Moving Tip: Small Shipment Options

Small shipments are sometimes difficult for moving companies to accommodate. On a local move, most companies maintain a minimum number of hours, and on an interstate move, a minimum weight. As logic would suggest, this is simply because many of the underlying costs are fixed; whether you are transporting 300lbs or 1500lbs.

Small Shipment Options

So what are your options if you have only a small shipment?

a) Small Shipment Local Move: On a local move, identify a company (like Olympia Moving) that does not maintain a “minimum” number of hours.
b) Small Shipment on Interstate Move: On an interstate move, generally speaking, the more flexibility that you have in terms of timing, the easier it is for a moving company to make adjustments. The justification is that, if you are able to provide a 2 week window for pickup and a 3 week window for delivery, it will be easier to consolidate your shipment with other comparable loads.
c) Small Shipment Rental Truck: Consider moving these items on your own with a rental truck. Although a big time commitment, this is sometimes the most economical approach.
d) Small Load Specialist: If your shipment is not time sensitive, consider working with a small load specialist. These are companies that have carved out a market niche working exclusively with small shipments. The basic business model is that they pickup your goods and store them until such time as they have enough volume to warrant sending a truck into your market. Provided that there are no firm delivery dates, this is a good option to explore.

Parking at an Apartment Complex or Storage Facility

Rules for parking at apartments or storage complexes​

Many apartment and storage complexes have tight parking — either due to limited space or because things like gates and buildings make them difficult to navigate through. Because of this, moving from these types of facilities can pose a challenge. If you only have access to one or two spots at an apartment or the storage unit doesn’t allow overnight parking for equipment, special arrangements may have to be made. The first step is finding out what the parking rules are, and then you can choose a moving company that can accommodate them.

How to get permission to park moving equipment

The first thing you need to do before a move is understand what the rules are at your facility. Talk with the landlord or the storage complex management about your upcoming move. While there may be guidelines to abide by, you aren’t the first person to move in or out, so they likely have solutions for parking. Here are some questions you might ask:

• Are there certain days that are set aside for moving? For example, some complexes may not allow moving on Saturday because of increased traffic.
• Do I need to reserve a time slot or parking spot?
• Are there specific hours that the equipment needs to be dropped off or picked up?
• Where can I park the equipment?
• Is there a special entrance for the moving company to use?
• Can I park overnight?
•  Is there a special temporary code I can give the driver for gate access?
• Is there a freight elevator at the apartment for moving big furniture/boxes? If so, do you need to reserve it? If not, ask about the best time to the housing elevator so other residents are not inconvenienced.
• Where can loading or unloading help park?

Once you understand the guidelines for parking, you can find a moving service. One of the best solutions for long-distance moves where parking is an issue is U-Pack®. Because we do many residential and commercial deliveries, we are equipped to work around areas with tight parking.

The space needed to park a U-Pack moving truck and trailer

U-Pack® has two types of moving equipment: a 28’ moving trailer and smaller ReloCube containers. Take a look at the different parking needs for each equipment type.

The trailer is 28’ long and requires about 40 feet in length for delivery and parking (including room for the 14’ loading ramp). Along with the length, it needs 14’ of overhead space (free from low-hanging wires or tree limbs) and 10 feet in width. That is equivalent to 3-4 car lengths or five standard side-by-side spaces in a parking lot. The trailer needs to be parked on a solid surface — no soft earth or grassy areas.

The ReloCube is comparable to a PODS® container — a metal moving and storage container — except its size often makes it easier to park. Cubes are 6’ x 7’ x 8’ and fit in a standard parking space. Like the trailer, they require a paved, level location for delivery and 14 feet of overhead clearance. This is because they’re delivered to your location by a flatbed or drop-deck trailer and placed on the ground using a forklift.

While most areas are great for parking our equipment (with the proper permission and permits), there are some places we can’t park the trailer or Cube due to legal or clearance issues. These include:

• Fire lane or next to a fire hydrant
• The wrong way on a one-way street
• In a garage or parking garage
• Under covered parking or car port
• Under an awning

How U-Pack can work around parking issues

Take a look at some common parking issues you might face at apartments or storage facilities and ways we can work through them. Keep in mind, U-Pack doesn’t coordinate a parking plan for you, but if you’re stuck, we’re happy to help come up with solutions.

