Movers.com Blog - A Complete Moving Blog

No Need To get Hysterical: Simple Tips On Swine Flu

Fri, 01 May 2009 23:23:00 -0400

Just yesterday the World Health Organization announced that “Swine Flu” or “H1N1 Influenza” has been bumped to a phase 5, just one level below a global pandemic. In that time, medical stores and pharmacies across the country have sold out of surgical masks, schools have been evacuated, and just about everybody in at least five countries have been a little nervous about grabbing the door handle of a public restroom.

· In spite of the fact that pharmaceutical companies claimed that they won’t have a vaccine until the fall, there are still a number of precautions Americans can take to keep their families safe-even without resorting to surgical masks.

· The most important thing to remember is that “Swine Flu” is just like any other another form of seasonal flu.

· It’s easily spread, person to person. It can be deadly if not dealt with immediately upon first signs of symptoms, but so far most cases have been mild.

· One of the easiest ways to avoid catching the virus is to simply keep your hands clean. By washing your hands and avoiding close contact with people who you know are sick, you greatly reduce the risk of catching it.

· There’s a reason why there’s no “panic” in “pandemic”. Keep calm and try not to jam the lines of your local doctor, unless it’s serious.

Stay informed and up to speed with all of the latest updates on the virus. You can also check out the websites for The Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization for all of the latest.

For information search your local government’s or State’s official website for more updates on the virus that’ll keep you and your family safe.

Vidya Garapati (GV)
Movers.com Team

Moving PODS

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 13:58:00 -0400

Shifting to a New House and need a place to store your belongings? Remodeling your home and want to move your stuff out of the way? Or maybe you want to sell your house and want it empty for prospective buyers?

PODS or Portable on Demand Storage is the solution to all your problems. PODS were founded in January 1998 in Clearwater, Florida. It is the brainchild of Peter War Hurst, Roy Courtney, David Revelia and Bill Ash.

The concept of a Portable Storage Container was pioneered by PODS. The PODS containers are brought to your home and you load it yourself, taking as much time as you need. The PODS containers are kept at floor level which makes packing easier. Once the PODS containers are packed, you call their staffs who load the boxes on to their moving vehicles nicknamed “Podzilla”.

The PODS containers are locked with your own padlocks giving you complete control of your possessions. The containers are kept in the Local Warehouse for storage until the customer needs it again. A PODS provides moving options for Long Distance as well as Local Distance moves.

Recently, the PODS service also extended to include a Portable Shelter. The portable shelter includes a Generator, Bathroom and Kitchen and can house up to 5 people for one month. These special shelters serve as Emergency Shelters or Workstations in emergencies. Or, they can be utilized by those who have moved to a new place but have not yet found a place to stay.

The PODS containers have a steel frame with the interiors made of marine grade wood. The container floor is kept 4 inches above the ground and the roof is made of translucent plastic to enable light to enter from above. There is a roll up door at one end. The containers are certified sturdy and weather resistant. They can withstand a wind velocity of up to 110 miles per hour while they are partially full.

PODS are basically a combination of a Moving Truck and Storage Unit. It is more convenient since you don’t have to drive a huge truck all over the city. The boxes are kept at ground level for easy packing and there are no time constraints

PODS containers are easy to book. They can be delivered to you within 24 hours. The PODS are loaded onto the trucks using a hydraulic lift which keeps the containers from being tilted. So, there is no chance of your things falling over one another or getting damaged.

PODS storage is convenient for business people too. You can store your extra inventories, seasonal items, special event materials and even documents in PODS without fear of damaging them.

For more Information on PODS, you can visit www.PODS.com.

Vidya Garapati (GV)
Movers.com

Your Car Move and The DMV

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:58:00 -0400

So, all your bags are packed and you are finally ready to move. But, what about your car? Are you going to drive it yourself or is it being moved by an Auto Moving Company? Regardless of your choice, have you considered the Local DMV Rules of the new state? Once you have settled into your New Home, the first thing you need to do is change your License Plates. The License Plates of one state will not be valid in another. So, unless you want to avail Public Transport, I suggest you get those License Plates changed as quickly as possible. If you want, you can also get really cool License Plates that reflect your Style and Attitude. Start off life in a new city by making a great first impression.

Just changing the License Plates may not be enough though! Did you know that while in Michigan, a Driver’s License is issued only to those above 18 years of age, and in Alaska, teens as young as 16 years of age can get a Drivers License, provided they have parental consent?

For Commercial Vehicles the ages may differ from 18 to 25 depending upon the state. In order to drive around in your own car, you need to have a new License issued. Many State Laws make it compulsory to take a Driving Test before Issuing or Renewing a License.

So, brush up on your Driving Skills and Traffic Laws in order to get your New State License. Students, keep in mind, if you are below the minimum age for driving, you will either be issued a License on parental consent or not issued a License at all. Find out about these details before shifting your car too. In case, you are not able to obtain a License, you might consider selling your car and buy a new one later when you reach the proper age.

The DMV of each state is also responsible for registering your car. In some states, two separate agencies are in charge of issuing Licenses and Registering Vehicles. Most states have a deadline by which you should apply for Vehicle Registration and Driving License. So make sure you visit the local DMV office as soon as possible.

However, getting your work done at the DMV can be quite tricky. There are some things that take up a lot of time in the DMV. Even though the DMV has a high standard of meeting up to customer’s expectations, it is better to be prepared for delays regarding some procedures. Take care of Emission Checks. 30 out of the 50 states in the United States have laws that state that emission checks are mandatory before a Car Registration.

Keep all your papers, including Identification Proof and Social Security Number at hand. Following a number of cases of Underage Licenses being issued, the DMV has become very strict in checking regulation papers.

The slow functioning system of the DMV operations has long been a national joke. But don’t let this bother you too much. Visit your Local DMV and start driving around in your Car in no time at all !!!

Mathews Rosario
Movers.com

Kinds of Moving Equipment

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:58:00 -0400

Moving to a different place requires proper packing and equipment for transporting the packed items. Find out about the various kinds of Moving Equipment that are needed for a successful move.

The Moving Industry is a well established and major business. The packers use various boxes, crates, packing materials and equipment to carry out their job. Moving supplies are available on the basis of the customer’s belongings.

A normal Moving Kit usually contains boxes of various sizes and specialties, different kinds of wraps, markers and sealing tapes. Most Moving Companies use standard sized boxes that can be obtained from any supplying house. These boxes are large enough to accommodate most items. Some of these boxes are specially made for certain items. A special type of box called the Wardrobe Box has a bar on top that is used for hanging clothes. Dish Packs are boxes that are divided into compartments for stacking dishes.

