When my father was first stationed in Okinawa at the time I was born, he was on an assignment in the Philippines when the time came for my mother to have me. Somehow, my mother traveled to the military base hospital on her own.

Every few years, we moved from place to place and lived on Army bases in Virigina, Florida, and Georgia all throughout my childhood years. We eventually moved back to my parents’ hometown in Honolulu, Hawaii.

When I look back at all of our homes, I remember all of the rooms looking very similar. Our furniture was always provided for us at each Army base, which was to minimize my family’s moving expenses.

When it came to making friends at school and building relationships with my peers, it was extremely challenging. My family only stayed in a single location for a few years, so by the time I did make new friends, it was time for me to move to the next assignment.

Throughout my childhood, I lived on base. I attended school on base, played sports teams on base, went to the movie theatre on base, and went shopping with my parents to the commissary (military code for supermarket) on base. Rarely did my family venture to other towns outside of base.

When I look back at my childhood, I can’t say that my youth was horrible. The military provided an excellent experience for my family, and although I never lived a traditional childhood and built life-long friendships, the military was an interesting experience for a young girl, and I’m proud to have grown up in a military family.

This story was inspired by: https://www.quora.com/Childhood-What-is-it-like-to-grow-up-as-a-military-brat

If you’re growing up or grew up in a military family, please check out the resources for military children in our previous blog, “PCS and the Impact on Military Families.”

The post Growing Up in a Military Family first appeared on Cummings Moving.

Downsizing allows you to save money. And that money can be used to pay rent or your mortgage. Downsizing also allows you to make space for and maintain only the essentials in your life.

A lot more people are moving from the suburbs to the cities and into smaller apartments.

No matter what your reasons are for downsizing, it’s guaranteed to have a great effect on your psyche.

Again, you are making space for only the essential things in your life.

—

The difficult part of preparing for a move from a bigger home into a smaller home is letting go of things that you no longer need but give you a sense of comfort.

Getting rid of excess stuff is easier said than done. Plus, downsizing may not at all be your primary choice.

No matter how unpleasant, downsizing is still a move forward. So, onward we go.

#1 Take inventory of your stuff

The first step is to take a close inventory of your belongings. Ask yourself what you would take with you in case of a fire? What items are irreplaceable?

List down the things that are actually important to you and the things that you CAN live without.

Now, the things that you can live without don’t necessarily have to go. They just aren’t your first priority when it comes to packing. These are also the things that can move into a storage facility.

Say you can live without your huge TV. When you’re downsizing, you can easily replace your big TV with a smaller one.

This full inventory is also going to be really helpful in securing homeowner’s insurance.

#2 Sell or donate the things that you CAN live without

Take a look at the list of things that you can live without. These are usually kitchen appliances, dining sets, shoes, clothes, books, electronics, extra beds and futons, furniture, etc.

The things that you are holding on to are only depreciating in value. Therefore, do not be afraid to part with them.

You can either sell them or donate them. Get cash for the things you can do without by either holding a yard sale or selling them on eBay or Craigslist.

Buy yourself a newer couch that suits your downsized home perfectly rather than hold on to your old musty couch.

The things that you cannot sell, you can donate to your nearest Goodwill.

#3 Get creative with storage options

Downsizing means having less space. The good news is that it helps you get creative with storage. Go to your local Home Depot or IKEA and you’ll see ottomans with inside storage, wall-mounted shelving, and beds with under storage boxes.

The rule of thumb with space saving storage is going up and not out.

#4 Choose wisely what you’re going to allow to enter your space

So you’ve moved into a smaller apartment and are deep in the throes of downsizing — be wise about what you let occupy space in your dwellings.

You need to be ruthless if you want to avoid clutter in your home. Your space is now at a premium, and it’s easy to clutter a small space.

Make sure that you absolutely need everything you take in. Or make compromises. For example, if you’re buying a new pair of shoes, sell or donate about two pairs. Get with the mindset and let it be your habit.

