Broke & Need to Move? Learn Some Tips that Can Save You Money

Moving to a new home is not an easy task. It requires a great deal of effort, money and your precious time. There are certain cases when it becomes difficult for you to make the move by yourself and your friends can certainly help you with the task. Here are a few instances when you can ask your friends to assist you with the hectic task of moving:

When You Are Tied Down By Budget Constraints

Jacksonvillle Moving Companies can be a blessing in transporting your belongings from one place to the other and some even offer packing services to further assist you in the burden of moving. But what do you do when you’re tied down by budget constraints and hiring the services of a moving company may present a welcome luxury you cannot afford? You can turn to your friends for help!

When moving companies are charging costs that are too high for your budget, it is a fitting solution to ask your friends for some much needed help. With the assistance of your friends, you can assure your move is done smoothly, but make sure you ask them way in advance so that they can confirm their availability and you know for certain that you will indeed by receiving the help you asked for.

When You Live Alone or Are A Single Parent

Whether you live by yourself or are a single parent, clearly one person cannot handle a move on their own. If your budget is sufficient to hire movers, do so, if not, you will need to seek the assistance of around three to four friends to help you complete the difficult task of having your belongings transported to your new home.

You should try to do the cleaning and packing on your own, but if you think you could speed things up with some help, then don’t hesitate to ask for their help. After all, they are your friends and will help you in any way they can.

Here are a few protocols you should keep in mind when you ask your friends to help with your move:

1. §  You must make sure you ask for their help a few days before your moving date and not at the very last minute.
2. §  They are your friends, not a hiring company. So be sure to provide refreshments and some mode of transportation so that they have some incentive for helping you.
3. §  Avoiding shouting out orders at your friends. Try to make your moving day as fun and engaging as you can.
4. §  When the move has been completed, treat your friends to an amazing home cooked meal and free drinks at your new residence, or at a nice restaurant as a way of saying thank you and being appreciative of their hard work and effort.

You can ask your friends to help you move if you find yourself stuck in any of the two situations mentioned above. Hopefully you’ll get the assistance you need and will be able to enjoy the company of your friends while you move to your new home.

In the event you have unreliable friends, turn to the expert movers at Royal Moving and Storage. We have been local Movers in Jacksonville for over 30 years. We specialize in residential, commercial, apartment and relocation services throughout northeast FL. Call us today for a free estimate (904) 724-6683.

Tips to Childproof Your Move

Moving is strenuous. But try moving with little kids- stress takes on a whole new meaning when you do that. The safety and care of kids when you are making your big move is of utmost importance.

Here is how you can childproof your move for your own peace of mind:

Keeping Kids Occupied

If you have kids around when you are making arrangements, then a great way to childproof your move would be to ensure that they remain busy. Bored children are often the ones getting restless and boisterous. This could make you lose your mind trying to keep them out of harm’s way. The idea is to keep them occupied with some activity. So make sure you have a bag with coloring books and crayons to help keep them occupied. If your child loves to play on your IPad, IPhone or handheld game console then set them up so they can entertain themselves while you get things done.

Scheduling Intelligently

Packing with kids roaming about the house is an arduous task. So how can you really make you packing attempts worthwhile and less time consuming? It is simple really; you schedule the activities when your kids are not at home, that is, when they are either at schools or their swimming or music class etc. If for some reason this is not possible, consider asking a friend or close relatives to babysit your children for a couple of hours.

Making Use of Baby Gates

Baby gates help in securing the premises. Install them at the entrances of kitchen and other rooms. Secure the stairways with them too. The gates will prevent the toddlers and little kids from escaping when the doors are open.

Cautiously Placing Heavy Items

Heavy items such as television sets and personal computers must be wrapped up neatly and placed closer to the walls to avoid causing accident. Heavier objects must be kept at the bottom whenever you are stacking them one on top of another for additional security.

Keeping the Hazardous Items Locked

Firstly, get done with all of the dangerous items like tools, objects with sharp protrusions, toxic cleaning supplies and medications. Wrap them up and pack them away, securing the bags or cardboard boxes firmly with tape. Keep all such things locked away in a relatively secluded region of the house, like the garage or the highest portions of cabinets so that these hazardous objects are away from the reach of your children.

Childproofing the New House

If the new home is closer to the old one, it would be a good idea to visit a few days before you make the move and childproof the premises as best as you can in the time available. This includes covering all visible and reachable electrical power outlets and making use of baby gates to detain kids from entering out of bound zones. By acting upon this advice, you will undergo a hassle free moving process on the day of the move.

To make your life even easier call the professionals at Royal Moving and Storage for all of your moving needs. We understand moving with children can be extremely difficult which is why we offer packing and unpacking services. If you are in need of a professional residential mover call us today (904) 724-6683. 

Is It Better To Move Before Or After Having A Baby?

Is your family expanding and you are looking forward to the next big move? But you might ask yourself, is it better to move before or after having a baby? Some people believe that moving homes postpartum is better than before having a baby.

Well, both options have their pros and cons, so we decided to present you with an objective overview. Read on to see both sides of the picture and make the best decision for yourself and your family.

Pros of Moving Before Having A Baby

Availability for Open Houses

Since the baby has not yet been born, it means that you are not occupied with changing soiled diapers and you do not have to compromise on baby nap time. So shifting to a new home is relatively easier when you can make yourself available for open houses and your mind does not keep on fluttering back to your baby’s nursing or nap time and you have a lot of time to make a judicious decision.

Ample time for Bonding

Since moving takes up a lot of you energy, you will not really be able to give the necessary time to your newborn child if you shift after the delivery. Moving before the delivery will give you ample time to bond with your child and your family in a better way as there is no hassle of packing cartons and wrapping items.

