CLICKandMOVE Blog

CLICKandMOVE wins 2011 Government of Alberta Consumer Champion Award

Fri, 25 May 2012 19:58:00 +0300

Manmeet Bhullar, Minister of Service Alberta, presents the 2011 Consumer Champion Award to Don Kachur, President of Highland Moving and Storage Ltd.

Highland Moving was recognized by the Government of Alberta as the 2011 “Consumer Champion” for the development of CLICKandMOVE.com, a consumer oriented web application that customers can use to solicit comparable moving quotes. The CLICKandMOVE website allows relocating customers to take a virtual room by room tour of their home and simply click on “icons” of furniture that need to be moved. This inventory is then submitted online to multiple moving companies to get accurate and comparable moving quotes. Until now, the consumer could either get estimates on the phone, which are notoriously inaccurate, or face the inconvenience of meeting with multiple salespeople to survey the contents of their home. Not only is CLICKandMOVE a significant time saver in the busy days before a move, but it also ensures that all movers are bidding on the same household inventory, eliminating the prime source of “bait and switch” moving scams.

Highland Moving has provided reliable, honest and friendly moving service to the citizens of Alberta for over 70 years.

Mayflower Van Lines partners with CLICKandMOVE to offer customers the convenience of online inventories.

Fri, 25 May 2012 19:19:00 +0300

Mayflower Canada is now offering their internet customers the convenience of creating their own furniture inventory online. “With more and more dual income families, consumers are quickly moving towards self service in all their purchases” said Anne Martin, President of Mayflower Canada. “For the relocating consumer, online inventories are a great time saver in the busy days before a household move. Rather than meeting multiple salespeople in their home, they are able to complete an online inventory in about 15 minutes. This furniture list instantly appears on a moving consultants screen and is then followed up with a telephone quote or an in-house estimate if required”.
Consumers really appreciate this service-some literally say they “love it!” In fact, CLICKandMOVE recently received the 2011 Government of Alberta’s “Consumer Champion” award and is a great first step for consumers to avoid moving scams. The app is also available on some BBB sites, where the customer can send the inventory to 3 competing movers for bids

Helping Your College Graduate Adjust to Life Back Home

Mon, 21 May 2012 19:29:00 +0300

Given these economic times, chances are your college student may be moving back home after graduation. It will be an adjustment for both of you. Keep in mind that your young adult is just that - a young adult. He or she left bright eyed and ready to learn. However, now they have received their education and are looking toward their future.

When they move back home, the best thing to do is to have a family meeting. Clarify your expectations and have them do the same. This will alleviate some friction or misunderstandings in the future.

It is important to realize that even though your little boy or girl will always be that in your eyes, in their minds they are an adult full of life experiences. Therefore, clearing the air as they move in will go a long way in preventing any issues later. Discuss things like employment, financial contributions, household duties, length of stay and things that will be deal breakers. This will lay the foundation for their stay with you and expectations on both ends. The honeymoon of having them home will expire. Therefore, I can’t emphasize the importance of this. So, take the time to do it. It will pay you and them dividends in the future.

How Do I Move Paintings and Sculptures?

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:50:00 +0300

Moving paintings and sculptures require some care and preparation. It is important to let your mover know that you will be moving these special items. It does not have to be an expensive work of art, it could be a special piece of art that your child made for you. Either way, take the time to identify these special items so that extra preparation can be taken to prevent damage.

If you are packing yourself, you want to make sure that you adequately protect the item. You want to take steps to stabilize the item and wrap it to protect it. You may want to consider crating it or storing it in a special box. Definitely label the item fragile so that your mover will know to take extra care with that piece.

However, if your mover will be packing you, depending on the piece, they may advise you to crate the item. If so, you may want to seriously consider doing that. It may be worth the extra cost to ensure the item gets to your destination safely.

If you are transporting artwork of significant value, you want to identify this with your mover and speak to your insurance agent. You want to make sure you have the item appraised. Depending on the value, you will want to have a special insurance rider to cover the item. It is better to take the extra steps before you move in the event something were to happen. Have all of your questions answered by your mover and insurance agent. It will give you the peace of mind that your special item is adequately covered.

How Do I Move a Car?

Mon, 07 May 2012 22:57:00 +0300

Preparation is key to moving a car. In order to ensure the successful transport of your vehicle, you will have to take some steps ahead of time to prepare it. Before you get started, you will need to get your vehicle serviced, make sure that there are no loose parts and the antennae is removed. This is to prevent damage to your vehicle. You also want to make sure the car is empty and does not contain your personal affects. You will need gas in the car, but it should be minimal. Approximately a quarter tank is optimal.

When you are selecting a mover, make sure to tell them that you will be moving your vehicle. Also, you will need to make sure they have the capacity to handle moving your car.

You will also have to familiarize yourself with what you need to do for your car in your new location. If you are moving internationally, you will have to understand their protocols and requirements. An experienced mover will have all of the information to hand for customs to transport your vehicle internationally. However, you do want to take the time to do your research to ensure you know what you will need to do.

