Finding a Moving and Storage Company in Erie

You finally got the job of your dreams. Congratulations! The only problem is that it is located two cities away in Erie, PA and the first day of employment is scheduled for two weeks from now. This means that you must find a new home and get moved in within that time. That is almost impossible because you know nothing about Erie, PA.

As a result, you must find a temporary apartment for now and take more time to look for a permanent home. However, this means that you must also put your boat and jet skis into storage. Obviously, there's no space for these things at the new apartment.

You need a company that can temporarily store your belongings. You also need a company that can transport your belongings to your apartment. Basically, find two separate companies that provide each of these services. Or, find one amazing company that provides both services.

Looking for a company that can kill two birds with one stone will not be as hard as you might think. A professional moving and storage company can handle both of these services with ease.

Now, that you know what type of company to look for, how do you choose the best one? The following are just the bare minimum of what you should take into consideration when comparing storage and moving companies in Erie, PA:

• Insurance. This is important for two very important reasons. What if the company damages or loses your belongings while transporting them? Or, what happens if your items are damaged or stolen while in storage? Insurance will provide protection against these possibilities.
• Which items go where? Make sure that both you and the company are on the same page about which items will go into storage and which ones will go to your temporary address. Ensure that the boxes and furniture items are clearly marked so that mistakes do not occur. Follow the company’s instructions.
• Storage access. Keep in mind that many of your things will be into temporary storage, but this does not mean that you will not need to access them during this time. Make sure that your chosen company knows this and does not stack your items in an area where you cannot reach them.
• Cost. Get quotes and compare them. Don’t assume that the lowest is the best. What services do you get for the cost? Also, ask about discounts. You may get lucky if it is the right time of the year.

These are all concerns that you should have when researching viable companies. J.H. Bennett is an Erie moving company that specializes in both moving and storage. The company will arrange your temporary move and storage situation to your satisfaction.

Which Pennsylvania Moving Company Should I Use?

What are your needs for this move? Whether you are planning a corporate or residential move, having an Erie moving company will be an advantage for you. A local mover that has the capability to move you around the block or around the world is available. Professional services are provided from the first phone call to the process of unpacking your belongings.

A full service moving company can guide you through your move. With the professional touch, your move can be less frantic and your arrival less stressful. J.H. Bennett has the experience and professional staff to guide you through a move.

Often there is a need for warehousing during your move. A temperature controlled warehouse is always preferred. Your moving crates will be stored in the warehouse until you are ready to receive them at your new location. Temperature controlled warehousing will protect your electronics, your trade show material or your household goods.

The Erie moving company that has received awards for their customer service and for their abilities is the J.H. Bennett Erie moving company. You will be able to deal with a local business with the experience to handle any issues that may arise during your move.

Expect your chosen moving company to send a representative to your home to give you an estimate. An accurate estimate cannot be given over the phone. You will need to have someone come to your home to make a list of all of your belongings. Before they arrive, it is important for you to determine what you will be leaving behind, what you will be selling, what you will be packing. Your estimate will be accurate if the movers are made aware of what you are planning to have packed and shipped to your new destination.

A good moving company will follow the law and make sure your move is as painless as possible. If you are storing some of your belongings, they will be able to tell you how to pack those items for storage. Whether you are a seasoned mover or a first time mover, a knowledgeable moving company in Erie is ready to be by your side through the process.

If We Fly, How Will the Car Get There?

While this may not be a common issue for civilians, it can be for those attached to the military or Department of Defense in some way. It is good to know that your vehicle will be in safe hands. Your international moving company should have a consultant asking you the right questions. A J.H. Bennett consultant will be the right person to deal with. You will be asked the right questions and your move will be explained in a way that will leave little doubt that you have the right mover and not a rogue mover.

Some of the things you will be asked:

• Will you be packing any of the cartons, or will the mover do them all. Perhaps it will be a joint venture.
• Will you require any assistance disconnecting your appliances? It the move is local or intrastate, will you need assistance reconnecting.
• Is there valuable artwork or other items that will require special handling? Perhaps some items will need to have their own crate.
• Are you driving your vehicle and/or boat to the new location? If not will you need our moving company to handle the process?
• What is your planned moving date?
• Will there be an extended period between your moving date and your arrival at your new destination?

