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Inside Moves Weekly Moving Tips

Moving Hint 11 Nov, 2009 What about my cables and wires?
The day of the simple TV disconnect and hook up is long gone. Today we have Plasma TV’s, DVD players, receivers, power cords, surge protectors, signal amps, speakers and all the X-box and other gaming devices. Years back a plug and cable hook up was easy, now it’s a trade in itself.


If you are skilled in audio you can hook it up yourself or maybe you are lucky enough to have a friend. If not then you need to look for a company to breakdown or at least setup your system. Many times your cable company will set you up again depending on what you have going.


This brings me to my point, make sure you know where all your cables and cords are for the TV and the computers. The last thing you need happening is your cable guy showing and you don’t have the parts you need to complete the job. This can cost you time, money, and a lot of frustration.


If you have anything that’s going to bring your life to a screeching halt put it in a safe place where it will not get packed, moved, or misplaced. It’s a mover nightmare when a move goes perfectly only end up searching at the end after the bill is totaled. This goes double for checkbooks, credit cards and wallets.


Plan ahead put important papers, cords, car keys in a safe place.
Moverdoctor

What I do with pictures Moving Day?
If your being moved by Inside Moves we will move your large pictures in a glass rack with a combination of pads and cardboard to protect it. Your small pictures should be packed or moved by the customer.


Please leave your pictures on the wall for Inside Moves to take when they are ready. Customers tend to think they are saving time by taking all the pictures down and putting them in the entry area. Pictures in the entry area create an obstacle for the movers. By leaving your pictures on the wall your movers can load them when their ready. This saves handling and the opportunity for damage. Remember the less things are handled the better chance they’ll make it in one piece.
Moverdoctor

Moving Day, what should you do first?
Unless you have a very small move, and even then the first thing you should do moving day is EAT!!!!


Moving day is loaded with lots to do and not enough time to do it. So it’s very important your body has fuel to run on.


I tell all my crews they must be fed and ready to work when they show up in the morning. Moving is a tough job and even if you’re a spectator, so have the energy to last the job. If your job is an all day job, make you get lunch and keep hydrated. Don’t move on an empty stomach. This will also help keep your attitude positive through the day.
Movedoctor

When facing a need for a storage solution there’s lots to consider.
Inside Moves can move to any storage solution, PackRat, Pods, Smartbox or Public Storage. We get 20-30% more stuff in less space, that means less rent for you. All your furniture gets paper padded and shrink-wrapped before being professionally loaded. We also offer a full packing service as well if you don’t have the time to pack.

Do you simply want your stuff to disappear and reappear with the movers? In this case we can portable store it or it goes to our storage location till you call for it’s return. Access is limited and has to be set up 24-48 hours ahead.

Are you going to be visiting it a lot? Then you need a mini storage that allows you to come and go as you please.

Do you want control over your storage where you control access with a lock and key only you have? Then a mini storage or portable storage suits you.

How long do you need it stored? If only a couple days we can hold it on the truck.

Do you need onsite storage while a remodel or water damage is being done? PackRat, Smartbox and Pods will work in this case but they should go back to the storage facility. The sun passing over the storage unit everyday will nuke your goods like a microwave. If you don’t believe this just sit in your car with the windows up on an overcast day, think about how hot it will get in a sealed
Movedoctor

Helpful Hints for Senior Moves
Inside Moves has been moving company for seniors to their new homes from the beginning. The senior move is a specialty that demands more customer service skills and patience then other moves. The family as well as the mover needs to coordinate with the Senior home on many things. Here's a list of helpful things to consider.


Most seniors are going from a home some times 2-3 bedroom house to a much smaller living area. The first step should be clean up any clutter, a spring cleaning if you will. Go through closets and give away or donate anything that others can use but you don't need. This is also a good time to set up for a yard sale if you have the manpower. As donation goes if it's going to be donated these days it has to be ready to sell although as you go down the donation food chain they get less picky as to what they will take. This is also a time where a good organizer can be a great help. Call us if you need a referral. There is also a company Gentle Transitions that helps from start to finish.