Similar kinds of boxes are available for packing glass ware or crystal ware. These boxes are usually cushioned with foam peanuts or Styrofoam. Flat Cartons for mirrors or pictures are padded with striated cardboard to prevent the glass from breaking. Special packing papers are available with which the items are wrapped before putting them in the boxes. Another kind of wrapper, called Bubble Wrap is used to pack fragile, delicate or electronic items. Bubble wraps have air pockets that cushion the items and the plastic prevents water damage. The boxes are sealed using packer’s tape. Plastic wrap is used by Movers to seal drawers, lids and doors. Plastic wrap is also used to protect furniture from getting dusty.

Once the packing is done, the movers use Trolleys or Dollies to load the boxes on to the truck. The trolleys/dollies are hand carts used for moving boxes. The boxes are loaded on the trolley and wheeled to the truck. Most moving companies use ramps for wheeling the trolleys. Using ramps prevents marks on the carpets or on wood floors.

There are few types of moving equipment like Door Jam Protectors or Banister Bumpers that are used by some companies. These can also be availed of on special request. Door jam protectors and banister bumpers are used to protect doors or banisters from being scratched or damaged while moving heavy furniture. These are quilted pads, secured with Velcro.

The most necessary equipment for moving is the transportation. Moving Companies generally have their own fleet trucks. Trucks are also available on rent. Moving Trucks are made of corrugated steel and have strong doors that can be secured with a padlock.

Whether you pack yourself or hire movers to do your packing, make sure you have all the necessary equipment needed to make a hassle- free move.

Click on the Links for all kinds of Moving Companies & Packing Materials.

Mathews Rosario
Movers.com Team

Tidings of Joy and Cheer

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 23:15:00 -0400

Come December, and it is impossible to escape the approaching signs of Christmas. The roads and shops are decorated with lights, shiny tinsel and snow, artificial or real is present at every cornice and awning. By mid December, every house has a Christmas tree strung with lights and plastic or glass decoration. Many houses also have strings of lights on their garden trees or house walls.

Christmas is celebrated on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Christ. The festivities of Christmas often combine the commemoration of Jesus’ birth with many secular customs influenced by winter festivals. Christmas is celebrated on 25^th December with the previous day being known as Christmas Eve and the following day as Boxing Day. The festival of Christmas has evolved and spread to such an extent that it is celebrated in most countries even by non Christians. December 25^th is a national holiday in most nations and is eagerly awaited by all.

The word Christmas is a contraction of Christ’s mass. The word is derived from the Middle English word Christemassa. Christmas in the western world is characterized by the exchange of gifts. Small children are led to believe that these gifts are from Santa Claus who watches over the actions of children throughout the year and then rewards them if they are good. Children hang stockings for Santa Claus to put their presents. And for his efforts, Santa is rewarded with a glass of milk and a plate of cookies.

Christmas celebrations begin with singing of carols on Christmas Eve and the midnight mass. The following morning that is on the 25th of December presents, laid out under the tree, are unwrapped. Curiosity and anticipation gives way to exclamations of joy and delight. The Christmas dinner is the main meal taken either at midday or early afternoon.

A typical Christmas dinner will consist of turkey with gingerbread stuffing, roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts & chestnuts, parsnips with Swede, bread sauce and cranberry sauce. The scrumptious dinner is followed by a rich Christmas pudding which is a lot like fruitcake except that it is steamed not baked. There are a lot of traditions and superstitions surrounding the Christmas pudding. The most common tradition demands that each member of the house should stir the pudding mix while it is being made and drop a silver coin into it while making a wish. The people who get the silver coins once the pudding is cut are supposed to be lucky. Sometimes a thimble or a button is also added to the pudding and the person who gets it is said to remain a spinster or bachelor forever. Christmas pudding is served with a sprig of holly stuck on top of it and eaten with custard or brandy cream.

With the food finished, it is time for crackers. Christmas crackers are long toffee shaped things that burst when pulled. The crackers contain a small gift or token inside such as a toy or a crown. Christmas crackers are usually placed next to individual plates on the Christmas table.

For many nations, Christmas is the largest annual economic stimulus. Shopping for Christmas is traditionally said to begin on Black Friday, which is the day after Thanksgiving. In many cities, it is a common sight to see shoppers lined up outside stores hours before they open.

Mathews Rosario
Movers.com

How To Find A Mover ?

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 05:15:00 -0400

Finding the right mover is a stressful job. A lot of research and time needs to be devoted to this work. Choosing the wrong mover can have disastrous results. You could end up losing your belongings, damaging them or paying a lot more than your original estimate.

To choose the right mover it is important to carry out proper research. The best option is to check out at least 10 movers and then pick the one that is least likely to cause problems. Research the history of the movers and find out the details involved in making the move. Your mover should provide you with all important data regarding the mode of packing, the time needed for transportation and the estimated cost of the move. Interviewing the movers before hiring their services will give you a good idea of whether their services meet your needs. The necessary points to clarify during the interview are the registration of the company, the rates and estimates offered by them, the subcontractors - if any, the additional fees and transfers, the insurance provided by the company, packing and storage options and also the complaints and claims that you are entitled to. Always check the referrals or recommendations of the company. If possible, then ask for any letters written by previous customers. Usually most moving companies will be more than happy to show you letters from satisfied clients. However, there is always a possibility that the letters may be faked. Try to follow up on the referrals.

Check the company website. The websites list the services, service history and the destinations they move to. Follow up on the web information with a thorough background check on the company.

One of the best ways of verifying the credentials of a company is to ask around. Some one among your friends, colleagues or relatives must have moved at least once. Talk to them and see if they can recommend a reliable company. Usually companies that have been in business for a long time provide satisfactory service.

Once you have short listed the best moving companies, visit their offices. Make sure the company is really who they say they are. Check out the trucks and storage spaces. Avoid companies with shabby offices and storage facilities.

A reliable company should give an estimate only after visiting your house. Feel free to ask questions regarding any doubts that you may have. Remember, all your belongings are at stake. Don’t hold back because you think it’s impolite to ask too many questions or you are feeling shy.

According to US Federal Law, the moving company should provide you with a copy of "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move". If the company does not provide you with this booklet, do not hire them.

Finally, never ever sign any document without going through it thoroughly.

Vidya Garapati (GV)
Movers.com Team

The Weight of Weight Estimation

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 12:40:00 -0400

Cubic Sheet or Weight Estimation is a prerequisite of any move. We’ve all heard the horrifying tales of friends and relatives who have been duped by dishonest movers and forced to pay more than the actual cost of the move. I’m sure you don’t want to go through the same thing yourself. So, make sure you get all your belongings weighed and have an estimate before moving.