Making Use of the Nesting Instincts

Generally, the third trimester is when a mother starts nesting. Shifting when the nesting impulse is strongest might be a great idea for you will be on your toes to do everything in your power to make the environment comfortable, safe and secure for your new child. Once you have settled in your new home before having the baby, you can invest time to make your home comfortable and secure by leveraging your motherly instincts.

Post Natal Recovery Time Period

It takes time to get back on your feet after having a child. Worse still, if you had a C-section, you may forget the entire idea of getting organized in your new home until you have fully recovered.

Saving Money

You do not have to procure all of the baby’s furniture and then take it to the new house, or transport the gifts received at baby shower; so you obviously save a lot of money on transportation.

Pros of Moving After Having A Baby

Packing is Simple

After having your newborn, you more than likely have lost a good amount of weight and can see your toes again. Stuff that appeared challenging previously now becomes just as easy as a flick of a finger. With the baby slings, you can take your baby along on the packing chores, especially between naps.

Understand Your Needs

Now that you have spent some more time with your baby, you might have gotten some clarity as to what sort of a home you want your child to grow up in. Maybe you want a house with a bigger nursery or backyard.

Whether moving before your child is born or after, let Royal Moving and Storage make your next move a breeze. Call the trusted moversJacksonville residents have relied on for over 30 years. 

How to Move Your Pool Table the Right Way

Moving a pool table is one of the most strenuous chores that you may have to do as it consumes a lot of energy and effort. Moving pool tables requires a lot of muscle strength, so it is advised to get professional assistance when moving pool tables. They are quite wide and bulky, yet delicate. Even a minor damage could cause hundreds of dollars in repairs.  Moving the pool table around the house is still simpler (you can make use of dollies) than moving it to an entirely new location. To find out the right way to move a pool table, read this blog.

Moving the Pool Table to another Establishment

Pull the Table Apart

The right way to move the pool table to another location is to dismantle it. It is a foolish idea to move the pool table to another location in one piece. You must follow this method of pulling it apart even if you just want to move the pool table upstairs.

Label

Before you begin disassembling, it  would be a great idea to label all nuts and bolts, for there could be a mix up, or worse – they could be lost.  And you really don’t want all that extra fuss that comes with finding the exact same hardware fasteners.  

Get the Tools

You will need to get these tools:

·        Flathead screw driver

·        Staple remover

·        Socket wench

·        Power drill

·        Goggles for safety purposes

Follow the instructions for dismantling and read through the guide.

Remove the Staples

Begin with removing the staple. This is required so that you can unfasten the side pockets of the pool table. It is possible that the pockets for the pool ball are not stapled in but fastened with screws, so you may need to use the screwdrivers at this stage as well. 

Handling the Bolts

If there are bolts present, then make sure that you make use of the socket wrench to hold the rails into position while you take off the bolts. Only then go on to remove each rail. Make sure there is somebody else to assist you with the task, especially if the rails are connected to the corners – for you will have to flip it over to remove them.

Take off the Felt

The most complicated part of dismantling the pool table is to take off the felt. Removing it ensures that it does not get damaged during the movement. Carefully remove the staples from the felt.

Removing the Slate

Make use of the power drill to take the screws away from the slate. You will require a lot of assistance when you are doing this. Pull the frame out and wrap it with caution. Take it to the truck and place it there. Now drape the legs and the rails as well and keep them on top of the main frame. If the slate gets damaged, the functionality of the pool table will be affected.

Reassembling the Pool Table

After you have taken all the parts to the new location for your pool table, you will the face the most challenging part – reassembly. The process will go as follows:

1.       Leveling of the slate according to the floor by using shims

2.       Waxing the seams

3.       Adding the felts followed by the rails.

If you want to avoid the headache of moving a pool table call the professional pooltable movers in Jacksonville. Call Royal Moving & Storage today for a free estimate (904) 724-6683.

What to Pack In an Overnight Bag before You Move

You are moving to a new home. If the new place is distant then chances are that you might have to stay the night at a friend’s place or at a hotel. Even if you will not be making unnecessary stops, chances are that you will be extremely exhausted to unpack and rummage through your bags looking for an important item. So you need to have an overnight bag prepared before you make the journey and keep it securely in the car. Apart from a set of clothes, here are a few things that you must pack in an overnight bag to make your move trouble free:

Important Personal Documents

You should not pack away your personal documentation on a truck. In fact, you should keep your ID card, birth certificate, marriage certificate, licenses, academic transcripts, tax statements, passport, bank statements, real estate documents, medical records and bills with you to avoid the risk of misplacing or damaging them.

Cash, Credit and Debit Cards

Keeping money in a box that you intend to pack away on a moving truck is a bad idea. You should keep your debit and credit cards along with any ready cash in your wallets. This avoids any safety concerns during the transportation of luggage and also allows you to easily procure the supplies while you are on your way to your destination.

Toiletries and Cleaning Supplies

Keep your daily toiletries with you. This may include toothbrushes and toothpastes, perfumes, make-up, shaving-kit, deodorant, sanitizer and soap. Also pack a few cleaning supplies like napkins. You may want to keep some disposable plates and cutlery with you if you are planning to eat at home as you wouldn’t like to rip away the tape from the cardboard boxes searching for cutlery at your new home the day you arrive.

Medicines

Keep your supplements and other medications with you in the overnight bag so that you can have them whenever necessary, especially any prescription medications.