#5 Go digital

We are in the digital age. Bulky CDs, DVDs, and all other paperwork are best digitized. Explore your cloud storage options, with Google Drive, you get 15GB free. With a Microsoft Office 365 account, you get 1TB free cloud storage on Onedrive.

If you don’t trust the cloud, get a hard drive. You can get a cheap one for $50 for 1TB of storage.

All of this can free up many boxes of documents and files.

#6 Rent a storage unit

Remember the list of things you can live without but you don’t actually wish to part with because you have a legitimate need for them in the future? For those items, you can rent a storage unit.

With a rented storage space, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your belongings are properly stored and in a safe environment.

You can leave your belongings there and find them just as you had left them.

San Francisco Moving Company Storage Space: Cummings Moving Co.

Whether you need a temporary home for your belongings or long term storage space, or even extra room for your business (in which case you’ll need warehouse space), Cummings Moving Company has plenty of clean, safe storage available.

Pay only for the storage you need. Our storage spaces are clean and well-lit and equipped with video monitoring and alarm system.

Our warehouse building has private lockers and industrial grade shelving for larger pieces of furniture. Rest assured, your belongings remain sealed, blanket-wrapped or boxed and stored until you are ready to pick up or have them delivered.

Request a FREE Residential Storage Quote or FREE Small Business Storage Quote.

Or give us a call at 415-387-4000 or 650-692-3000 with your questions.

Remember, with Cummings Moving Co., you only pay for the space you use!

The post 6 Ways To Downsize When Moving Into a New Home first appeared on Cummings Moving.

The reality is sometimes you don’t get to plan your move. They come as a surprise and are oh so sudden that you’re forced to act immediately.

Here’s an easy guide that contains 4 great tips to ensure a quick, last-minute move.

Get up early and start packing

A quick move means gone is the luxury to sleep in. Once the sun rises, so should you. The earlier you start, the more you accomplish in a day.

Start early organizing and packing your belongings and then disposing of those you no longer need.

With an early start, last-minute changes will not cause you a great amount of stress. You are also allowing yourself ample time to account for things you might have overlooked initially.

This method lets you stop and catch your breath.

Pack now, sort later

For a super last-minute move, you need to sacrifice time to organize. The goal is to get everything in a box, seal, and set it aside. Once you get to your new place, you can begin sorting.

Don’t worry about keeping certain items together in a box or having a “kitchen” or “living room” theme.

Just pack things as you encounter them and make sure to label the box appropriately if there are fragile items inside.

Or be ruthless

Either pack now and sort later when you arrive at your new home or be a brutal disposer.

With a last-minute move, you have the opportunity to be ruthless with the stuff you have been meaning to get rid of but never got around to. The same goes for stuff you haven’t used in years!

Have a box for items to dispose of or to donate. What this comes down to is less energy and time used in packing.

Have the whole family involved in packing for how would you know which ones to toss when it comes to your children’s stuff?

Move from room to room

The thought of packing all your belongings can be overwhelming. What really helps is to break the task down into tiny pieces.

You can do this by moving from room to room to streamline the packing process.

Instead of going from room to room just to pick and pack electronics, you can assign one box to one room. This way you can focus on one room at a time.

One trick is to start with the big rooms such as the living room, dining room, then you can move on to the small rooms such as the bedrooms and bathrooms.

Get Help From A Professional Residential Moving Company

With a last-move move, you cannot pull your friends and families from what they are doing. Luckily, there are people who have made it a business to help people with last-minute moves.

A moving company can help cut down the stress and headache that comes with a last-minute move. You are dealing with professionals here who can look at the situation objectively and act in the best and most efficient way.

San Francisco Moving Company Cummings Moving Co. offers a wide range of services to accommodate a variety of moving needs such as:

• Full-Service Pack and Move / Whole-house packing

• You Pack It – We Move It

• Specialty Crating

• White Glove Service / Furniture wrapping

• Executive relocation service

Our professional packers help with packing your entire household for a last minute move.

We also supply quality moving supplies such as moving boxes and packing materials so you can save time spent shopping around or looking for boxes and packing materials.