Knowing international shipping regulations will allow your international moving company to handle transport of your vehicle competently and legally. Can you imagine the disappointment when you find out your vehicle is lost somewhere between your starting point and your destination? This would not be good.

The knowledge of interstate moving as well as international moving will give you the best service a mover can give. Be aware that not all movers have the ability. Not all movers are quality or reliable businesses. If the company does not do an inspection in your current location, your antenna should go up. All of your items are not covered by the companies insurance. If they claim that they are, you should ask for a copy of a booklet titled "Your Rights and Responsibilities When you Move". This booklet is required by federal regulations. You should not have to pay a large deposit before the move begins.

Shop wisely and have a safe move.

Mistakes in Making Your Interstate Moves

Mistakes are aplenty when it comes to interstate moves – or even just a local move PA, for that matter. But because relocation involves money, making these mistakes will also move money away from your pockets and into others’ pockets. Why commit these mistakes in moving then when you can do better?

Moving Without Planning

Relocation is stressful as it is without adding the hassles of committing one too many mistakes during the move itself. These mistakes include but are not limited to forgetting to pack essential items that will tide the entire family over while waiting for the movers for the rest of the household goods, overlooking the expenses related to the relocation, and forgetting important obligations that must first be settled in the locality, among others.

Tip: Have a timeline outlining each step that must be accomplished within a certain period along with its details – who will do the tasks, what results are expected, and what money will be involved. This is especially true of interstate moves where your new place will be of considerable distance from your old place.

Moving Without Budgeting

Moving means money for the relocation expenses including the fees for the moving company even when it is just a local move PA. Getting estimates from several moving companies – experts suggest at least 3 but you can always aim for 5 just to cover your bases – is then necessary to choose the mover that will provide the best value for your money. Think the most affordable fees without hidden charges and without compromising on the quality of services provided. Tips: Learn to negotiate on the prices especially when the fees are based more on weight than on distance. Set a budget and try to stick to it. Ask about the estimates provided – what each item means, what additional charges may be applied, and what items can be deducted because you can let your DIY spirit kick in.

Moving During the Summer

Interstate moves in the United States usually take place during the summer season from July to September for obvious reasons. Movers will have lesser hassles to deal with from the vagaries of Mother Nature during the sunny days of summers, for example. It comes as no surprise then that the summer months are the busiest and costliest season for moving companies!

But since you will want to take advantage of the great days of summer for your relocation plans – for example, the kids’ schools is out so transferring them to another school during the summer break will be less disruptive for everybody – here are tips on getting a better deal on your planned interstate moves:

• Book your move immediately on the first day of the summer break for your kids. Planning including packing the household goods must then be performed at least 3 months prior the moving date. Booking your move at least 8-10 weeks before the pick-up date is also advisable.
• Book for pick-up on weekdays when the movers are less busy. Ask about weekend drop rates, too, if a weekday move is out of the question.

In conclusion, the best way to make your interstate moves is to move with a plan and a budget!

How Not to Handle Employees during Office Relocation

Your employees are not your loved ones. They will not love you in the morning if you verbally take their heads off for simple mistakes. They are not obligated to let you rest while they work nonstop to make an office relocation happen. If you are in charge of handling a corporate relocation and you have a group of people under your charge, you cannot make the mistake of treating those people as you would treat the people who love you outside of the office.

Taking Charge Does Not Require a Dictatorship

You will need to establish a clear plan, communicate that plan to the employees under your charge, and then delegate duties to the group so that everything is completed on time for your big office relocation. What you won’t need to do is bark orders at your employees expecting them to understand the plan that is in your head, especially if you have not clearly communicated that plan. You also will not need to lose your cool when someone makes a mistake or deviates from your plan slightly.

Your loved ones understand your temper and know how you like to work, but this may be the first time your employees have worked through a corporate relocation with you. This may be the first time they have communicated with you beyond their job responsibilities. They will expect clear communication and a calm, confident demeanor from the boss in charge of the moving process.

Do Your Research

You shouldn't throw together a plan with little to no research and then expect employees to follow that plan perfectly. You will end up hitting unexpected obstacles, and eventually you will be forced to rethink your plan with better research. Start out by determining what needs to be accomplished in order to successfully complete your office relocation on time. You can then determine a timeline for these activities and assign employees to leadership roles to ensure everything is completed on time.

