We Move It

Organize your move

jeffthompson — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:10:19 +0000

You are planning to move to a new home?

Looking to make this move a little more organized? Color code your boxes and furniture! This could be simply using crayon on paper or colored dots. Assign a color to every room in your new house.

example: kitchen- blue, bedroom 1- yellow, bedroom 2- orange, garage-black.

Then add the appropriate color to the 200 boxes that you are about to pack, and forget about explaining your wording or your handwriting to the other people helping you move. Colors are easier to notice instead of reading every box. On the day of the move get a piece of paper, and tape that appropriate colored paper at the entrance to every room. Now everyone just matches the colored boxes and furniture to the colored rooms. You will be amazed how this will decrease your moving time. Good luck!

What size storage unit is needed?

jeffthompson — Thu, 26 May 2011 06:14:42 +0000

What size storage space is needed ?

Moving Van Space

4×6 trailer Misc. furnishings 5 x 10

6×12 trailer Up to 2 rooms 10 x 10

10′ Van Condo / Apt 1 bedroom 10 x 10

14′ Van 1-2 Bedrooms up to 1200 sq. ft. 10 x 15

17′ Van 2-3 Bedrooms up to 1600 sq. ft. 10 x 20

24′ Van 3-4 Bedrooms up to 2,000 sq. ft 10 x 25

26′ Van 6 Bedrooms 2,000 sq ft / above 10 x 30

Space estimates are approximate

Got a storage unit? Make sure it’s properly insured

jeffthompson — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 03:03:31 +0000

One of the biggest mistakes people make when they decide to store their extra stuff in a storage unit: They assume that their belongings are insured by the facility.
Nope. The storage facility has nothing to do with insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute. It simply provides a place to stow your belongings.
Here are few things to consider if you’re going to stash your belongings in one of these units:
Do you really need to do this? You’re essentially paying rent on belongings you aren’t using. And if you aren’t using them, perhaps it’s time to get rid of them. Storing stuff temporarily while you’re moving is one thing. But long term? Maybe it’s time to “release” some of your items via a yard sale or charitable donation so that someone else can get some use out of them.
Check with your insurance company. If you own a home, your homeowner’s policy might cover items that are being stored, but then again, it might not. If you are a renter and have renters insurance, the same applies. Call your insurance company and ask if your items that are being stored are covered in your policy.
What some policies cover – and don’t. Most policies that include protection for storage provide coverage from theft and damage from fires, tornadoes and a few other disasters listed in the policy, says the Insurance Information Institute, a nonprofit group supported by the insurance industry. Most policies will not cover damage from flooding, earthquakes, mold and mildew, vermin (rats, termites, etc.) or poor maintenance. Some insurers may limit the amount of coverage to 10 percent of the amount of insurance you have on your overall personal possessions for items stolen or damaged away from home. Other insurers may offer higher limits.
Consider the type of insurance you need. Personal possessions can be covered on either an actual cash value or a replacement cost basis. An actual cash value policy pays only the depreciated value of an item. A replacement cost policy would pay to replace the item at what it would cost to purchase it at the time of loss. Clearly, replacement cost is the way to go, especially since these policies generally run only about 10 percent more than actual cash value policies.
Ask about adding a “floater’’ or endorsement to your policy. If you’re storing really valuable property such as artwork, antiques, jewelry, furs etc., there might be dollar restriction on your standard policy. As your insurer about adding a floater or endorsement to your policy to make sure you’re fully covered on these items.
Don’t forget to make an inventory. This is probably one of the easiest things you can do. Take photos, record purchase prices, serial numbers, appraisal forms and sales receipts. If your property is lost or stolen, an inventory can help you speed the claims process and substantiate your loss. It also helps you figure out how much insurance you really need. (The Insurance Information Institute offers a free, online software program called “Know Your Stuff” to help you document your items.

See: Ask Liz Weston

Liz Pulliam Weston

Favorite moving quote

jeffthompson — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:38:49 +0000

If forced to choose between childbirth and moving a household, I’d pick childbirth any day. Both can be deeply painful and expensive experiences. But on moving day, no one offers you an epidural. And labor tends to produce a wonderful … Continue reading →

Never transport a refrigerator on it’s side

jeffthompson — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 07:47:52 +0000

A refrigerator should never be layed down for transport or storage. Always transport or store in the upright position. If the refrigerator has been moved on its side, put refrigerator upright and into position. DO NOT PLUG REFRIGERATOR BACK IN! KEEP UNPLUGGED FOR 24 HRS. When you restart it it should be cooling in a few hours and at normal temp in 24-48. If not you may have damaged the compressor.

Deducting moving expenses

jeffthompson — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 03:41:01 +0000

Always talk to your tax accountant before deducting your moving expenses. Even if you don’t itemize income tax deductions you could deduct moving -related expenses. Your move must meet the following:

* You must be moving because of a job.

* Your new job would have increased your commute by more than 50 miles if you hadn’t moved.

* You must be employed full time for at least 39 weeks during the 12 months after you move. If you’re self employed, the applicable figures are 78 weeks and 24 months, respectively, and at least 39 of the weeks must be in the first 12 months.

* Your moving expenses can’t be reimbursed by your employer.

By: Rocket lawyer