Where to start with your moving checklist? As simple as it may sound, start at the beginning and just add things to it that come to mind as you think about them. Everyone’s moving checklist is going to be different, and that’s just life.

Here are a few tips of where to get started that may help you out:

About a month before your move date, start cleaning out closets, basement and the garage. Donate items to charity, have a garage sale, figure out cost of shipping vs buying late

• Get your packing supplies
• Pack items you don’t use daily  books, pictures etc.
• Packing for storage? Tape an itemized list on the outside of the box.
• Keep a file on all related moving expenses. Some items are tax deductible.
• Locate a reputable mover, and get at least two estimates, references and a quote.
• Make sure your house insurance is transferred to your new home.

About two weeks before you move:

• Arrange for disconnect and reconnect of all your utilities.
• Get a new phone number.
• Make arrangements to get your mail forwarded.
• Close and transfer bank accounts. Get new checks.
• Stop newspaper or other home services (recycling etc.)
• Tell doctors, dentists, etc of your move, your address and phone number. Ask for any files you may need at the new location.

About one week before your move:

• Clean your house, or have a cleaning service do it.
• Check in with the movers and confirm date, times, departure and arrival times.
• Do the job we all love to hate, defrost the freezer and clean it out.
• Return any items borrowed (library books, videos). Clean out school lockers, pick up prescriptions etc.

A few days before your move:

• Finish packing and marking boxes clearly
• Put important files, documents, insurance, x-rays etc, in a box and put it in your vehicle.
• Make up a box marked Open First with things you well need right away.
• Leave your keys for the new occupants of your home, label them.
• Try and leave them the manuals for your appliances if you are not taking them with you.

As you can see, the list seems to propagate over night. Never mind, it will all come out in the wash when you successfully get to your new home and thank your lucky stars you had had the sense to make a moving checklist.

A post from: Oasis Moving

A post from: Oasis Moving

This is the number one question we get asked all the time. The answer is easy if you understand the three factors that can cause your quote to change. Pay attention to the following three things as you plan your move and you can save yourself some money and some trouble in the long run.

Changes to your inventory

Never got the sofa sold on Craig’s list? Decided you like your dining set too much to leave it behind? Started packing and suddenly find you have more boxes than you thought you would. Things change. Don’t worry about it. Just make sure you tell your mover well in advance of pickup. Last minute additions to your inventory made on moving day will cost you more to ship than you would have paid if your mover knew about them in advance. Each truck has a finite amount of space on it and that extra space you need for things you add at the last minute may have been set aside for someone else. This can complicate matters for your mover and cost you more money, so make sure you make any changes you need to make in advance and save yourself and your mover some headache.

Packing materials

Most people plan to do their own packing but few ever get it all done on their own. That’s what the professionals are there for. Any professional mover should show up with extra packing materials on their truck because they know that most of the time customers don’t entirely understand how to pack some items, or they just get into crunch time and they can’t get it all done before the truck shows up. Budget for some packing even if you are planning to do it all yourself and play it safe.

Logistics on pickup or delivery

Moving to a high rise? New building doesn’t have its own parking lot or requires you to reserve a loading bay? Storage facilities don’t have access for a tractor trailer? These and many other logistical considerations can change your price on pickup or delivery and result in fees for stairs, elevators, long carry, or shuttle. Let your mover know about these considerations in advance so that they can plan and that may save you money in the long run. Many movers will discount these fees if they are aware of the logistics in advance. Giving your mover more information ahead of time can save you money and help ensure a smooth move at both ends.

A post from: Oasis Moving

We all go through a move sometime or an other.  I’ve moved so many times that I just hate it.  I can honesty say I’ll never do it again by myself.  but I learned my lesson about hiring people to help me move.  I had to move a big screen tv once so I hired a couple of guys from the yellow pages. All I wanted was my tv moved up a couple flights of stairs so I called for some help.  It was one of those huge walnut encased 64 inch tv’s.  Nothing like today’s newer model (light as a feather) big screens. This thing weighed in a at about 200 pounds.

Anyway when they came with the truck. I’m not talking about a pickup like I thought they would have. No, they got a big U-haul truck and I had to pay a minimum of 3 hours. Anyway, they got it to my house ok but trying to go up the stairs was a night mare.  They almost dropped that TV about 4 times and at one point I had to help get it up the stairs or they would have dropped it. I guess my point is that you need professionals to do the job and I found some in Oasis Moving.

They are Las Vegas movers  with branches all around  the country and one of them is in Phoenix Arizona. I tell you that if you’re looking for a good moving company,  you should check these guys out.  If can’t hurt to ask for a quote to see if it’s within your budget,  see what they have to offer.