The apartment or storage facility won’t allow overnight parking.

Because we give our customers three days to load and three days to unload, the equipment stays parked overnight for most moves. In locations where overnight parking isn’t allowed, we may be able to do a same-day pick up or live load. Same-day pick up is where the driver delivers the trailer or container early in the day and then picks it up later that afternoon or evening. Live loads are where the driver stays with the equipment for a set period of time, usually 2 or 4 hours. Live loads are typically available in bigger cities where parking is extremely limited. If you think you need one of these options, call a U-Pack representative at 800-413-4799.

There’s a gated entry-way that may not be wide enough for the equipment. ​

Both the moving trailer and ReloCube delivery equipment make wide turns. However, we may be able to park outside of the gate and have you load the equipment there. Make sure to ask about the best route and location or call a U-Pack representative for help.

Limited access to parking spaces.

For moves with limited parking, ReloCubes may be ideal. Since each Cube only needs a standard parking space, it’s possible to use just one or two spots depending on the size of your apartment or storage unit.

Only street parking is available.

We can park the equipment on the street in most locations, but parking permits may be required. Check with the city, street department or the local police to find out what requirements there are for street parking. Give yourself enough time (2-4 weeks, if possible) to get permits approved before the move. Learn more about parking permits.

You have to reserve parking spots for the equipment.

Reserved parking is ideal because it means the space is readily available when the trailer or Cube arrives. Some places may even require you to reserve spots. Talk with the person in charge to see if reserving spaces is allowed, and then be sure to put up signs or block off the area on the day of your move.

You have nowhere to park.

We work with thousands of customers every day, so if you have nowhere to park, don’t worry, we can still help! Consider these alternative parking options:

• Get permission at another location (neighboring street or parking lot)
• Ask a U-Pack consultant about same-day delivery/pick up
• Ask about a live load
• Do a terminal-to-terminal move (where you load or unload your items at the closest service center)

Talk to U-Pack about apartment or storage facility parking issues

No matter where you’re moving from or to, we’ll can help you find parking solutions. Get a free online moving quote, then call a U-Pack consultant at 800-413-4799 to discuss parking situations. You can give us your quote reference number, and we can check the available options.

Do you have other questions about moving equipment parking in residential areas or storage areas? Leave us a comment below — we’re happy to help!

The Best Tacoma Neighborhoods to Live In

The best neighborhoods in Tacoma are more than just cute or within an easy commuting distance of downtown. If you’re planning a big move, you want to be sure you choose the neighborhood that is best suited to your needs, lifestyle, and aesthetic tastes. Here is our list of the best neighborhoods in Tacoma, WA, to help get you started on your search.

North End

All of North Tacoma is in excellent proximity to the lovely Tacoma waterfront if you like picturesque strolls, as well as being quite close to downtown as well as 6th Ave, which is where you’ll find the biggest attractions, bars, restaurants, and shops. North Tacoma itself has some lovely coffee shops and small boutiques tucked into a more residential area, where you’ll find the median age somewhere mid-30’s and the most highly-sought-after school in the city: Stadium High School. With its Hogwarts-esque castle appearance and view out over the lake, your kids might just need to attend.

Real estate is a bit pricier than other areas of the city, and the median income is around $66,000. Being one of the safest neighborhoods in Tacoma, WA does make it an enticing area for families though.

Downtown Tacoma

And now, for a different flavor: if you prefer to be right in the middle of all the action, settle into your new home alongside the Tacoma Art Museum, Museum of Glass, Bridge of Glass, top-notch restaurants, and theaters. Hop around Pacific Ave on the Light Rail or check out some of what University of Washington – Tacoma has to offer. If you’re worried about commuting to work, living downtown might be the answer to all of your woes, though it also might be one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Tacoma. You’re likely to find condos and apartments downtown that isn’t particularly geared towards families, but if you’re kid-free? It might be just the kind of social vibe you’re looking for.

