Tag Archive for: Moving To Arizona

How to Find a Reputable Moving Company in Your Area

How to Find a Reputable Moving Company in Your Area

How to Find a Reputable Moving Company in Your Area

 

Finding a reputable moving company when you’re pressed for time and money can be a trying process. After all, if you’ve ever had to move quickly and on a budget, you may have fallen prey to rogue movers. These swindlers start by giving you a low-ball estimate without ever seeing the items you need them to move. Then, when they have your stuff packed up, they hold it hostage until you agree to pay a higher fee.

In situations like those, most people just want to have their property back where it belongs. So, in the end, they usually fork over the cash — even if they have to borrow it. In any case, the best way to combat these kinds of scams is to make sure they never happen. Rather than hiring the first movers that give you a good price, take the time to vet several candidates.

But hey, if you’re not sure how to find a reputable moving company in your area, there’s no reason to worry. These tips should help you get the ball rolling on your upcoming move!

Pro Tips for Finding a Reliable Moving Company

When looking for reputable movers in your city, it pays to have a professional in your corner. Luckily, that’s exactly who we consulted to get you these tips for moving. Having worked at an NYC moving company for many years, the General Manager at Oz Moving & Storage, Nancy Zafrani, had many insights to share. So we asked her what should be our first step in finding a responsible moving crew.

Compile a List of Candidates

According to Nancy, the first thing we need to start our list of potential candidates is the recommendations of the people we trust. So, if any of your friends or family have moved Recently, ask them about their experiences. If nothing else, that might give you enough information to cross a moving company off your list.

Another thing you could do is call local real estate agents and ask them if any companies have a particularly good — or bad — reputation. Between these check-ins and your basic Internet search, your list will start to grow before you know it.

To keep things organized, make sure to write down the full name of the companies you come across, as well as any DBA names they might have. Additionally, you’ll want to jot down the:

  • Company address and website
  • Its email and (local and toll-free) phone numbers
  • DOT and MC license numbers (which will help you vet them more thoroughly)

Lastly, you should try to find out how long the companies you’re looking into have been in business. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t work with companies that don’t have at least 10 years’ worth of experience under their belts. Once you have all that information, you’ll be ready to start crossing some of those businesses off your list.

Look Into the Moving Techniques

Now, it’s time to make some calls or, better yet, visit the company headquarters. During the initial conversation with the companies on your list, you’ll want to ask them about the materials (such as moving blankets) and the techniques they use. If you have any concerns about a specific piece of furniture in your home, ask how they would handle getting it out.

Additionally, you can ask to see the company’s vehicles. Many rogue movers have only magnetic signs attached to their trucks. That may be a signal that they’re not in the moving business all the time. Needless to say, you’ll be better off with companies that have permanently marked vehicles.

Ask for References

Before wrapping up the first conversation with all the different moving companies, ask to see some references. Any legitimate company should be able to provide you with at least three contacts of the people they have worked with. The clients they provide should have moved to your general area within the past three months.

Potentially shady companies may try to sneak in contacts of people who are associated with the business. However, you’ll probably be able to pick up on that during your conversation. If anything feels off, just cross that business from your list. In the end, you should have between three and five companies to choose from.

Get Quotes

Once you narrow down your list of potential movers, you should introduce some numbers into the game. Right off the bat, Nancy Zafrani says you shouldn’t do business with any company that will give you a definitive price without seeing the property.

On the one hand, some businesses do have algorithms that can help them calculate the approximate estimate without seeing the house. Still, coming up with a price out of thin air is usually a bad sign. Instead, the company should offer to do an in-home estimate.

If nothing else, you should get one or two movers to give you an in-person estimate. That would show you how far off the sight-unseen offers were, letting you decide for yourself whether you want to strike them from your list.

Read Through the Paperwork

Last but not least, if you’re looking to get strangers to handle all of your worldly possessions — you’d better read the fine print. Moving companies in the U.S. are required by law to give you a pamphlet explaining your consumer rights and responsibilities. Make sure you go through those carefully.

Additionally, each moving company has its own set of rules and service levels. Each of your front-runners should either provide you with a list of services that cost extra or make them evident on their sites. As you’ll find, many companies charge extra for packing — which is understandable. Still, if you want to avoid that cost, you can pack most if not all of your stuff before their arrival.

