduling too close to the move.

Well, there is one real answer to this question.

Schedule as early as you can.

This is the simple truth and we are here to explain why.

Scheduling a moving company earlier has nothing but benefits, really. Some might be concerned about setting the date too far out, wondering if something might pop up, but we recommend you push this fear aside. If you can’t, just look at it like this: you’ll have this date set in stone, so you can schedule around it.

Now, why schedule early? Here are the reasons:

First come first serve!

As with most businesses, the best employees are scheduled first. These employees take on the busiest and most social parts of the business. So by calling early, your chance of getting the experienced movers instead of the second hands is upped tremendously.

Calling early also allows you to select the moving company you want. If you call 2 weeks out, many companies might be booked. You will not be happy settling with the uninsured, low-end movers.

Moving day is set – let the planning commence!

Now that this date is set, you can forget about the company. You are now focused on getting things ready in time for this date. Packing up your belongings 60-days out is a much better than packing a house 14-days out.

Save some money!

Like flight tickets, you usually spend much less booking 6 months in advance compared to the week of your trip. Some moving companies are similar. Booking closer to the date might result in a higher rate.

So overall, you will get the best movers at the best price when you schedule early. It’s worth it, trust us.

You might be in the last minute move though, who knows? Depending on the season, booking deadlines will be varied. Most moves happen within the May to September time span. This is the moving season.

On average, companies will require you to book a month out during this time.

Moving during the off-season, however, companies might require a 2 to 3-week booking.

Be sure to call your movers to double check what their specific requirements are!

Happy moving!

The post How Far in Advance Should You Schedule Your Movers? appeared first on Mountain Moving.

Decide what you’re going to keep!

Downsizing your home mainly applies to furniture and maybe some appliances. Smaller items can usually be packed away in smaller boxes.

Honestly, this is up to you. Everybody has different preferences on what they like having around the house.

Remember to keep in mind what your new home looks like first. You’ll want to know furniture dimensions and where things might go.

To determine what you will keep, you can ask yourself these questions:

• Do I use this item?
• Does this item have any sentimental value?
• This item takes up a lot of space – do I use it enough to keep it around?
• Will this go well with my new home?
• Can this item easily fit in the house or be easily stored?

These questions can apply to many things. Here are a few examples to get your brain working.

Home Gym: You might have a home elliptical or treadmill. Do you use it every day? Maybe you use it once a month? Consider buying a pair of outdoor running shoes to replace these big and bulky things.

The Kids’ Rooms/Guest Rooms: Maybe you’ll have some visitors at your new home, and one guest room wouldn’t hurt, but bringing along furniture from two or three rooms hardly seems logical.

The Attic/Basement: Have loads of boxes that haven’t seen light for years? Maybe it’s time to get rid of them!

Getting Rid of the Things You Don’t Want to Keep

Now that you’ve decided what’s coming along, time to decide how to get rid of the things that aren’t.

You probably have a versatile arsenal of the things that are going, anything from fishing gear to a California-King sized bed set. Thus, you’ll need different methods to get rid of things. Here are a few good ideas for you. Some will be better for certain items.

Craigslist: This is good for a lot of things, but mainly for that big and bulky furniture.

The reason? Craigslist is full of money savers looking for anything they can. The best part is that you can get the buyer to move it for you.

For example, that 300 lb. metal desk sitting in the upstairs study is definitely not being moved by you. You could always try to get a few hundred bucks for it, but you’d need to figure out moving, dates, etc. If you have no problem putting it up for “$20 – move it yourself,” that desk will likely be gone the next day.

Call the Kids/Family: Is there any family in the nearby area you’d like to give some furniture to? The nightstand your great grandfather handcrafted might fit right in at your daughter’s home! Maybe the grand kids could use some fishing gear.

The best way to do this is to put all the stuff you’re getting rid of in the same area. Have the family come over to pick and choose!

Garage Sale: Now that the family has picked and chosen their new belongings, keep all the remaining things to get rid of together and have a garage sale. A garage sale is great for getting rid of electronics, clothes, trinkets, small furniture, etc. Remember to be reasonable with your prices and you’ll make a few dollars!

Donations: We highly recommend donations. Goodwill takes almost anything. ARC will pick up select items for you. You can do a Google search on nearby causes; look to donate for them. One example is Career Closet in Fort Collins, Colorado. They take business attire to outfit people looking to get jobs!