A post from: Oasis Moving

Whether it is moving from one home to another or from one office to the next, the whole process of relocation can be difficult and tiresome. The moving process is a long one and includes a number of stressful and tedious jobs. Not only packing but  loading, unloading and finally unpacking. If the packing is not done properly, shifting can result, shifting occurs when boxes or trucks are packed loosely. It can happen from going around corners or over bumps. When you property is packed correctly, little movement will occur and little to no damage will be the result.

So the best option when you have to shift from one place to another is to get professionals to do the job for you. By allowing the experts to take over, you can enjoy a stress free moving time. A professional packing company is cost and time efficient when you need to move. Using the right moving company can mean the difference between a great move and one that keeps on going long after you move into your new home.

A post from: Oasis Moving

Many people believe that moving on their own is a simple affair, just get a few friends and get started. But when people move themselves they often overlook several little things that make the process much easier and safer. Little things like proper packing techniques to avoid damaging your property, proper handling, observing proper safety measures, constructing a proper moving plan etc usually get ignored. These little things can mean the difference between a three day move and a week-long nightmare.

So if it’s so great why doesn’t everyone go professional? Well, more often than not it’s an issue of cost. People are afraid that having a professional company pack them out will cost a fortune. While sometimes this can be the case, there are more than a few firms that are very reasonably priced. Some even offer specialized moving plans that cater to your specific needs. It’s just a matter of seek and you will find. The right firm may be closer than you think.

Packing out is a shining example of this fact. People hardly ever observe proper packing technique when they’re preparing to move. Most fail to secure items with proper packing material which causes things to get damaged or broken in transit. Things like avoiding the use of newspaper, which can stain your possessions, are generally not given any thought. You should always use plain packing tissue when securing your items, even items that aren’t necessarily fragile. Also be weary of the amount of things you place in each box, what they’re made of, and the weight of each box. You should be able to easily lift each box to reduce the risk of rough handling due to size.

Safety is another thing people give little thought to when they think about moving. There are many more hazards than pulling something while lifting something too heavy for you. You should check both the property you are leaving and your new home for hazards that may be an issue when moving. Things such as uneven pavement, pot holes, and loose boards can cause serious injury. Even a sharp drop between steps can be dangerous when moving, especially to those unfamiliar with the property. Things like traction mats and simple directions marked with chalk make a world of difference when boxes are in transit. These are just some things to keep in mind when moving day arrives.

A post from: Oasis Moving

Cleaning up before a move is one of the most overlooked parts in the process of moving. The act of getting rid of clutter is something that most people don’t take the time to do. We all have that misc. box or boxes where we keep all those things that don’t seem to have a real place, but did you know that holding on to those unnecessary items when moving can actually double your moving costs? This is why de-cluttering is an absolute must before any move. Donate unwanted items to your local charity or have a yard sale to get rid of things in good condition. Be sure to hold on to those things that have the greatest sentimental value, but try to keep in mind that the object of this process is to create space and save money. By removing clutter you lower your moving costs while putting some cash in your pocket.

Arranging for storage is an equally important task. While some may see storing in a garage as an equally good solution to the problem of where to put your possessions, finding some good storage is often a much better solution. Garages and other home storage areas are often not protected against the elements. They also are used for more than just your storage needs, which creates an access problem, and are not insured against flood or other disaster which can cost you a fortune. When using storage facilities you should always be sure to inquire about the kind of access you have to your storage area and the kind of insurance policies they have. Many also offer to move your possessions to your new place when you’re ready. You should always inquire about any extra services they may offer.

When you go about packing for your big move you should always consider what you will and will not need during the process. Always pack the least used possessions first moving up to your most frequently used items. If you don’t use your stereo often go ahead and pack it away. If you frequently use your computer then it stands to reason that it would be one of the last things you pack. This way you can get your packing done without disturbing your daily routine. These are just a few tips to make sure your move goes off without a hitch.

A post from: Oasis Moving

Booking your moving company is something that should be done well in advance. To avoid having to settle for a more expensive company due to time constraints it’s good to start booking your moving van at least one month prior to actually moving, if not more. It seems like an enormous amount of time, but it’s all about leeway. Booking far in advance gives you a chance to compare quotes and take advantage of any discounts that come from booking in advance so you get the most value for your money. It also ensures that you get the company you want not just whoever was available.

Ensuring that you have enough supplies is a must. When it comes to buying supplies having too much is better than not enough when it comes time to pack out. Depending on the size of your move supplies can seem a bit pricey, especially if you’re getting everything through your moving company. In this case, starting early gives you the opportunity to buy a little bit at a time and find deals on the things you need most. A great way to cut down on cost is to get your boxes from grocery stores and other businesses. If you’d rather buy them then hunting online or around town is a great way to find the best deals on all you need. When it comes to labels, pens, tape, packing foam and packing tissue there’s no such thing as too much. You’ll be surprised how fast supplies go you’re actually moving.