When you settle on the company, you’ll probably get some paperwork to sign. If the representative gives you a blank contract — go with your second choice. On the other hand, if you just don’t fully understand the document, take the time to read through it carefully. If a company is legitimate, it won’t mind waiting while you decode the meaning of every little line in there.

Just remember to sign the contract only after you’re fully satisfied with it. That will make both you and the movers happier in the long run!

Top Moving Tips for New Homebuyers

Top Moving Tips for New Homebuyers

Top Moving Tips for New Homebuyers

If you’re a new home buyer, then you’re probably wondering what the process of moving actually entails. It can be daunting to think about packing up all your belongings and transporting them to a new location. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best moving tips for new homebuyers. By following these tips, you can make the moving process a lot easier and less stressful. Let’s get started!

Start packing and planning early to avoid last-minute stress

Home buying is always filled with stress but there are ways to minimize it. Packing is one of the main causes of stress because it seems like there’s never enough time to do it. This can be especially true if you’re buying a home and have to move out of your old one on the same day. While it’s impossible to avoid all stress, there are some things you can do to make the process easier. First, start packing early. This will give you time to sort through your belongings and figure out what you need to take with you and what can be left behind. Second, compare car shipping companies. This will help you find the best deal and make sure your vehicle arrives at your new home safe and sound. Finally, try to relax and enjoy the process. Remember, this is a new adventure for you and your family! Embrace the change and have fun with it.

Label your boxes clearly so you can find what you need quickly

Good labeling practices will save you time and frustration when you’re looking for something specific in your storage unit. Use a dark permanent marker to label the sides of your boxes, and be sure to include both the contents of the box and the room where it belongs. For example, you might label a box “kitchen – dishes” or “office – printer paper.” You can also use colored tape to color-code your boxes by room; for instance, blue tape for the living room, green tape for the kitchen, etc. In addition, it’s a good idea to take a quick inventory of your boxes as you’re packing them up, so you’ll know at a glance what’s inside each one. With a little bit of planning, you can make sure your storage unit is well organized and easy to navigate.

Pack heavier items on the bottom of the box and lighter items on top

When you’re packing a box for shipping, it’s important to keep in mind how the weight of the contents will affect the box itself. The heavier items should always go on the bottom, with the lighter items on top. This will help to distribute the weight evenly and prevent the box from becoming top-heavy and tipping over. It’s also a good idea to pack fragile items in the middle of the box, surrounded by padding on all sides. By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure that your package arrives safely at its destination.

Use bubble wrap and packing peanuts to protect your fragile items

When it comes time to move or even to just pack up some items for storage, you want to make sure your fragile items are well protected. Using bubble wrap and packing peanuts is a great way to do this. Bubble wrap is great for wrapping around delicate items and providing a cushion of protection. Packing peanuts can be used to fill in any empty space in the box, providing additional support and preventing items from shifting during transport. When packing fragile items, be sure to use enough bubble wrap and packing peanuts so that the item is completely surrounded and well supported. This will help ensure that your fragile items arrive at their destination safe and sound.

Make a list of important phone numbers and email addresses for easy reference

Moving is always a stressful time. There’s so much to remember and keep track of. To help make your move a little easier, be sure to make a list of important phone numbers and email addresses for easy reference. This way you won’t have to go searching for them when you need them. Here are some of the most important contacts to include on your list:

 

-Your current landlord or property manager. Be sure to have their contact information handy in case there are any problems with your current residence during the move.

-The utility company for your new home. You’ll need to contact them to schedule a disconnection/connection of service at your old and new homes.

-The moving company you’ve hired (if applicable). Include their contact information so you can reach them easily on moving day if there are any changes or problems.

-Your friends and family! Make sure your loved ones have your new contact information so they can stay in touch.

 

With this helpful list, you’ll be one step ahead in the moving process. So sit down, make some calls, and get ready for your big move!

 

What To Do When Getting Ready for Your Next Big Move

What To Do When Getting Ready for Your Next Big Move

What To Do When Getting Ready for Your Next Big Move

 

While it can be fun to move to a new area, the stress of moving makes it feel like it’s not even worth it. There’s so much you have to do, and it never feels like there’s enough time to do it all. That’s why we’ve put together a guide on what to do when getting ready for your next big move. We don’t want it to be a huge struggle for you, so these tips should help.