After trying the previous three methods, you’ll most likely have been able to unload all the rest of your useful items with a donation center.

Now that you’ve downsized your arsenal, time to move into the new place! Make it your own! Enjoy!

The post Downsizing your home? Tips to Getting Rid of Unnecessary Items appeared first on Mountain Moving.

Not all of us are stay-at-home parents. Some of us go to school, work, or do both. Thus, we need a place to take our kids for the day.

Selecting any old daycare can be easy, but finding the right one will take a little more work. This is especially true when it comes to moving to a city you’re unfamiliar with.

Your child deserves an excellent and qualified childcare service. Your child will receive the proper development they need and you’ll be able work or study without having to worry about your child.

Below you will find 5 simple things that you’ll want to check when visiting your childcare options. Remember the importance of going in for a visit. Stay for a while to see how things are operated.

Also, consider asking friends for recommendations. If you struggle to grab an opinion from a friend near you (just moved to town maybe?), ask around. Check Google reviews!

Child Supervision

You will want to ensure that your child is properly supervised. If they are napping, playing, eating, or doing whatever else, they should always be within proximity to the supervisor

How are the children disciplined? Make sure that all punishments are fair and positive. They should also be consistent with all the children. You do not want to end up with a caregiver who picks favorites.

How Safe is the Facility?

This is one of the biggest things to watch for. This question covers a large variety of things. Below you will find some simple checklist items to look for when you visit.

Is the facility clean?

Check mainly the kitchen, eating area, and diaper changing area for this. A clean facility is a healthy facility.

Are the caregivers trained and clean?

Do the supervisors have first aid training? Do the caregivers properly wash their hands when necessary?

Is the facility child proof?

Toxic substances like dish-washing soap or any medications should be kept inaccessible to the children.

Consider looking for anything like child gates, locked doors/cupboards, sharp furniture covered up, inspected play equipment, etc.

Are all the children there immunized?

The caregivers should require immunization documentation to keep all the kids healthy and safe!

Emergency plans?

Do the caregivers have a set plan in case of medical emergency? Is there a fire escape plan? Is the drill practiced?

Caregiver Qualifications

How qualified is the person taking care of your child? This might look different for everyone, but you might look out for some basic things.

Does the supervisor have a bachelor’s degree in a child-related field?

Though this is not necessary, some might sleep easier knowing this.

How long have they been working with kids?

A few years of experience is what you want. This means little experimenting and confident caregivers.

Are age differences handled properly?

Different ages require different curriculum, toys, and environments.

Is the caregiver genuinely interested in kids?

The best thing your child can have is a caregiver who actually cares and wants to be there.

Child to Adult Ratio

You can do a lot of research on this subject, but it’s not too difficult to see for yourself. Your child should be receiving attention. That is the bottom line. Instead of bogging you down with numbers, here are some very simple questions to ask yourself when visiting.

Are the caregivers struggling to give attention to every child?

The older the children, the more the supervisor can handle. 3 infants per adult is about appropriate. If the children are around 10 years old, the caregiver can handle about 10 to 12. You fill in the rest. Just remember, what you see is important.

Are there more kids than adults?

Child to child interaction is important. Unless you are specifically paying one person to take care of only your children, dropping your kids off at a large facility with no kids could mean a sketchy situation.

Do the Kids Like It?

You want your child to like it. Bring them along. Are they antsy to jump into the fun? Do the other kids there look like they are enjoying themselves? This should be a very large factor when making your decision.

There should be plenty of toys and play equipment!

The post 5 Guidelines to Selecting the Right Child Care Option appeared first on Mountain Moving.

8 Weeks Out:

How are you going to do it?

Here is where everything starts. Decide how you’re going to move. Are you doing it yourself? Are you hiring a moving company? Now is the time to set the date and recruit friends and family to help. If you’d prefer not to do it yourself, find the moving company for you.

Finding the company that can best meet your needs can be difficult. Before looking, consider these questions:

• How far are you moving?
• Do you have a large amount of things to move?
• What are you looking to spend?
• What are all the services you hope to get from the moving company?