Notice that this research, planning and delegation process requires far more organization and advance planning than a local move with your family would require. Corporate relocation requires management of more people, and those people do not know you as intimately as your family members. They also see you in a different light than your family members see you, and you have an image to uphold in the office once this relocation is completed.

Do Not Occupy All Control

If you are the head of your household, you may feel responsible to shoulder the weight of all control over the moving process. That is not the case when you are managing office relocation. You need to find employees whom you can trust and delegate some control of the moving process to them. This allows you to lighten your load so that you have time to oversee the process as a whole. You see the bigger picture while your lower-level leaders oversee the smaller details involved with corporate relocation.

How to Avoid Human Mistakes during Corporate Interstate Moves

There are few things more stressful in the corporate world than trying to relocate a large department or entire office across state lines. There are many human factors that can lead to mistakes that cost the company money and start personal conflicts between employees. Interstate moves are stressful enough on all employees. You don’t need simple human mistakes creating even more problems.

Establish Checks and Balances

Humans are prone to make mistakes. People would not be human if they thought and behaved like robots and were perfect all of the time. This means you need to establish some system of checks and balances so that your employees can catch one another’s mistakes before they cause confusion and misunderstanding as the moving process begins.

One simple way to create a system of checks and balances is to place all employees in groups. These groups will be responsible for organizing and directing the move for a given department or for areas under their immediate supervision. Everyone within the company should be in a group, and it should be understood that they are responsible for catching mistakes made by other members of their groups so that the group is successful as a whole.

Assign Leaders

Identify employees who display strong organizational, motivational and leadership qualities. Assign them as the leaders of your groups. If you choose not to put your employees in groups, assign these leaders specific departments or areas of the move over which they are responsible. Leave it up to these leaders to delegate tasks to other employees and then supervise to make sure those tasks are completed as efficiently as possible.

You may also assign assistants for each of your leaders just to make sure there is someone to catch oversights on part of the leaders as well. You may also give upper management the responsibility for overseeing the leaders as it pertains to the move.

Outsource to a Moving Company

This is one of the best ways to avoid simple human errors that lead to confusion during interstate moves. If your company is located in Pennsylvania, you can get quotes from moving companies in Eerie, PA and contract with the best company well in advance of your move. Allow them to help your employees organize, pack and store all of the office items to ensure it is done properly and nothing is forgotten.

The best moving companies now cater to companies large and small because they understand how difficult interstate moves are when business needs to continue uninterrupted. The more duties you can outsource to your moving company, the more you can reduce your risk of oversights and mistakes that employees often make during corporate interstate moves.

The Home and Corporate Relation Service that also Offers Packaging is Worth Contacting

Moving is not just about moving. Storage is not just about storing things. Both must be tied together with a critically important component: packaging. The way in which things are packed to be moved or to be stored plays a major role in whether or not problems arise. Frequently, improper packaging leads to damage. In some cases, the damage caused ruins items that otherwise would not be able to be replaced. This is true whether a home move or office relocation is taking place.

The most common reason why this occurs is people have a tendency to try to do things themselves when they really should leave the tasks to a professional storage company. Being a novice leads to embodying a number of errors that hamper the ability to actually do things in the correct manner.

Commonly, people will not effectively estimate the amount of time required to pack things. Therefore, they rush and rushing leads to jamming too many items together in a box. Often, the wrong items are packed together meaning one item creates the potential for damaging another. Relocation assistance professionals generally know how much time is required to pack a big move. They also are more efficient in their approach and this means they move a lot quicker than someone who is not familiar with how things should be done.

Selecting the right boxes is a must. The right boxes are more than just the right size boxes, although this is a critically important component of the selection process. The strength of the boxes is vital as well. If the material is too thin, then the box could end up ripping fairly easy. Such an outcome is not going to be helpful to those looking to ensure the safety of any belongings being moved or stored. Thicker cardboard boxes designed for moving are suggested. Professional movers generally know what type of boxes are best for certain belongings. They know the right size and the right durability to select.

Putting the right buffering and bubble wrap in the boxes reduced the chances for any errant damage from occurring. Home and corporate relocation professionals definitely can make sure damage reduction steps such as these will be taken.