The next step if you have not already found a place is start looking. This is often a long process as this is got many considerations. Each facility has a different flavor as well as cost. Care must be taken into consideration: full care, nursing, activities, food all these things play a part.

Now that a new home has been found we get to move preparation. The home has been chosen how much space are we working with. Some places are bigger then others. Plan out how the room is going to be set up, this also a good time again to do get rid of things or store them.

Now that we know what's moving, where it's going and the details of the delivery it's time to call Ted at Inside Moves 818 515 0158. I'll be happy to give you an estimate for you move. We can professionally pack, store, and move your goods from start to finish. Our crews will help your family to make this as easy a move as possible. Inside moves has worked with many of the Senior Facilities in San Fernando Valley not only will Ted come to your home and see what's moving but we will drive out to your new home and check access there for an accurate estimate. This is also a good time to discuss the details of the customer, often this is a stressed time. Your parents don't want to move, this where Inside Moves where shines. With crews that understand and care about the customer the more information we have the more we can personalize the move.

These are just a few of the facilities we have worked in

Jewish Home for the Aging Reseda, CA - Inside Moves has installed and furnished 280 units at the new Tampa and Sherman Way Facility as well as was their mover for the project before that. Inside Moves is also offering DISCOUNTS for MOVE-INS to FOUNTAINVIEW, Reseda. Their newest facility in the valley.


Emeritus with locations in Tarzana and Chatsworth formerly called Summerville we have moved 50 plus residents in these facilities.

Fairwinds in West Hills this is a higher end facility very, very nice accommodations 20 plus moves here.

The Village in Sherman Oaks and soon to Open in Northridge. ( WE ARE RUNNING SPECIALS FOR HERE AS WELL)

Sunrise Senoir Centers in Woodland Hills, Chatsworth, and Granada Hills.

Aegis Center in Granada Hills

These are all faculties that Inside Moves currently serves if you don't see your destination here call us were always looking to become a facility's favorite mover.
Movedoctor


Honesty is the best Policy with your Mover !!!
Recently again, we served a customer that was less the forth coming with what he was shipping. The phone estimate was done with a hearing impaired operator as the customer had hearing and speech problems. After several conversations the amount to be shipped was about half a 16 foot truck. All the usual questions were asked, I was told about 40 boxes, a bed a refrigerator and that he was on the ground floor no steps. We were busy that day so I was working the job.
On arrival the customer was standing on the corner flagging the crew down, we positioned the truck and went up the stairs to find a full 2 bedroom plus apartment. There was easily twice as much stuff as truck, the customer only thinking of his needs has now put Inside Moves into a scramble to accommodate his move because of what wasn't shared in the phone conversation. As the story goes from the customer's need to get out by 10:30 AM he says the cops are coming at 11,12,12:30 in an effort to get what he needs to get his job done.


This customer has done almost everything possible to make his job go south but is under the impression, I can make it work. To save his job we were lucky enought to have a another in Seal Beach unloading. (He was loading in Redondo Beach). I was able to get that truck a driver on our job making the Seal Beach job longer.


We made it happen the cost was 3 times the quote and the customer had no problem chasing away a future customer because I was on his clock.( This shows me how concerned he is about anything but his job)
If your looking to MOVE answer all the questions, if your only going to move the big stuff don't expect the mover's to move the boxes unless you are planning to pay.


Mover's can tell when your lying, if it looks like a duck, quacks and waddles it's a duck. Your going to get a better move if your straight with your estimator and crew.
Inside Moves is here to serve the customer but don't confuse this with putting your families drama and financial problems on our companies back.
We go far over a beyond to comfort our customers, more so then any other companies and will keep doing so.


Tell the truth, answer all the questions, let the movers know what's moving, if there are stairs, carries, elevators and get the great move you deserve.

