Moving During DC's Cherry Blossoms Season

Jose Ortiz
Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC
Moving to DC can be very stressful....  But not when there's chipper music playing with cherry blossoms in the background.

Check out our new video that illustrates our point...



Mic's Moving
Phone: (301)-257-0111
Online Estimate: Free Online estimates

The Zippy Apartment Mover

Admin


Not only is it great scooter weather, it's great moving weather and a great time to do some aggressive marketing.

With so many movers out there, it's really hard for us to stand out as as one of DC's Top Movers.  So we're doing all we can to get the word out by scootin' around town, posting posters in high traffic moving areas.

That doesn't stop Skidi and Eric, (2 of our legendary movers) from making fun of our awkward couch poster pose.





The Perfect Apartment Mover for you

Admin
Duponts Apartment Skyline- Perspective of  an Apartment Mover 

6 Steps to Finding the Perfect Apartment Mover for You

  1. Make a budget. Make a list of different things you can do yourself to reduce the cost: throw out/sell unwanted items, request help from family and friends, pack yourself or hire a full service packing and moving company. Here are some more great ways to reduce your relocation cost.  The more money you save on moving, the more money you can waste on new Ikea furniture.
  2. Research to find a reputable apartment mover-   There are hundreds of movers out there.  On the right side of the page you will find 3 of the best mover review sites that direct you to the best apartment mover for the job.
  3. Do not hire the cheapest moving company- We've all heard of those horrible moving stories when cheap shady companies get involved.  Many cheap offers have hidden fees, employ unfairly paid day laborers, and do not follow laws or have insurance.
  4. Make sure the apartment mover is fully licensed and insured.  Double check to be sure the company is in good standing with the Federal Motor Vehicle Registration.  Every reputable apartment mover should have a link that describes their insurance.  
  5. Timing- Check with your apartment's restrictions (some places prohibit moves on weekends).  Make sure the mover's schedule is cohesive with any elevators and loading docks you have reserved. Remember, the more flexible you are, the better rate you can get.  Here are the best dates to book your move. 
  6. Lock it in! Once you find your best option, reserve that company ASAP. Movers tend to get very busy in the spring and summer, so the good guys get booked up quickly.
Don't forget, moving is a two way street.  Even if you hire the best apartment mover in DC, it's still a team effort between you and your movers.  Moving day tips-Cell phone on, packed, organized, and a few fresh gatorades never hurt :)





7 Week Moving Checklist

Admin

Moving Checklist
7 Weeks Before the Big Move

  • Get a least 3 different quotes from DC's top moving companies including a free moving quote from Mic's Moving:)
  • Break down your moving budget. 
  • Create a file to keep track of quotes, receipts and other important moving information.

6 Weeks Before the Big Move

  • Start compiling medical, records, school records, financial records.
  • Call your agent to see what changes you need to make to your insurance policies.
  • Cancel your local memberships to sports clubs, gyms, and more.

5 Weeks Before the Big Move

  • Begin purging your home. Separate items into those you will keep, donate or discard.
  • Plan a garage sale.  This can save you money on moving costs while you are making cash getting rid of unwanted items.
  • Start using items that can't be moved such as frozen foods, bleach, and aerosols, propane, gas other flammable items.
  • Contact health clubs, organization, and groups to cancel or transfer memberships.

4 Weeks Before The Big Move

  • If you are packing yourself, order packing supplies, boxes, packing paper, tape ect.
  • Begin packing the items you rarely use.
  • Clearly label each box with the room it goes in at the drop off address and clearly label fragile boxes
  • File a change of address, or ask the post office to keep your mail at a post office near your new home.

3 Weeks Before The Big Move

  • Reserve your move online if you haven't already.
  • Notify these utility services of your move (both at your old and new locations): Electric, Gas, Water, Phone, Internet, Cable, 

2 Weeks Before The Big Move

  • Plan how to transport your plants (they cannot be moved in the trailer or ReloCube).
  • Dispose of flammables, corrosives, and poisons.
  • Have your automobile serviced.and plan a way to ship or drive it.
  • Confirm parking for your moving companies truck. Here are some links for parking reservations in the greater DC area.
  • Confirm travel arrangements for pets

1 Week Before The Big Move

  • Review your moving plans with your moving consultant. Email with questions.
  • Contact your bank or credit card company if you are planning to pay for your move by debit or credit card.
  • Plan to eat plenty of takeout, cooking will be difficult
  • Notify friends and family of your new address and phone number
  • Pack an essentials box to keep high value items with you during the move.  Passports, cash jewelry ect.
  • Drain gas and oil from lawn equipment, gas grills, heaters, etc.
  • Drain water hoses and waterbeds.
  • Measure furniture and doorways to determine if larger pieces will fit through the door.
  • Empty and defrost refrigerator at least 24 hours before the move.
  • Fill any prescriptions you will need during the move.
Click here for some more tips to prepare for the big moving day

Best time to Move

Admin

The best time to move is truly when everyone else isn't.  You can save yourself a ton of time money and frustration by being flexible with your move date and moving when most other people are not.  

