Monday, May 10, 2010

UNITS Gears Up for National Moving Month

It Pays To Do Your Homework Before You Move

It's hard to believe it's already May -- National Moving Month -- the busiest time of year for changing residences. According to the U.S. Census, more than 37 million Americans move to a new home each year, and May is far and away the most popular month for moving.

Whether it’s your entire home or just a few pieces of furniture, homeowners across the nation are finding themselves in search of a mover or portable storage company they can trust. This is not as easy a decision as you may think with so many different options available. References are a great source of information for any and all moving options, which is why it’s highly recommended that you speak with friends and family who have recently moved and had a good experience before making your final decision. Researching consumer reviews online and even consulting organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and American Moving & Storing Association (AMSA) can help to provide accurate information and help you avoid being victimized by scams.

Moving Company, Specialty Movers or Portable Storage?

How valuable is your furniture? The more it is worth, the more you should consider paying a premium price to hire a specialty mover. Some companies specialize in moving large furniture items like pianos or massive couches, and it may be worth a few more dollars to ensure that your valuables get to their new location undamaged.

A regular moving company can be a great option for a family moving from one state to another or an elderly couple that can’t move their belongings by themselves and need some extra hands on deck. As with any project that requires hired help, this can be expensive, but could be just what you need to make your move run smoothly.

Portable storage companies can be the perfect fit for people who have time on their side, need some flexibility, or can do the heavy lifting by themselves. Portable storage units can be dropped off at your current place of residence and then picked back up and moved to a new location once they are filled. They can even be stored in a temperature-controlled (heat & A/C) warehouse, or moved state-to-state.

Go With Your Gut

Only you know what type of moving option is the best fit for your specific situation. Assess everything you’re taking with you, consider where you need to move it and identify the pros and cons of each available option. Once you have your needs figured out, you can do your research, check references and reviews, and be well on your way to a smooth and efficient move.