USA Express Moving Blog! The Place To Read About Moving

STARTING OVER: HOW TO USE MOVING AS AN EXCUSE TO RE-DECORATE!

August 9th, 2009

So, it’s been a while since we’ve had a new blog – well, we’re back and we want to say thanks for your patience! First off, happy summer to everyone – as you can imagine, lots of people are getting ready to go back to school, and with the month of September approaching, plenty of changes are in store, including big moves from home to dorm-life on campus for some, and relocating to that apartment of your dreams for others. Whatever your situation, at USA Express Moving, we’re here to make your move – whether it’s local in the Phoenix Arizona area or across-country – to be as stress-free as possible, and hope our blog provides you with the useful information you’re looking for when considering any move, big or small. We’ve gotten a lot of great responses from our subscribers so far, and want to thank you for reading – we welcome your feedback and comments!

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Like many people, I enjoy decorating – in fact, if I were to go back to school to get a 2 degree, I’d probably study interior design! I’ve been out of college for quite a few years, and as time has passed, I’ve moved many times throughout New York, from Victorian homes upstate to 2-bedroom apartments in Arizona. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve discovered my own personal preference in home décor and have amassed a collection of sentimental pieces and other decorative items that express my individual style and personality.

However, whenever apartment moving became a reality and I had to start researching the best long distance movers, I’d worry about my furniture and how it would work in my new place: would everything fit through the doorways and stair cases? How would I arrange my floor plan in the oddly-shaped bedroom? Would I have to get rid of stuff? Should I consider long distance moving companies for the bulkier items, or could I rely upon the best local movers in Phoenix Arizona? These are just a few of the things that might pass through your mind when thinking about your next move, whether you’re in Arizona in need of a Phoenix moving company or making a long distance move across country. With that said, I’d like to pass on some helpful tips today to make your next relocation less harrowing and instead, an exciting decorating opportunity to look forward to!

PERSONALIZE YOUR SPACE

Chances are, you may have been faced with (or are about to take on) the challenge of decorating your new apartment or house, but feel a bit overwhelmed – perhaps looking at that big, empty living room makes your head spin. Faced with an endless list of possibilities and options doesn’t have to be scary – instead, it can give you an opportunity to personalize your space and make your new home your sanctuary. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your décor:

  • Create a floor plan: Believe it or not, as soon as I decided upon my new apartment, I was already envisioning where my furniture was going to go. Searching for an area rug even before I had shopped around for long distance furniture movers, I was completely excited about getting a place of my own, and actually drew pictures of each room, imagining where I’d fit the TV, the sofa, the loveseats and so on.

Tip: While creating sketches of your new pad is a good start, it’s also important to take measurements of your existing furniture, as well as the doorways, stairwells and the rooms in your potential apartment or home – you don’t want to decide upon a rental only to find out from your favorite long distance moving company or local movers in Phoenix that your bedroom set isn’t going to fit.

  • Add color: Do you want to add color to the walls or leave them white? Painting your walls is a simple yet effective way to transform any room, especially if you choose to use bold colors, faux finishes or wall coverings. Wall paper has made a big come-back in the last decade, so for the adventurous, wall covering treatments might be a great option to customize a bedroom or bathroom. However, white is also a good choice (especially if you’re renting), as it lends a “blank canvas” feel to any space, instantly making the room seem larger and adding a clean, fresh look that allows you to decorate with any color scheme while making accent hues pop.

Tip: When choosing paint, be sure to consider finishes – besides little ones who decide they’re going to play Picasso on your dining room wall, even grown-up fingerprints can smudge an otherwise pristine paint-job. For example, semi-gloss paint is easier to wipe clean in high-traffic areas, while flat/matte-finished paints are better off in occasional rooms or walls that won’t have as much direct hand contact (i.e., above chair-rails, tiles, or in the bedroom). Ask your local hardware or home renovation clerk for more information about the pros & cons of various finishes when choosing your paint.

  • Decide upon your style: Even though you may have furniture from your last place, you may decide upon an updated look for your new place. Whether you’re into contemporary, traditional, modern or shabby-chic, determining what type of atmosphere you want in your home or apartment is one of the key elements to decorating. Do you want your place to feel cozy and lived-in? Are you looking to simplify things and keep only what you need? Will you be sharing your space with a spouse or roommate, and if so, do you want to blend looks so that you create a cohesive style throughout your space? Whatever the case may be, it’s helpful to create a checklist of what you want to incorporate into your new space. Before looking for the best movers in Phoenix AZ or reliable long distance moving companies ,do your homework and get organized – less clutter equals less stress. There’s no sense in doing any long distance moving dragging bulky furniture to your new home, or bringing along other unwieldy personal items if they are obsolete.