How the boxes are to be tapped is something that requires a bit of skill. When boxes are tapped closed properly, they risk of the tape opening up and the contents all spilling out is dramatically reduced. Having to pick things up that have fallen out would be the least of a person's worries. A lot of breakage can occur when this happens and that is obviously not something anyone would wish to see.

Packing boxes is never as easy as it looks. Well, it can be somewhat easy when you have a lot of experience handling packaging tasks. Moving and storage company professionals do have the requisite experience. Calling on their help is strongly advised when quality packing work must be performed.

Getting Help from Corporate Relocation Moving Professionals

Corporate relocation moving to a new office can seem overwhelming. Considering the size and scope of the move,the overwhelming nature of the move should never come as much of a surprise. Those who do seem more than a bit overwhelmed just might be able to make the whole process a lot less stressful and difficult. Among the ways this can be done is through creating an office moving checklist.

On the surface, the suggestion just might seem a little bit unnecessary. How could compiling an office moving checklist really make an office relocation any easier? There are a few reasons why is have the potential to take a lot of weight off the shoulders of those moving to a new locations.

A decent list makes the entire process a lot more organized. Nothing causes more chaos than simply walking into an office and randomly selecting things to put into a number of boxes. Often, the process of packing becomes a major struggle as the ability to figure out where things have to go ties up a lot of time. Compiling a list of what has to be moved and when makes corporate relocation moving far easier.

Creating a list of what has to be moved aids in taking an inventory of what is in the office. When the same office has been occupied for quite some time, it is human nature to merely forget about things and lose track of them. By performing an audit of sorts of what is inside of the office, creating a list not only covers all the things you know you have to move, it also aids in reminding you about all those various items you may otherwise forget about.

What will be moved on what day can also be planned out when a list is compiled. Unless you are forced to move in one or two days, planning out the move over a week or a month can make the whole process a lot smoother. Then again, even if you have to move within a day or two, certain things can be moved into storage allowing for more gradual moving process. Regardless of how the lengthier move is devised, doing what is necessary to draw up a workable list to devise a more deliberate corporate relocation moving plan.

A list eliminates the problem of losing track of or forgetting things. Once again, the biggest enemy to any move would be disorganization. When trying to remember what you have to move or what you still need to move, you run the risk of forgetting things. Rather than go about the process is such a manner, create a list that you can follow and check off. Doing so will dramatically reduce the potential for any errant mistakes, oversights, or omissions when you move.

Lists are not written in stone either. You can tweak them as needed. Just do not this so frequently the list becomes impossible to follow.

As long as the right thought is put into a good list, corporate relocation moving becomes a lot easier.

Getting the Best Bang for your Buck

Whether you are planning office relocation, an office relocation that is part of corporate relocation, you want the PA moving company that will give you the best bang for your buck. Commercial moving is costly and if not done correctly can be disastrous for management and all of the employees. You will need an experienced moving company to give you the relocation assistance that will make your move smooth and successful. Your employees will have to take advantage of the information that will be shared to gain the highest degree of efficiency.

As an employee, you need to ask your boss if there is a restriction on what can be packed. Learn all of the rules ahead of time. Learn the date the move will take place and what you are expected to do with unwanted or unnecessary furniture and documents. Perhaps you can get an idea of the size of your new office. The more information you can gather for your relocation, the easier your move will be.

Create your checklists. Prioritize what you will need, what you may need and what can be gifted to the shredder or trash. It is possible that some of your treasures will need to go to your home and be included in that move, if there is one? You will need several checklists. If the move is across town, it will be easier. If it is across country, you are dealing with a few extra. If it involves a home move, you will need to make a checklist for what you are taking, what goes in storage and what you will be selling in your impending yard sale?

Learn what makes a good moving company. Deal with one that has up to date software that is user friendly for you. Find out what training their employees have to deal with your packing. They will teach you how to pack your items, sort your items and whether you need to take all of your items.

Once you are about to launch into the packing mode, decide what you will pack from your file cabinet, shelves, desk, and your home. Again, prioritize which will take the front part of your packing tasks. It is obvious that the office relocation will have to take priority. Your file cabinet will take longer than your desk and your home will take longer than your office. Your office has to come first. It will not only make the corporate relocation easier, but will free your mind to concentrate on your home if necessary.

