Professional Movers: Making Your Long Distance Move Better

Everyone would probably agree that moving tends to take a toll on the average person. There is so much packing that has to be done. Boxes are clustered in every room of the house. The whole house is cluttered and everything is out of place because of the move that is in process. Depending on how long the packing process is stretched out, your home might be in this shape for weeks on end.

Clutter, stress and disorder are just a few of the things that can describe the moving process. It is something that completely overwhelms and drains many people, and this is just for a local move. Think about what happens when it is a long distance or international move. That would add an extra layer of stress and pressure to the moving process.

For some, long distance moves are very frustrating because they no longer have the option to do the moving on their own. Usually when you move your own belongings, all you have to do is rent a small van or truck and load it up. It usually takes about two or three trips to completely deliver all of your belongings locally. However, it does not make sense to make two or three trips when the move is two or three states over. In addition, it is completely impossible if the move is to another country. At this point, it makes better sense to hire a professional mover that specializes in interstate moving.

Professional movers can alleviate some of the stress associated with long distance moves. A company representative will come to your home and explain your options. She will also help you to do certain things such as complete forwarding address forms, make arrangements to turn off the utilities and pack up your belongings very tightly.

Keep in mind that with long distance moving, you will be charged by the pound and not by the hour as with many local deliveries. Try to pack as lightly as possible. If possible, find spaces to put more boxes in your car. This will save money in the end. Thus, during the packing process, this would be a great time to get rid of junk that has accumulated in the closets over the years. It does not make sense to take it with you if long distance movers charge more for the additional weight.

J.H. Bennett Moving and Storage is an interstate moving company that has a solid reputation in the Erie, PA area. Let these professional movers make your long distance move stress free.

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.