You do not always have to get your belongings weighed. In case your mover is transporting your goods on a non-binding contract, the goods must be weighed in order to determine the legal tariff charge. In case of binding contracts, the weight of the goods will not affect the charge of the shipments. However, if you need to weigh your goods, do take care that your goods are weighed on a certified scale. Using a non certified scale might result in wrong weighing.

Do you know how the rogue moving companies scam people? They usually provide you with estimates without making an on site check of your belongings. Their estimates include a clause which states that additional cubic feet will have extra charges. Once the packing is done, they load your belongings onto the truck and tell you that there are several cubic feet more of goods than originally estimated. Usually the company charges double rates for these extra goods. If you can’t pay, your belongings are hijacked by the movers. Don’t fall for such scams. Have your mover come to your house and weigh your stuff once they are packed, before providing an estimate.

Weight estimation removes chances of being duped. Also, if you compare the quotes offered by 2 or 3 different moving companies, it gives you the opportunity to choose a mover at an economical price.

The weighing of the goods is very crucial to the move. A certain company once presented their customers with an estimate that was double the cost of the actual belongings. Don’t put yourself in the same predicament. Insist upon being present during the weighing. The truck carrying the goods is first weighed when it is empty and then re-weighed after being loaded. The difference in weight is used to calculate the cost of the move. In case you are not satisfied with the weighing, demand a re-weigh. Although, most companies will charge a fee for reweighing, it is better to put your doubts to rest instead of shelling out a huge amount of money later. The final charge of the move should be based on actual weight, not the minimum weight of the goods.

Mathews Rosario
Movers.com Team

How To Identify A Rogue Mover ?

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:03:00 -0400

Moving or relocating from one place to another can be quite an exhausting experience. Apart from the fact that you have to uproot your home and start over elsewhere, there is also the added fact that you will be leaving behind your friends as well as many memories. A well organized move can make the relocation process a bit easy going, but organizing the entire thing can be quite taxing. To make your relocation as smooth as possible it is necessary to choose a competent mover. Many moving companies claim to provide trouble free services, but at the last moment, they charge more than their stated estimate. In most of the registered complaints against movers, the customers have complained that the moving companies either withhold goods for more money or make extra charges at the last moment, when it is too late. Beware of such movers! They are out to scam you.

Recognizing a Scammer

Even though most moving companies are legitimate, there are a few rogue movers who are out to trick you into paying more. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has come up with a few tips to recognize a rogue mover:

• A rogue mover will not agree to an on-site inspection of household goods.
• An estimate is made over the phone or internet, not in person. In most cases, the estimates are much lower than usual rates.
• The only form of payment accepted by the company is cash or a large deposit before the move.
• If the company has a website, it does not have a local address or information about Licensing or Insurance.
• The company Insurance claims to cover all goods.
• The mover refuses to give you a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” in spite of insisting for it.
• The company offices are shabby and in poor condition.
• The truck provided by the company is a rental truck, not a marked fleet truck.
• The cost of moving is based on cubic feet.

The booklet, “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” should be provided by all registered moving companies. It contains all the information you need to know about moving and also about all the documents that the mover will ask you to sign. The best way to protect yourself against moving fraud is to have thorough knowledge of your options while choosing a moving company. You should always make a background check of the movers you are hiring. The safest bet is to hire movers registered with FMCSA and having a USDOT number.

A legitimate mover will provide you with the following documents:

Estimates: All service charges should be clearly documented and the estimate should be signed by the owner. Oral estimates should never be accepted.

Order for Service: the order for service is a list of all the services that the mover will perform. It also shows the dates on which your household goods will be picked up and delivered.

Bill of Lading: the Bill of Lading is a contract drawn up between you and the mover. It is a receipt of all your belongings. The mover should give you a partially completed copy of the Bill of Lading before leaving your residence.

Inventory List: It is a list which tabulates each item that has been shipped and its condition. Make sure that the inventory is a written copy and it is made out after all the items are loaded. Make it a point to check the condition of your items before the inventory is made.

Usually, your belongings are transported along with the belongings of other families. This helps in cutting costs. In case your belongings arrive at the destination before you do, they have to be stored. In that case, additional storage charges may be applicable.

Moving is stressful enough and you can do without the added stress of worrying about rogue movers. Make a thorough background check of the moving company you are about to hire to avoid any problems.

Vidya Garapati (GV)
Movers.com Team

Full Service Move vs. Self Service Move

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 07:57:00 -0400

With a large percentage of the US population moving every year, it’s tough to decide which kind of moving service will fulfill your needs. Find out about the Pros & Cons of the Types of Moving Services.

The most recent U.S Census Bureau Statistics stated that more than 15 percent of the U.S population moves every year. With the increase in the number of people moving, the moving companies are offering a number of options in moving. The basic options are Self Service Moving and Full Service Moving. With every company offering special services, it is likely that you can get confused.

How do you decide which option is best for you? To choose the right kind of moving services, you need to figure out the pros and cons of both services.

Full Moving Services:

In Full Moving Services, the entire responsibility of the move is shouldered by the Moving Company. They take care of everything starting with Packing, Loading, Unloading and Unpacking. You do not have to trouble yourself over anything. Full Service Moves are costlier than Self Service Moves, but the packing is done by professionals who know the correct procedure of packing individual items.

Hiring professionals saves a lot of time and you avoid over-exerting yourself. Having a Licensed Truck Driver to cover long distance journeys is more convenient than driving the truck yourself. Professional Drivers are also better equipped to handle emergencies such as Flat Tyres, Overheated Engines or Breakdowns. In case of any damage to the goods, the moving company will be liable.

On the flip side, you might be apprehensive about letting packers move your belongings. Many of you may not be comfortable with the idea of strangers handling your belongings. Hiring a moving company also presents risks of scams. You have to devote a lot of time in researching prospective movers before hiring them. To ensure that your move goes smoothly, you will have to manage your schedule so that you can keep in close contact with the movers.

Self Service Moves:

Self Service Moves gives you more control on every aspect of your move. Packing your own belongings lets you know exactly where each item is kept. Self Service Moves gives you more flexibility with the timing. You also save a lot of money on Self Service Moves.

However, Self Service Moves do not come without their own share of problems. If this is your first move, it is going to be difficult to do everything on your own. Driving a large rental truck requires some experience. Are you sure you can handle complications like burst tires or broken engines? In case any of your goods are damaged, you are solely responsible for it. You may also end up missing a lot of time off work. Your inexperience may also result in delicate or fragile items getting damaged due to improper packing.

Take your time in choosing the right move. Compare the Pros & Cons of each kind of move and decide which option is best for you.