Getting recommendations from people you trust is always a good way to start. And it doesn’t hurt to do a quick google search to find an excellent moving company. When looking, you’ll want to consider the following questions:

• Are they insured?
• What kind of liability coverage do they include?
• What are considered extra services?
• Where are they located?
• What do other people think about their services? (Yelp reviews, Google reviews, etc.)
• Do they have restrictions on the types of boxes and bags to pack in?
• What is the payment process like? Do they require a deposit?
• How long is the move expected to take?
• How do they handle broken or missing items as a result of the move?

Select your top 3 moving companies once you’ve done your research. Give each of them a call and get some estimates (make sure you are clear about all the services you will need from them). You should be able to quickly narrow down which company best suits your needs.

Arrange your personal travel.

Are you driving? Are you flying? Maybe you are going by train? Decide this now.

If you’re driving, figure out your route. Consider how you’ll pack your car, how long it will take, and how much you’re going to stop.

If you’re flying or going by train, get your tickets as soon as possible to get the best rates. Also, if you have a pet to transport in your move, you’ll want to make arrangements for them when you get your tickets if they are going with you. Otherwise, check out different pet shipping services online to ensure you pet will make it safely to your new home.

Will anyone need to transfer schools?

If you are in school or have a family with children who are in school, you’ll want to get records squared away. Call your school and notify them of the relocation. If you’re going far away enough to attend a separate establishment, you’ll want to figure out how to get those records over there.

First, if you have not done this already, find your new school(s). An easy way to do this is through Zillow. In addition to listing all housing, available and unavailable, this website allows you to find schools near your new location. Once you’ve entered your new address, you’ll scroll down and there you’ll see a list of schools and the zones they’re in. They will usually display about 4 schools for all different grades

If you’re a college student, you’ll simply have to transfer records.

Second, call your old school and figure out the transfer process. Will they send your records to you new school or will you have to do it yourself?

Third, call the new school. Figure out what they need, and what you need to do.

Fourth, you can choose to finish the process of transferring now or save the info about steps to take and finish the process in week 4.

Are you switching countries?

If you’re moving internationally, you’ll want to call some authorities in the new homeland. Hopefully, you’re not bringing too much. A lot or a little, you’ll still want to know what you can bring in. This could apply to anything like a car, or a samurai sword that’s been in the family for generations. To get information or a phone number, Google something like “Moving to ____ from ___.” You’ll be able to get the info you need.

7 Weeks Out:

Time to figure out finances and utilities.

The last thing you’d like would be to show up without access to a bank, then to go home and not have running water. Now’s the time to get those things figured out.

First, you’ll want to figure out your bank options.

If you have a widespread chain, you’ll have little trouble switching. Still, contact your current bank and let them know about the move. There may be some steps you’ll need to take to confirm and finish the transfer so that you’ll be ready to go.

If you’re at a local bank, you’ll need a new one. Do some research to find a new bank that will be best for you. Once you choose, make the necessary contact with both banks to ensure a smooth transition.

Next, get your utilities set up.

Though you probably won’t have much of a choice, do a Google search to find the appropriate utility companies for your area. Call each company you will need and make arrangements. Let them know the move in date. Be ready to give them credit scores, set up accounts, and pay deposits. You’re sure to have a functioning house upon arrival.

Consider your health care.

Will you need to transfer your health insurance to a different state or switch companies altogether? This is a good time to begin taking the necessary steps to switch things over if you need to.

Chances are, you’ll need a new doctor for everything. Eye care, dentist, general physician, etc. Do your research and consider the following:

• How close are they?
• What reviews do they have?
• Is my insurance accepted there?

Ask your current doctors for referrals. Do your research and choose some favorites. Give them a call. Confirm that they accept your insurance. Also, notify your current doctors that you’ll be leaving. This will give them time to prepare records for transfer and make any necessary changes. Check to see if you need to transfer the records or if they will do it for you. You’ll want to make sure they have the correct information for your new doctors if they are doing the transfer.

6 Weeks Out:

Time to de-clutter!

Start going through the house and find things you’ll want to get rid of. Have a pile for the stuff to keep, the stuff to donate or throw away, and the stuff to sell. You may want to consider a garage sale before heading out.

Any furniture, TV’s, or other large clunky things that aren’t coming with you (in decent condition) can easily be added to craigslist. Depending on the price you set, you can request that buyers come pick up their purchases themselves.

You can visit them at www. craigslist.org

Let the post office know where you’re going!