Take Some Time Off Work

We can’t stress this first point enough. If you don’t take at least a few days off of work to focus on this move, you’re going to stretch yourself way too thin. Not only will you struggle to get everything done on time before the moving date, but your output at work will suffer, too, due to all of the worries that’ll be rushing through your head. Do yourself and your employer a favor by taking a week off to get everything ready.

Hire a Moving Company

Many people these days try to do the move entirely themselves in order to save money. While that’s not a horrible idea, you’ll reach a point where you simply can’t do it all on your own. If you have some friends nearby, they can always come help, but nothing beats the efficiency and hard work of a professional moving company. They’ll handle all the heavy lifting which will ease your mind and give you time to finish other tasks.

Label Everything

This step in our guide on what to do when getting ready for your next big move is probably the most crucial. Whether or not you decide to go with a moving company, you must ensure all your stuff is packed together in categories and labeled for future reference.

Not only will this help when it comes time to unpack in your new place, but it will make the move easier since you’ll know which boxes belong in which rooms. Nothing’s worse than having to carry all of your kitchen stuff back downstairs because the movers put it in your bedroom.

Personally Take Care of Your Valuables

If you have precious valuables—such as jewelry, expensive electronics, or firearms—pack and handle those yourself. It’s especially important with guns since you need to follow specific instructions when you’re traveling with them so you don’t break any laws. If you’re moving here to Arizona, you won’t have to worry about concealed-and-carry laws as much. You don’t need a permit to carry guns as long as you’re over 21 years old. Still, you should be careful when you transport such valuables.

The main reason why you’ll want to handle these valuables yourself is so they don’t get lost, broken, or stolen during the move. If they never leave your sight, you won’t have to worry about them.

 

4 Types of Items That Are Commonly Damaged During a Move

4 Types of Items That Are Commonly Damaged During a Move

4 Types of Items That Are Commonly Damaged During a Move

 

Whether it’s down the block or to an entirely different state, the process of moving into a new home always comes with a few risks. Certain items you take with you may be lost, and others might be packed in the wrong box. But it’s typically the worst-case scenario when some of your beloved possessions get broken in the transition. Fortunately, there are reasons why certain items tend to break over others, and knowing them could help set you up for future success. These are four types of items that are commonly damaged during a move and how you can help mitigate it.

Drinking Glasses and Flatware

It often seems like no matter how well you stack and pack glass tableware, they always still find a way to get broken. This is because glass has several different shattering points, and even the most thoroughly-packed boxes can still leave some of them exposed. So, when that parcel shifts or gets bumped, the chances are good that it’ll hit one of those points and break a glass. For this reason, one of the best strategies to use when packing glass items is to use as much material around, underneath, and between them as you can. Packing the box tightly so the items can’t move is key to limiting their contact with hard surfaces.

Lamps and Their Shades

Lamps and the shades that come with them are also something that tends to break while being shipped to your new home. Like glass tableware, these pieces of furniture can also be incredibly fragile and have a series of shattering points, depending on what it’s made from. However, what makes them so easy to break is their shape. Lamps come in a multitude of unique designs—meaning that there’s no one way to pack them. Therefore, it’s crucial that you use packing material in a way that accommodates its shape and keeps it protected.

Large Musical Instruments

Another type of item that is commonly damaged during a move are larger musical instruments. While small acoustic and wind instruments like guitars and flutes all come with their own carrying cases, large and heavy models like pianos don’t have such a luxury. This often leads them to be incorrectly secured in the moving van and susceptible to damage during the ride. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why pianos often need tuning after a move. Because of this, it’s crucial that you find a moving company that’s experienced with handling these items.

Electronic Equipment

Your electronic household equipment will need a bit of extra attention as well. Anything built with sensitive mechanical parts must be properly disconnected and emptied before being placed in their box. Otherwise, you risk something shaking loose during transport. It’s preferred that you pack the item back into the box it originally came with. However, if this isn’t possible, the next best thing is to find a container of similar size and tightly pack it with cushioning material.

 

Do you have clients that are moving to Arizona?

Do you have clients that are moving to Arizona?

Do you have clients that are moving to Arizona?