Mathews Rosario
Movers.com Team

The Joy of Thanksgiving

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 21:27:00 -0400

Sometime about 1607/8, a group of villagers in Scrooby, in Nottinghamshire in the English Midlands, were unhappy with the ways of the Church of England. They decided that the only way to practice their religion was to separate themselves from the Church of England. These people left England and moved to Amsterdam and from there they moved on to Leiden. They stayed in Leiden for some time; however, in a land where the culture and language was strange and difficult, they feared that they faced eventual extinction. They decided to move out in search of a new land which they could claim as their own. The people departed on the Mayflower in 1620 for the land of America. The passengers of the Mayflower came to be known as the Pilgrims.

The pilgrims sighted land in November 1620. The ship was anchored in the Provincetown Harbor where the party crossed over the mainland and started explorations of the area. The pilgrims founded settlements in Plymouth. In honor of the new life that they were about to begin, the pilgrims gave a huge feast to mark the occasion. Life for the pilgrims was hard. During the first winter they lost a lot of their population to the harsh winds and scarce food. Only 50 of the original 110 pilgrims survived. Finally an Indian named Samoset and his friend Squanto taught the pilgrims how to grow corn and other crops. The first year brought in a successful harvest but the second year proved tough. The Pilgrim Governor William Bradford ordered a day of fasting and prayer and soon after that the rains came. To celebrate the rains, November 29th was proclaimed as a day of thanksgiving. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring the fourth Thursday of each November as Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving marks a day of continuous feasting. The original thanksgiving feast consisted of corn, beans and pumpkins. Lack of flour led to the absence of bread at the feast. But the plentiful supply of meat and vegetables made up for it. There is no evidence to suggest that turkey was served at the feast. Most likely there were ducks and chicken. The use of turkey can be traced back to Lincoln’s nationalization of Thanksgiving. Since a turkey could feed more people than a chicken, President Lincoln ordered turkeys to be sent to the troops as a cost effective measure. Today’s Thanksgiving dinner traditionally consists of turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, corn, turnips, rolls, pecan pie, and pumpkin pie.

In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated as a part of a four day long weekend. The department store, Macy, takes out an annual Thanksgiving Day parade which is the highlight of the festival. Many sports teams hold special Thanksgiving matches too. The day after Thanksgiving Day marks the unofficial beginning of Christmas shopping. That day, known as Black Friday is the busiest day for sales. Often great bargains can be found on Black Friday. Most retailers open up stores earlier than usual and draw hordes of crowds to their stores.

Vidya Garapati (GV)
Movers.com Team

Wildfire in California

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 06:23:00 -0400

The latest fire in San Diego County, in Southern California, burned 400,000 acres of land reducing 1300 homes to the ground. The President declared a state of emergency and mass evacuation was forces as the fire spread across San Diego, Long Beach, Malibu, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Burbank and Santa Barbara.

Well, like all natural disasters the San Diego Wildfire has probably by now taken complete control over the space on your television, newspapers, magazines, & even your computer. If you’re annoyed at being so bombarded by information about the fire—here’s something interesting for you. Statistics reveal that 7 out of ten wildfires are caused strictly by human activities. The wind (Santa Ana, in this case) only plays its role in spreading the fire.

Crazy as it is that a single human act can cause such a natural disaster, there is hardly anything you can do about it!!

Every year a number of people migrate to California in United States. The number of immigrants to California increased from 1.3 million to 8 million between 1990 to1995 and further increased by a few more millions in 2000. That’s a whooping number of people in one state!

In October 2003, a wildfire originating near San Diego engulfed 273,000 acres and destroyed around 4000 structures. The 2003 fire claimed 15 lives. The San Diego fire was one of 15 fires that started around the region. The cause of the fires was a hunter!!

In November 1993, Malibu Los Angeles witnessed a fire resulting from arson. The fire burned for two weeks and killed 25 people. Other devastating fires in the California region include the San Francisco Bay fire of October 1991, San Bernardino Mountain foothills fire of November 1980, San Diego mountain fire of September 1970 and Los Angeles national forest fire of November 1966.

Well there is hardly anything you can do about stopping people camping in the woods from lighting fires. The firefighters are doing their bit in stopping the fire. What you can do for yourself and your family is have a evacuation kit ready especially for forced situations like this. And, that includes:

Social Security Numbers and Identity Cards. Also throw in your documents—legal, educational, medical—whatever is most important. By the way, don’t forget your insurance papers. That often turns out to be the most important.
Take your time to note down the most important contact names, addresses, and contact numbers.
Apart from this you would of course put a first aid kit, hi-calorie food, water, flash lights, and blankets.

Keep this evacuation kit ready and handy for just such a situation. This is about what you can do apart from cursing the government, the TV channels, and specters of hunters in forests.

Swayam
Movers.com Team

Halloween Pumpkin Carving

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 06:23:00 -0400

It’s time for trick or treating once again! Bring out the scary costumes and decoration and transform your home into a house of horrors.

The most essential part of any horror house is a carved pumpkin. So, pick out a pumpkin of your choice and carve out the scariest face you can. Remember, the best carved pumpkins are the result of advanced planning. Plan your design and pick out your pumpkin accordingly. The size of the pumpkin should be determined according to the pattern. Pick only those pumpkins which are uniformly ripe and the same shade of orange all over. Your pumpkin should not have any cuts, nicks or bruises. Once you have chosen your pumpkin, make sure you have all the right tools needed for carving. To carve a pumpkin, you will need printer and paper, a spoon or pumpkin scoop, a small nail or pumpkin poker, a serrated knife or in case, the pattern is very complicated, a pumpkin saw. Once all your tools are ready, prepare the pumpkin for carving.

The first step is to cut a hole in the top for a lid. The angles of sawing should be inwards so that the lid sits on top of the pumpkin and does not fall through. The seeds and strings should be scooped out with a spoon or a scoop. Scrap off some of the flesh on the inside, leaving a thickness of about one inch all the way around. The pattern to be carved on the pumpkin can be printed out on the sheet of paper, and attached to the outside of the pumpkin using tape. In case the pumpkin is lumpy, dip the paper in water or vegetable oil. The wet paper makes it easier to smooth out the paper on the pumpkin. Poke holes through the pattern using a pumpkin poker. An alternative method is to use a wet marker or removable marker to draw the pattern on the pumpkin rind. Push in the nails at the point where you want to start the carving. Remove the paper and dust flour or chalk powder over the pumpkin so that the holes can be easily seen. Pumpkins become weak once the carving starts, so be careful. Carve the smaller designs first and the larger ones later. This prevents the pumpkin from breaking. You don’t want your jack-of-lanterns to become a broken shell. Use a serrated knife to carve out the pattern in a sawing motion. For making curves, turn the saw slightly and to carve angles, remove the saw and reinsert it. The pieces of the pumpkin should be pushed from the inside. Once the entire pumpkin has been carved, light a pumpkin light or a candle on a piece of tin foil and place it inside the pumpkin. Cover it with the lid. Remove the lid after a minute and you will see a smoke mark on it. Cut a vent where the smoke-mark shows and your pumpkin is ready.