You’ll have to file a change of address with USPS. You can easily do this on their website. We’ve included the link to the USPS address change form.

Make an address change list.

You’ll want to inform people about where you are going. Create a checklist, including the following contacts:

• Family and Friends
• Current Employer
• Landlord
• Postal Services
• Utilities
• DMV
• Government Agencies
• The IRS
• Financial Institutions (bank, credit card companies)
• Insurance Companies (car insurance, home & renters insurance, health insurance)
• Phone Company
• Medical and Educational Establishments
• Subscription Services – Magazines and Newspapers

5 Weeks Out:

Time to solidify packing dates.

Some things may need to be moved sooner than others. You’ll want to have those items packed and planned out so that you or the moving company can get those things squared away.

Setting up a checklist and a calendar might be the tool you need to make sure you’re getting things done. Two excellent tools are Trello or Asana. Both help you easily set up and keep track of things you need to do.

Begin some of the cleaning!

This is a good time to get a head start on cleaning. Since it’s still 5 weeks out, you can start by taking things to the cleaners. If you’re leaving things like the rugs and the drapes, your landlord will appreciate it if they are cleaned. Even if they’re coming along, you may consider cleaning them anyway. Do a google search to find the best deal!

Finish that de-clutter.

Now is the time to finish getting rid of things you don’t want to take with you. Put things on Craigslist or have a garage sale. You can also call ARC, Habitat for Humanity, or Goodwill. ARC will even come pick up your things for you. You might also look up info about tax deductible donations.

Another thing to consider is that professional women’s clothing is welcome at ABLE Women’s Career Closet. This nonprofit organization located in Ft. Collins helps outfit underprivileged women for job interviews!

4 Weeks Out:

This is kind of the wrap-up and confirmation week, one month out from the move!

Make sure to let necessary contacts know about your move.

Remember the checklist you made in week 6? You’ll want to make sure you’ve notified everyone on your checklist of your address change by this week.

Transfer your school records.

If you didn’t complete the transfer in week 8, follow the instructions you were given by your schools and finish transferring your school records now.

Time to pack!

Pack up anything that you won’t be using in the next month. This may be included in what your moving company can do for you. You can begin packing things like off-season clothing, seldom-used dishes, holiday decorations, books, videos, and other things you won’t need in the weeks to come. Start in the attic and the garage!

3 Weeks Out:

Transfer your health records.

Think back to week 7. Now is the time to start getting those records transferred to your new selected dentist, physician, etc. If your doctors are the ones doing the transfer, check in with them to make sure it’s getting done.

Start finishing up that food!

Our guess is that you’re not looking to pack and move food as well. Consider using up some of the stored food. This might be freezer food, canned food, etc. If you feel like you’re not going to be able to finish it, you can always donate nonperishables to a local cause. In Fort Collins, we recommend The Food Bank for Larimer County. They are located at 1301 Blue Spruce.

Organize some child and/or pet care.

If you have young kids or pets running around the house, you might consider having someone else take care of them for moving day. This will allow you to be more focused on getting everything done without having to constantly keep track of the kids and make sure they’re okay. Not to mention, moving can stress the furry companion, so having pet care can help eliminate that.

Hire some friends or family to watch them for the day. If no one is available, get referrals for caretakers from trusted contacts. If you are unable to find someone, do a Google search. Remember to carefully check those reviews! It may be a good idea to drop in to meet the caretakers before moving day to make sure your child and/or pet is in good hands.

Create an essentials folder.

Throw together the necessary documents for travel. This will include any important documents you don’t already carry in your purse or wallet. Some of the documents you may want to add to this folder are your driver’s license, passport, insurance, and registration. Keeping them together in an easy to find folder will be handy for anything planned or unexpected.

Schedule an auto appointment.

If you’re moving far via car, you’ll need a vehicle tune-up for travel. An oil change, tire rotation, an alignment (if necessary), and fluid replenishment will be sure to serve you well in the many miles ahead.

If you don’t already have a mechanic you trust, get referrals from your connections or start another Google search. Finding the appropriate shop can save you money and stress. Check those reviews.

If you’re leasing your vehicle from a dealership, they may be able to do the tune-up for you.

2 Weeks Out:

Make a moving plan.

Start planning out how moving day is going to look. Make sure you’ll be able to get everything where it needs to go, stress-free.