Old Town

Right next to the Waterfront, Stadium and downtown districts, Old Town is a Tacoma treasure. With relics like Tacoma’s first church and a replica of the Job Carr Cabin, the home of Tacoma’s first settler, residents can literally see and touch the history of this city. Neighborhood taverns and restaurants keep the locals supplied with good food and a relaxed atmosphere while The Tacoma Old Town Rhythm and Blues Festival and other family-oriented events keep the summertime exciting. And if you’re moving cross country with kids, you’ll want to be sure there’s plenty for them to do! Home prices in Old Town are generally in the $300k and above bracket, and the few apartment buildings are in high demand. Most residential houses are condos or homes, and many of them have partial or full views of the waterfront.

New Tacoma

On the other end of the timescale, New Tacoma is the area surrounding the port with some overlap into the Downtown area. With expansive waterfronts mostly dominated by shipping warehouses and infrastructure to fuel the international trade economy, this area is bustling with business. The silver bowl of the Tacoma Dome is visible, and the Pullayup Reservation is on the southeast end. Since this neighborhood covers a pretty diverse range of real estate, you can find everything from luxury condos to older homes or renovated 19th-century gems. Head more toward the Downtown side of the neighborhood and you’ll find all the restaurants, bars, and shopping you want; head towards the port, and you’ll find a slight gritter flavor. There’s a little something for everyone.

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Best Neighborhoods Tacoma

How to find same day movers

You’ve probably heard it over and over again that proper planning is key to success. And you’ve probably found this to be true through personal experience as well – especially in regard to big endeavors, difficult projects, and important events.

Moving house is, without a doubt, exactly such a risky, challenging, life-changing event that needs A LOT of planning in order to have any chance of success. Most moving experts recommend that you start your moving preparations at least 2 months in advance, so that you have the time to organize all the aspects of the arduous relocation process and take care of all the laborious moving tasks.

Yet, you may not always have months (not even weeks!) to plan your move – you may need to leave your current within a couple of days or even today. In such a case, you have little choice but to find last minute movers and organize an emergency relocation – without the benefit of careful planning.

And still you may have a successful moving experience – provided that you find experienced and trustworthy same day movers to help you relocate.

There are two very different reasons why you may need emergency movers:

You may need to leave in a hurry because of a sudden change in your life – breaking up with your significant other, accepting a job in another city that starts in two days, etc.; or
You may need same day moving help because your relocation was scheduled for that day but your hired movers didn’t show up.
Depending on the specific circumstances in your case, things will be different, of course. But either way, you’re still going to need movers today.

Here is how to find a reliable last minute moving company and save the day (as well as your money and your sanity):

Know what you have for moving
If your move was planned, you would have sorted out your belongings way in advance and created a moving inventory of the items you intend to relocate to your new place.

If you’re faced with an emergency move though, you have yet to decide which of your items to take to your new home and which ones to leave behind. This is the first thing to do when preparing for a last minute relocation, as you need to know how many things you have for moving when contacting same day movers and asking for price estimates and emergency moving services.

You need to make a quick decision – you don’t have the time to dawdle and wonder. Just go through your possessions and make a list of the items you need or love so much that you would hold onto them at all costs – everything else can go. Keep in mind that the less stuff you decide to bring along, the cheaper and the easier your move will be.

To get rid of your no longer needed items (everything you haven’t used in over a year) quickly, you can:

post a message on Craigslist free board (or other similar sites) or Facebook (or other social media), saying that you’re giving away things for free (or at a very low cost) and describing the items and your location;
call your friends and ask them to come over and get those of your unwanted items that they need or like;
take your no longer needed items to a local charity or thrift store;
call a pick-up company that will take your things and donate (or recycle) them.
Bonus tip: Take photos of the items you’re going to ship to your new home – you may not have the time for a detailed inventory, so the pictures will remind you of what exactly you entrusted to the movers and will serve as proof in case some of your belongings get lost or damaged during the relocation.


Find reliable same day movers
Once you know exactly what you want to relocate, it’s time to find an efficient way to transport your belongings to your new home. Renting a moving truck is hardly an option as you won’t be able to arrange the details, prepare your items for moving, and make the trip to your final destination on your own in such a short time. Your best bet is to hire emergency movers to do the job for you.