Pumpkin Carving

To get the ghoulish effect, a pumpkin must be well lit. Candles are the most popular choice for lighting pumpkins. A regular votive candle placed inside a glass holder lasts for a longer time and is safer and brighter than an open candle. Several companies have launched special lights for pumpkins. You might want to try one of those. Glow sticks are another option for lighting pumpkins. They give of an eerie glow which can look quite dramatic.

Pumpkin carving is fun. But, unless you take certain precautions, it could turn into a disaster. Since carving involves a lot of sharp objects, it is best not to let children handle them without adult supervision. Always carve away from yourself and never hold the knife in a stabbing position. Take care to keep a portion of the knife blade in the pumpkin and use slow, steady saw strokes to avoid accidents. Trust me; you don’t want to mutilate yourself. When the pumpkin is being lighted, make sure that the candle flame is not too close to the top of the pumpkin. Keep a fire extinguisher handy just in case!!

To make your carved pumpkin last longer, coat all cut surfaces with vegetable oil or petroleum jelly. This seals in the moisture and keeps the pumpkin fresh for longer. Cover the pumpkin with a damp towel when it’s not on display.

Now that you have all the instructions and tips on pumpkin carving, go ahead and carve the scariest looking pumpkin ever!

Vidya Garapati (GV)
Movers.com Team

Winter is Here Folks !!!

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 04:45:00 -0400

"A Little too soon
To start planning
Ahead for the winter
Because
Summer is not over
You would be a Fool
To be planning for Winter now" - Aldo Kraas

I found this poem called “A Little Too Soon,” while idly browsing through the internet. Well, if your poetic self wants you to relax on a couch, Best of Luck, because winter is here and there’s very little time before day turns to night!

You might still tend to go out with half sleeves shirt of the closet from summer clothing, and would realize that there’s no more sun. Kids are back to school and streets are empty. Leaves are turning yellow and almost ready to wither off. By the time all the leaf is gone... you will be entering full term winter.

1. Time to get the thick clothing out from your Self Storage or attic or large box that is hiding in a corner in closet.

2. Get the winter clothing washed or dry cleaned so you can avoid any possible allergy and have fresh welcome to winter.

3. Time for shopping some cold creams and lip-guards and any other protective skin creams.

4. Home Owners

a. Have your gutters cleaned after the fall and before full term winter. So drain gutters are clean enough to handle the rain water off your roof and sides and snow.

b. Have your snow blower ready, fill it up with gas, and start it for a few minutes to see if it’s ready for some work. Clean up the ignition plug; check the tire pressures etc…

c. Get some snow/ice melt (Salt) ready so you can have your drive way and walk ways clean from snow and ice. That would avoid any possible accidents from slippery walk surfaces.

d. Be sure to close and tightly lock all the open windows. You may have to use some packing strips to make sure the window joints are sealed properly from any possible air leaks. Detach any window air-condition units installed. Remember, if you have your house completely insulated, your heating cost you can at least keep heating cost to a minimum. Also, shut off your fireplace damper. It makes sure no heat escapes out of your home.

e. Before you switch on your heating unit make sure air filter is installed properly and it’s clean. If needed, please get the filter changed.

5. Parents

a. Kids and children who have a history of flu or have not yet had the complete flu vaccination need to be vaccinated now. The Department of Health and Human Services has released detailed instructions about how to go about doing this. Also, you would find other instructions like what you should do in case of a flu emergency. Please visit hhs.gov for more information.

b. If you’re using a heater, put it up on a level- just for caution’s sake- and out of reach of kids at your home. Also, make sure it is not anywhere near flammable substances like carpets.

c. Make sure everybody at your home is wearing proper protective clothing. Hypothermia and Frostbites are not unheard of. Some of the major reasons which lead to Hypothermia include improper diet and alcohol intake. The least you can do is eat a lot of fruits and other fiber rich food. Also, go a little easy on your scotch.

Actually, this list hardly ever ends. So, go ahead tell me about what you think I might have missed in the comments section.

Vidya Garapati (GV)
Movers.com Team

The Water Bridge

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 04:15:00 -0400

I came across this fascinating photograph taken in Germany. The Magdeburg Water Bridge as it is famously called plays a major role for the Transportation & Logistics Industry in Germany. The water bridge connects two Shipping canals one located in former West Germany and one in the east.

Because of the continuous cold war between East and West Germany the construction of this wonderful architectural wonder was stranded for almost a century. Though delayed, construction finally began in 1997 and was completed in 2003.

It is a whooping architectural feat achieved by the construction team, which is now stormed by visitors from all over the world. Also, this bridge is now used for shipping freight and cargo efficiently. If you’re wondering why it is such a big deal, just think about how much water that huge ship in the photo would displace? The bridge is designed to easily contain huge amounts of water. Some such canals or aqueducts-as they call them - had been built in history. There are aqueducts in France, Greece, among other places. That in no way demeans the ingenuity of this 21st century version, though.

Well, I have no words for this. Hats off to the Germans!

Swayam
Movers.com Team

Self Move and You

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 04:05:00 -0400

Relocation, be it for higher studies or job or just to get rid of boredom has never been more heard of than today. While the craze to be a part of the best educational institutions remains among students, the lure of bagging the best possible jobs by jobseekers and the ‘have money, will spend’ attitude among the elderly and young alike all over the world contribute to the rising number everyday. No wonder therefore, every second day some new moving company is being set up to meet your unique requirements. Of all these specialized services that are dear to the pockets, the most economic are the ones that just provide you with a moving equipment to accommodate all your belongings and reach them to your destination. The rest? You do, of course.

Economic is fine but you ought to be the organized type too in order to take the entire burden of relocation on your shoulders. If you are looking at shipping very little stuff that does not need much packing and unpacking labor over a humble distance, self-move companies are suitable. Otherwise, the decision to do it all by yourself may not be very apt after all.

There may be a variation of the self-service moves, where you want to do everything right from packing through driving to refurbishing. In this case, all you would ever need is a moving truck to transport your belongings and a truck rental company best serves the purpose. But, in case of any trouble with the equipment you may get stranded midway, till the company personnel come to your rescue. Or, due to inclement weather you may have to halt unprepared which will increase the time of your transit. These are some of the adversities that you should be ready to face, if luck is not on your side. The chances of facing a problem also become high as driving a truck is not quite similar to driving a car. These trucks may not always have a power steering that you are used to and they need to be handled differently and driven slower.