Tip: Check out sites like About.com for budget-friendly decorating tips, or consult interior-decorating magazines for inspiration when designing your new digs. Also, if you’re trying to keep the cost of decorating down to a minimum, visit your local thrift shops or bargain/dollar-stores to cut expenses – you can save a substantial amount on items such as vinyl shower curtains, blinds, throw pillows, area rugs and bedspreads at your local discount shops. Additionally, your neighborhood Salvation Army is a great resource for knick-knacks such as candle holders, vases, tablecloths and even gently-used furniture, giving your place a personal touch without blowing your budget.

As you can see, decorating your place can be a process, but with the right attitude, shopping-savvy and creative inspiration, you can make a house a home in no time! Once you’re ready to make your next move, USA Express Moving is here to help, giving you more time (and peace of mind) to set up your new space! Whether you’re looking for the best Phoenix movers in the local Arizona region or require the professional assistance of long distance moving services, USA Express Moving is here to take the stress out of your next move, big or small!

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BON VOYAGE! HOW TO ADD A LITTLE FUN TO YOUR NEXT MOVE

February 14th, 2009

Happy Valentine’s Day – a day to celebrate romance…but, hey, let’s face it – no one *loves* moving! From packing up all of your stuff to remembering where everything is once you’ve gotten there, relocating is simply one of those tasks in life that no one particularly enjoys. And let’s not forget how you’re going to ship your belongings – should you rent a van? Ask a close friend or relative with a moving truck & hope for the best? Trust an international shipping company you’ve never heard of? Or choose some anonymous moving company and take your chances? The options are endless, and can be anything but fun! However, relocating doesn’t necessarily have to be so painful – today, I’m going to give you a few fun ideas to incorporate into your next move. Read on for some helpful tips to make things a little less agonizing…and maybe even amusing, whether you’re single or a family of eight!

SINGLES SCENE

For those bachelors and bachelorettes out there, it can be really exciting to land a new place – whether you’re moving cross town or cross-country, finding just the right locale to call home is reason to celebrate. But why wait until you get to your destination? Stage a moving party and get your friends involved! Supply simple hands-on food like subs or pizza (think: no plates), and pick up a couple of six-packs…you’ll have a great send-off to your old place and have your worldly possessions packed up in no time! Keep things organized & have some laughs labeling your boxes; instead of “Kitchen” or “Bathroom Supplies”, try these suggestions:

  • Random junk-drawer items
  • My ex’s stuff
  • Mismatched socks
  • Outfits I never wear
  • Mystery box
  • Embarrassing photos

Chances are, you have all of these things in your current house or apartment…and it’ll be easy to find after you’ve set up shop in your new digs – and once you’re there, it’s time for a house-warming party, so be sure to have all of your friends who helped you move over for a shindig (after you’ve got your mismatched margarita glasses, lava-lamp and CDs out of their bubble-wrap)!

As far as the move itself, save yourself a ton of stress and leave it to the professionals – whether you’re looking for the convenience of a local moving company or searching for an international moving company you can trust, USA Express Moving is your best option for Service, Quality and Value.  At USA Express Moving, we’ve streamlined the moving process, taking the guess-work out of each step. From local household moving to interstate moving, our professional and courteous sales associates will customize all of the details of “moving day”, making your transition as seamless as possible while offering you the peace of mind from a respected full service moving company – one of the best and most widely-used professional movers in the industry. USA Express Moving currently offers local moving services in the following areas:

  • Philadelphia, PA and surrounding suburbs
  • Phoenix, AZ and surrounding suburbs
  • Pennsauken, NJ and surrounding suburbs

So, singletons, consider the benefits of USA Express Moving, the best moving company around, before planning your next move (and save the headache for the day after that 1st big housewarming party)! Champagne, anyone?

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR

For families, moving can be especially tricky – getting your kids enrolled in a new school, checking out the surrounding areas to see if your new neighborhood is safe, and worrying about your children re-adjusting to their new environment are enough reasons to cause stress for even the most organized and well-prepared parents. Keeping track of everyone’s belongings when moving furniture cross country can be a hassle, to say the least! However, you can get your kids involved in the packing process, too, and let them mark their boxes with their own personal labels (example, “Property Of Susie”, “Jimmy’s Toys”, etc.), so unpacking will be convenient as well as fun. Have them write their funny family nicknames on each of their boxes, or let them put colorful stickers on crates of toys so they get involved in the process, making the act of moving less of a chore and instead something to look forward to.

If your younger kids will be in the car for a length of time (a day or more) when moving cross country, wrapping dollar-store gifts (coloring books, crossword puzzles, pocket-games) in newspaper or tissue and allowing them to open intermittently throughout your trip will keep them entertained…and might even save your sanity (no one wants to hear “are we there yet” 20 minutes into the trip)!