Consider no loading or parking zones; walking a few extra hundred feet can make it a rough experience.

Are hallways and stairways clear for the moving of large furniture?

Hiring a moving company can take the stress out of this. In most cases, they’ll handle this all themselves.

How is the pet coming along?

If your pets are coming with you by car, make sure you have the necessary pet carriers to keep them safe during travel.

1 Week Out:

Here it is, moving week! Prepare to be busy!

Have some fun!

Moving week can be stressful. Your home is soon to be someone else’s. Plan some fun with the family before taking on the task at hand.

Plan food for the week.

Because this week will likely be the busiest week of all, it will probably be a good idea to have protein-filled snacks on hand as well as fast meals that don’t need much prep. It’s a good idea to have bottled water so that you’re remembering to stay hydrated and don’t have to keep track of cups around the house.

Confirm that utilities are ready to go at your new place.

Though you’ve already set these up, you’ll want to call your utility companies to make sure the house is ready to go. Simply double checking!

Fill any prescriptions you need.

If you have medication, be sure to have enough for two weeks. The last thing you need is to be all out in the middle of the big move.

Finish Packing!

Chances are, you’ll do the majority of your packing this week. Whether you’re doing it yourself or not, you’ll need to know some tips.

Remember to leave out supplies for the next two weeks. This might be clothes, laptops, snacks, etc. You don’t want these necessary things to be packed away deep in the moving truck.

Do not pack any flammable, explosive, corrosive or liquid items. Movers by law cannot move these items. This includes pressurized containers, aerosol cans, propane tanks as well as ammunition of any kind. Either find a safe way to move them yourself or dispose of them safely.

Disassemble some furniture. Moving companies like Mountain Moving can do this for you, but you might consider doing it anyway to save yourself some money and save your movers some time.

Organize all your fragile furniture. Mirrors, countertops, glass tables, and all things like this fit into this category. The movers will know where to put this stuff. Having it all together will make for a flawless loading process. Also finish removing wall décor and things on your shelves and pack it away together. You won’t want to risk knocking things off the walls as you’re moving out large furniture and boxes. Having these things packed together will be beneficial for when you begin unpacking at the new home.

Clean up the house!

Organize a crew and clean anything you might want to before heading out: the kitchen, the bathrooms, carpets, etc. The new or current owner of the house will be very grateful!

Create a floor plan.

Print or create a floor plan of your new place for yourself or the movers. This will help guide furniture to the rooms they need to go, little hassle to you.

2 Days Out – Confirmation Checklist:

• Is the house clean? Are those cleaning supplies packed?
• Do you have supplies to last you two weeks? Clothes? Prescription? Snacks?
• Do you have your important document folder ready and accessible?
• Is the fridge and pantry cleaned out?
• Have you double-checked all the storage areas (garage, attic, storage sheds, closets) to make sure nothing gets left behind?

1 Day Out:

Electronics and Appliance checklist:

• Are all computers backed up and ready to go?
• Are all other electronics already unplugged?
• Did you pack your chargers where you can access them when they’re needed?
• Are major appliances disconnected? These are things like refrigerators, washing machines, etc. Be sure to turn off those gas and water lines!
• Moving anything with a gas tank (mowers, weed whackers, etc.)? Empty those tanks!

Be in contact.

Have a moving company? When they call for check in, please provide them plenty of contact information so that they can reach you at any time. This will help lessen stress in the move!

Keep those valuables close!

To keep yourself sane, make sure to keep track of your birth certificates, documents, jewelry, and other valuable items. You’ll probably feel better moving these yourself.

Tape it up!

If your mover is NOT doing your packing, have all moving boxes fully packed and taped shut before the crew arrives. Try not to over or under-fill boxes so that they can be neatly stacked. Carefully label the side of each box with its contents, and whether or not it is fragile. If you have requested professional packing services (dish packs, picture/mirror boxes etc.), please know that this is an additional service.

You can also start moving boxes into the main room. Stack them about 4 feet high so that the movers can roll them out to the truck with little difficulty.

Take care of yourself.

The day before your move we recommend getting take-out or going out for dinner at your favorite local restaurant. Also, remember to make sure to get a good night’s sleep.

The post Moving? Here’s Your 2 Month Checklist appeared first on Mountain Moving.