However, considering all aspects if you finally decide to embark on that long drive, be careful about choosing the truck rental company. Do a thorough homework before making the final selection or settle for a renowned truck rental company to avoid getting stranded because of a flat tire or a problematic engine. Self-moving companies that drive the shipment to your doorstep seem to be the best available option to keep away from possible hazards. But beware of rogue movers prying every moment to get you on the wrong foot. Never pay a huge deposit to the moving company. Make sure you get a copy of the Bill of Lading to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the moving company. Try and clarify all those queries and doubts that may be crowding your mind at this point, so that you do not feel awkwardly surprised when there’s no way to back out.

It is always advisable to arrange your move with enough time in hand, but if you are really hard-pressed for time and cannot decide early, one of the self-moving companies may be a better option. Usually they provide the moving equipments faster than full-service moving companies. Also, a secure and easily accessible storage unit may not be difficult to arrange for these companies. Most companies even provide a free self storage to customers for a limited period of time for availing their service. Check if your mover has any such offer or benefit for you.

When you opt for a self-move, you should choose the vehicle keeping in mind the volume of your shipment. If you have limited items in your shipment, small self-sufficient cargo vans are a good option. In case your belongings do not fit in it, try the slightly more spacious ones. If these too do not seem to be the kind you are looking for, try and pick up from a wide range of trucks or trailers that are built to carry any amount of shipment be it of a single bed-room or a five-bedroom apartment.

With an answer and a solution to all your specific requirements, trotting all over the globe has never been easier and more convenient.

Mathews Rosario
Movers.com Team

Moving with Your Fishes

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 03:23:00 -0400

If you have been anxious about how to carry with you the liveliest part of your home, heave a sigh of relief. Where you have the will, we show the way.

The fascinating creatures of water flaunting myriad colors and forms are sometimes the gentlest companions to have. They had perhaps attracted your fancy simply by their agile movements or possibly by their varied behavior pattern. Apart from feeling mesmerized by the enhanced beauty of the place where you have set them, you must have also spent endless afternoons or evenings trying to take care of those delicate things. Therefore, it is needless to think that they will not be a part of your new home now that you plan to relocate.

In case you plan to ship your fish by air, we recommend you to get them packed only by movers who are specialized in the field. In case you wish to carry your fish along with you in a car or otherwise, visit the nearest Aquarium and ask for some expert tips on how to safely transport your fish. If they suggest a few things after inspecting your fish, try to follow them. But, it may not always be possible to get the tips as different species of fish react differently to a sudden significant change of water. In case you cannot gather any valuable suggestions, just get special insulated fish containers of the right size (this will depend on the number of fish) for the safe and easy dispatch of your fish. You will also need to do a bit of research about the type of water available in your new home. If the findings of your research say that it is very dissimilar from the type that your aquarium now has, you take a caution. Search for a special mover in your area who specializes in moving fishes along with the tank. If your search yields a positive result, you are lucky.

If otherwise, try changing small amounts of water from the aquarium for several days prior to your move. Make sure you do not feed your fish for 3 days before putting them in the special containers. On the day of the move, place fresh trash bags inflated with clean water from the aquarium. Avoid taking water from the bottom of the aquarium as it may be contaminated with wastes. Now place your fish from their home to the water in the container and fasten the bags. Do not place too many fish in one container to ensure better chances of survival. Close the container and maintain the temperature of the container that your fish is used to. It is preferable to keep the container dark during the trip. Also, try to expedite the entire process of shipping as you never know how long the container remains congenial for the frail creatures.

Carry the remaining water of the aquarium in other special containers without fish.

After reaching your destination, be soon to set up the aquarium with the water from the containers and other necessary items like filters, décor and so on. Once the water in the aquarium reaches room temperature, float the fish back into it from the containers. Add about 20% fresh tap water to the aquarium at this point to familiarize them to the new water gradually. Switch off the lights of the room for a day and allow them to reconcile. Expect to meet your happy fishes the next morning unless things go terribly wrong. Be prepared to lose a few of them, in the worst of cases. After all, seeking companionship involves its own hassles.

Mathews Rosario
Movers.com Team

Moving To Florida

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 02:30:00 -0400

I like Florida. Everything is in the 80’s, the Temperatures, the Ages and the IQ's. - George Carlin

Perhaps one of the most interesting states in the US. Most part of Florida is a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Sea with the Bay of Mexico on the other side. Most part of the state has an exotic subtropical climate, apart from Florida though, it is very close to the sea and hence humid and tropical.

Well, that’s the boring Geography part; what’s really interesting is, Florida offers a great quality of life. Not only is the cost of living low, it also has good schools and a quite a few good colleges, very low crime rates, and very low mortgage rates. So, if you’re moving to Florida Two Thumbs Up! Way to go.

There’s something you should think about though—and, I am not trying to scare you—the possibility of Hurricanes in the coastal areas. What with the devastating ‘Rita’ and the even deadlier ‘Katrina,’ you probably want to know everything there is to know about the tropical cyclones. Read up on the trends and forecasts by climatologists and/or if you want to act “sane” steer clear of the coast.

Demographically Florida has an older mix of population in the Northwestern counties; where a lot of retired people migrate every year. South Florida on the other hand is Urban with a large youth population and dependent on the military and space programs for most of its employment. The budgetary decisions taken by the Federal Government has a severe impact on the population fluctuations in the southern parts of Florida.

So, now you know where to go if you’re retired. If you’re looking for a job though, it is best you spend some time on the internet before you make your move. If you have a college degree, chances are you will get a job very easily in the state. The employment opportunities are constantly burgeoning over here. Or if you’re more interested in business—the Florida State Government is very business friendly. The economy growth in the State of Florida is far ahead of most other states in the nation.

For most information like your Vehicle Registration details, or getting a Drivers License in Florida, you can log on to www.StateofFlorida.com.

To get a detailed report for Cities in Florida, Click Here.

And if you’re done planning everything, it’s time you looked forward to the beautiful State of Florida and almost 365 days of sunshine!

Swayam
Movers.com Team

To Keep or Not To Keep

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 06:18:00 -0400

Ask any mover and he will tell you that, these days moving is the easiest job on the planet. Well, they have a job well done, as long as they have convinced you that moving is nothing more than tic-tac-toe. Huh, as if!!