Need help with a last-minute move? Call us at 415-387-4000 or 650-692-3000. Email Us via our Contact Page. Either way, we are happy to give you a Free Moving Quote, including your supplies!

The post Tips For A Last Minute Move first appeared on Cummings Moving.

Moving interstate can be overwhelming. Luckily, tips abound.

Here are 4 of the most crucial tips for moving interstate from San Francisco moving company, Cummings Moving Co.

—-

OK, moving interstate can be very stressful and difficult and expensive — but it doesn’t have to be.

There are professionals that  will make your interstate move easy breezy and stress-free.

#1 Plan your move meticulously

Before you plan your move, you’ve got to sort out what you’ve got to move. You’ve got a lot of sorting, packing, and disposing of items to do.

You will also need to make some arrangements with any subscriptions you may have and call to schedule for their disconnection. It’s best to do this months prior to your move.

To make things easier, have a moving checklist for the things you’ve got to do and work your way down until you get to the part where you have to hire an interstate moving company.

#2 Hire an interstate moving company

Moving interstate is just not one of those things that you cannot do yourself. There are big risks involved moving interstate and the last thing you need is an injury which will delay your move.

There’s also the costs of moving interstate if you do it yourself. Consider the price of the rented moving van, the cost of fuel, insurance, moving equipment, packing supplies, road tolls, parking, food and lodgings on the road.

Make sure to hire a trustworthy and reputable San Francisco moving company. The best San Francisco moving companies usually have excellent word-of-mouth recommendations.

#3 Find out how much your move will cost

Interstate moving companies do not charge by the hour. The cost will be calculated according to the total shipment weight, the distance of the move, and additional services you sign up for.

Total shipment weight– more items to move means a heavier weight and a higher cost. For this reason, it makes sense to bring only the essential items with you if you want to save on costs. This is why decluttering, sorting, and disposing of items no longer needed is the first step in this guide.

Total distance of move – You couldn’t change the distance between your present home and your new home, therefore this factor remains constant.

Added services – May include professional packing, disassembling and reassembling of furniture, etc.

#4 Get your new place ready before your move

Do you like your new place? Good. Does it need renovations or sprucing and cleaning up? If yes, then you’ve got to take care of renovations before your move-in date.

Any upgrades will prove to be challenging once all your stuff has been dropped off inside your new home or apartment.

Cummings Moving Co. will take care of your of you and your belongings

Cummings Moving has been in the business of moving San Francisco residents since 1969.

You expect a great deal from us residential movers and we will work to meet and exceed your expectations.

We offer the following services:

Full-Service Pack and Move – The Full-Service Pack and Move of a house, condo or apartment is perfect for families and professionals who want to leave all the details to the professionals.

As professional residential movers, we will pack and move your whole house while you can focus on the excitement of starting over in a new city.

You Pack It – We Move It –  The We Move It option is perfect if you’d like to do the packing yourself and want to assign professional movers to move your valuables so you can focus on fixing your new home.

White Glove Service – The White Glove Service is perfect for you if you have a larger home or estate. Leave it to the professionals to handle your expensive art, antique, and wine collection.

Cummings Moving Company is on hand to cater to your needs. We carefully pack, wrap and crate your home in its entirety, move the valuables to your new residence and make sure that your things are unpacked for you in your new home.

Request a free, no-obligation Moving Quote online or contact Cummings Moving Company at your convenience. Let us know how we can help you.

The post 4 Crucial Tips For Your Interstate Move first appeared on Cummings Moving.

As the saying goes, you’ve got to compromise. Plus, living in such a great city, you wouldn’t be staying home most of the time anyway.

You have to remember that when it comes to downsizing, you have to be innovative.

Here are some tips for moving into a small apartment:

Declutter, dispose, and donate

The first thing you’ve got to do is to declutter. Downsizing means making room for the essentials — which is a good thing. Set aside time before the date of your move to declutter and dispose or donate.

You can donate the clothes that you haven’t worn in a year to Goodwill or Salvation Army. Look in your kitchen, how many pots do you really need? Remember, you will have less space. So dispose of or donate duplicates and triplicates.