Monday Morning Phone Frenzy
Last week was almost the end of the month (1 day left). Local moving companies are busy the last week of the month, the 1st week of the month and around the 15th. Most of this business is rental or end of lease based business. If you need to move in these periods book your job in advance and get a good crew on the books early.

Most Monday's are busy days for estimates with people starting the week off to get ready to go.

This Monday was like many as my weekend’s customers called in one by one to say how great are crews are.
At a lot of moving companies this is an occasional thing but for the most part
I get calls 8 out of 10 jobs with the customer saying how good their service was and that they will tell all their friends.

2 men and van $58@Hour?#%&*+!  Monday, September 21, 2009

Ever wonder how moving companies can charge this amount. Truly sounds to good to be true, or is this the real price? My question as an owner of a moving company is not only how are companies doing work at this price but also advertising it with pay for click campaigns that are cost them as much as $5-7000 plus per month and pay things like overhead, insurance, oh and wages?

The bottom line is the level of service and what the employer is paying for it. If your mover is not getting paid then more than likely your goods are going to get trashed, or worse yet never get there. If your moving garbage, I'd say save the money but if you want to see your stuff in one piece are you willing to take a chance?

Not long ago I received a letter from a lady asking it I knew of a company called Fast Relocation and that her property was in storage and the company wasn't in business anymore. The letter was sent out to ever mover in the valley. Her items were worth $250,000 GONE!!!

When you pick a local mover check them out, take the time to get a referral. Is that mover a member of the CMSA or the BBB*. If you choose the cheap guy over the referral hope for the best. As mover at Inside Moves we know we have your life in our truck and we treat as our own.


At least twice a month I get a call that goes like this. A customer calls and says the moving crew has been gone for 2 hours. They said they would take lunch and drive to the delivery and they are not here. WHERE'S MY CREW? The funny part is I have no crews in the field. These people paid so little attention they don't even know whose moving their stuff.


Moving is hard work and a moving crew should get paid well. The industry like everything else has not kept up with the times. A mover is now making the same or less than in 1990.


At $58 for two men and a truck your taking a gamble. If it works out save that number, but I'm sure it will be no good in a year.


If your looking for great move at a real price call us Were not going anywhere and we'll always be here when you need us.
Movedoctor

* As a paying member of the BBB this only allows you to defend yourself from complaints. If you don't pay the BBB you just get complaints. As of today we have had no complaints since opening call us a find out why.

How do most people pick a MOVER? Monday, August 03,

The way most people find a mover is quickly changing but for the most part the reason people move are not changing. 5 years ago if you were looking for a mover you first would go to the yellow pages, maybe go to the computer or get a referral from a friend or contact the BBB in the area.
If you're in the yellow pages you would first open the book call 3-4 movers and then set up your appointment or decide based on price. The problem with this is looking in the yellow pages you start in the front assuming everyone has like kind service and the only difference is the price.
Now days many customers never even get to the yellow pages and simply use the computer and again the first question is how much does it cost to move? Funny part about that is often the customer hasn't even said what's moving. Never assuming that anything but cost separates one company from another. Often it's amazing the DEALS I see cruising Google looking for movers, deals to good to be true.
The best way to get your moving company is by referral, at Inside Moves we realize the only way you get that is by earning it. Doing the right thing and not treating your customers as simply one more head to harvest. This is the way most smart and wealthy people move.
In the day where on the Internet a customer can find a 2 movers for $58, $59, and $65 and up the smart consumer asks what the difference between a company charging $58 an hour and one the charges $90. How can there be such a difference. The bottom line is if it sounds too good to be true it is. If it sounds like a duck and walks like a duck what is it?
To operate a moving company there's more going on than simply hiring 2 guys and sending out a truck. Just some of the costs are employees, equipment, fuel, insurance, material and that internet advertising (all advertising). If a company says $58 an hour, they charging a rate that is less than it costs to perform the job. Great deal for the consumer until something goes wrong or do you think they find the money somewhere else. These are the moving scammers that give the industry a bad name.
Like packing or material? Or are they paying worker comp? How much are they paying your movers?
In 1990 the hourly rate a Bekins Vanlines was $71.50 hourly how can the cost of moving be $58 almost 20 years later.
At a hourly rate of $90 for 2 men and truck the profit margin is small if everything is being paid. Maybe others have found a better way but here at Inside Moves we will keep on providing a superior level of service at a rate that we can still profit. Because as my wife Melissa says, if you're working for FREE your working for ME.
If you're looking for quality moving service at a fair cost with professional packers and movers that know their job as well as excellent customer service skills. We're your type of company.
If you're simply looking for the cheapest mover and willing to take the gamble with your goods, call until you find a company that will tell you exactly what you want to hear. At the end of the day when you get your bill and the job is 2-3 times the phone estimate, I hope you feel you got what you paid for.