If possible, keep all of your checklists on your personal computer. This will allow you to keep a close check on what needs to be done. Check off each task as it is completed. Organize your thoughts and your plan and take advantage of all the relocation assistance that is available.

Bulletin, Bulletin, We are Moving

Corporate, office or business relocation will require communication with everyone. All of your information and materials need to be moved from point A to point B. Design letters for your customers or clients, vendors and utilities.

• Be sure to have your telephone number changed. This is especially true if you are moving to a new city. You can request a recording from the phone company that tells the caller what the new number is. Do not forget to include your fax number as well.
  
  
• All of your marketing materials including stationary, website, and business cards need to be changed. If you are changing your email address, that should be included. Remember any online directories, brochures, print ads, media ad and online ads. It will also be time to reorder pens, notepads and other marketing pieces you may use.
  
  
• Develop a communication plan. If you do not have a communication department, it will be necessary to carry that task or delegate the responsibility to a reliable person. The plan for communication should include phone calls to all customers, suppliers and anyone that needs to know. Inform the media of the period involved in the move before you place your order. You will not want them advertising your new location a month before you arrive.
  
  
• Moving is a good time to update your business cards, stationery and your logo. It may cost some money but it will allow you be noticed and the new address noticed. It will be well worth the expense when your move becomes apparent with your new look.
  
  
• You should have some type of marketing campaign in mind. What will the advantages of a new location be to your customers and clients? Will it be a more convenient location? Will parking be easier? Will it ensure better service to the customer? Whatever the high points are in your move, let your clients be aware.
  
  
• Decide what materials you do not want to pack and transport. Recycling your paper products would be an advantage. You can also use some of the older marketing materials in other ways. Paper can be cut into scrap size pieces and used until they are gone. Be careful with your letterhead on the paper. You do not want to use it for any paper that will be outgoing.
  
  

This can be an exciting time or a potentially devastating experience if things are not organized. Keeping up with daily tasks and eventually hourly tasks will help to get your move underway and your commercial relocation the best thing you ever did. Business can increase. Employees may have a better work environment. You will be experience a win/win situation.

Successfully Storing your Items when Moving

Not every home or business that moves is able to take all they have and put it into the new location immediately. Perhaps you are going to stay in a hotel for a month or two while you wait for a new home but you have to get your items out of the old one. Maybe you are relocating for business but need to store some items. It is possible to do this without problems with office relocation help.

Only take Necessities

Such relocation assistance is also available for your personal belongings so don’t be hesitant to take advantage of it. With this type of set up, you get help to get the necessities you need transported to your new location. The other items will go into storage until you are ready for them. Then arrangements can be made for them to be delivered to you.

Make sure you carefully go through all of your items and you only take what you must have. Take along a few special items too that will make you feel at home such as a couple of family photos. The less you take with you to a temporary location, the less you will have to re-pack to take to your permanent home or work location when it is ready.

Package Well

With such assistance, you can get everything well packed. There are specific boxes that have the right strength for the items that will be put inside of them. The last thing you want is to pack items in boxes that can’t hold up well. They can come apart and damage or ruin what you had inside of them. Most moving companies offer very strong boxes that they can help you to pack your items in.

They also have other items such as bubble wrap to help ensure your breakables are well protected. They will take these items and place them in a secure and dry storage location. Your items will be safe from the elements and from various forms of rodents or bugs that can ruin your items.

Labeling

Proper labeling is very important when you are packing items to go into storage. It doesn't matter if you are packing them or a moving company is doing it for you. A complete inventory is a good idea to have too. That way you can make sure you got all of your items when they are delivered. You don’t want to discover months down the road that some items are missing.

Conclusion

Temporarily storing the majority of your items when you are moving your family or your business can be a great idea. It can help you through the transitional period of getting from one location to the next. It can reduce anxiety about where you will keep all of your items until your new office or your new home is ready for you to move into.

What you should know about Corporate Relocation

The need for corporate relocation is more common than you might think. In some scenarios, you have a decision with it – to go or to stay. However, in other instances you either have to relocate or you have to find another job. If you choose not to go, will you be offered any type of severance package? If you decide to go will they help you with it?

Cost of Living

Before you give the company your decision, find out all you can about the place where you are moving to. What is the cost of living there? If it is much different than where you currently reside, will they be giving you a raise? If not, you could find yourself in a financial crunch. What is the housing market like in that new area? Will you be able to buy a home or do you need to rent until you sell your current home?