Water Bottles and Edible Items

When you are making a long distance move, it is essential that you remain hydrated so keep water bottles with you. Also keep chips and snacks with you especially if you have children.

Jewelry and Other Valuables

Jewelry and valuables like expensive watches and family heirlooms must be kept with you. You must transport them personally. Pack them in your overnight bag even before you initiate packing other items.

Electronic Gadgets

Seriously, we cannot imagine a day without our electronics like cameras, tablets, laptops and mobile phones. It is also important that you keep their chargers with you.

Kid Supplies

When you are making the big move, it is also essential that you keep your kids in mind. Apart from packing their clothes and diapers, don’t forget to keep their favorite teddy bear, books, handheld games, favorite snacks, etc... These little things will keep them occupied and entertained. When your kids are surrounded by familiar things, they tend to handle a move much better.

As with any move it will be chaotic, however use common sense. Make a list of the most important items you need on a daily basis, or items that need special care prior to the move. Keep and label the items you are taking separate from what your Jacksonville Moving Company will be moving for you.

Pack for several days this way it will give you a little time to get organized within your new home, without rushing to find items or tearing open boxes because you need something right away.

Call Royal Moving and Storage today for you next residential or commercial move (904) 724-6683.

Things to Look For When Comparing Moving Companies

Before hiring a moving company in Jacksonville, it is best to go through some considerations to form the basis of a comparison with a few moving companies to ensure that you are hiring a company that is reliable, reputable and one that will ensure the safety and security of your belongings. Following are some considerations that will help you in deciding the moving company that is best for you in terms of safety, security and reliability:

Price

A price comparison is essential so that you can discover the moving company whose price rates are a perfect fit in accordance with your budget and affordability. A company with skyrocketing prices is quite obviously overcharging you while a company charging too low is doubtful and most likely a scamming trap. A company charging average price rates is a safe option and probably one you should go for, especially if the charges of others are too high or too low.

Reviews, Testimonials, and Experience

Feedback in the form of customer reviews and testimonials matters a great deal. They display the level of satisfaction and the nature of the experience customers had with these companies when their services were hired. If there is limited information online, you can ask moving companies to provide you with customer references and testimonials themselves.

Also, if you know someone who has hired moving company services before, you can ask them about their experience and the company they hired. The experience level of a company is showcased in the number of successful moves they have accomplished and the number of years they’ve been in the moving business. If these two aspects are strong, you know the company is one you can rely on and one that will ensure the smooth success of your own move.

Service

Service requires the manner adopted by companies when it comes to moving your belongings in terms of the nature and state of the belongings. It also refers to time they take to respond to your queries, their availability and the condition of the vehicles they use for transporting your belongings from your old home to your new location. If storage is required for moves at longer distance, you need to check the type of storage options they offer as well. A company that maintains good standards for such things will definitely be a good hiring choice.

Registration and Insurance

In terms of damage to your belongings, the liability of a moving company extends out to the insurance you have for your possessions. This is known as valuation and is declared either on the weight of your belongings into the amount paid for them, the item costs, or on the entire value payable for replacement and repairs. Make sure you know the type of insurance offered by moving companies as it will impact your recovery amount in the event of any damage.

Packing Supply

Some moving companies also offer the services of having your belongings packed for you. If this is the case, you should inquire the packing methods they adopt, especially for valuable and fragile items and also the furniture. Bubble wrapping fragile and delicate items will protect them from breakage and secure and sealed boxes are another essential.

Before hiring a moving company, it’s best to make a comparison on the basis of the considerations mentioned above so you know the company you are hiring is dependable and efficient at the same time. 

How to Protect Your Furniture When Moving

When you are moving to a new house, your belongings need to be packed in a proper manner so that they can be protected from any damage and harm and arrive at the new location in a safe manner, in the same state they were packed in. Here are a few tips on how you can ensure the protection of your furniture while moving:

Cleaning

Before packing your furniture, you need to dust and clean it thoroughly because if furniture is packed without being cleaned, debris and dust can cause scratches which could be a threat to the cosmetic appeal of the furniture pieces and can also lead to further damage and decay.

Dismantling

If a few pieces of your furniture can be dismantled, like beds and chairs with removable legs, then it would be best to do so. When your furniture is dismantled, you can transport it to the location in a much safer manner and will also save a lot of space and will not be as heavy.

Wrapping

Even when your furniture is in a dismantled state, it needs to be wrapped in a secure manner to protect it from damage such as scratches, tears, dents, and breakage. Bubble wrapping is useful in protecting wooden pieces that are fragile and delicate and also for securing mirrors and table tops made of glass. Sofa covers and plastic wraps are useful in the protection of upholstered items or leather. You can also make use of blankets and towels to secure your furniture pieces, especially the ones that have sharp ends.

Placement

After all of your furniture has been safely packed and wrapped, it’s time to safely place it either in transportation vehicles that are responsible for carrying them to their new destination or having the pieces stored until the day of the actual move. If your furniture is to be stored, it’s best to properly cover the items to keep them safe from dust, and furniture dollies can be used to transport large or heavy items into trucks. Moving companies in Jacksonville excel in this department and can complete the process with much more ease and efficiency.

You can use the tips mentioned above to protect your furniture during your move, but it’s always best to leave it to the experts who know the exact precautions needed to protect your furniture from damage during a move. Hiring a moving company will add to your moving costs, but it will surely save you time, a whole load of effort, and repair expenditures that could potentially arise in case you damage your furniture while trying to move it yourself. 