The decision is yours pay a legitimate rate and have peace of mind or gamble and hope your day turns out. MOVE WITH THE PRO"S CALL US
Movedoctor

Moving on a Rainy Day? Thursday, July 30, 2009 12:31 PM

As a professional for the most part if you're moving on a rainy day and have the choice to change days do so. Moving in the rain is a mover's nightmare.
That being said sometimes we don't have that luxury to change days. Here at Inside Moves we have and will always move when were needed.
Moving on a rainy day things to consider are keeping the crew safe, furniture dry and the floors from water and tracking damage. Inside Moves will wrap most of your goods inside the house and then throw a pad over the piece as they go from the house to the truck. We will then set up pads in the entry to dry off shoes before we walk on the carpet.
As to crew safety we cover our ramps with a slip check and sometimes have special carpets so nobody slips and falls. Our crews also keep on top of problem areas. If your entries are marble or tile it's very important that it's kept dry. It every detail isn't watched closely on a rainy day someone could end up at the urgent care. At Inside Move safety is first.
The last thing to consider is your house a new house or is it on a hillside? On a dry sunny day when the ground is firm a delivery can be made a challenge. On a wet day the same delivery could be impossible, again this goes back to planning and a good estimate.

At Inside Moves the last thing we want is a surprise, that's the last thing you want as a customer.
Movedoctor

Moving and have White or light Color Carpets? Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Now days many homes have light color carpets the question is what will your moving company do to protect them. Inside the house the best way to protect your carpets is a roll of floor covering. This is a roll of plastic that peels off and onto the floor. The back side of the plastic has a sticky coat that bonds to the carpet but easily peels off when the job is completed.
The nice thing about this floor covering is that it makes a surface that is easy for the moving crew to work on. Other things that can be done is sweeping the area from the truck to the front door thoroughly as well as putting down 2 moving pads before the entry to knock any crud off the movers shoes. This is even more important as the rumor of El Nino is approaching. Moving in the rain poses many challenges that only the PRO's know how to deal with.


Moving is a CUSTOM service, get the move that's tailored to your needs. You're paying for a service; get the best value for your dollar. If you have furniture that's one step away from the trash dumpster then call the cheap company, if you respect your belongings hire skilled and professional movers.
Movedoctor

Moving a large piece of Glass or Marble Friday, July 17, 2009

Some moving companies will not move large pieces of glass and marble unless crated. Crates are costly but serve a purpose to protect the glass from damage as well as give the movers handles or a way to move the glass.
A couple of weeks ago I had a customer that had 2 pieces of glass that needed crating for a local move. They were very thin as well as large. The customer thinking out of the box called a glass company to move them. The cost was less and Inside Moves got out of moving them.
We can move most pieces of glass on a local move or crate as needed.
Movedoctor

What do I do with left over Moving Boxes? Friday, July 03, 2009

Will you be moving again soon? If so flatten out your boxes are store them. When doing so cut the taped area’s and fold the boxes flat don’t pull the tape off you’ll end up destroying the box.