We are offering 30% for any and all of your referrals plus and additional 10% when our client sells their home with Andrew & The Holm Group.

That’s a total of 40% for your referral.

 

We look forward to speaking at you with you soon on how we can best serve your clients in Arizona.. 

The Holm Group represents buyers and sellers in every county/town/city in Arizona

The Holm Group has closed over $120M in residential real estate business

We have been licensed and doing business in Arizona for the past 20 years

We can handle all of your referrals including your clients that are looking for land to build a new home of their dreams or help them with one of our new communities that in Scottsdale and surrounding areas.

There are over 100 people a day moving here from California, so take advantage of this great referral rate

Referral agreements will be signed in advance before we ever speak to your client and we will answer any and all of your questions up front

Our testimonials speak for themselves and we look forward to adding you and your clients to our testimonials

30% paid directly to your broker when our client closes escrow in Arizona with Andrew & The Holm Group

An additional 10% will be put into the original referral agreement, and is due when your client sells the home they have purchased with The Holm Group

 

Give Andrew w/ The Holm Group a call today at 480-206-4265 or complete the form below and one of our team members will be in touch shortly. 

 

We looking forward to working with you as well as making your clients transition to Arizona as smooth as possible. 

 

 

 

Why are So Many People Moving from California to Arizona?

Why are So Many People Moving from California to Arizona?

Why are So Many People Moving from California to Arizona?

 

Americans are a transient people, with many of them moving from one state to another. One of the most popular migration routes in recent years has seen Californians resettling in Arizona. In 2018, moving from California to Arizona was the second most popular move in the United States. What’s behind this migration of two neighboring states? Here is why Californians are flocking to the Grand Canyon State.

 

Employment Growth

Arizona ranks third in the United States for job growth with a rate that is double the national average. Sectors such as financial services, technology and healthcare have boomed for years, drawing out-of-state talent. Job growth is also driven by specific policy decisions made by Arizona lawmakers, which also make the state attractive to entrepreneurs who are tired of over-regulation.

 

Diverse Housing Choices

Not only does the state have more affordable housing, it also gives buyers a range of styles that fits their personality and lifestyles. The Phoenix area, in particular, has a wide array of home styles and price ranges.  Here you’ll find single-family architectural styles ranging from the charm of ranch style, bungalows, pueblo revival and mid-century modern to Spanish mission, Mediterranean revival and 21st century modern. What’s more is you can choose gated communities for extra security, carefree townhomes or ultra-modern condos in urban city centers.

 

Exceptional Education

The Phoenix area has some of the top-rated school districts in the state, including K-12 unified school districts in Scottsdale, Deer Valley, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek and many more. In addition, you’ll also find a selection of individual schools in these areas named Blue Ribbon Schools by the United States Department of Education. You’ll also find a number of exceptional charter schools and private academies. When it comes to higher education, it doesn’t get any better than Arizona State University in Tempe.

 

A Variety of Outdoor Activities

Although nearly 40% of the state is desert, Arizona is also home to majestic mountains, gorgeous canyons and rich plant and animal life. It’s no wonder that hiking is the most popular outdoor activity, but you can also enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, rafting and hot air ballooning, all within minutes of your front door. If you golf, the Phoenix Valley is a dream with several world-class PGA golf courses and country clubs.

 

Rich Cultural Life

Californians never want for things to do after moving to Arizona. The Valley has a thriving cultural scene that includes indoor and outdoor museums, festivals and cultural centers. A variety of organizations sponsor events such as the Scottsdale Art Walk.  The culinary scene is also amazing, offering everything from street food to fine dining over a wide range of cuisines.

Why So Many People Are Moving From California to Arizona

Why So Many People Are Moving From California to Arizona

Why So Many People Are Moving From California to Arizona

California has established itself as one of the most popular states in the US. People from all walks of life come to this attractive state for a host of different reasons. From beautiful weather and coastal cities to attractive job opportunities and stunning national parks, there are a lot of reasons one would consider heading to California. However, in recent years, there’s been a surge of people transitioning from this seemingly coastal paradise to Arizona. Let’s find out why.