One of the most important things you need to figure out before you contact a moving company is how much stuff you have.  The easiest way to start is to go room by room and make a list of the major pieces of furniture you have.  Things to include are beds, dressers, tables, couches, and entertainment centers.  Basically, if it won’t fit in a box, it’s a large piece of furniture.

Once you’ve got your list, visit your local moving truck company.  They’ll have some guidelines for you to follow so you can decide which size truck best matches your needs.  There are two ways they categorize stuff going in a truck so you can be prepared when you walk in the door:

1. By number of bedrooms: This is a simple and easy way to determine what size truck you need because they base the truck’s capacity in terms of estimating how much furniture you have in each bedroom. For example, one bedroom may have a queen-sized bed, one dresser, and two nightstands. Remember, this is just an estimate, so if you’re a furniture collector, you’ll need to let the truck company know that you have more than the average number of pieces in each bedroom.
2. By cubic feet: Some moving truck rental companies base your needs on the cubic feet measurement of the truck. If you want to be more precise, this is the option for you.  Simply take the number of furnished rooms you have in your house and multiply that number by 150.  Here’s an example—if you have five furnished rooms, you’ll need a truck with 750 cubic feet of space.  Remember to include the kitchen if you’re moving your appliances because they take up a lot of space and need to be packed in a particular way due to their components.

When Choosing a Moving Van, Don’t Forget….

Don’t forget that in addition to the furnished rooms inside your home, if you have a garage full of stuff, you need to account for that as an additional room.  You also need to remember and account for space in the truck for items like a bike, grill, and outdoor patio furniture.  Make sure to tell the moving truck dealer about these items so they can account for it in determining the size of the truck you’ll need.

Getting the right moving truck means your stuff won’t be tossed around like popcorn if it’s too big or broken if you must jam it all in to fit.

Happy moving!

The post Moving? Get the right size truck for your stuff. appeared first on Mountain Moving.

Move Advisor

This free app will help get you prepared to move even if you’re organizationally challenged.   With a week-by-week moving checklist that’s incredibly detailed and user-friendly, you won’t miss a beat (or a box) as you pack up.  All you need to know when you start is your move date and if you’re hiring a moving company or doing it yourself.  Then leave the details up to the app and it will tell you what you need to do every week to be ready for the big day.  Some of those details include an ‘action’ button below some tasks that you can tick off quickly so you feel accomplished and even better, if the task is related to hiring someone or researching something, you can visit websites that correspond with that task to make it easier on you.  You can use the home inventory tool to create a detailed list of everything you own.  You can even calculate the approximate weight and volume of your stuff so you’ll have an estimate of how much your move will cost you if you’re hiring movers or know how big of a truck to rent if you’re moving yourself.

With Move Advisor, moving has never been easier.

MyMove

Being organized will make your move less stressful on both ends and MyMove will give you information on what to expect from your move, help you find a moving company you can trust and get organized for your move.  From the get go, MyMove provides articles on how to choose the best moving company and  with that valuable information you’ll be ready to make calls and get ready to move.  Also, the app has a ‘Moving Tips’ list that gives you access to a constantly updated database of expert moving related articles with moving tips, relocation guides, moving checklists and moving industry news.

Another great feature of MyMove is that it helps you find the best movers for your relocation.  You can easily request free estimates, search moving companies by name or state and read reviews from past customers.

MyMove is a good app to have ready for your relocation and is available for both Android and iOS devices.

State Farm Move Tools

This interactive, user-friendly, free app will help you get organized for your move by providing many tools to make the job easier.  First up is the to-do list which is a detailed week-by-week checklist with tasks that you can check off and even add to if you’re a detail-oriented person.  The packing tool helps you keep track of items in your house so you have a complete inventory of what leaves and goes into your new home.   The smart labels functionality gives you the option to print out the app-generated labels and attach them to your packed boxes.  No more permanent marker for you.  Finally, this app has a ton of articles with moving tips, how to decide between hiring a moving company or moving yourself, moving insurance and things you should do before your move.

This practical app will help keep you on track for the big day.

Suddath Moving Guru

Another app to help make your move easier–Suddath Moving Guru lets you customize your move between domestic, international or government.  This feature then gives you a to-do list based on the move you’re making.  The task list isn’t as detailed as some of the other apps but with the international and government features, there are tasks that you need to think about that you don’t with a domestic move.