Why We Hate To Move

Moving to a new neighborhood or a new city can be extremely stressful. There is a mountain of things that need to be done and at times it feels as though we have taken on a task that just seems too impossible to be accomplished. All of us look forward to the prospect of moving to a new home, upgrading our lifestyle, a better neighborhood or convenience of location, but the entire process associated with a move seems utterly torturous and we generally tend to hate moving.

Here are a few reasons why the prospect of moving to a new house stirs such stressful emotions within us:

High Stress Levels

Moving is a big decision and can bring along a great deal of stress. The contents of the entire house need to be packed; the house needs to be cleaned, transport arrangements need to be made to deposit all of our belongings to our new home. Moving in itself is a costly investment, hiring a Jacksonville moving company and packaging materials can add on to our expenses. The thought of all that needs to be done, the costs associated with it and the time it will take to be completed, can bring an overwhelming emotion of stress we hate dealing with.

The Burden of Packing

Packing is what seems like the greatest hassle of all no one likes to pack. Different items of the house need to be packed in a different manner to save them from getting damaged. Keeping track of what items go into which box can be another headache and if you accidentally put an item into the wrong box, discovering it at the time of unpacking is another headache altogether. Once the items that need to be packed together are kept aside, they need to be boxed and sealed. The house is in an eternal state of chaos and finding and locating items seems to be impossible, especially when you need them the most. If you have come back from a tired day at work, the prospect of packing can be nothing short of a nightmare.

Cleaning

Once everything is packed, the house requires a thorough cleaning. Scrubbing the floors, brushing off dust and making your house presentable and ready for the people who will be moving in is another burden we all seem to greatly dislike. It requires a great amount of effort, time and in short, a whole lot of hard work.

Moving is no walk in the park and if you think moving is a hassle that is simply too much for you to handle, you can choose the option of hiring professional moving services. Moving companies can be an investment, but they can prove to be a good and extremely beneficial investment. You will not have to do anything as they will take care of all the tasks that are part and parcel of a move. In fact you will end up saving yourself a lot of time, ridding yourself from the ordeal of packing and basically, freeing yourself from the stress that is associated with a move when done without any professional assistance.

Royal Moving and Storage provides moving, packing and unpacking services as well as moving supplies. Call us today so we can take the stress out of your next move (904) 724-6683.

How to Save Time with Your Next Move

Moving in a new home is not something that can be accomplished overnight. It is something that requires a great deal of time and effort. There is a lot that needs to be done; packing all of your belongings, cleaning and clearing things away, having all of the packages and boxes delivered to the transport vehicle etc. is all very time consuming.

With our busy lives, we need to learn how to be more efficient so that we can speed up the process of moving and save precious time. Here are a few tips on how you can save time with your next move:

Devise a Moving Schedule and a Task Plan

Moving requires a lot of work and the best thing you can do is to sort things through so you have a proper plan in plan that can be followed. Create a moving schedule about a month or two in advance and use a weekly checklist to ensure you are moving in the right direction and your work is being completed in accordance with the schedule you’ve crafted out for yourself.

Jot down tasks you need to complete such as contacting the postal service of your changed address, notifying the bank and utility service providers, and map out a plan for all the chores you need to complete, adding in the things you’ll need and allocating a time for them to be accomplished. Doing so will help you stay on track in an organized manner as opposed to wasting time in confusion and haste.  

Learn the Art of Being a Packing Pro

With your schedule, add in a packing guide. Prepare a list of all the items that need to be packed and categorize them according to your needs. This will help you in knowing what goes into each box and when it’s time for unpacking, you’ll know where each item is and will not have any difficulty in locating it.

Donate or discard the things you will no longer need to save packing space and avoid mixing items from different rooms into one box. Wrap fragile items in protective casings and place labels on everything you pack to know exactly what they are. This will save you time when you are unpacking.

Hire the Services of a Moving Company

Before hiring the services of a Jacksonville moving company, check their credentials to make sure they are reliable. An unreliable company can bring in a lot of disruptions and can eventually cost you money and time. Moving companies make things extremely easy by performing the difficult and time consuming tasks for you. This allows you to have time to yourself and all you need to do is keep an eye on them so you know everything is being done in accordance with your plan.

Hopefully, the tips mentioned above will help you save quality time and make things much easier for you when you have made the decision of moving to a new home. If you need a reliable moving company in Jacksonville that will move you with efficiency and protect your items, call Royal Moving and Storage today for your free estimate (904) 724-6683. 

Things to Look For Prior To Moving Into a Neighborhood

Before moving into a new neighborhood, it is best to learn as much as you can about it. This will help you in determining whether the new area will be a suitable fit for you. Moving is a major step and as goes the rule with every investment, you need to know what you are setting foot into. If you fail to inspect your neighborhood, move into your new house and then discover certain things you dislike about the area, it will be too late for you to turn back on your decision. Here is what you should be looking for prior to moving into another neighborhood:

The Level of Its Recession Resistance

When it comes to recession, some cities fare better than others. Recession has a direct impact on job opportunities, the flow of demand and supply and loans. When you move, you go into the possibility of experiencing a better life. If the place you are moving into has taken a bad blow from the effects of recession, you could be making a financial mistake on one of your largest investments. So make sure you move into a neighborhood that is doing well even with the prevalence of recession.

The Schools

If you are a family with children or a couple hoping to start a family, you should inspect the number of good, renowned schools present in the locality. GreatSchools.net and Education.com are helpful websites to aid your inspection in regard to schools, and they allow you to search different schools by their names, district, city or ZIP code.

The Public Services Available

They presence of sidewalks, clean parks and streets, public transportation, fire and police stations and libraries will let you know that the neighborhood is equipped with a good amount of public services to make life easier for you in community you are moving too.