If your not moving again their a couple of ways to get rid of your boxes.
Call your mover if the boxes are still good we will get them back out in the field.
You can put them on Craig’s list get a little for them or give them away.
Give them to friend that’s moving.
Ask your realtor if they have anyone that could use them. If their selling houses their people should need boxes.
Movedoctor

Are You Packed and ready to Move? Friday, July 03, 2009

Are you packed and ready to move or did you stop packing half way through the game. Most move estimates unless you ask or tell them have no packing in the estimate. If this is the case be sure when the movers come moving day all your boxes are sealed up labeled as to where they are going.

If your table tops are covered with stuff, counters are full and floors are covered with clothes your not ready to move.

If the movers come and you are not packed and ready expect extra charges. Movers charge for boxes and the time packing. If your estimator has estimated your job for 8 hours with 2 men and your half packed your bid could easily go over 50% or more. Remember after 8 hours is time and half so your move is now 75% over.

If you need help packing let your mover know so he can add men to the crew and not have guys out on overtime that the customer isn’t willing to pay. As always you get what you pay for so MOVE SMART with Inside Moves.
Movedoctor

When is the best Day to Move? Tuesday, June 30, 2009

So it’s on your home has sold, your lease has ended, you can no longer put it off, time to interview movers. Most people have moving dates that are driven by escrows or the end on leases. So for the most part you have to move when things close but if you have a choice here is a few helpful hints.

Most moving companies are busiest in the summer. If you move in months other then the prime months (June, July, August) your rates maybe lower.

Some companies have different rates at different times of the month. As the work load increases rates go up. Companies can charge more around 1st, 15th and the last week of the month. Supply and demand.

If you must move on prime days (end of the month) get your job booked early. Get the movers over get your bids in and get the movers reserved. At Inside Moves we never over book , if your on the calender the only person that can change that is the customer. If your move date is changing call your mover they need to know as soon as you know. Your mover needs to know to fill that spot. If you cancel your move the mover must know as early as possible, if you cancel your move at 5PM that means your crew can’t work for anyone they will miss a day of work.

The best days for moving are the off or non prime days. The slow days are the days that the best and the guys that have worked for the company the longest are working. Most companies work their movers on a seniority list. The guys that are there the longest usually work 1st. Of course it helps if their not making the boss crazy. The best workers work 1st as the days fill up the help will get less qualified. If you moving on the last day of the month booking last minute don’t expect the best crew. You may get lucky but the key to good move is to plan ahead.
Movedoctor

Getting the Most out of your Movers Tuesday, June 23, 2009

The size of your moving company unless you're a large corporation moving (your move needs 20 men or more) doesn't matter as much as the people that show up at your front door the day of the move. Your move will only be as good as your movers.
At Inside Moves the Golden Rule is to be followed. Treat people the way you want to be treated . Movers are people not animals. Most people want to work for a good boss that respects and trusts them. Assume your movers are professionals and this isn't their first day. Treat them with respect and they will do the same.
An offer of water goes a long way to someone who's working their butt off for you. Some customers even go as far to have coffee in the morning and some even buy lunch, this is not mandatory but the more appreciation you show your movers the harder they will work for you.
Many times when I was on the trucks working for Bekins the moves would start off like this. The customer would greet us at the door, give us a walk through the house then offer us coffee. Next after we set up the truck and we started work , the customer would pull me aside or in front of the crew take a $100 bill and would rip it in half and say you get the other half if the job turns out well. Under bid and without damage even more could be given at the end of the day.
Incentives are good, and are appreciated but even a good attitude and being up goes a long way. No one likes moving but with a good attitude you and your crew can make the best of it.
It's not uncommon that customers call me and say that it was the most fun they have ever had moving. I try to teach my crews that while they are working for you the customer that all they need to focus on is your job. They have problems at home and elsewhere leave them behind, they will still be there when they get home from work. Or this can be quiet time to think them out. A day on the trucks can not only be a great work out but a vacation from reality.
Bottom-line you get what you give and receive what you expect. Take care of your crew they will take care of you.
Tips are never expected but always appreciated. My crews are instructed never to ask for tips if they do please call me 818 515 0158.
Just another though as to tipping. When you go out to eat dinner a tip to the server is 15-20% of the bill for an hour, maybe two hours of their time with you. They also have 20-30 plus tables a shift. Your movers are with you the entire day, they ride your every mood, they make sure everything is in it's place to make you as happy as possible. They are seeing you under a lot of pressure sometimes not at your best. Like Toby says “How about a group hug?�
My hopes are that your moving day goes smooth and with no problems and that you and your crew work together helping each other to make the day as painless as possible.
Movedoctor