Further, if you are moving to another state, take the time to familiarize yourself with the states requirements to ensure you take the necessary steps to meet these in the time allotted. Moving your car can be a seamless endeavor. However, taking the time to prepare and hiring the right mover will make all the difference in the world.

How Do I Move as a College Graduate?

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:31:00 +0300

As a college graduate, you are moving on from school to a new stage of life full of promise and opportunity. Some of you may be moving home after graduation and some of you may be moving on to your first new place. Most of you at this stage in life, have a manageable amount of personal items to move. However, if you need any help moving, consider using ClickandMove. ClickandMove allows you the freedom to take your own inventory electronically and submit them to movers in your area. These companies will then return estimates via email directly to you. It is a powerful tool to help you assess if this is in your budget and a viable alternative for you.

Best of all, it is convenient and on your own time. While you are juggling graduation parties, interviews with potential employers and catching up with your friends, let ClickandMove help you make the most of your valuable time.

Keep in mind that before you move into your first new place, consider taking measurements. This is so important. You want to make sure you have adequate room for all of your things before you move into your new place. This will allow you to have the opportunity to sell or give away items that will not work and find replacement items that will. There are many options available to find furniture that fit tight spaces and are reasonably priced. From Ikea to Target, you will have many stylish options that will meet your needs.

Best of luck! It is such an exciting time in your life. Keep in mind ClickandMove is always here to help you.

When Moving, Be Careful of Bed Bugs

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:19:00 +0300

When you are moving, you need to be careful of bed bugs. Whether you are renting, purchasing a home or staying in temporary accommodations, take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family. It may seem down right gross, but bed bugs have made a comeback. Unfortunately, they are a pest that is very difficult to eradicate and some of the swankiest hotels in large cities have been plagued with this problem.

Unfortunately, they are indiscriminate. Therefore, you want to take the necessary steps to protect yourself. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

When staying in a hotel or temporary accommodations, check around and see if everything is in order. Turn down the bedding and check the sheets and mattress to be safe. You want to look for black specks and/or brown colored ‘shells’. If you see anything questionable, make sure to put your bags on a table or counter and not the couch or floor. After moving your things, contact the front desk immediately.

When looking for a rental, take the time to look around. If you have any suspicions, leave a piece of white paper on the carpet. When you go back, check to see if you notice anything. If you notice any odd smell like a musty sweet order take note.

Further, know your rights as a tenant. This is so important in case something happens after you move in and you want to terminate your lease. Ask the tough questions and make sure you understand all of the answers.

When purchasing a home, look carefully. If you have any suspicions, ask your realtor and be cautious. Home inspectors should take note of any infestation problems. Therefore, be sure to get a home inspection.

Know that the pest can live six months to a year without feeding, which is what makes them so difficult to eradicate. In any event, you should take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family. Educating yourself ahead of time is the key to prevention. The last thing you need in the midst of a move is having to deal with this type of problem. Further, you want to make sure that you do not inadvertently introduce them to your new place.

How Do I Prepare My Friends and Family For My Move?

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:35:00 +0300

Once you find out you are moving, you definitely need to take steps to prepare your friends and family for your move. After making the decision with your spouse or partner and children, it is time to inform your friends and family. It is important to realize that your friends and family will have to get used to the idea of you leaving. This will take some time and understanding. However, when you are moving time eludes you and your patience and understanding is in limited supply. Therefore, when you break the news, stay positive. This will help them find your excitement and sense of adventure. Also, you want to make time to schedule meetings and meals with them. This is important for you and them. The sooner you schedule these the better. As you get closer to your move, you will quickly find that time flies and it is harder to make time to do this.

With all the social media outlets and Skype, keeping in touch is very accessible. Make arrangements to make those connections once you move. This will help you and your family with feelings of being homesick and will make for a better transition into you new life. Once you move, it will take time to cultivate new relationships. Therefore, keeping these connections will help you tremendously.

PCSing? Here Are a Few Tips to Help.

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 22:46:00 +0300

PCS (Permanent Change of Station) season is about to start. Therefore, as you get your orders to your new duty station, let ClickandMove help you find the right professional mover. Here are some tips to help you and your family PCS with ease.

Make copies of your orders and keep them to hand. This is so important because you will be asked for this paperwork throughout the process and having easy access to it will help tremendously.

When you are selecting a mover, consider their capacity to help you with your move. Once you have used ClickandMove and have gotten your estimates online, you want to begin to narrow down your choices. This will allow you to begin your due diligence. Ask questions of your prospective movers about capacity, experience, experience moving military personnel and references. Also, do not forget to get their MC number. Once you have this number, go to www.protectyourmove.gov . This will allow you to get an understanding of the movers standing. It is a great resource and worth the time to check.

Even though you may have done this countless times before, make it an adventure. This helps your family make the most of the move. Have a ‘mini’ vacation on route to your new duty station. Chances are since you will have to transport your vehicle and drive anyway, make a fun road trip out of it. This will give your family some excitement and anticipation. Stop off at sites to see that you would not have had the time for in the past. It will help you build memories for your family for years to come.