The Type of Local Businesses Present

Another thing you should check is whether the type of local businesses present is similar to the ones you most frequently love to visit and how near they will be to your home to aid your convenience as opposed to you travelling long distances to reach them.

The Crime Rate

Nobody wants to move into a neighborhood that has a high crime rate. Before purchasing a new home, it must be on your pre-inspection essentials to check statistics relating to the crime level in the area so that you know the level of safety of the area you are moving into.

Other Details

Meet your potential neighbors to get a feel of the culture and type of people residing in the neighborhood and check on the regulations applicable to the area. Inspect property tax rates and the amenities and activities available for the residents of that area. Also, visit the neighborhood during different times of day to inspect the level of noise or the presence of foul smells that could disrupt your peace and tranquility while living in the area.

Before you decide on moving into a new neighborhood, be sure to check the things mentioned above. It will help you in knowing whether you are moving into a place that is compatible with your needs and requirements.

Top 5 Things to Do When You Have Moved into Your New Home

When you move into a new home with all of your baggage and possessions, the place greets you with its emptiness and all of your belongings are packed and boxed up. You will need to clean your new home and double check if all of the boxes and packages have been delivered, and that nothing is indeed missing. Apart from unpacking the essentials to fill up your new home with your items, and add a lively tone to your home, there are certain things that need to be done. Here are the top 5 things you should do right after you have moved into your new home:

1.     Adopt Security Measures

Once you have moved into your new home, a good safety measure is having your locks changed so that the only people to have access to your home will be you and your family. Have smoke detectors installed in the rooms and place in a proper functioning fire extinguisher in case of fire emergencies. Also, set up your first aid kit and consider the installation of a burglar alarm if need be.

2.     Inspect Your Belongings

After you have unpacked your essentials, furniture, and major appliances, inspect them to make sure nothing got damaged during the move. Check if all your furniture is in its original state, and make sure of the same with major appliances such as your washer and dryer, your stove and other electrical items.

3.     Set Up Your Utilities

Before you move in you should place in a call to utility companies so that when you arrive you have running water, gas and electricity. The next thing you need to do is set up your electric and electronic items to make sure they are up and running properly. You can then arrange for phone and internet connections.

4.     Locate the Circuit Breaker Box & Main Water Valve

Find the circuit breaker box as well as the main water valve so you know where to go in case of emergencies. If there comes a time that requires you to fix an impending water or power issue, you need to know how to first turn them off correctly.

5.     Meet With Your Neighbors

After you have set up everything in your new home and are done with all of the cleaning and unpacking, it’s time to get acquainted with your new neighbors. Go over to your neighbors, introduce yourself to them and start getting to know the people around you; it will help you in getting adjusted into the new environment.

Keeping the things mentioned above in mind, you can ensure the safety and security of the move you have made into a new home. Also, once the above mentioned tasks have been completed, you can enjoy living in your new home knowing you have taken care of the essentials and can get the much needed rest that awaits you in your new living space.

                                                                                                                                                                             

When Is The Best Time To Move, Weekday or Weekend?

Moving is no easy task. It requires a great deal of planning, a lot of time and a certain amount of effort. Whether you are conducting the move yourself, or hiring a Jacksonville moving company to do the task for you, there are particular times that are more favorable and can ensure everything with your move goes well in accordance with your plans.

You can move during the week or over the weekend, but which of the two options will provide better opportunities for you? Both options have some positive and negative aspects so let’s have a deeper look into them so that you can determine the time that will work best for you:

The Money Factor

In terms of money, moving during the week, you can be sure to get a deal that is much better because not many people choose to move during the week mainly because of work. Moving companies, should you choose to hire their services, are not so busy during the week and are most likely to charge in a more lenient manner.

Moving over the weekend, you are probably going to be charged much higher since it’s an extremely time for movers and truck loaders since this is the time people have free time on their hands and choose to complete their tasks and chores. Another thing is that reliable movers may be hard to find since their services could already be booked by other customers. You can expect to receive skyrocketing charges if you wish to move on weekends during the holiday season. If cost is a major factor for you, then moving during the weekdays presents a much better option.

The Convenience and Time Factor

When it comes to the time and convenience factor, if you’re someone with a regular full day job, you will be too stressed out and busy during weekdays to move. Plus, moving during the weekdays will require you to take the day or a couple of days off from work. In addition to this, if you are a parent, then your routine by picking and dropping the kids from school may not allow you to move during the weekdays.

If you are a part time worker, have your own business, are on leave or are currently unemployed, then you can move during the weekdays if you aren’t too busy. But since most of us have regular jobs, it will be more convenient for you to move over the weekend as opposed to busy weekdays.

Weekday or Weekend Move?

As you can see from the above two factors, moving during the weekdays is better for those who are in search for cost effectiveness with a move. Moving over the weekend however, is an option that presents more convenience. The decision to move over the weekend or during the weekdays will depend on whether you give more priority to convenience and time or cost.

Benefits of Storing Your Items In Climate Controlled Storage

Climate Controlled Storage vs Traditional Storage

Many of us at some point in our life are in need of a Jacksonville Storage Facility. Whether you need to store items in between a move, or you have too much stuff and are looking to de-clutter your home, they are an important necessity. However it is not as simple as just renting a unit and throwing your items in it. If you are storing your items there is a good chance you want to keep them for future use, as well as keep them in good condition, which is why you are paying a monthly fee versus just getting rid of them. When renting a storage unit you will need to think about which items are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and humidity.