If I may put it this way; moving is more like dismantling-transporting-and rebuilding rather than packing-hauling-and unpacking. When you stay in a house for a long time, you build it in to a home—putting pieces of furniture, carpet, etc one by one so that they fit your house. A relocation proposal suddenly makes all those efforts futile.

Apart from the sentimental trauma part; when you actually get down to moving you’ll find that it’s not only a pain in your leg, but also expensive at the same time. Royal combination, as it is; you have to plan your move in such a way that you take only the stuff that you want and dispose the rest. You should think of every possible manner of reducing the cost of your move. As every item counts you have to carefully select the goods you have to move and dispose all the unwanted ones. Disposing unwanted goods will fetch you some amount that can be used as moving budget.

You can dispose your unwanted goods by arranging garage sales, by advertising online, by selling them to stores that deal with buying and selling of second hand goods, by donating them to charity, by exchanging them with that of others, and by sending them to recycling, etc.

Garage sale is an easy means of selling your unwanted furniture by putting on a display in a place where people can come, see and buy. Placing an advertisement in a local newspaper and arranging the sale on a weekend will attract more visitors. Online sale is another means of disposing your unwanted goods. Almost all unwanted goods can be sold online these days. Placing an online advertisement listing the items you are planning to dispose will draw the attention of many. You can get a good market price by selling your items to stores that deal with buying and selling of second hand goods. They too will buy and sell almost all household goods.

So, that was about how and where—obviously, you have to decide the what. There may be several items in your household that you do not use, but you’re attached to them all the same. Like, say, your old Harley that you used to drive when you were 25. You may contemplate renting a self storage unit for these special value items.

Also, if you’re not the type of person who want to scrounge for every penny you can think of donating your old books to public library, schools run by charity organizations or to the reading rooms. You can donate unwanted rugs, clothes etc. to charity organizations such as churches, local communities, volunteer organizations and religious institutions.

Swayam
Movers.com Team

Catch Them If You Can

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 06:17:00 -0400

Ever wondered what would happen if you had to wake up to a new morning when there would be nothing familiar around you? No, not a single prized possession that got so close to your heart over the years. Your king-size bed, that favorite mirror you picked up on one of those rare visits to a foreign country, those precious frames containing the bitter-sweet memories of your yesteryears……all gone in the twinkle of an eye. Sounds dreadful, does it not? Sure, it does and you have no reason to feel that you will be exempted from falling prey to such a situation. Especially if you are shifting your base and not taking that extra bit of caution that is expected of you.

It is that critical time of your life when you need to relax like never before. A relaxed mind allows wise and healthy decisions. The right decision in selecting your mover may take away all your hassles that you might have to encounter in case of a wrong selection. And gosh!! The chance of going back in time and rectifying your decision is then gone forever. So, here’s what might prove beneficial in discriminating between genuine and “rogue movers”. Try these few things during your interstate move to save you from a fraudulent mover:

Never hurry. Plan your relocation well in advance so that you have ample time to take quotations from several movers (preferably the renowned ones), compare the prices of each one and settle for the most competitive one. Also, ask your friends and relatives who have recently relocated for references. They will most often give you the correct options to choose from.

Avoid taking arbitrary quotations over the phone or the Internet. Reliable movers will usually not have such a practice. Always insist movers to come and thoroughly inspect your items that are to be shipped before giving the quotations.

Do not feel overexcited to get unbelievably low rates even after they have inspected your shipment. Most often they turn out to be the ones who make money from you using the foulest means. Again, movers with good reputation will give you the standard rates. Accept the legitimate costs rather than bargaining and getting a shock soon after.

Never make a large deposit prior to the actual move. This could be an indication of fraudulent movers.

Do not settle for a mover who does not provide you with a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities” even after insisting. Ideally you should not even have to insist as you are entitled to receive one free of cost. Familiarize yourself with all your rights and responsibilities well before the actual moving takes place.

Always check for the credentials of the company before signing a deal with them. Ideally pay a visit to their office or if that is too difficult definitely check out their website. Be very critical while viewing the website, as hosting a website is no difficult job these days. Anybody who has enough money to pay for the site can have one. Look for details regarding licenses and insurance etc.

Check the vehicles that will be provided for your shipment if possible. Do not rely on word of mouth and leave anything for the D-day. Remember, seeing is believing!

Relocation can be fun-filled and full of excitement if you consider these simple things before taking the plunge. Though not all movers are fraud movers, it is for this handful of unscrupulous players in the field that the repute of the entire industry is at stake. And you need to stay away for the sake of your life’s assets.

Mathews Rosario
Movers.com Team

Moving your Vintage Cars

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 06:16:00 -0400

The term "Vintage Car" recreates in our minds the flavor of times gone by. The wish to possess a vintage car remains a far-fetched dream for most of us. And for those who possess one, it is the truth that they can hardly take off their heads. It is a piece of history that you want to treasure for yourself and the future generations to come. And the need to relocate your vintage car that you took out on those rare Sunday mornings could well put you into anxiety. Unless a vintage car is in usable condition, it cannot be termed as an object of neighbor’s envy and owner’s pride. Maintaining a piece of royalty that just occupies space in the courtyard often becomes painful.

Moving your vintage car over a long distance can indeed be a very big deal, if you do not make the necessary arrangements well in advance. There are specialized movers available for auto transport but a vintage car is never quite the same as other cars. So, take extra time and caution before finalizing your mover to ship your vintage.

Check whether the mover has adequate means to handle your asset through the miles. Verify the valid licensing of the auto shipping service and the amount of insurance that will be provided by them for your vintage car. Ideally it should be more than the insurance provided for ordinary cars because this one is irreplaceable. Be careful to sign the Bill of Lading first at the time of loading, and more so while taking delivery. Check for any scratches or damage that might have happened to your sweet vintage during transit. Claim for the compensation immediately, in case you find any.

It may be redundant to talk about insurance here as it is likely to be insured by now. But, in case it is a new possession and you are in a hurry to move it along with you, just try and get it insured before the move. And while doing so, try to get the best deal from your car insurance company. If possible get the car valued by an experienced professional who specializes in this field and get the car insurer to agree on that. This is because the insurance companies are not very enthusiastic to treat these cars as special and usually offer a cover that is applicable to a new car. Ensure that you get the appropriate costing in case of a theft or damage to the car.

Do not fill your gas tank to the full capacity. Keep only an amount that may be necessary for shipment. If your vintage is traveling to a place where the temperature is far lower than usual, check the anti-freeze levels to guard it against the cold weather.
The chance of an alarm system in a vintage is very rare. In an exceptional case, disable the alarm system before shipping.
Keep the tires inflated to the right pressure level for safe dispatch and delivery. Do not bother to send off a spic-and-span vintage as the dust that has gathered on the surface may actually give some protection to the paint on the body.