Corporate Relocation Expenses

You will often find that the business asking you to relocate is willing to help with the expenses involved. They may pay a certain dollar amount of the move and you are responsible for anything beyond that. They may pay for the entire move and even hire an entity to do it as they can discounts relating to corporate relocation moving costs.

You need to carefully read through everything they offer and ask questions if you have them. You can also try to re-negotiate anything that you aren't happy with. For example, the cost of living in a hotel while the transition takes place. You may have to go for work now but your family won’t be moving for another month to the new place.

Tax Breaks

You may not be aware that you could qualify for tax breaks if you move for work more than 50 miles from your current residence. There are some stipulations though such as you must be relocating to work full time. IRS Publication 521 or your accountant can help you to determine if you qualify and if so, what you qualify for relating to such tax breaks.

Conclusion

This information is going to put corporate relocation in a better perspective for you to think about. There are plenty of perks that can be involved, but it all comes down to a case by case basis with the company you work for. Never make any assumptions and always strive to get all the help from the for the cost of moving and the actual moving process as you are able to.

How to brace yourself for relocation

When we live in a particular place for many years, we get used to everything about the place and start loving it too. We tend to develop this typical “frog in the well” – a frog does not know the world beyond the well - attitude and are opposed to the idea of relocating to another place. Our friendly neighborhood is another deterrent and prevents us from stepping out of our comfort zone. If you have kids, it is another point to ponder because kids hate the idea of leaving their school and friends and going to a new place altogether. A new place calls for a lot of readjustment mentally and physically, especially for kids. But, when relocation becomes inevitable due to official or personal reasons, it is always good to welcome it with an open mind and healthy attitude

All these things apart, there are some positive sides to relocation, which cannot be ignored. We human beings are basically social animals that need to look for newer surroundings and newer people. Moving to a new place gives you an opportunity to mingle with people of all types and ethnic backgrounds, which gives to wide exposure and expands your intellectual horizons. You become fearless, more adventurous, and broad-minded and above all, can become well-braced to tackle any situation any time. In any sector, a well-traveled person is looked upon as more knowledgeable and enterprising individual. In corporate arena, such a person has an edge over the rest in the career graph.

Now comes the children part. Children being what they are, will be averse to the thought of leaving their school and friends. At home too, they would have formed many friends in the neighborhood and will not welcome the idea of any kind of displacement. Having said that, it is also true that kids are very adaptable by nature and in no time they will form new friendships at the new place and will gradually love their new school or college too. As a parent, the onus is on you to convince your children about the benefits of foraying into new regions or cultures. You will need to convince them that a change of scene will help them to form new bonds and new associations.

Once you have succeeded in convincing your loved ones, it is time to start making initial preparations for the move. First and foremost, you will need to look for good tenant or a buyer for your home, depending on whether you want to retain your present residence or sell it at a good price. Allot enough time for this purpose so that you are able to get the better end of the bargain. Next, you will need to finalize a reliable mover like PA moving company that has carved a unique niche in the market owing to good customer feedback and commendable performance over the years, and will extend every kind of relocation assistance. Once a reputed moving company has been identified, all other formalities become easy and manageable until you are ready to move!

Planning an organized move – relocation assistance

Years ago, moving was considered extremely stressful and depressing, both physically and emotionally. In those days, we had to personal look into all aspects the move like, obtaining several official documents needed or the move, arranging for packing materials, packing things personally – as not all could afford labor fees -, loading transporting and then unloading at the destination. 

Unpacking and arranging personal belongings in the new place would take up not less than a week. Things have become much simpler and quicker in modern times. Though even now, moving can become tedious but it is by no means terrifying. A few hints given in the following paragraphs can make your relocation organized and an enjoyable experience for you and your loved ones.

Prior to leaving your old home:

Go to each room of your home and take an inventory of all your belongings. Throw away junk items without hesitation. Arrange a garage sale for those items that you do not need and are yet useful to others. Now, you are left with only useful items for packing and transporting.

If you have kids, you should involve them in your packing job too. Ask your kids to pack their toys and story books and other handy items in their own bags so that they can continue to use them till the last day.

Prepare a lever file that contains all essential documents like birth certificates, passport, medical records and other urgently required documents, etc., and remember to carry this file with you personally.