If you need the extra cash, there are companies you can hire to sell your stuff online.

Install lots of storage and think vertically

Having a smaller apartment means changing your thinking. Start thinking vertically, such as shelves, stacks, and hooks and hanging storage. These will save you space so you have room for the other things that you love.

Go digital

Digitizing will help you become more efficient in your new home. Sign up for paperless banking, start streaming movies and quit buying DVDs, consider cloud storage for your music, movies, photos, etc.

You have a wealth of options such as Google Drive, Dropbox, MediaFire, AmazonPhoto, and OneDrive. Keeping your files in multiple services helps keep your documents safe.

Create the illusion of more space

Home designers know this. Creating an illusion of space will fool your brain into thinking you have a roomier apartment. So think natural sources of light and white walls.

Utilize mirrors, neutral motifs, and do away with heavy curtains and dark color palettes that will shrink the room.

Choose an apartment with an efficient design

With your new apartment being small, it does not mean it cannot be transformed. If you can, look for an apartment that supports efficiency in its design. Features such as a drop-down bed or a bed with storage incorporated in its frame, and also recessed walls for storage.

Hire a reputable San Francisco moving company when moving into your small apartment

Moving can be dreadful without the right help. You obviously cannot do it all by yourself, unless you can lift your sofa, furniture, boxes, and whatnot.

You could pull a muscle or seriously injure yourself. And no doubt your friends and family are too busy to help you with your move.

What you need is a professional San Francisco moving company to make the move into your new apartment a pleasant and stress-free experience.

The good thing is you pay less moving into a small apartment. So you pay less for pros who have all the right equipment for an efficient move.

If you are moving into your new apartment, don’t hesitate to call Cummings Moving Co. San Francisco moving company. We have been moving San Francisco Bay Area residents since 1969.

We offer full-service so you can focus on other aspects of your move while we do the heavy-lifting!

The post Tips For Moving Into a Small Apartment first appeared on Cummings Moving.

When my father was first stationed in Okinawa at the time I was born, he was on an assignment in the Philippines when the time came for my mother to have me. Somehow, my mother traveled to the military base hospital on her own.

Every few years, we moved from place to place and lived on Army bases in Virigina, Florida, and Georgia all throughout my childhood years. We eventually moved back to my parents’ hometown in Honolulu, Hawaii.

When I look back at all of our homes, I remember all of the rooms looking very similar. Our furniture was always provided for us at each Army base, which was to minimize my family’s moving expenses.

When it came to making friends at school and building relationships with my peers, it was extremely challenging. My family only stayed in a single location for a few years, so by the time I did make new friends, it was time for me to move to the next assignment.

Throughout my childhood, I lived on base. I attended school on base, played sports teams on base, went to the movie theatre on base, and went shopping with my parents to the commissary (military code for supermarket) on base. Rarely did my family venture to other towns outside of base.

When I look back at my childhood, I can’t say that my youth was horrible. The military provided an excellent experience for my family, and although I never lived a traditional childhood and built life-long friendships, the military was an interesting experience for a young girl, and I’m proud to have grown up in a military family.

This story was inspired by: https://www.quora.com/Childhood-What-is-it-like-to-grow-up-as-a-military-brat

If you’re growing up or grew up in a military family, please check out the resources for military children in our previous blog, “PCS and the Impact on Military Families.”

The post Growing Up in a Military Family first appeared on Cummings Moving.

Permanent Change of Station, or better known as PCS, is the official relocation of an active duty military member — along with any family members living with him or her — to a new duty location, such as a military base.

Military Moves Impact on Kids

Currently, there are 2,000,000 military-connected children in America. Military families move on an average of every 2 and 3 years, which means that about 500,000 military children change schools annually. Every school district in the US has military-connected children. Now let’s look at the real impact of changing a duty station for children.

One Move Equals the Following:

— a change of address

— a change of school

— a change of teachers

— a change of friends

— a change in schedules

— a change in routines

— a change in neighborhood

— a change in activities

— a change in housing

A Study by the Health Behavior News Service Journal of Adolescent Health

This study discovered that children in military families who experience PCS have an increase in the following mental health problem:attention-deficit, conduct disorders, self-injury, and suicidal behaviors. 