Below is a small list of items you will want to store in a climate controlled storage facility:

1. Wood Furniture: wood is durable however humidity is typically not its friend. Living in Jacksonville we have extremely high humidity throughout the year, which can cause your wood furniture to crack, warp, or rot over time. It is important to keep wood furniture in a climate controlled facility for protection.

2. Appliances: mechanical and electrical components of appliances are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and moisture. Over time the components can rust or break, and mold has the potential to grow inside them.

3. Leather Furniture or Clothing: over time leather can fade or mildew with hot and cold temperature swings.

4. Collectibles: whether you collect stamps, baseball cards, fine art, wine, comics or coins, all are susceptible to damage. Traditional storage facility will always be prone to large temperature swings. This can cause paper collectibles to curl or hold moisture, wine will spoil since humidity is not held constant, coins can tarnish or oxidize. Always store collectibles in a climate and humidity controlled storage facility.

5. Business /Personal Documents/Photos: important business, personal documents or photos are vulnerable to moisture, fading and dissolving, photos can stick or blend together making traditional storage facilities a bad option.

If you are storing items you care about and don’t want them damaged, your safest and best option is always a Jacksonville climate controlled facility. At Royal Moving and Storage we offer an onsite, climate controlled and secure location to house your important items. Whether you need moving services, moving supplies, packing and unpacking services or climate controlled storage, we can help. Call us today (904) 724-6683.

Questions To Ask Your Mover

Are you planning a move to your dream home? You must be feeling really happy, being done with the task of finding and securing ownership of the ideal residence! However, if you think that half your work is done, then you are in for a reality check. You may have completed the part where you find a place and become the proud owner, but now comes the challenging part of moving all of you belongings.

It is not easy to get all your things packed and moved to your new house in one piece. This is why you need the help of a professional moving company in Jacksonville. To help take additional stress off of you, ask if they offer packing services. With so many moving companies offering their services, how do you know which one is the best one for the job? Easy! Ask the right questions and you will have a winner!

Questions To Ask A Moving Company Before Hiring Them For The Job!

Ask smart questions and employ the best workers for the job to get good value for your money! Some of the most important questions that you should ask, include the following:

Is Your Company Licensed?

The very first question that should come to your mind is whether the moving company is licensed. If they are licensed; then they will handle the job properly, ensuring complete compliance with all federal laws. Alternately, if the company is a member of the Better Business Bureau, it is a proof of them being reliable and professional experts to call in for the job.

How Long Have You Been Serving In The Moving Industry?

Experience matters a lot! If the company has been serving satisfied customers in the industry for some time, it is a sign that they are reliable and good at what they do. You need a reliable company to handle your move properly, and want your belongings to arrive at your new home in one piece, don’t you?

You can also read reviews online or ask the company you are about to hire to provide you with references. Getting referrals for a new company is hard and thus, employing them could be risky. The more experienced they are, the more customers they have serviced, and typically the longer they have been in business usually means they are doing something right!

Do You Offer Worker’s Compensation And Public Liability Insurance To Employees?

While it might seem that this isn’t your concern, do ask the question. Do you know that if the moving company doesn’t offer worker’s compensation insurance, you might have to pay for any injuries suffered on your property? Alarming, right? So, make sure you hire a company which offers workers’ insurance.

Will You Give A Binding Written Estimate?

While many companies quote over the phone or depending on the size of the move will send over a team to analyze the job and provide an estimate. If any company refuses to give a binding written estimate, then be on your guard!

This might mean that the company is hesitating to engage in a binding contract, as they plan to exceed the amount initially quoted for the job. It is best to steer clear of all such moving companies.

What’s Included In Extra Services And What Is Charged For Them?

Some companies may state later that moving or packing certain items is not part of their contract and the work falls in the extra service category. You need to ask a company in advance, about what they consider extra services, and how much do they charge for it?

It is best to be prepared in advance than to suffer a shock later. Just ask the right questions and hire the company with the most suitable answers.

If you are in need of reliable, honest and professional movers in Jacksonville, FL, contact Royal Moving and Storage today (904) 724-6683!

How To Save Money During Your Move

So, have you finally found the house you were looking for? Planning to move in with the family as soon as possible? Why not save some money while you start packing and preparing for the big move in the near future?

Moving to a new place does incur some costs. But what if you could save some cash and use the money to take care of other important moving expenses. Want to know how? There are quite a few ways that you can do this.

Organize a Garage Sale

You will need to sort out your things before you start packing. One set of things will go into the boxes, packed to be moved to the new house, while the other set will be clothes, toys and other items which you have outgrown or don’t use anymore. What will you do with these? Throw them away? Why not make some money out of them!

Arrange a yard or garage sale, and let others have their pick of the things you don’t need any more. You will be rid of all that pile of things which you didn’t know what to do with, and also make some money in the process. Use the money you earned from the garage sale to pay for your move, buy new boxes, tape or other moving supplies.

DIY Packing Operation

If you want to save; then opt for a do it yourself approach to packing. Pack all the items from all rooms of the house into different boxes and label them. Use bubble wrap to pack the more valuable and delicate items, and seal each box properly with tape.

Stock and Use Free Boxes

You need medium and large sized boxes to pack things and move them, right? Well, why buy boxes when you can have them for free! How? Well, all you have to do is just be a bit organized and have the long term goal in mind.

If there are any large boxes of a purchase lying around the house, use them for packing. All your appliances, like refrigerator, microwave and other items are all packed in tough boxes. Use these boxes to pack your stuff instead of throwing them away. You can also go to your local grocery store and ask them for empty boxes, as they will just be recycling them anyways.

Plan Your Move during the Off Season

To benefit from lower rates charged by your mover, make sure that you plan to move into your new place in the off season. Plan to move anytime between September and April, and avoid when your mover is at their busiest. Save by acting smartly and planning well in advance.

