Scheduling A Price Estimate

When it comes time to move, an important step in the process is obtaining a price estimate. Here are some tips to make sure that you get a good estimate from a reputable mover:

-Don’t rely on an estimate or quote provided sight-unseen over the phone or the internet. This is especially important if you are moving from one state to another, as price is determined based on the weight of your shipment as well as the distance that you are moving. Therefore, it is very important that you meet with a representative from the moving company face to face so that you both understand what is involved. 

-During the on-site estimate, make sure to show the representative everything that you will be moving. This includes all items that are in the garage or basement, or somewhere else in storage. 

-Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The estimate should be an open conversation between you and the company representative, who will also be asking you questions regarding your new home, the timing of your move, etc.

-Be leery of quotes from movers that are significantly lower than the rest. Extremely low price quotes could result in a significantly lower quality of service, or could be a sign of a mover who plans to up the price in a bait and switch moving scam. Some rogue movers have been known to take household goods hostage and demand large sums of money before returning the possessions. 

When it comes time for you to schedule your moving estimate, let us at Sorensen Mayflower provide you with a free in-home estimate. Simply go to our website and fill out an application for your free quote. Someone from our company will be in touch with you within the next day or so to schedule your free in-home estimate. A representative will then come to your home and make note of all of the goods that you will be moving. Based on the amount of goods that you will be moving and the distance of your move, a price estimate will then be calculated. It is free and it is non-binding, so what do you have to lose? Contact us today so that we can get the ball rolling and meet all of your moving needs!

Choosing a Moving Company

Choosing a good mover can be a difficult process, especially if this is your first time moving. You can make the process a lot easier by asking these four questions:

-Is the moving company requesting a cash deposit from you before your move?
-Does the moving company have a physical address listed on its website (and not just a PO Box?)
-Does the company provide their licensing information on their website?
-Is the moving company a member of certified organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and American Moving and Storage Association?

If your answer to the first question is yes, or your answer to any of the last three questions is no, then you are probably dealing with a disreputable moving company or could be falling prey to a moving scam.

Start your search by asking your friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations of movers that they have used and liked. Or ask a trusted real estate agent for suggestions of moving companies that have a physical address in the area. Once you have compiled a list of prospective moving companies, contact them and ask them for their DOT/ MC license numbers. Once you have obtained this information, go to SaferSys.org, a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website, and search for the company using the DOT and MC license numbers that they provided. Doing so will allow you to see the company’s safety information, any orders to stop operation, licensing, and other information. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer organizations in your area to further inquire about the company’s reputation. 

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask the moving company for recent customer recommendations. A good moving company should have no problem getting you in touch with someone that has recently moved with them and has been satisfied. 

We hope that as you begin your search for a moving company, you will consider us here at Sorensen Mayflower. Check out our website and don’t hesitate to call so that we can tell you more about us!

 

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Last week, we talked about how the spring is the perfect time to do a little cleaning to prepare for your summer move. Does the idea of spring cleaning overwhelm you? If so, check out this spring cleaning checklist. We hope it helps!

Kitchen

-Throw away food that has expired from the pantry and refrigerator.

-Throw away food storage containers that are stained or missing lids.

-Take food out of the refrigerator and wipe fridge down with a disinfectant.

-Wipe down all refrigerator door and handles with a disinfectant.

-Deep clean all appliances, including the microwave, oven, stove, and dishwasher.

-Dust cabinet shelves, stove vents, and refrigerator coils.

-Wipe down counters and sink with disinfectants.

-Mop kitchen floor.

Living Rooms

-Remove toys, clothes, and other items that don’t belong in the living room and put them in their proper place.

-Organize movies, CDs, and video games. Throw away any old magazines and newspapers.

-Wash cushions, pillows, and blankets.

-Vacuum and shampoo carpets and rugs.

-Clean blinds and window treatments.

-Dust the TV and electronics, tables and lamps, and picture frames.

-Clean out the fireplace for the season.

Bedrooms

-Pick up and fold clothes.

-Clean out drawers and closets. Give away any items of clothing that you have not worn in the last year.

-Wash sheets and comforter.

-Wash or dry clean curtains.

-Wipe down mirrors and windows.

-Vacuum.

-Dust bedroom furniture, including the bed, dresser, and nightstand.

Bathrooms

-Properly dispose of expired medications and makeup.

-Organize health and beauty products.

-Clean and disinfect the toilet, sinks, counters, and shower/ bathtub.

-Wash shower curtain in the washing machine.

-Dust and clean towel racks, toilet paper dispenser, curtain rod, medicine cabinet, and shelves.

-Mop bathroom floor.

 

 

 

Time for Spring Cleaning!

Spring is in full swing! With the beautiful weather and longer daylight hours, many of us find ourselves motivated to open up the windows and do a little spring cleaning. This is especially important if you, like many, are planning to move this summer. An untidy or cluttered house can be a huge distraction when it comes to preparing for you move.  

If you are about to put your house up for sale, or if you have already done so and are just waiting for your move out date, a nice spring clean is just what you need. Cleaning ahead of time is essential to helping to reduce the stress that surrounds moving day. Plus, if your house is on the market, the tidier it is in appearance, the more appealing it is to potential buyers. Begin cleaning at least a few weeks in advance of your move. Before you start, make sure that you have the correct tools and cleaning products, as well as plenty of boxes for sorting through the items that you decide to get rid of.           

Once you have gathered the proper supplies, the next thing that you should do is to go through your house and sort out what you don’t want to take with you to your new home. Resist the temptation to just shove everything into boxes and sort through it when you arrive at your new home. This wastes time, energy, and money as you will pay to either move or store these items. 

Once you have gotten rid of the items that you don’t plan to keep, it’s time to get in there and perform the big clean. Make sure that you have all of the cleaning products that you will need on hand. These include dusters, furniture polish, cleaning products, a vacuum, mop, gloves, sponges, towels, etc. Make sure that you remember to open the windows and ventilate, as many of the chemicals that you are using can be quite potent. 

While you are cleaning your current home, don’t forget about cleaning your new home if needed. Although it is probably the last thing that you want to think about at the moment, once you have moved in, you will be so busy unpacking and arranging your belongings that you might not have the time to do a thorough clean. Plus, tasks like carpet cleaning are much easier to do if there is no furniture in the house.

Are you feeling overwhelmed at the thought of cleaning the entire house? Check back next week for a detailed spring cleaning checklist!