We recommend you to take the vintage to a workshop for a thorough check after arriving at the destination to dispel any doubt in your mind. The crucial areas to focus your attention could be the Engine, Front Axel, Rear Axle, Steering Gear, Wiring and the Breaking System. These are some of the parts where slight problems may initially go unnoticed only to put you in some unwanted situation later on...

Swayam
Movers.com Team

Office Relocation

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 06:15:00 -0400

Office relocation is a specialized service and not all movers can do a good job with it. A successful office move is done efficiently over a weekend so that the employees can come back on Monday and start their work exactly where they left it. Of course, you would realize that moving your office is slightly more complicated than moving your home. While moving an office you would also have to set up the computers all over again, work on networking, the telephone lines, and what not. The bigger your office, the more problematic the move becomes.

Essentially, you would need your technical support team geared up for a crisis time alert. Every wire and every plug has to go in to the socket they are meant for.

Professional office movers usually set aside a lot of time just to research on the things that could go wrong during the move. It makes sense to assign a project manager, who would be in constant touch with the movers to figure out and validate the way the move will take place. Also the project manager should be responsible to keep in touch base with the higher management. There will be several serious decisions to be made by the management as such. For instance, when deciding on the area (in terms of size) and also, space allocation in your new office space, you may want to give a serious thought about the growth in employee size in your company. You would need projections of company strength, about two to five years from the date of relocation.

As you near the date of your relocation, you would need to start making architectural sketches of the layout of the office space. At the same time, you would have to work with the builder to finalize each maintenance-specific issues associated with the building as such. You would need to make sure that the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning are in working state. Also, at the same time you may want to start furnishing your office space keeping in mind the work area necessities that your kind of organization requires.

Once every thing is done and you have talked/negotiated/finalized on a mover, you should go ahead scheduling meetings with employees. Your mover would have provided you with specific instructions, guides, & tips during the move period. Be sure to share these with every employee. As you do this, prepare an Office Moving Guide and incorporate all information about the new office. Pass it on to all who are connected with the organization. It should include the location map of the new office, blue print of the whole office, employees seating position etc. Finally, have every employee clean their cabinets, and pack them according to directions given by the mover. Ask them to clear all personal valuables and shift them personally.

Also, contacts play a key role in the growth of any corporation and they help sustain an organization. So make sure you do not lose any contact. Notify the post offices about your change of address and also, publish a notification in local newspapers and your website.

Most importantly, make sure there is nothing left behind that is important. Employees may be negligent and forget little pieces of paper here and there. You don’t want that do you? After all they can contain quite a bit of information about your organization. Conduct a thorough inspection of your older office space after the belongings, computers, et all has been transported. If you find anything at all, it may be a good idea to use a shredder.

After the move, make sure you are in constant touch with your employees. Have quick meetings about any difficulty faced by them, and sort out all logistics problems. Any office moves of decent size often take more than a year to plan and execute. So, buck up, and good luck—the toughest project of your professional career is at hand.

Mathews Rosario
Movers.com Team

Extending Your Boundaries

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 06:13:00 -0400

Statistics say about 40 million Americans move out of their homes and in to new cities every year. Industry demands mobility of labor; and of course Americans never fall short. So, an average American changes home about five or six times in their lifetime. Apart from career opportunities, paucity of space in cities, and also the general American way of life contribute majorly to the huge moving population every year.

Moving has its own hassles, but with professional van-line companies stepping in to the scenario, moving has now become easy for everybody. Moving companies these days work hand in hand with storage and packing material companies. Everything, starting from packing to unpacking is done by the movers themselves. So, in a matter of hours the complete furnishings and other bric-a-bracs of a whole household is efficiently wrapped, packed, and transported to a new city.

Most people, also, take relocations in their stride—like they should, of course. They console themselves saying—it’s only a matter of few months before I get settled; oh, it’s such a great new city; anyway, I work almost 16 hours a day, when do I have time to bother; and such other excuses. If you still believe in these excuses, I suggest you come back and read this after you have relocated a couple more times. Relocation can amount to a lot of mental pressure and confusion. While a lot of people manage to maintain a straight face through the ordeal, it can have tremendous effect on a few others. Kids and teenagers, for instance, are very prone to culture shock.

I remember reading this line somewhere, “Men are social beings….” It sounds stupid and obvious, alright—but it carries a lot of meaning. Human brain develops its understanding, and its ways of reaction based on observation. You may not believe this, but everything, starting from how you talk to how you sleep is determined by a lot of external factors. Once you change places—sooner or later—the difference in patterns of behavior start registering in your mind. For your children learning the new ways of life is a wee bit easier, because several faculties of their brain remain active up to a certain age; while for you it may be very stressful and frustrating. On the other hand, children tend to have more long-standing repercussions of the culture shock.

There are huge cultural differences between the different cities and states in America. So, what can you do about it?

I would say start by taking your relocation in a slower manner. Start reading about the new city, gathering facts and information, tidbits about culture and traditions. Share this exercise with your children, there’s no point keeping them in dark. Do a thorough research and find out a locality in your new city, which is similar to the place you’ve been living in. Most importantly, find a proper school for your children. Organize a farewell gathering at your old place and make sure you leave with happy memories.

Moving to a new place and extending your horizons is all very fine, but make it slow and steady.

Vidya Garapati (GV)
Movers.com Team

Launch of Movers.com Blog

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 03:55:00 -0400

The Complete Moving Blog
After about a decade of working in the relocation industry movers.com team has launched its first blog. The blog located at http://blog.movers.com is the first of its kind in the moving industry.

About The Movers.com Team
Movers.com was created with the simple idea of providing a platform, where users can simply enter some data and quickly get moving quotes, as they say, “at the click of a mouse,” from movers across the United States of America and also worldwide.

After years of customer feedback and interaction with movers, though, the team finds itself very involved with the moving industry. The team has found out the hard way that moving a household or for that matter even a small piece of furniture is not as easy as it sounds. Problems creep up at turns when you expect them the least; and more often than not—it is neither the mover’s fault nor the customer’s. Unique that these problems are, they have been never been addressed in a public way; whereas, it is apparent that the moving industry needs some kind of a revamp. The movers.com team has now started putting their thought in to words, trying to analyze problems that can arise at every step of a move.

About the Movers.com
Blog Movers.com is a commercial website , which works to provide movers with potential customers—while at the same time trying to provide its users quality moving quotes. The blog is maintained and updated by the same movers.com team. However, the decision to publish such a blog was very personal. The thoughts and opinions expressed by the team members do not represent movers dot com's view about the moving industry in any way.

Vidya Garapati (GV)
Movers.com Team