Get Quotes from Different Movers

If you want to save during your next move, then ask for estimated quotes from a couple of moving companies. Analyze their service offerings and estimated quotes, and make the right choice. Make sure you ask questions related to the quote so you are not charged with any hidden fees or work that the mover states was not included within the quote. Also don’t choose a Jacksonville moving company based solely on the cheapest rate. Do your due diligence and look at their reputation.

Ask Employer to Compensate Moving Costs

If you are moving because of a job requirement, then it is only fair that you ask your employer to compensate you for all the costs or to pay you a lump sum to take care of different moving expenses. You can also make sure that you deduct some of the expenses on your income tax return, in the name of relocation expenses.

Follow these smart ways to save some money while you engage in the tiring process of packing and moving to a new home.

Planning Your Next Move

Does the idea of moving to a new place stir bad memories of previous experiences? Have you suffered countless times while moving, and have lost, misplaced, and cluttered your things in the process? Then it is time that you learn the trick to planning an ideal move.

While keeping the right steps in mind, you can transform a once torturous job into a manageable and organized task.

A task which is possible with just 3 simple steps:

• Organize your move
• Plan items so that they’re not lost
• De-clutter the items while packing

Make sure that you pay due attention to these three steps, and moving to a new place will not prove to be as unnerving as it once was. Here is what you need to do.

How to Organize Your Move

Be methodical and plan everything out. There are a several things you can do a couple of months prior to moving, while others need to be sorted out a few weeks and even a couple of days before your final move.

A couple of months before you move start going room by room and sort out the items you are not planning on keeping. Take one room at a time to remain organized. Once you removed the clutter you can then start packing and labeling each box. As a tip try to keep the weight of each box around 25-30lbs. Also pack the box to the top as boxes partially full can crush when stacked and damage the contents. As your packing either label each box based on the room it will be moved too, or color code the box based on the color you have designated for a particular room. Look for good Jacksonville movers to help you with the process. Find out if any offer packing services as well.

A couple of weeks before moving, order professional moving boxes, tape and bubble wrap supplies, specifically for kitchen items and anything breakable. Take some measurements and make sure that the big pieces of furniture can fit in your new home. Later, confirm your arrangement with the chosen mover, and label each box for its contents. Separate all valuables, defrost the freezer; check all details as well.

Ways to Plan For Items So That they’re not lost

Want to avoid losing anything this time? First of all, make a list of all the items you plan to take with you. Then comes the packing! To make sure that you don’t miss, forget or lose anything, make sure that you pack all items from one room before moving to the other. Don’t float from one room to the other. Focus on things you want to take from one room, and then, when done, move to the next room of the house.

Attach labels to each box with the name of the house’s room, as well as the items packed in it. This will ensure that you don’t lose anything while opening the boxes and placing the items in your new house.

How to De-Clutter While Packing

The best way to de-clutter is to be organized well in advance. Throw or give away things that you don’t use, and won’t be taking with you to your new home. Stuff like old clothes, toys, kitchen items and other things which will be of no use to you, need to be removed from the premises before you start packing for your new home.

The best way to de-clutter is to give unneeded items to charity or organize a garage sale. Any clothes or toys you might have outgrown; may be ideal for someone else.

Just follow these steps and make moving a manageable task. All it takes is an organized effort and some hard work on your end and you will be done moving even before you know it!

Items to Keep with You While Moving
You know that moving can be chaotic, and once you are in the middle of a move things get misplaced. You want to make sure you pack a few separate items that you will put in your car so once the movers finish their job you are not searching through boxes for clean clothes or toiletry items.

Focus on necessities while packing your items separately. Pack 3-4 day’s worth of clean clothes; keep your toiletry items separate so you can stay clean, any valuables (jewelry, cash, and important documents) keep with you. Once the residential movers you have hired have completed their job then begins the fun of unpacking.
If you are in need of moving services, moving supplies, packing services or storage call Royal Moving and Storage today (904) 724-6683.

Helpful Moving Tips

Moving to a new place is as tiring a process as it is exciting. While you daydream about what you will do when you will finally settle down in your new home, make sure that you don’t hurt your back during the packing process. It is a common mistake that many people make which leaves them groaning in agony and spoils all the fun and excitement of moving to a new place.

Packing up all of your belongings and moving is hard enough; make sure that you don’t add to the work or stress, by straining your back or damaging a shoulder muscle. When lifting you want to make sure you maintain good posture and lift with your legs. You will also want to be efficient and find ways where you can use a dolly or rolling chairs that you can stack boxes on and roll them to their destination. Below are a few tips on how to enjoy a healthy home moving experience.

The Right Posture for Packing and Moving Boxes

Packing up all the things in strong boxes is important to avoid any disasters at the last moment. You need to have the right posture while working and be organized, or you will tire out completely, even before half the work is done.

Make sure that you have sorted out all the things in advance and that all the unnecessary items have either been sold or given away to charity. It is important that you pack items in one room at a time. Going from one room to the other, trying to pack multiple boxes at a time will not only be stressful but also increases the risk of tripping and falling.

Adopt a smart approach. Prepare a box and then sit down and pack your items one at a time. Make sure that you don’t have to bend or reach too much, to pick up different things or to arrange items in the box as it will give you a sore back.

If you feel comfortable standing for long hours; then make sure you place the box in an elevated position for easy accessibility. And if you want to sit on the floor and pack up things in the box, then keep all items to be packed within easy reach. This way you won’t have to stretch or get up and get the items you’re after every few minutes. Put less strain on the muscles of your back, and remember to take a few minutes to relax your muscles and exercise, to remove the stiffness in your limbs.

