| By :
Nick Messe
At some point in our lives we will probably have the occasion to move from one place to another. There may be small moves like from the dorm to your first apartment or transporting a few item across town. Then there is the big move where we pack up an entire household and move to a new home perhaps even across country. While we might give little thought to a move across town, moving an entire house full of goods especially a long distance requires careful thought and planning. So what about getting a bunch of friends to help out, gathering some free boxes from the supermarket and renting a truck to move your household goods? Well for starters, the free boxes you get were probably not meant for what you have to pack. Good luck finding a box that can hold a floor lamp or that expensive flat screen TV! You probably won't find double-walled boxes to protect your fine china. If anything is damaged or broken by your friends, about the most you can expect is an apology. Renting a truck for your move may seem like a bargain. However, the low daily rate usually only applies to local moves and does not include mileage, taxes and fuel. For an interstate move you'll need to add tolls to your other expenses. On the other hand, a professional moving and storage company can take a lot of the headache out of moving. They have the advantage of vast experience in moving and packing. Because they carry several loads from different customers, you benefit from economies of scale. By combining several loads with the same destination, they are able to offer lower rates. A professional moving company can offer a unique line of materials to suit any item you may be transporting. They will offer packing boxes like wardrobes, dish packs and specialized boxes for flat screen televisions or computer equipment. Due to their extensive experience in handling fragile items, there is a lesser chance of damage or loss. However, should this occur, your shipment is fully insured. If your shipment arrives at your destination before you do, professional moving and storage companies can provide safe, secure storage for your belongings. Storage units are climate-controlled to protect delicate equipment. If you choose to do your own moving, you may use self-storage units to store your belongings until you are ready to move into your new home. Whether you choose a professional moving and storage service or do-it-yourself, there are some moving tips designed to make your moving experience easier. Label boxes on the sides. When they are stacked, you can still tell what's inside. Do not pack aerosols, fireworks, lighter fluid or other combustibles. Drain gas from the lawnmower. Use a special code for boxes of high value contents. Don't advertise the fact that you are transporting your fancy diamond jewelry or expensive audio equipment. Take photos of the contents of each room before you pack. In case anything gets lost, damaged or misplaced, you can provide an accurate description of it.
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