As we’ve covered, relocating your family, whether it’s a local, cross-country or even international move, can be a harrowing and stressful time for everyone involved. Choose USA Express Moving, and you can rest assured that we will make each step of the moving process as stress-free as possible. We offer a variety of services, from long-distance moving services in the contiguous 48 states, to arranging shipments to Canada, Alaska, Hawaii and certain international destinations. So when you’re thinking about making your next move, give us call for a free, no-obligation quote – your family will thank you! Thanks for visiting USA Express Moving, and check in with us often for more helpful and informative (and maybe even fun) moving advice.

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We’d like to share with you a selection of testimonials of customers

February 9th, 2009

Below are testimonials of some customers who have been happy with the services of USA Express Moving. Enjoy :)

  • Hi Jennifer,I just wanted to tell you what a great experience I had w/ your company. You were extremely helpful on the phone last week and the movers who came this morning were exceptional. They were very professional and moved the swing set in record time. I would highly recommend USA Express Moving to anyone in need of movers. Thank you again! All of you helped to make four little children VERY happy! Emily

 

  • Hello kathy, this is cassandra. i just wanted to send you a quick message letting you know that i was very impressed with your movers and that they were very efficient and did not waste anytime. I was very pleased with your services and not only with your movers but with your customer service and i’ll tell you that all the people i talked to at usa moving were always very pleasent to talk to that is what made me decide to choose you as who i picked move my apartment. Thank you again and happy holidays!

 

  • I would like to thank your company for the smooth move. I have read the horrer stories, people experience with moving companies; I was somewhat reluctant about moving because of the stories. Your movers were very professional and pleasant during the move. I would definitely recommend your company for someone relocating. Thanks again! Sincerely, Tyrika

 

  • Hi Ron, I wanted to take a few minutes to convey my thoughts on my move, as the service and end results were nothing less than extraordinary! The movers arrived on time and did a fabulous job in moving and packing/wrapping the furniture to ensure it was not damaged. My new house was on the third floor and I have some large pieces of furniture, that required many twists and turns to get into the rooms. At times, we thought no it’s not going to fit in - but the gentlemen did it. The heat was overwhelming as well, which only added to the task as hand - at no time did they display frustration, they were always friendly professional and extremely customer focused. I would highly recommend your firm to anyone. Thank you again for making our move as easy as possible. Dot

 

  • Phil, As per our telephone call, I wanted to tell you what a positive experience I had with your company during my move from Philadelphia to Baton Rouge. All furniture items were packed/wrapped expertly, all deadlines/timelines were met, all prices were as discussed, and all interactions with your employees were extremely pleasant. Thanks for a great move! Charlie

 

  • I just wanted to take a moment to thank your company for the wonderful perfomance on helping us in our move. Your men showed up at noon as promised and by 12:20 they had just about everything loaded into the truck. I was truly amazed, not only with their quickness, but also with their care in handling all of our belongings. The care your men took with wrapping all of the furniture to ensure that nothing got damaged, the care they took with moving the furniture down the stairs and out the doors without even one single scratch to anything! I am truly in awe. We have used other movers before and never had we received such professional attention. And I also have to mention the ease of the arrangements to have all of this handled was quite impressive. A BIG “THANK YOU!” to everyone in your company for helping make this one of the easiest moves I ever experienced. I will definitely be referring your company to anyone and everyone I know.Again thank you so much! Sincerely, Mrs. Maryann

 

  • Dear Jason, I wanted to let you know how my move went with your company yesterday. The truck got to my house when promised. The moving men were EXECLLENT…they were professional, courteous, and they never slowed down the whole time! After the commute we arrived at the new house and they got right to work and made sure every piece of furniture and box got to the correct room and even made suggestions as to where to put the furniture so that it all fit in nicely. I will highly recommend your company to anyone I know who is moving. Thank you very much. Carolyn D.

Thats about it for this weekend, see you next time!

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HIRING A PROFESSIONAL MOVING COMPANY VS. ATTEMPTING A SELF-MOVE

February 1st, 2009

MAKE YOUR MOVE: HIRING A PROFESSIONAL MOVING COMPANY VS. ATTEMPTING A SELF-MOVE

Since it’s the beginning of the year, I thought I would start off this month’s blog with some insider-information for those of you planning a move in the months ahead – I hope these tips are helpful when considering your options, whether you’re relocating from New York cross-country to Tempe, AZ and in need of trustworthy Arizona moving companies, or staying on the East Coast and simply looking for the best moving company around. Read on for more helpful pointers, and check in often for useful moving tips!

