Tips for Keeping Your Move Green

We Americans have a habit of accumulating a lot of “stuff,” and our lifestyles can sometimes create excess waste. These facts can be especially apparent when you are packing and unpacking for a move. If you are looking for some ways to protect Mother Earth during your move, you will find these tips helpful!

1.      Pack environmentally consciously. Boxes and packing supplies such as foam peanuts create a lot of extra trash. One fairly inexpensive way to reduce this trash is to purchase rubber tubs. Once you have finished with your move, these tubs can be reused to store holiday decorations, seasonal clothing, and other items that you are sure to accumulate over the years. Inevitably, you will have to purchase some moving boxes to make sure that all of your items make it safely to your destination. Instead of throwing these boxes in the trash when you finish with them, consider donating them to someone else, or recycling them. Another great way to reduce moving related trash is to use old blankets and towels as padding in your boxes rather than packing paper when possible.

2.      Donate unwanted items. When you are tired of going through your things and come across something that you don’t want anymore, it is tempting to take the easy way out and just throw it away. However, your old VHS movies, clothes that no longer fit, and that unwanted old couch could mean a lot to a local charity or thrift shopper. Additionally, books that you have already read (which add a lot of weight to your move) would be greatly appreciated at your local library. Rather than adding to the landfill, take a little extra time and energy to go through your belongings and either host a garage sale or donate them to a charity in need.

3.      Dispose of hazardous items properly. Certain items cannot be shipped by professional movers because they represent a hazard. Hazardous items are anything that is flammable, corrosive, or explosive. Some examples include fertilizer, car batteries, bleach, ammunition, and paint thinners.  If the movers won’t take them, it probably isn’t the best idea for you to try to ship them yourself. When disposing of these items, try to be conscious of the environment. Check with your local waste management company to see if they have a designated  hazardous materials disposal day, or contact a local vendor of the material to be thrown away to see if they offer disposal services.

4.      Don’t waste food. Try to plan your meals carefully in the weeks preceding your move so that you don't end up with a lot of perishables on move day. Professional movers can’t move perishable items, and depending on the distance of your move, it can be quite a hassle to try to move them yourself. If you do find yourself left with excess perishables in the fridge and freezer, give them to a neighbor. And if you don’t want to pack up and move all of your canned goods (which also add weight to your move,) consider donating them to a food shelter.

5.      Investigate the waste management services at your new home. If possible, find out ahead of time what type of waste management services (trash, recycling, and yard waste) are available and when those pick-up days are scheduled. This way, you can put your items to be recycled out as soon as possible, and you can avoid having all of your trash sitting at your curb for days at a time.

Remember, when it comes to your move, go green! It’s our favorite color here at Sorensen Mayflower!

Using the Internet to Plan Your Move

Each year, 1 in 4 Americans pick up and move. To aid them in this process, more and more people are turning to the internet. In fact, studies have reported that 91% of people state that they have found the internet to be a useful tool during their move. The web definitely provides a lot of helpful information when it comes to finding a moving company. However, it is important that consumers know where to do their research, what to be leery of, and how to supplement their internet findings. Below are some suggestions on what to do and what not to do when it comes to using the internet find a mover.

DO use the internet to research moving companies. However, before you begin your internet search, talk to other people and get some recommendations. Once you have made a list of these recommendations, call each company and gather the following important information:

-Full company name

-Number of years in service

-Address and phone number

-Email/ web address

-DOT (Department of Transportation) and MC license numbers

Once you have obtained this information, go to safersys.org. This is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. It allows you to view safety and licensing information about prospective companies by entering their DOT or MC license numbers. Another great resource to use to find out more about a company’s reputation is the Better Business Bureau. Just go to www.bbb.org. Once you have selected several reputable moving companies, contact at least two of them to schedule an in-home estimate, which should be free of charge.

DO NOT rely on the internet to select your moving company for you. A company’s fancy website or ad in the yellow pages should not determine which moving company you choose. Instead, put emphasis on a company’s reputation and record. Additionally, don’t make your decision on price alone, especially if you are basing it on a quote provided sight unseen given over the internet or the phone. It is always a good idea to meet with a company representative in person. That way, he or she can survey your goods to get a better idea of the cost of your move. This meeting will also give you a chance to discuss any questions that you may have regarding your move.

We hope that these tips are helpful to you, and that your search leads you to Sorensen Mayflower!

Tips On How To Save Money During Your Move

Are you interested in learning about ways that you can cut back on move-related costs? Check out ten tips that will surely help you to save money during your move!

1.      Travel smart: Make your travel plans as far in advance as possible, and try to use travel discounts (like AAA) to save money on hotels.

2.      Eat what you have: Avoid eating out and going to the grocery store as your move approaches. Instead, try to be creative and eat what you have in your pantry and freezer before moving. Frozen foods and other perishable items cannot be moved, and will just go to waste if you don’t eat them. Also, try to eat up the canned goods in your pantry. They can be moved, but are heavy, and will only add to the cost of your shipment.

3.      Collect what is yours: When it comes to an apartment or utility deposit, it is always easier to get your money back prior to your move. Also, remember to pick up any items that are being cleaned, stored, or repaired. If you are a member of a gym or other workout facility, don’t forget to gather any belongings that might be in your locker.

4.      Check on your memberships: Check with any clubs or organizations to which you belong and see if you can sell your membership, get a partial refund, or transfer your membership to your new location.

5.      Contact the IRS: Remember to inform the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about your change in residence. Annually, one of the main reasons that individuals do not receive their tax refund is because they don’t inform the IRS of their change in address. As a result, the post office is unable to deliver thousands of refund checks. Make sure to fill out a change of address form (Form No. 8822) on www.irs.gov prior to your move.

6.      Report your move: If your move is the result of a change in job locations or starting a new job, some moving expenses may be tax deductible. Consult the IRS or your personal tax adviser for more information.

7.      Pack yourself: You can save money on your move by packing and unpacking yourself. Make sure to give yourself at least six weeks to pack and prepare for your move. Contact us and we would be happy to provide you with information on how to pack yourself. However, we do recommend that you invest in the proper packing materials and boxes. Although the use of old boxes and masking tape may save you some money initially, they are not strong enough to protect your belongings during transit. Replacing damaged items can cost more money in the long run than investing in proper boxes.

8.      Timing: Peak moving season is during the summer, as many families like to work around school schedules. If you are at all flexible, you can save money on your move by avoiding a summer move.

9.      Cash in: As the weight of your shipment increases, so does the cost. You may want to think about getting rid of items that you don’t use anymore, and making some quick money in the process. Garage sales, flea markets, online auctions, and taking your items to a consignment store are all great options for cashing in on the items that you don’t need anymore. Giving your things to charity is also a great way to do something nice for your community and lighten your load.

10.  Coupons and deals: Look for coupons, discounts, and free offers from businesses in your new area, who often reach out to new residents. Don’t automatically throw out what looks like junk mail during this time because you could be throwing away money without knowing it!