Same day moving companies have the resources and ability to provide efficient protection to your belongings, load them onto the moving truck, transport the shipment, and unload your goods quickly enough to accommodate your limited timeframe. Yet, not all movers are the same, so you need to be very careful and choose a reliable and experienced carrier to hire:

Search around for short notice movers who can provide you with emergency moving services today. Not all moving companies can handle a same day move – most are booked weeks in advance (especially on weekends and during the summer months) and don’t have any trucks or moving crews available to meet your last minute relocation needs. It is, therefore, a good idea to fill out an online moving quote form – you will be contacted by several different movers within half an hour or so and will have a better chance to find a same day moving service real quick.
Research the emergency movers who said they could accommodate your needs. You won’t have the time for a thorough research, but you can find some important information about the companies very quickly:
Check their USDOT numbers to make sure the movers are properly licensed and authorized to transport household goods across the country;
Check the companies’ ratings with the BBB and find out if they belong to esteemed moving organizations or not;
Read moving reviews left by previous customers of the companies to find out if the movers provide quality services or not;
Call the FMCSA’s safety violation and consumer complaints hotline to ask about complaints against the movers or research the database of reputable consumer protection sites to check the complaint histories of the companies you’re interested in.
Look for:
Legitimacy and honesty – there are a lot of rogue movers who will want to take advantage of your situation, so you need to be sure you’re dealing with properly licensed and fully insured moving professionals who will readily give you all the information you need and will provide you with full and clear moving documentation;
Speed, efficiency, and safety – you need movers who will not only work quickly but will also take good care of your items and will ensure their safety. This comes with proper training, rich experience, and genuine concern about your move;
Affordability – you need to find a moving company that offers high quality services at a reasonable price. Keep in mind that hourly rates for same day moving services can vary from as low as $100 to as high as $400.
Get estimates from three or four same day moving companies that seem to meet your needs and requirements.
Ask the movers how long they have been in business, what kind of liability coverage they provide, if they have appropriate moving equipment and experienced moving crew available for the time of your move, what they consider extra services and how much they charge for them, what payments methods they accept, when you’re going to receive your items, and any other questions you may have concerning the moving company and the details of your move.
Compare the offers and make your choice – consider not only the final price, but also the included services and extra conditions. Be wary of estimates that are considerably lower than the rest – oftentimes, offers that are too good to be true are signs of moving fraud and people end up paying more than they were originally quoted.
Confirm the details of your move with your chosen same day moving company – confirm not only the time when the movers will arrive at your home, but also what size moving truck will be necessary, how many people will come, what moving equipment they will bring, what extra services will be required, how long the move will take, etc.
Bonus tip: When hiring emergency moving services, make sure you opt for full-service movers – there is a lot of work to be done and not enough time to do it, so full service moving is your best bet in this situation. It is a good idea to have your items professionally packed as well – packing is extremely laborious and time-consuming and needs to be done with utmost care as the safety of your belongings depends on it (unless your items are already packed, of course, which would be the case if you were expecting movers on that day but they didn’t show up).

If you can’t find full-service movers who can accommodate all your needs, try to ensure partial moving help at least – same day long distance movers to transport your belonging across the country, same day small movers to take care of specialty items you can’t relocate on your own, professional packers to prepare your items for shipment, etc.

Pack your essentials and valuables yourself and take them with you
No matter how pressed for time you may be, make sure you prepare a box of essentials that will help you survive for some time without the rest of your possessions. Also, collect your important documents and most valuable possessions (precious jewelry, expensive electronics, family heirlooms, etc.) and keep them with you all the time – your first-night box and your valuables should travel with you.

Double check everything
Take a last look at your old home to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything important. Don’t forget that you need to leave the place in good condition – if you don’t have the time for a final cleaning after the movers depart, you may need to hire professional cleaning services to do the job for you.

If you didn’t have the time to change your address, cancel utilities, and take care of all the other relevant paperwork before your emergency move, do so as soon as you find yourself in your new home. (See also: What to do after moving to a new home)

Moving is always difficult, but it gets even riskier and more stressful when you have such a limited time to perform it. To ensure a successful relocation, you need to stay calm, keep your focus, and make the most out of the available time. And most importantly – ask friends and relatives for help and find a reliable same day moving company to take care of your relocation needs and ensure the favorable outcome of your moving adventure.