Make sure that your home is cleaned thoroughly once you have removed all the furniture so that you leave a good impression in the mind of the next visitor or occupant.

Settle all the bills before your departure. Also, make necessary arrangements so that unpaid bills, if any, are forwarded to your new address for settlement.

Use the services of an expert and affordable mover like PA moving company to transport your personal belongings to your destination and any other relocation assistance. Obtain an undertaking from the moving company about safe conveyance of your belongings, without damage or loss.

Notify your local post office to forward your mails to the new address.

Let all your close friends and family have a copy of your change of address.

Remember to pack fragile and vulnerable articles and jewels personally and carry them with you along with your other personal items.

Do not forget to label all the boxes clearly so that unpacking and rearranging becomes easy in your new home.

On reaching your new home:

Sort the boxes in and place them in their respective rooms.

You may take the help of a professional organizer, who will help you in unpacking and arranging your belongings.

Involve your kids too in your task of arranging things to help them get used to their new home sooner.

Make sure to call the newcomer services to familiarize yourself with new offers and coupons for your new area. This will help you to save some money as you will be eating out for a few days until you ready to use your kitchen.

Once you have settled in your new home, it will be nice to realize that moving wasn't so stressful after all!

Tips for a Greener Corporate Relocation

Like it or not, corporate relocation has a huge impact on the organization’s carbon footprint perhaps more so than the usual day at the office. Why? Think of all the packing paper, boxes and tape that will be used and will eventually end up in the trash, not to mention the ecological impact of the moving trucks and the renovation materials in the new offices, among others.

Fortunately, the organization’s carbon footprint can be minimized by planning a greener office relocation project. Such an eco-friendlier moving plan shall not only lessen the carbon footprint but will also save on costs – recycling, reusing and reducing has that overall effect – while enhancing your goodwill in the community. This is a win-win situation that can truly benefit everybody involved in the relocation.

Getting Rid of Items

Every corporate relocation project is an opportunity to make a comprehensive assessment of the company assets from the inventory of products to the office supplies, furniture and equipment, among others. Said assessment will yield various items that the company should have been rid of months ago for several reasons like the costs of storage have outpaced the possible profits, the items are obsolete, and the assets are considered as non-performing resources.

Instead of throwing everything into the trash, try these options for a greener office relocation project:

• Do your research. Ask around the community, browse the Internet and ask employees for suggestions where the to-be-discarded items can be donated for a good cause and sold for a good profit on the depreciated values.

• Donate the items in good condition to local charities and organizations where these assets can be put to good use. Examples include donating the computers to local schools, the furniture to small businesses, and the food inventory to the food bank.

• Sell the stuff. You will be surprised at the eagerness of many individuals in buying items from organizations that can be reused in their own premises. Not only will you be able to lessen your impact on the landfills but you can also make money off the items, said money of which can be used as part of your corporate relocation budget.

Of course, you should also reuse and recycle many of the items in your new office. You can then skip on buying new items, thus, saving on relocation costs while also providing a sense of familiarity for the employees in the new premises.

Using Eco-friendly Packing Materials

Corporate relocation projects are most often on a larger scale than home relocations for obvious reasons. The result: More packing materials are used, thus, increasing the carbon impact. The solutions:

• Avoid packing items that can be moved in their own coverings, so to speak.

• Use reusable containers.

• Ask the moving company for eco-friendly options. (In fact, you will want to choose the moving company based on its green approach to its job such as planning the move via the shortest possible route.)

In the end, a corporate relocation project will only be as eco-friendly as your steps to make it so. Start planning your steps and start doing your share for our home planet!

Relocation Assistance for Senior Citizens

Did you know that over 12% of Americans are considered as senior citizens – 65 years old and above? Many of these citizens will require relocation assistance during their moves from their present residences to their new homes, which can be in the suburbs, retirement communities, and retirement homes. Many will move in anticipation of their future lifestyle of leisure, or of their new economic status, or of their desire to be nearer their families.

Regardless of the reasons for relocation, you will find the activities associated with it to be physical and emotionally difficult, to say the least. The more assistance provided on your move, the more chances for relocation success sans the usual hassles. Here are a few tips that you can keep in mind in this regard.