Exploring the option of allowing a firm to pack you out is something we get tons of questions about, but when exploring this option you have to consider the risks as well as the benefits. Sometimes, allowing a company to pack you out can do more harm than good and you need to be very aware of what they will and will not pack for you. You should also look into any extra services they might offer such as mattress covers and specialty items. Often, using professionals makes the process go smoother and with little to no effort on your part, but do your research to ensure that it’s more practical to use a firm than to do it yourself. Remember, knowledge is power, and can save you a boat load if you do it right.

A post from: Oasis Moving

The first and most important choice when moving in Arizona is the choosing the area you will live in. Do you pick a big city, a small town, or something in between? Before you decide, you need to think of exactly what you’re trying to accomplish with this move. Are you moving to get a new job? Are you going for better schools or is it an issue of affordability?

If a career is your focus you should do a bit of research on your industry. For some industries such an animation and design work you’ll find that a big city like Phoenix or Tucson is your best choice. Other industries like Journalism can survive in any number of environments but thrive best in mid-sized to large cities like Chandler and Scottsdale.

If affordability is your main concern you may want to try a smaller town like Chinle, Rough Rock, or Burnside. These are quiet and relatively inexpensive towns that are ideal for Arizona movers who need an affordable place to live. These towns are amongst the most inexpensive places to live in Arizona.

If finding a good school is your focus then a good place to live would be Flagstaff. It’s a college city by reputation and is home to Northern Arizona University as well as many others. There are universities such as NAU and Pines At University as well as Community and Junior colleges like the Arizona Institute of Real Estate and Coconino Community College. It’s no wonder this city is one of the most frequented in Arizona by academics.

The decision to rent or buy depends heavily on what the individual’s future plans are. It’s unwise to buy a house if you have no long term plans to remain in the area. If you buy a house now you may find that trying to sell it, even a few years after buying it, will be nearly impossible without doing it for far less than you paid for it. Renting is often a better choice in today’s economy. It makes certain sense when moving to a new city because it’s less of a hassle to simply leave once your lease is up or to pay to break it if you find that the new city isn’t what you thought it would be. Following these tips is guaranteed to make for smooth sailing come moving day.

When you do make your decision whether to buy or rent, you will need a trusted company to help with your move. We offer local and long distance affordable moving rates. If you’re in or moving to Arizona let us know so we can give you a bid for the job. We are a full service mover from packing to storage to moving and unloading. We’re insured and experienced so give us a shot for your next move. Our Arizona movers with get you there safe

A post from: Oasis Moving

The decision to move should never be made on a whim. You must decide whether this kind of change is really what you’re looking for. Many people experience events that change their perspective on their life. While most may take a more passive approach there are some that believe aggressive change is necessary. But, the truth of the matter is a move can affect more than just you. The relationships you’ve formed, the contacts you’ve made and the people who depend on you are all affected by the decision to move. There is much to consider before you can be certain that a move is right for you.

Employment is the primary concern when moving. If you’re simply moving to another neighborhood, then it’s as simple as finding a new route to work. However, if you’re changing cities then whether you’ll be able to find work there can become a huge concern. Depending on where you’re employed you may be able to get a transfer to a different facility. Nationwide companies like GM have holdings in nearly every city so the likelihood that there may be a spot open in your city of choice is good, but you should speak with your employer well before you get ready to move. The more notice you give, the better your chances of getting a transfer become. If a transfer isn’t an option then you should take the time to research the city you plan to move to. If there isn’t an abundance of job opportunities in your field you should reconsider either your choice of city or moving all together.

Cost is an obvious concern for any move. The costs of a move can come as a shock to those unprepared for it. When you add up the costs of supplies such as boxes, packing material, tape, and labels along with moving trucks and service the price tag can be staggering. The further away your new home is the more it is likely to cost, so getting quotes is a must before any move. There are ways to cut your costs, but even with a few well placed shortcuts the cost can still outweigh the benefits if your move isn’t well scouted and sincere.  A move is a huge step and these tips are only a fraction of what you need to keep in mind when deciding if a move is right for you.

While moving yourself can be an expansive and stressful experience you can reduce both by having professional movers do it for you. Oasis Moving and Storage is just one of the companies you should look at. They’ll be happy to give you a free quote for you packing and moving needs. They have been top Las Vegas movers for many years and have the qualified and experienced staff to the job to your satisfaction.

A post from: Oasis Moving