This app also gives you detailed instructions on how to pack each room which is a huge benefit on the other end when you’re looking for pillows and the blender in your new space.

Sortly

With the free Sortly app, you get a moving checklist that starts eight weeks before your moving day and a week-by-week checklist.  Unfortunately, the task list is short and not super detailed so if you’re a person that needs that, don’t use Sortly.  If you want a list just to tick off the big items you need to get done, like hire a mover, then Sortly is the app for you.

The post Apps that can make moving easier appeared first on Mountain Moving.

The do-it-yourself (DIY) craze is upon us and while your cousin’s homebrew might be the best beer you’ve ever tasted, there are a few things you should leave to the professionals rather than trying to do it yourself.

Like re-wiring your own electrical system, moving your home is best left to the professionals for similar reasons. You wouldn’t mess with the hard wiring behind your walls without knowing what you were doing first because you could risk serious injury. Likewise, moving on your own if you do not know what you are doing carries the risk of injury.

You probably won’t get electrocuted if you attempt to move all of your belongings from one place to the next (unless you’re tearing out wiring as you go) but you can seriously injure yourself in many other ways.

Some common injuries for people who attempt to lift and move heavy items that they are not used to moving include:

• lower back strains
• pulled muscles
• broken or pinched fingers
• hernias, if you’re not careful

DIY Moving Risk – The Cost of Medical Bills

Let’s think about the cost of these potential injuries for a moment.

First, if you’re injured enough to require medical attention, you’ll have to pay for a hospital visit one way or another. If you hurt yourself severely enough to miss work, that’s more money out of your pocket. When considering the cost of hiring professionals versus medical expenses, you may find that the costs of DIY moving can add up to much more than making a phone call to a professional moving company like Mountain Moving.

Hiring professionals can also save you the trouble of hurting yourself while moving your couch down three flights of stairs and reduce the overall cost if you strain your back in the process. For many people, a lower back strain is more than an inconvenience; it can mean the loss of valuable work and cause severe discomfort.

On average, a lower back injury can take at least 2 to 8 weeks to heal. While there are many factors that might contribute to recovery time, such as age and fitness level, one thing is certain – the chance for lower back strain increases as you get older.

When you consider opportunities lost because of having to recover from a lower-back injury, you have to ask yourself, “is it really worth it?”

Avoiding Common DIY Moving Risks

Avoid the many common injuries of lifting and moving heavy things by getting professionals to do it. They have the right equipment and they know how to use it to save their bodies. They are able to carry more things faster to and from the moving truck. If you’ve ever had to move your things to the next home by yourself, you know how long it can take to carry every last box and piece of furniture to the truck. Professional movers can get your possessions into the moving truck and to your next destination much faster than you and your friends can move them on your own.

Everyone needs help sometimes, and in the case of Mountain Moving, you’ll get a great value on a moving service that can get you from your old home to your new home as quickly and painlessly (literally) as possible. Instead of burning yourself out in trying to move everything you own to your new home, hire a team of professionals who are all trained to avoid injury and move heavy items quickly and efficiently. The pricing of Mountain Moving’s services is very reasonable and worth it in the long run because you’ll avoid injury and the many costs that hurting yourself can have.

The post DIY Moving: Is It Really Worth The Cost? appeared first on Mountain Moving.

The first thing you have to do is figure out how much it’s going to cost to move in 2016.  Estimating the costs of packing up and shipping out can be complicated. Don’t just open your wallet and hand over a huge wad of cash and hope for the best.

According to the American Moving & Storage Association, the average cost of an intrastate move is $1,170 and the average cost of a move between states is $5,630.  That’s based on a load size of 7,100 pounds.

Getting a quote based on the following parameters will help you compare moving companies easily.  Those factors include where you’re moving from, where you’re moving to, the move size (how many bedrooms and how many total rooms), and when you want to move.

Now that you’ve gotten several quotes, it’s time to ask even more questions so that you don’t plan on one cost and get a bill for a very different (and much higher) end cost.  You don’t need any surprises before uprooting your life.  Here are a few questions you might want to ask to get a better picture of what moving will cost.

• Does the moving company provide all packing materials or is that an extra charge?
• If the company charges hourly, how many hours did they estimate for your move and if they go over that, how much is their hourly rate?
• How many people will be moving your things?

