Monthly Archives: June 2022

Top Moving Mistakes

Moving is an exciting time in life but overlooking some small things can lead to costly mistakes. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of common pitfalls to take into consideration that will save you money, time, and hopefully a bit of sanity.

Overpacking Boxes

It’s easy to get carried away and start trying to fit as many things as you can into boxes with the idea that you’re being more efficient. However, overpacking can lead to items being damaged, or even being so heavy they make it difficult to carry. If you’re using very large boxes, it’s possible they become so heavy it leaves potential for the bottom to fall out, which means time wasted cleaning up, and possible damage to what was inside.

 It’s easy to overestimate weight, especially with books, so test lift heavy boxes to get an idea for what you think a reasonable weight is and then pack the others to that metric. Boxes are cheap compared to other aspects of the move (often free if you take the time to procure them beforehand) so there’s really no reason to overpack.

Not Downsizing

Moving is a great opportunity to put into perspective the things you want, need, and have been hoarding for no reason. There’s no sense in paying people to move things that have been collecting dust, transporting them in a truck, and then unloading them somewhere they won’t be used. It’s a much better idea to either donate or sell them beforehand, and the extra money can even go towards your moving budget.

Not Labeling Your Boxes

Before the movers come and haul everything away, make sure you label your boxes room by room and mark ones that contain important items you plan on using immediately. Taking a little time here will save a lot of it when you’re unpacking in your new home. An added benefit to this will be the mover’s ability to take boxes to the proper room without your direct supervision.

Not Protecting Your Items with Packing Material

When you know you’re moving, start saving air packs, bubble wrap, and kraft paper from your online orders in advance. When you’re finally ready to get packing, buy some more if you don’t have enough on hand – it will almost certainly be cheaper than replacing damaged items from not using enough.

Socks, t-shirts, and blankets can also be used to protect fragile items on a budget, and it’s a frugal way to save some cash since they’re headed to the same destination anyway. When it comes to dishes, they’re best packed sideways rather than on top of each other. Liquor stores often have sturdy, partitioned boxes that were designed to carry wine bottles, and they’re great for drinking glasses and other small, fragile items.

Last Minute Packing

No one operates well when they’re overwhelmed. Start as early as you can, even if it just means making a checklist of important items when you realize you’re planning on moving. It’s best to take inventory of large items, and to make note of what you use most often. This way they can be unpacked and arranged in your new home by order of priority. Taking your time and starting early means it’s easier to stay organized, and you won’t have a bunch of boxes full of random, miscellaneous items with no idea where to put anything.

Not Having Help

We know it may be tempting to do it all on your own, but underestimating how much energy and planning it takes to pull off a successful move is the number one mistake people make. It’s never a bad idea to have friends and family members help when you’re moving in, particularly when it comes to rearranging heavy furniture.

Also keep in mind moving companies like AAA already have a team of professional staff waiting to help you. They have experience packing and loading a properly equipped truck, and the tools and equipment to take care of heavy items without you risking a physical injury.

There are many services such companies offer, including storage if you aren’t ready to move in immediately. Depending on your needs, using a professional moving company will ultimately save you from making costly moving mistakes. Most importantly, it will leave you with peace of mind, so feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you’d like a free, no-obligation quote. At AAA Flat Rate, we’re ready to get you headed in the right direction.   

 

 

How to Pick a Local Moving Company

We know that moving can be a stressful time in anyone’s life, but we also know AAA Sarasota can make the experience much easier. By pre-arranging your move, you’ll be able to keep your moving process as smooth and organized as possible.

 

How do you know if a moving company is a good fit for you? The first thing to consider is what you’re looking for in a moving company. For example, you’re likely looking for a company that’s local to you, and one that is insured. You may also want a moving company that offers a variety of moving services. If you’re looking for a moving company that can help pack and move all of your furniture and other belongings someone like AAA Sarasota would be able to help.

 

How to Choose Local Packers & Movers

 

 When you make the decision to move, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck so that you can save the most money. At the end of the day, you just want to make sure that you’re moving into a home that you’re happy to live in. Local moving companies tend to be a lot more accessible than their larger, national counterparts and will often have more of a personal touch to them. To help you make a better decision on your next move, we’ve put together some tips to find reliable local movers in your area.

 

Ask Friends and Coworkers

 

It’s a good idea to make sure you get a recommendation from someone who is already a customer, preferably from a friend or family member. Ask around your community and see how folks got there.

 

Communication

There are few things that are more important in the moving process than communication. This goes from the initial consultation to the final follow up call ensuring all your questions are answered and that you are satisfied with the services that you are getting.

 

Don’t Settle

You can find some great deals on moving companies by contacting a company and asking them for a quote or estimate. At the same time, be sure not to accept the first quote from a moving company just because it seems right – feel free to shop around.

 

Beware of Red Flags

Quotes themselves should be free, and you should receive one in writing before any work begins. Requests for cash deposits should also ring alarm bells, and it’s important to take note of the demeanor, conduct, and level of communication from those who you encounter before any work begins.

 

Check Credentials

All potential movers should be licensed and insured, and it’s important to request a moving company’s U.S. DOT number. This can be used in the event you need to file a claim, and you can verify the company’s license through a federal database at protectyourmove.gov.

 

Check Reviews

Yelp, google reviews, and a company’s BBB score, while not always indicative of the experience you’ll get, can serve to reveal commonalities in the quality of service you can expect to receive.

 

Why Choose AAA Sarasota?

Whether it’s a short term relocation, or a long term one, local movers are the perfect people to make sure that you don’t have to worry about any unexpected potentialities. AAA Sarasota is a full-service company, with the ability to provide our clients with a variety of moving services. From packing, to loading, moving, and unpacking, our professional movers are trained in the best methods and practices in the Gulf Coast region to ensure that you have a positive moving experience.

 

AAA Sarasota is licensed and insured, offers award winning service and also offers free quotes, so you can know how much your move will cost before you actually decide to move.

 

We’ll provide you with a professional moving service that you can rely on, and we’ll do all of this at an affordable cost. Our dedicated team of movers, office staff, and drivers will always treat you and your possessions with the utmost respect. We will take care of you throughout your move, and we look forward to seeing how we can make your local move as straightforward as possible.