1. It’s more affordable.

California has earned a reputation for being incredibly expensive. As more people and businesses (tech companies especially) flock to the Golden State, the average cost of living inevitably rises. This has led to a mini-exodus of people of all ages fleeing these growing prices as California continues to become more populous. When comparing the capital cities, it’s clear that Arizona is significantly cheaper to live than California on nearly every metric.

2. You don’t sacrifice nice weather.

One of the best perks of moving to California is the weather. Clear skies, warm temperatures, and the occasional ocean breeze (if you’re close enough) are just a few of the highlights of the Californian climate. Unfortunately for this western state, there’s a more affordable neighbor right next door that has just as nice weather: Arizona. There’s a reason this is a popular state for snowbirds and retirees. Those who fell in love with California for the weather but can’t stand the cost of living can easily move to AZ without sacrificing any of the nice weather.

3. It’s less populated.

Los Angeles has more than twice the population of Phoenix. This disparity is even greater when comparing the overall population of California to Arizona, roughly 39 million and 7 million, respectively. If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy congested cities, impenetrable rush-hour traffic, and even pollution, then Arizona is a no-brainer compared to California.

4. Lower-income tax.

California’s income tax ranges from 1% to 12.3%. Compared with Arizona’s significantly lower range of 2.59% to 4.50%, it’s clear why people would flock to the Grand Canyon State if they want to hold onto more of their earnings. Whether saving up for retirement, taking care of a new family, or just graduating from school, every penny you can hold onto is going to make a big difference in terms of saving. It seems Arizona has California beat in this department.

5. Better housing market.

Housing is one of the most important factors that people considering before moving. As a life-time investment, finding an affordable home is key. The trend we’ve seen with California being more expensive than Arizona is perhaps best exemplified when comparing the housing market in each state. The average home in CA costs an astonishing $440,000. In contrast, the average home in Arizona costs around $299,900, according to Zillow.

While there are many economic, social, political, and even personal reasons why a person might move from California to Arizona, we’ve highlighted some of the more apparent reasons here. If you’re thinking about making the move, be sure to give us a call to talk about your options. Having a reputable real estate agent on your side can make the transition that much easier.

6 Things You Need to Do Before Moving into a New Home

6 Things You Need to Do Before Moving into a New Home

6 Things You Need to Do Before Moving into a New Home

 

Moving into a new home is a huge step in one’s life. The event is quite stressful on its own but it would probably be even more stressful, were you not too busy with all the tasks that are necessary for moving into a new place. The sooner you start planning the better, however, time alone will not ensure the efficiency of the move. In order for this to work, you need to have your priorities straight and use it to make a proper plan. Here are six things that should make the core of this plan.

1.      Figure out the neighborhood

There are some people who prefer to take a casual approach to exploring their new neighborhood after moving to a new location. For them, it comes down to checking the crime rate of the area before moving and then just trying to figure things out on the go. Nonetheless, this is not the most efficient method. What if you figure out, just after you move, that you’ve forgotten to pack toilet paper? Where is the closest convenience store or supermarket? It’s things like this that you have to think ahead of time.

2.      Clean up the place

Even though the place may look clean on the surface, the truth is that you don’t know much about the previous tenant. You have no idea of the activities that took place in the home and the hygienic habits of the previous tenant/owner. Therefore, reading some cleaning tips and cleaning the place would be a great idea. If you’re moving into a rental home, it’s a good idea to take a photo of the place before you move your stuff. This is the default state to which you want to return the place once you decide to move out. Sure, you’re just moving in but you always need to plan ahead.

3.      Replace the locks

As we’ve already mentioned, you really don’t know much about the previous tenant, which is why you need to replace the locks as soon as possible. Even if they are decent folk, you still have no idea who else has the key. Do they have a friend, a family member or an ex who hasn’t returned the key? Did they hire a house sitter who made a copy without ever telling them? Also, if they failed to replace the locks upon moving in, what about the tenant that came before them? To avoid having to worry about all of these questions, you need to find a reliable locksmith in your area. As we’ve mentioned the urgency here is paramount, which is why you should look for a 24 hour locksmith.

4.      Connect the internet

We just cannot stress out how important this is. You see, previously, we’ve mentioned tasks like finding the locksmith, checking out local convenience stores and even taking a photo (that you will, most likely, store on the cloud). One of the things that all of these tasks have in common is the fact that they require the internet. Therefore, check local providers and bear in mind that they may take weeks to come to the location. So, book them in advance in order to have everything ready upon your arrival.