The study indicated that geographical moves are reported to have an adverse effect on the children’s mental health. Since PCS is typical in military families, the results were somewhat surprising.

Moving Can Cause Children Stressors

R. Scott Benson, M.D., a child psychiatrist in Pensacola, FL and a former speaker of the American Psychiatric Association Assembly, said, “it showed that these children experience these moves as stressors.” Parents should weigh in on the effects of a move on their children and give consideration to their developmental needs, Benson explained.

While PCS isn’t associated to mental health problems for all children, it’s important for parents and teachers to acclimate children during and after PCS. Wondering what you can do?

There are Some Great Resources Out There

As a veteran-owned company, we know the impact on the kids first-hand and found some great resources for all the Military Parents out there. Below are some great resources we have found for military parents!

1. Here you will find real life stories and resources to help you navigate your military life: https://blog.militaryfamily.org 

2. This resource provides PCS relocation information, job opportunities for family members, coupons, and more valuable resources for military families: http://militaryoneclick.com/tag/pcs-and-relocation/ 

3. This resource focuses on 24/7 online support for military parents and children. You can find educational programs for children, health and wellness tips, financial and legal advice, and more: http://www.militaryonesource.mil

The post PCS and the Impact On Military Families first appeared on Cummings Moving.

Below is a checklist of some of the items you may want to consider for your Last On/First Off box. Keep in mind that flammable items, liquids, perishable foods or damp items may not be allowed on your moving truck. Please check with your mover so you know which of these need to be hand-carried.

Handy Checklist for Your “Last On” “Open First” Box

Desk Items

• Checks & cash (stash some extra in your wallet and carry with you)
• Stamps
• Blank envelopes
• Pads and sheets of paper
• Pens, pencils, highlighter and small markers
• Stapler + extra staples
• Tape
• String
• Rubber bands
• Black binder clips in various sizes
• Bills & paperwork needed in first few days (put in your Moving Binder if you have one)
• Customer service numbers for lost or stolen credit cards

Eating & Kitchen

• Plastic utensils, cups, paper plates and napkins
• Cutting board and sharp kitchen knife
• Small pot and lid
• Can opener
• Cork screw
• Bottle opener
• Salt & pepper
• Coffee pot or tea kettle
• Coffee filters (carry a bag of ground coffee or tea bags with you – it’s not advisable to put food items on the truck)
• Powdered creamer, sweetener and stir sticks
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic Ziploc bags in various sizes
• Take-out menus and coupons for restaurants that deliver to your new home.
• List of the best pizza delivery places or GF/DF-friendly restaurants in your new neighborhood. Do the legwork NOW rather than having to search it out on your phone later.
• Sponge
• Dish soap

For the Kids

• Toys
• Security blanket & stuffed animals
• Treats & rewards
• Favorite books
• Travel games
• Coloring books + crayons
• Clothes & PJ’s
• Pediatrician & Emergency Room info in new town

Medical & Bathroom

• Urgent care & emergency room in new town
• Prescriptions
• First aid kit
• Toothpaste + tooth brush
• Eye care products
• Q-tips
• Headache medicine
• Antacid
• Vitamins
• Two rolls of toilet paper
• Cheap shower curtain liner
• Soap
• Bath towels
• Towel or rug for bathroom floor
• Kid’s bathroom items
• Toiletries (carry with you –liquid should not go on truck)

Clean-up

• Paper towels
• Rags
• Small bucket
• Trash bags
• Dust pan & small hand-broom
• Wet wipes

Bedroom

• Air mattress
• Sheets, blanket, pillow and pillow case
• Change of clothes (or two) suitable to your new climate
• Pajamas & bathrobe
• Extra work clothes
• Extra socks and undies

Stay Comfortable

• Extra sunglasses
• Extra reading glasses
• Umbrella
• Rain coat
• Sweatshirt or Coat
• Hat
• Gloves
• Electric Fan
• Portable heater
• Thick socks
• Work boots