Hire the Right Moving Company

Unless your family and friends are willing and able to provide relocation assistance, hiring the right PA moving company is a must. Then again, even when your family and friends offer assistance, getting the professionals to do many of the relocation jobs is strongly recommended. Doing so can expedite the process of relocation, thanks to the professionals’ expertise in packing, moving and storing items from heavy furniture to fragile porcelain.

Take an Inventory

In 65 years, you have probably collected an amazing amount of odds and ends aside from the usual furniture, fixtures and furnishings, among other material possessions. Since many of these items cannot be taken to your new place, you should take an inventory of all the possible items in the house. If possible, ask a relative’s or friend’s assistance during the inventory to make fast work of it.

The list of items can then be evaluated on several aspects. What can be taken to the new place? What will not fit into the weight and space requirements of the moving trucks? What types of items are required in the new residence?

Basically, you are making it easier for family and friends as well as the PA moving company to lend relocation assistance. The lesser number of items, the faster the relocation can be achieved.

Stick to a Timetable

To avoid the last-minute hustle and bustle of packing, storing and moving, you are well-advised to follow a timetable. This will provide a step-by-step detail for what needs to be done a few months, a few weeks and then a few days before moving day as well as on the actual day itself. You can ask the moving company for assistance on this matter.

Keep in mind, too, that your timetable should include important matters like transferring insurance plans, medical prescriptions, and legal papers, among others. This is especially true when you are moving out of state, say, from Philadelphia to New York. You may also ask for relocation assistance on this matter from the concerned service provider like the insurance agent, lawyer, and doctor, to name a few professionals.

Most important of all, you should adopt safety practices when packing, moving and storing items before these are transported by the moving company. Examples include using masks and gloves for certain chemicals, avoiding lifting of heavy objects, and packing in small boxes. You want relocation assistance instead not medical assistance during the process!

Business Continuity in the Midst of Corporate Relocation

Most, if not all, modern workplaces rely on information and communication technology (ICT) for their daily operations, strategic planning, and policy setting activities for good reasons; the technology makes gathering reliable, relevant and accurate information as well as communicating information easier and faster. As such, the business continuity of ICT systems must be preserved and protected during corporate relocation lest the organization suffer from data loss and information theft, among other risks.

Fortunately, businesses can tap into the professional relocation assistance services provided by reliable and reputable moving companies in the United States. These relocation companies are well-versed in the principles and practices of protection of data and information protection during relocations. Still, it must be said that clients also have their share of the roles and responsibilities related to data and information protection.

Physical Move of ICT Equipment

Many offices regard the physical movement of their ICT equipment including desktops, laptops and servers from the old to the new premises as the first priority. This is because these pieces of equipment are sensitive on two levels, namely, sensitive because of their electronic nature and sensitive because of the information contained in their applications.

Planning for corporate relocation then requires implementing safety and security measures to prevent physical theft of the ICT equipment. The best moving company will be able to discuss in detail the appropriate measures including locked moving trucks, secure storage, and comprehensive monitoring of whereabouts. These are still in line with the company’s relocation assistance services so clients are well-advised to take advantage.

Protection of Data and Information

Said moving company may also recommend security experts in data and information protection during relocations. Clients may or may not hire these security experts depending on their needs and wants in the service (i.e., an in-house security personnel will take care of the job).

The bottom line: The protection of data and information systems is a must during corporate relocation. Otherwise, the corporation can suffer adverse effects including information theft and disruption of business, both of which are detrimental to the company’s competitiveness.

Assessment of ICT Systems

Did you know that office relocations are also opportunities to assess the present ICT systems of your organization? Yes, indeed, considering that an ICT inventory must be made before moving day so as to determine the changes (i.e., new equipment and accessories) required in the new office. This is a good time as any to evaluate the corporation’s future ICT requirements, thus, maximizing the costs incurred for the corporate relocation project.

A few examples of the possible changes in ICT systems:

• Change in Internet service provider/phone provider

• Rerouting in cabling requirements for the new office

• Increase in the number of phone and fax lines

• Upgrading of ICT system in anticipation of future requirements

• Testing of new additions to the system to determine their computability with the existing applications

Indeed, with the workplace largely dependent on ICT systems for smooth daily operations, the importance of a smooth transition during a corporate relocation project from the old to the new office premises cannot be overemphasized.