By doing your homework, you’ll be prepared for the day when they show up to pack your treasures.  Beyond thee questions, it’s also a good idea to be prepared for the unplanned parts of your move that you didn’t think about until they are knocking on your door…rather loudly.

Keep in mind as you estimate the cost of moving in 2016, if you’re delayed because your new house closing is postponed, then you’ll need to put your belongings in storage.  The cost of a self-storage unit can vary widely, depending on location and if it’s a climate controlled unit. You should plan on $95-$155 for a 10’ x 20’ unit.

Also, if you decided to purge a lot of what you owned so you could move less, remember that you’re going to have to buy those new items when you start unpacking. Otherwise, you’re going to be left without that trusty toaster or those cleaning supplies.

Now, it’s time to hire the movers.

You might think you can move on your own if you collect enough free boxes and tape, but hiring a reputable company to move your belongings will ultimately save you time, money, and a large piece of your sanity.

Make sure you hire movers that are insured, ethical, and transparent with their costs so you have peace of mind, knowing everything you love will get to your new house safely and quickly.

Now all you have to do is unpack!

The post The Average Cost of Moving in 2016 appeared first on Mountain Moving.

• Research the company. Ask for recommendations from family and friends, and then look up each company to see their Better Business Bureau and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ratings and complaints. Any company you consider should be licensed and will readily provide the information if they are in compliance. Be sure to read online reviews from past customers or ask the company for references to hear experiences from other people in your situation.
• Get multiple estimates. Professionals recommend you get written estimates from at least three moving companies. Make sure these estimates include everything, from the labor hours to mileage and cost of moving your amount of belongings. Be wary of estimates that are significantly lower than others—you may be sacrificing good service and safety for a rate that is probably too good to be true.
• Ask questions. Once you have your options narrowed down to a few contenders, don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Make sure you are clear on what is included in the service, how long they have been in business, their process for packing and moving your belongings, their schedule for your move, and more. Choosing a moving company is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly, so make sure you are completely clear and comfortable with any company your choose.
• Consider insurance. Before signing a moving contract, make sure you know what kind of insurance is included in your package. If you have expensive or irreplaceable belongings, you might want to add more insurance coverage in case anything happens.
• Watch for red flags. If the company demands a large amount of cash or a large deposit up front or if they are unclear about the delivery schedule, walk away. Other red flags include a company that rents (not owns) its equipment, movers that are unprofessional or late, or a slowness to respond to your questions.

Taking the time to carefully research and consider your moving options can make a big difference in the long run and in the success of your move.

The post Hiring a Reputable Moving Company In 2016 – 5 tips appeared first on Mountain Moving.

Nature

The Rocky Mountains are visible all throughout Northern Colorado and are unlike anything else in regards to size and beauty. Most Northern Colorado cities are just a short drive to beautiful hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and rock climbing on some of the country’s top trails. Within miles, you have access to gorgeous plains, rivers, mountains, and more. You can get outside and enjoy the scenery throughout the year, from kayaking in the summer to skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

People

In Northern Colorado you’ll find friendly people who enjoy a full and healthy lifestyle. People here work hard, but they also play hard and love to get out and experience everything the area has to offer. Everywhere you look, people are friendly, considerate, and involved.

Economy and Education

The entire state of Colorado is booming, but especially Northern Colorado. In fact, Fort Collins was recently ranked the fifth best city in the country for business and careers. Northern Colorado is also home to some of the state’s top schools at all levels, including the esteemed University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

Restaurants and Breweries

Northern Colorado is a melting pot of different cultures, and it comes through in the huge variety of restaurants. Some of the state’s top chefs work up north, and the result is something to eat and drink for everyone. Plus, much of the menu comes from locally grown meat and produce from the area’s rich agricultural community. The area also has some of the country’s top breweries, including the third largest in the country, New Belgium, conveniently located in Fort Collins. Breweries are open for tours and tasting and contribute to the great culture of Northern Colorado.

Arts and Culture

Northern Colorado has a rich past, but it also embraces the future. This is shown in the wide variety of cultural opportunities, starting with the regions many museums and historical attractions. On top of that is a large artist community with galleries and displays throughout the cities. Musical talent and theater also runs deep, with the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra as the oldest orchestra west of the Mississippi. There really is something for everyone in Northern Colorado.

The post Why Move to Northern Colorado? appeared first on Mountain Moving.