Turn Your Old Home Into a Modern Smart Home

There’s nothing quite like the charm and sense of history that comes with owning an old home. However, those gorgeous original hardwoods and stained glass windows often come with outdated internal systems. When you’re facing down an ancient radiator, it can seem impossible to imagine turning your quaint, historic house into a modern smart home.

Photo by Philips Communications/Flickr

You can have it all, though. Advances in smart home technology make it easy to transform any house into a smart home — you just have to know which technologies are the best match for your older home. If you’re itching to add some modern conveniences to your older house, here’s a guide to get you started.

Smart Security

Adding a smart security system can be the first step to making your older home fully automated. Basic home security systems include everything from internal and external surveillance to mobile alerts and alarms, plus automated lighting and lock solutions. In addition, many smart security systems can be integrated with home automation technologyto give you control over all the smart devices in your home. The best part is that home security is compatible with all homes, regardless of age. All you need for most systems is wireless Internet.

Photo from SkyBell.com

If you’re not ready to go that far, you can start with a smart lock like the Kevo from Kwikset, which lets you open the door with a touch of your finger. Or try a video doorbell like SkyBell, which lets you see and interact with whoever’s knocking — even if you’re not home at the time.

Should you DIY? You can do it yourself, but most home security companies offer free or discounted installation. If you’re only adding a smart lock or video camera, go ahead and pull out the toolbox. But for bigger systems that include monitored security and home automation it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

Is it worth the investment? Whether you’re looking at spending $200 for a smart lock or installing smart home security and automation for $30 to $80 per month, it’s hard to put a price on keeping your home and loved ones safe. The wide range of options and features makes smart security affordable for nearly every budget, so evaluate your needs and what you’re willing to spend before selecting the smart security solutions you want to adopt.

Smart Lighting

Lights that come on at the swipe of a finger or on a pre-programmed timer can enhance safety and lower your energy bills. Lighting is also one of the simplest ways to transform your old home into a smart home. There are several ways to add smart lighting to your home: start by swapping out your normal lightbulbs for smart ones.

Photo by Philips Communications/Flickr

The Philips Hue lighting system uses bulbs, switches, apps, and wireless control to turn any lamp or light socket into a customizable lighting solution. You can check to make sure you turned off the lights when you left for work and turn on the porch light when you’re on the way home. This is a great way to start your smart home journey.

Should you DIY? Implementing a system like Philips Hue is definitely a DIY project you can handle. On the most basic level, all you need to be able to do is change the lightbulb. After that, you can start downloading apps and using your mobile devices to set timers, receive notifications, and remotely control your lights.

Is it worth the investment? Hue starter kits are available from $79.95 and individual bulbs go for as little as $15. At those rates, the convenience is certainly worth the price.

Smart Thermostat

Bring your home’s heating and cooling into the 21st century with a smart energy meter or smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can customize your climate controls based on your habits and preferences. Best of all, because they can sense or be programmed to know when the home is vacant, you won’t waste money heating or cooling your home when no one’s there.

Photo from Nest.com/cropped

Smart thermostats like Nest use the temperatures you set to learn your preferences and habits. After a few weeks, it will automatically kick on the heat when you rise in the morning and cool things down at bedtime. It will even adjust for the changes in seasons and provides reports about energy savings and usage through a mobile app. And you never lose control: you can adjust your settings from your mobile device whether you’re in the kitchen or lounging on a beach chair across the country.

Should you DIY? The Nest system is going to work in just about any home, and it comes with thorough installation instructions. However, since you have an older home, things could get tricky. Because Nest is affixed to the wall, you may want to use a pro if you have lathe-and-plaster walls instead of drywall. If that’s the case, you can hire a Nest Pro installer to make sure your new thermostat works properly without compromising the integrity of your historic home.

Is it worth the investment? Nest estimates that since 2011, their thermostats have saved more than four billion kilowatt hours of energy across the world. Individually, an independent study showed that Nest cuts heating billsby 10 to 12 percent and cooling by 15 percent annually. With a basic purchase cost of around $200, the investment will pay itself off in just two years on average.