Toolbox & Fix-it Supplies

• Big wide markers
• Packing tape
• Duct tape
• Safety pins in various sizes
• Mini sewing kit
• Knife/box-cutter
• Scissors
• Hammer
• Flat head and Phillips screw drivers
• Assortment of screws and nails
• Zip ties in all sizes
• Rope
• Wrench
• Cordless drill, bits & screw bits
• Work gloves
• Safety glasses
• Tape measure
• Swiss Army knife or other multiple utility tool

Light & Electric

• Clip lamps
• Light bulbs
• Extension cord & power strip
• Flashlight & batteries
• Chargers for your devices

For the Pets

It may not be possible for some of these items to go on the moving truck and in most cases you will likely have these items with your pets as they travel to your new home with you. If you have questions about items for your pets, please check with your mover 1-2 weeks before your move so you know what can go on the truck.

• Pet food
• Bowls or food & water
• Medication
• Clean-up baggies
• Leashes & collars
• Treats & chews
• Toys
• Name of vet in new town
• 24hr veterinary clinic in new town
• Pee pads and a spare towel
• Pet bed
• Grooming items

Misc

• Matches or lighter (carry with you – cannot go on the truck)

Cummings Moving Company | Residential & Small Business Moving & Storage | San Francisco Movers

Cummings Moving Company is a family owned and operated moving & storage company proud of its well-established reputation in San Francisco and throughout the region – reflected in their extended residential, small business and Realtor referrals. The company is a female, minority, and veteran-owned and operated moving company with over 45 years of exceptional client service – spanning the entire country and beyond. For more information about quality, stress-free moving, in San Francisco please call 415-387-4000 or from the Peninsula call 650-629-3000. Request a Free Moving Quote HERE or continue to explore our website and San Francisco Blog.

The advice on our website and blog is provided as a courtesy and is intended for informational purposes only. It is offered as-is with no warranty expressed or implied. We hope it provides you with helpful information that you can use.

The post Checklist for “Open First” Box first appeared on Cummings Moving.

From those intent on packing themselves to those who see the wisdom in hiring a professional to pack their belongings, the bottom line is getting your items packed up in a way that allows for safe transport to the new location. As human beings, we are generally optimistic about our ability to accomplish certain tasks. What we often forget is that there are all sorts of little things that add up over the course of the packing process. And if we are not careful to leave a buffer, we can get stuck needing more time than we budgeted.

Things like running out of packing supplies, the added time to label things properly and pack things well. The time it takes to find used boxes or tape new ones together. The time it takes to move and stack packed items so the boxes are out of the way and still easy to access come moving day.

Three Ways to Estimate Packing Time

Method 1 – Roughly estimate the “worst case” time scenario you can think of. Then add another 50% to that. Yep, we are serious! It

Method 2 – Figure out how long it would take to pack ONE average box – start to finish – Include taping the box together, wrapping the contents, packing the box full, taping it shut and labeling the contents on the outside (top AND end). Then, if you are good at mentally calculating volume, walk around your entire home and estimate how many PACKED boxes per room. Do the same for closets, attic/basement, garage, storage, etc. ADD the boxes together and add 20% to the total (just in case). Then, multiply the number of GRAND TOTAL number boxes by the time per box. Take the total time and add 20% more time to it. NOW you have an approximate number of boxes AND the rough time you will need to pack them!

Method 3 – Unless you have moved several times or are one smart cookie when it comes to estimates like this, it may even take you more time than you calculate.  If you can, it makes sense to pay a professional to pack your house for you. Professional packers are both fast and efficient. They pack your belongings with care and understand how to pack for efficient loading of the truck on moving day and for the safety of your belongings while in transit. As soon as you try a whole house packing service, you’ll see what we mean!

For a quote on packing as part of a move with Cummings Moving Company, request a Free Moving Quote.