Prevent Back and Shoulder Sprains

One very important factor which results in muscle pain and back sprains is the adoption of incorrect posture, while picking up a heavy box. It is essential to note that you shouldn’t lift heavy boxes by lifting with your back. It can cause serious injury to your muscles or even the discs in your vertebrae. Always lift with your legs as that is your largest and strongest muscle group. If you are lifting heavy furniture or boxes you should lift in pairs, and when you can use equipment (dolly or push cart) to help limit the weight.  It is ideal to get help while lifting boxes, or leave it to a professional mover in Jacksonville, FL to handle moving your boxes and furniture

Make sure that your packing and moving spree doesn’t leave you in agony with an injured neck, back or shoulder. Take care and always adopt a healthy posture while packing in an organized way to move to your things efficiently and without injury. If you want to avoid lifting, call the professionals at Royal Moving and Storage. We can help take the pain out of your next move. Call us today for a free quote (904) 724-6683.

Budgeting Your Next Jacksonville Move

We all know how frustrating and overwhelming a move can be, that is why it is important to be organized and set a budget to limit your stress. Whether you are moving locally, long distance, to an apartment, condo, new home or business these steps will help you stay on track both financially and mentally to tackle your next move like a pro. As with any move, planning is an integral part to a successful move. Below you will learn some tips that will help you conquer your next move in Jacksonville like a pro.

1. Set a budget for your move. This will help you put things into perspective. How much will you need to spend on movers, moving supplies, storage facility (if one is needed), if you are traveling long distances- how much will you need for gas, food stops, possibly hotel stays? These are all things to consider and should be added into the overall cost of your move.
2. Manage Your Budget. As you itemize your move, make sure you try and manage and stick to the cost you have appropriated for each item. If you go over what you budgeted for an item try and find a way you can save on another item, (ex: rather than purchasing moving boxes, go to a local grocery store and ask them if you can have some empty boxes. Use towels rather than bubble wrap). This will keep you to a budget and help you better manage your expenses.
3. Get Rid of Clutter. When you start packing up your items, you will find a treasure trove of things either you forgot you had or you thought you got rid of. This is a critical step because this will help you potentially save money on movers, as well as earn you money if you sell these items on Craigslist or a garage sale. You can use any proceeds earned towards your moving budget.
4. Total Cost and Contingency. As with most moves there are times when unexpected expenses may arise, putting a strain on your planned budget. It is always helpful to add between 5-10% additional to the overall budget, for these unexpected expenses.

To have a successful Jacksonville Move you will need to have a well-organized plan, and an itemized budget to keep you on track. It is important to do your due diligence and shop around for a qualified moving company in Jacksonville FL. In this case cheaper does not necessarily mean better, as many times moving companies may charge additional fees outside of the initial quote they provided you. Do your homework and ask them questions to both qualify them and get a true cost for your next move.

Royal Moving and Storage has been servicing the Jacksonville community for over 30 years. We offer a wide range of services which include: residential, commercial, apartment, long distance, packing and unpacking services, storage facility and moving supplies. If you are in need of a qualified Jacksonville Mover and would like a free estimate, call us today (904) 724-6683.

How to Choose the Right Moving Company

Before hiring a moving company in Jacksonville, it is best to go through some considerations to form the basis of a comparison with a few moving companies to ensure that you are hiring a company that is reliable, reputable and one that will ensure the safety and security of your belongings. Following are some considerations that will help you in deciding the moving company that is best for you in terms of safety, security and reliability:

Price

A price comparison is essential so that you can discover the moving company whose price rates are a perfect fit in accordance with your budget and affordability. A company with skyrocketing prices is quite obviously overcharging you while a company charging too low is doubtful and most likely a scamming trap. A company charging average price rates is a safe option and probably one you should go for, especially if the charges of others are too high or too low.

Reviews, Testimonials, and Experience

Feedback in the form of customer reviews and testimonials matters a great deal. They display the level of satisfaction and the nature of the experience customers had with these companies when their services were hired. If there is limited information online, you can ask moving companies to provide you with customer references and testimonials themselves.

Also, if you know someone who has hired moving company services before, you can ask them about their experience and the company they hired. The experience level of a company is showcased in the number of successful moves they have accomplished and the number of years they’ve been in the moving business. If these two aspects are strong, you know the company is one you can rely on and one that will ensure the smooth success of your own move.

Service

Service requires the manner adopted by companies when it comes to moving your belongings in terms of the nature and state of the belongings. It also refers to time they take to respond to your queries, their availability and the condition of the vehicles they use for transporting your belongings from your old home to your new location. If storage is required for moves at longer distance, you need to check the type of storage options they offer as well. A company that maintains good standards for such things will definitely be a good hiring choice.

Registration and Insurance

In terms of damage to your belongings, the liability of a moving company extends out to the insurance you have for your possessions. This is known as valuation and is declared either on the weight of your belongings into the amount paid for them, the item costs, or on the entire value payable for replacement and repairs. Make sure you know the type of insurance offered by moving companies as it will impact your recovery amount in the event of any damage.

Packing Supply

Some moving companies also offer the services of having your belongings packed for you. If this is the case, you should inquire the packing methods they adopt, especially for valuable and fragile items and also the furniture. Bubble wrapping fragile and delicate items will protect them from breakage and secure and sealed boxes are another essential.

Before hiring a moving company, it’s best to make a comparison on the basis of the considerations mentioned above so you know the company you are hiring is dependable and efficient at the same time.