How do I pack my Pictures? Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Packing pictures depends on couple things. If your moving on a major van line (We can book you with NorthAmerican for big shipments and we like Sterling for small shipments and we get great rates) they will require that all pictures are packed in mirror packs.

Mirror packs come in 2 piece or the 4 piece type and will hold 2 pictures. Mirror packs are put together and telescoped. Each end of the mirror pack is filled with crunched unprinted newsprint for cushion. The pictures should be paper padded for protection. Paper pads are 4ft by 6ft ans are basicly throw away moving pads. Bubble wrap can also be used and then pictures are put in to cartons.

If your moving local we are more flexible, often we will build a glass rack in the truck that can handle most pictures. Pictures that are canvases that are exposed (not covered by glass) must be protected. Bubble wrap, paper pads and mirror packs should be used for these items.

Just a note bubble wrap is OK for a local move but for the most part we use paper pads and a glass rack. Bubble wrap is hard to work with.
Movedoctor

The phone estimate, is the Mover asking the right questions? Monday, June 10, 2009

If your getting a phone estimate it is important the mover gets as much information as possible. If the mover asks you how long your move should take and you tell him then you shouldn’t be calling a mover.

A good company should ask for a detail count of of goods to be shipped. If you only tell the moving company the big stuff don’t expect the whole house to be moved for the same price.

Access should also be addressed, are their stairs, elevators, long carries all these things add to the cost of the move. How close will the moving company be able to place the truck or are there parking issues or permits needed.

Some small moves can estimated over the phone, the rule at Inside Moves if I can’t find out enough information over the phone were going to have to see it. If your more then 2 bedrooms, an apartment we are not familiar with or office we want to see it. If you have packing we want to see it.

You can never have to much information for a good move. Call us and find out the difference a GOOD Mover can make.

And by the way a phone estimate is not binding.
Movedoctor
 

So now your thinking, I could pack and save money Monday, June 15, 2009

Now your thinking packing what do I do, how many boxes do I need?

This is another reason for a in home estimate. As I go through your home I’ll be keeping track of what your planning to move as well as how many boxes you’ll need for your move. The first thing I’ll tell you is why you need to be using unprinted news print. More is always better.

Being the cost cutting savvy customer you say I’m going to use the Sunday Times it’s FREE. After you have ran your white china through the dish washer 6 times you will realize that the ink on the paper is still on your dishes and everything you’ve packed. By purchasing unprinted newspaper and using it the ink problem has been avoided. Saving you time and money.
Movedoctor
 

How can you save on moving cost? Monday, June 15, 2009

Other then reducing what your taking, taking small things (chairs, boxes, clothes) these best way is PACKING.
The cost of most local moves is almost the same cost as packing. Packing is putting your goods in boxes. If you buy your boxes and pack your own boxes this will save money. This is also something most people can do. We have a great box connection call us for their #.
If you do choose to pack, movers like moving boxes but will move anything. Make sure your boxes are sealed with tape and marked on their sides as to which room they are going. If you mark your boxes on the sides the movers can make stacks that go to each room. This saves you time and money.

If you mark your boxes on the tops this makes the stacks of boxes like a deck of cards that will need to be sorted, Taking more time and more money.
Use The Right Box
Tuesday, June 09, 2009 8:19 AM
Using the right box is one of the keys to a successful move
Movedoctor