Photo by Martin LaBar/Flickr

If you’ve been dreaming of a smart house but feel stuck in your old home, we have good news! Even historic homes can be made smarter and more efficient. Start planning today to update and automate your beloved old home.

Thanksgiving Moving Tips: What to Do If You’re Moving During Turkey Day:

Moving can be a hassle anytime of the year, but having to move during the holiday season can be especially difficult. When you have to balance the responsibilities of moving with the festivities of Christmas and Thanksgiving, you can find yourself overwhelmed before you know it. Therefore, it is very important that you know how to successfully handle moving during Thanksgiving prior to attempting a move around Turkey Day.

Tips for Moving During Thanksgiving

If you are moving during Thanksgiving, here are few tips to help make your holiday move smooth and enjoyable:

• Don’t ignore the holiday. Instead, embrace it. Share in holiday cheer with your movers by including them in your celebration. Have snacks and other refreshments for you, your family and your movers, including hot cider, hot tea and cookies. If you have kids, let them put Thanksgiving decorations on your moving boxes.
• Schedule around the festivities. If you and your family are into football, have a football handy to throw around during moving breaks. Keep a radio and/or TV hooked up so that you can keep track of the football games. If possible, maybe schedule a lunch or brunch break so that you can watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
• Have your Turkey Day dinner plans set well ahead of time. If you are moving within your same metropolitan area and have friends or family who can host Thanksgiving dinner, then make plans with them. If you are moving to a new city and know friends and family there, see if they would be able to host Thanksgiving dinner. If you do not have friends or family available to host dinner, set aside everything you need for a picnic dinner and when time comes, set up a picnic dinner in your new place and celebrate Thanksgiving there.

Whether you are a homeowner, renter or business, All Reasons Moving & Storage is dedicated to helping make your move smooth and cost-efficient. Since 1991, All Reasons Moving & Storage has been providing high quality moving and storage services to individuals, families and businesses in San Jose, California. Call us today for a free quote.

FILED UNDER: MOVING TIPS TAGGED WITH: HOME MOVING, MOVERS,MOVING, PROFESSIONAL MOVING COMPANY

Speak Your Mind

7 Tips for Moving with a Dog:

A move can be a very stressful time for your dog, and even the best behaved dogs can act out of character. Here are 7 tips to help you move with your puppy.

THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU MOVE

1. Research the New Area

Surprisingly some areas have breed specific legislation on dogs, which means certain dog breeds could have restrictions such as being spay or neutered and even banned. Make sure there are no laws in place that prevent you from bringing your loved pet to your new home, or take the steps you need to take to make sure your dog meets all the cities requirements.

2. Check in with your Vet

Get all the records you need such as vaccination records and medication records from your vet. If your dog suffers from car sickness you might want to get some sleep meds from your pet’s doctor as well. Also, ask your vet if they can recommend any veterinary clinics in your new area.

3. Pack a Pet Essentials Box

Pack a box or bag so you can easily get to all the things your dog will need. Things that would go in this doggy essentials bundle would be food, a leash, toys, waste bags, and grooming tools.

4. Update your Dogs Tag Info

Update your Dogs Tag info with your new information. This includes your new address and most importantly make sure the phone number is up to date. Also, it is smart to get your dogs microchipped before the move as well or update the microchip if they already have one.

THINGS TO DO ON MOVE DAY

5. Transport your Dog in Your Vehicle

This one seems obvious, but keep your dog in your vehicle on move day as opposed to in the moving truck. You can also get a dog seat belt or place them in a kennel to make sure they don’t distract you from the road.

6. Keep Your Pet in A Secure Area

You want to place your pet in the quietest area possible, maybe that means you need to clear out a room and keep them there. Also, make sure they have food, water, and that the temperature is safe. You can also keep your dog at a friend’s house or a pet hotel.

7. Check up on Them Regularly

Every hour or so check up on your dog to see how he or she is doing. If they are in a kennel for the whole time make sure you take them out for a walk, so they can get some movement and take a potty break.
Another, tip specifically for long distance moves is to plan your trip accordingly. Meaning make sure that the hotels you are going to stay in allow dogs (most do not). If you also have a cat read our blog post on tips for moving with a cat.