Cummings Moving Company | Residential & Small Business Moving & Storage | San Francisco Movers

Cummings Moving Company is a family owned and operated moving & storage company proud of its well-established reputation in San Francisco and throughout the region – reflected in their extended residential, small business and Realtor referrals. The company is a female, minority, and veteran-owned and operated moving company with over 45 years of exceptional client service – spanning the entire country and beyond. For more information about quality, stress-free moving, in San Francisco please call 415-387-4000 or from the Peninsula call 650-629-3000. Request a Free Moving Quote HERE or continue to explore our website and San Francisco Blog.

The advice on our website and blog is provided as a courtesy and is intended for informational purposes only. It is offered as-is with no warranty expressed or implied. We hope it provides you with helpful information that you can use.

The post Estimate Packing Time for Your Move first appeared on Cummings Moving.

Remember, moving season varies across the country. In general, if you are moving during the Spring, Summer and early Autumn, book your mover ASAP.

Ask About Specialty Items When Moving

When getting your moving quote, make sure to point out items of significant size, weight, value or age. Items of special personal importance or ones that are particularly fragile should also be discussed. Most movers are especially careful of pieces like this. In some cases, your mover may want to pack specialty pieces in a wooden crate or make other arrangements in order to keep it safe in transit. Listen to the professionals. They have likely moved more than you have and are your best ally.

Know the Details of Your Estimate

Ask potential movers how they calculate their estimate so you can compare apples to apples. Consider how much time you would save if your movers packed you home and request a quote for that as well. Sometime the money spent is worth the time and sanity saved. If moving across country or internationally, make certain that the movers in consideration are licensed agents for a world-wide moving company.  Why does that matter? More here.  

Know your move-in date and make sure it is iron-clad.  Not having an accurate date can be a costly mistake. Fortunately Cummings has a state of the art storage facility that can easily accommodate you in the event of a timing issue. If a mover, including Cummings, needs to hold your items overnight or for a few days, there is a cost involved. You want to understand these details ahead of time. If your mover does not have their own storage facility, you may need to make arrangements to take delivery at a temporary storage facility and then move your belongings from there when the new space is ready. Logistics like this can become the real stressor on move-day. Think it through ahead of time and set yourself up for success!

Logistics of Your Move

Speaking of logistics, keep in mind that some streets and locations can only accommodate certain types of moving trucks. Depending on the streets and the buildings involved at both ends of your move, your mover may need to make specific arrangements to make sure things work. Make sure you choose a mover with the experience and flexibility to handle this. Ask them how they plan to handle stairs if they are narrow, steep or have tight turns and multiple flights. This can impact the time and cost of your move. Better to know now than be surprised later.

While a moving crew may be happy to arrange and rearrange furniture, please remember that your crew may have another move scheduled later that day and the meter will likely be ticking as long as they are on the job. If you think you will want extra help with furniture placement in your new home, it is best to let your moving company know ahead of time so they can factor that into the crew’s schedule and into your quote.

More than a Great Review

Go with your gut AND see what others have to say.  Online review sites can be very helpful. The key is to consider the big picture: Does the company maintain a good rating over time and across a significant number of reviews. Does the company have an excessive number of complaints?  Are the complaints reasonable?  Were they resolved? What is YOUR experience like when you call or email for a quote? What does your gut say? Do you trust the mover?  Are they licensed and insured?

Cummings Moving Company | Residential & Small Business Moving & Storage | San Francisco Movers

Cummings Moving Company is a family owned and operated moving & storage company proud of its well-established reputation in San Francisco and throughout the region – reflected in their extended residential, small business and Realtor referrals. The company is a female, minority, and veteran-owned and operated moving company with over 45 years of exceptional client service – spanning the entire country and beyond. For more information about quality, stress-free moving, in San Francisco please call 415-387-4000 or from the Peninsula call 650-629-3000. Request a Free Moving Quote HERE or continue to explore our website and San Francisco Blog.

The advice on our website and blog is provided as a courtesy and is intended for informational purposes only. It is offered as-is with no warranty expressed or implied. We hope it provides you with helpful information that you can use.

The post How to Choose a Mover first appeared on Cummings Moving.