Unfortunately for us movers, people love moving on some of the best days of the week, Friday Saturday and Sunday.  This means we are almost always busy Friday Saturday and Sunday.  Saturday by far is the most common day of the week people want to move.  This means that movers are busy, trucks are reserved, elevators are booked, and rates can be more expensive.  We actually offer our cheapest rates between Monday thru Thursday.

Best time to move 
Another very busy time for movers is at the very end and very beginning of the month.  People move when their lease is up, which for some reason, tends to always be at the end of the month.  Middle of the month during the week is a great time to reserve your move.

If you are extremely flexible, ask the moving company what day soon works best for them.  Moving companies love to fill in gaps during the week where they are slow.  If you're lucky, you may even get a discount ;)




6 Things You must know before hiring a mover

Admin

With hundreds of Moving companies out there, it can get overwhelming trying to pick the right mover for you.  To help you with your decision, we have made a list of what you should know to make the correct decision.
1.Know what type of services you will need.
2. Know Moving Terms-

3. Read the Frequently Asked Questions page-
  • You may not think you have a question, but after you read these FAQ's you'll be much better prepared. 
  • Do not ever hesitate to contact your mover if you have any questions.  We are here to keep you in the know, and create a pleasant smooth move.  Best way to contact us is by email.
4. Understand what they are charging you so you can keep your costs low
  • If the company offers you a nonbinding estimate, it will usually be based on the amount of total time the move takes.
  • If the company charges you a binding estimate, this require you to disclose all details of your contents in order to get a charged correctly.
5.Read other Customers Reviews

  • If you don't see any reviews, that is a red flag!
  • Do not judge the moving company from one or 2 reviews, look at there overall rating and overall to get an idea about the business.



Binding Vs. Non Binding Moving Estimates

Admin


Binding Vs. Non Binding Moving Estimate

Binding Vs. Non Binding Moving Estimates

A binding estimate is an exact cost for moving services. A binding estimate covers only the goods and services listed on the estimate and accompanying inventory. If you add items or additional services are required or requested, the mover may void his original binding price proposal by requiring you to sign an addendum to the original contract. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact the moving manager. The mover may also require full payment for these additional services at the time of delivery.
Additional services which would contribute to the cost of the move could include:
  • Shuttle (also called auxiliary) Service in the event that your new or old home is not negotiable by a tractor trailer and a smaller truck must be used to transport your belongings from your home to the trailer or vice versa.
  • If your estimate was based packing by the mover but more is required at the time of the move.
  • If there are more items than are listed on the bill of lading.


Non-Binding estimates are not guaranteed. Final costs are based on the total time the move takes and actual services provided at the time of the move. You are then obligated to pay any additional charges over this amount within 30 days.

Interstate Vs. Intrastate Moving

Admin

Interstate Vs. Intrastate moving

Interstate Vs. Intrastate Moving


What is an Interstate Move?
When you are performing an interstate move, you are essentially moving or transporting goods in and out of state lines, including international moves.
Interstate moves are governed by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) rules and regulations. It is considered an interstate move if it involves a long distance moving company crossing a state line at any point during the move. Even if the actual moving truck or van doesn’t cross state lines (i.e. your goods are moved via train), it is still considered an interstate move if your goods cross state lines. Something else to consider is that Long Distance (Interstate) moves often cost more than Local moves.

What is an Intrastate Move?
Intrastate moves consist of movers completing a move without crossing the border of another state.
Intrastate or local movers are not regulated by the FMCSA. Rules that apply to interstate moves are completely different from intrastate. Moving within a state means that you will have to understand the terms and conditions of moving as they change based on the state you reside in. Rules and regulations are outlined by the individual states and should be researched properly. Some states have more stringent licensing and monitoring guidelines than others. A Local (Intrastate) move also typically costs less than a Long Distance move.
Although you may be completing an intrastate move, moving companies can charge a long distance fee. Before choosing a licensed mover, make sure you aren’t hit with fees you weren’t made aware of. Understand your rights and verify licensing with each moving company before choosing. For more information on state guidelines, contact your state agency.


Mic's Moving
Phone: (301)-257-0111
Online Estimate: Free Online stimates