MOVING TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED

As anyone who’s experienced moving first-hand, you know that relocating can be a very stressful process. One of the first questions that often come to mind is whether or not you’ll attempt a self-move or find a reliable full service moving company to assist you during this transition. Although moving across town might just require a U-Haul or a friend’s van, very few of us have the means to make a move that’s more than a few miles away, and if you’re traveling out of state, finding an interstate moving company that is both trustworthy and reliable is probably one of the most crucial decisions you can make to ensure a seamless relocation.

There are many factors to keep in mind when deciding upon the best moving options for you, including your timeframe and budget, as well as the difficulty and the complexity of your move. It’s important to consider all of these aspects before deciding if you want to rent your own moving truck or leave it to the professional movers, and if you choose the latter, how to determine the best local moving company or nationwide movers based on these needs. The following questions will help you get started when weighing your options:

1. How much will you be moving? If you’re going to use a rental van or moving truck, it’s important to know what size vehicle to get in order to fit all of your personal belongings. In order to determine the cost of household moving, use the guide most truck rental agencies use, and count the number of bedrooms. As a rule of thumb, here’s a sample truck-size guide from U-Haul:

  • 26′ will move 4+ bedrooms
  • 24′ will move 3-4 bedrooms
  • 17′ will move 2-3 bedrooms
  • 14′ will move 1-2 bedrooms
  • 10′ will move an apartment

2. How far are you moving? Next, consider the distance from point A to point B – most local truck rental agencies can provide you with hourly rates; it’s also important to remember that when you are moving one-way, the cost can increase by 50% or more. Also, don’t forget that in addition to the fee to rent a moving van, you also need to consider gas costs and mileage; in the end, using moving services (especially for long-distance moves) can be much more cost-effective, as well as less stressful.

After you have answered these two major questions, you’ll be able to gauge your next steps. You may want to consider different local moving companies available in your area – are you looking for local house movers, long distance movers, cross country movers, international shipping services, or are you simply searching for cheap moving companies? Once you’ve determined exactly what services are required for your move, you can further narrow down your options and choose the best moving company to accommodate your needs.

Now that we’ve reviewed the basics, you will have a better idea of doing a cost-comparison analysis, and can determine whether or not you want to use the services of a professional moving companies (such as USA Express Moving), or simply rent a van and move yourself. However, there are a few other important factors to consider, especially if you’re making a long-distance, cross-country or international move. Below, some final questions you may want to ask:

  • How much time will it take to pack your belongings, load everything up and drive it to your new destination?
  • Do you have additional help, such as friends, family, neighbors or colleagues that can lend a hand?
  • Do you have fragile or delicate items that will require special handling? Can you move these items yourself? If not, what will it cost to move them?
  • Will you need to rent additional equipment/supplies/hired-hands to move larger items, such as appliances, pianos, or other unwieldy furnishings?
  • Are you confident that you can move your personal belongings safely?
  • Are you aware of hidden costs or unexpected expenses involved in the moving process, such as additional insurance or packing supplies?

Once you’ve reviewed these factors, you will be able to make an informed decision and choose the best moving option for you. You will find that there are many long distance moving companies, full service moving companies, household movers and cheap movers, but few are able to offer you the variety of services available at USA Express Moving. An independently owned and operated nationwide mover, we’re here to help customize each and every move to meet your expectations. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, USA Express Moving is a full-service moving company, providing a wide array of services customized to suit your individual needs. Our commitment to you includes our three core practices:

  • SERVICE: We offer moving services tailor-made for each customer – from small residential moves to large business relocations, we’ve got the services you need for any type of move.
  • QUALITY: At USA Express Moving, quality is the single most important factor in the delivery of any product or service. Our goal is simple: complete customer satisfaction with each and every move.
  • VALUE: We realize the importance of knowing what your budget will be, from local moves to cross-country relocations. That’s why we guarantee there will never any hidden or “surprise” charges. At USA Express Moving, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing exactly what services the quoted price includes (and what services are not included) – plain and simple.

As you can see, with careful planning and organization, even the biggest moves can be manageable if you follow these easy steps …happy trails and thanks for visiting USA Express Moving, your nationwide choice for a safe, professional and affordable move!

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Welcom To USA Express Moving BLOG!

January 31st, 2009

The key to any successful move process is organization. Even a simple move across town can involve issues related to vacancy requirements, property access limitations, equipment restrictions, and a host of other moving day details. By planning ahead, understanding the services you may require, and establishing a realistic moving budget you will maximize the efficiency and minimize the stress of your move.

We hope that this blog will help you understand more about moving, and help you get to know us better, so - Welcome To USA Express Moving BLOG!

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