5.      Make sure everyone’s up to speed

If you’re not moving alone, you need to keep in mind that the rest of your family also has to be on board with the move. Everyone’s under stress and you need to help them overcome it. While doing the above-discussed research, you can look for nearby parks and playgrounds. Taking your kids there one or two days after arrival may help them make new friends, which will definitely help them embrace the place as their new home. As for your partner, communication is key to overcoming any difficulty.

6.      Notify everyone

Finally, your inhabitants are not the only ones affected by the relocation. For instance, if you’re moving, chances are that you’ll have to change jobs, which is why your employer needs to know. Subscriptions that deliver directly to your address need to be canceled (or at least your address needs to be updated), not to mention that you have to notify your friends and family members. As for your neighbors, a farewell party is probably the best solution.

In conclusion

In the end, moving into a new home is not just a stressful event. It’s a symbolic start of a new chapter in your life. You’re moving to a new living environment, surrounding yourself with new people, possibly even starting in a new job. Therefore, it’s something that you should look at with a certain dose of optimism. By following through with your move-in plan, you’ll be able to get the most out of this concept. Just make sure that you start with priorities and then handle the details as you go.

Tips for Moving in the Arizona Summer

Tips for Moving in the Arizona Summer

Tips for Moving in the Arizona Summer

 

If you’ll be moving in Arizona during the sweltering summer months, it’s important to prepare for dealing with the weather. Scottsdale summers are no joke, especially when you’re running around and lifting and moving heavy boxes all day.

Keep the following tips in mind when you’re getting ready for your big summertime move to stay comfortable, safe, and as sweat-free as possible.

Hydrate

Staying hydrated—before, during, and after the move—is the best thing you can do to stay safe in that infamous Arizona heat. When you’re prepping for a big summer move, it’s time to cut down on the coffee and wine and up your water intake, instead.

Keep a water bottle with you at all times during the move. Dehydration is no joke – according to the American Heart Association, this can lead to headaches, swollen feet, and even heat stroke. (And, keep in mind that its water you should be drinking, not sports drinks filled with added sugars and calories.)

Wear sunscreen

The sun doesn’t just bring the heat. If you’re moving in and out of the house, be sure to apply copious amounts of sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.

Remember, though: Sunscreen is never a complete block, no matter how high the SPF is; it’s important to take plenty of breaks in the shade.)

Dress appropriately

Now’s not the time to wear tight-fitting jeans. Long-flowing, loose-fitting garments keep you cooler than jeans and shorts. And since dark colors absorb light and heat, your outfit should consist of lighter colors.

There are a couple of other less-than-attractive but vital accessories to your moving attire. These could include:

  • hats
  • sunglasses
  • bandanas
  • neck towels

Get an early start

The coolest time of the day is the early morning. If you can start moving before temperatures start rising, you’ll be much better off. At the very least, try to schedule the most strenuous tasks for first thing in the morning. You’ll thank yourself later.

Listen to your body

If you start to feel woozy , headache-y, or in any way unwell, listen to your body. You may need more water, you may need to re-think your clothing choices, or you may simply need to take a break for a while. Everyone tolerates the heat a little differently, so listening to your body while you’re moving big, heavy boxes is crucial.

Get organized

Before you even start the moving process, ensure that everything is as organized as possible to allow for a quick, efficient, streamlined move. This could mean starting the packing process weeks before, and making sure everything is labeled and sorted into easily-transported groups.

Also, do not forget to turn on the utilities at your new place before the move. The last thing you want when you’re moving during the summer is to walk into a new home without air conditioning!

Hire the pros

Don’t ever try to move your things alone, especially in the heat. If you don’t have family or friends to lend a helping hand, you should consider hiring a professional crew to help carry boxes and heavy furniture.

Professional help doesn’t have to stay within the realm of moving boxes. You can also hire extra hands to help deep clean your old home or help deal with huge piles of junk or trash. The more able bodies you’re able to hire, the better.

Stay cool out there!

Moving can be an exciting time. But when moving from one Arizona home to another in the summer, staying cool and organized is vital.

If you need help looking for a new home in the east valley, reach out to our team today!