Entries by joetolm

The History of San Jose, California

The History of San Jose, California

San Jose, California, has a rich and diverse history that spans over centuries. From its early days as the first Spanish civilian settlement in California to its current status as the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose’s journey is a fascinating story of growth and transformation.

Early Beginnings

San Jose’s history begins with the Native American tribes, primarily the Ohlone people, who inhabited the area for thousands of years. They lived a nomadic lifestyle, moving between the bay and the valley, relying on the natural resources for food and shelter.

Spanish Colonization

The modern history of San Jose dates back to 1777 when it was established as a pueblo, or town, by the Spanish. Named “El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe,” it was California’s first civilian settlement. The Spanish settlers introduced agriculture, cattle ranching, and a new way of life to the region. They built the Mission Santa Clara de Asís in 1777, a significant development in the area’s religious and cultural landscape.

Mexican Era

In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain, and San Jose came under Mexican rule. During this period, the city saw a shift from Spanish colonial rule to Mexican governance, with land grants leading to the establishment of large ranchos. This era fostered a diverse community of Mexican, European, and indigenous people.

American Period

The United States annexed California in 1846 during the Mexican-American War. San Jose was incorporated as a city in 1850, becoming the first city of the newly formed state of California. The Gold Rush era brought a population boom and economic growth to the city.

Agricultural Hub

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, San Jose was a major agricultural center, known for its fruit orchards and canning industries. The region’s mild climate was ideal for growing a variety of fruits, particularly prunes, apricots, and cherries.

The Birth of Silicon Valley

The transformation of San Jose into a global technology hub began post-World War II. The establishment of Stanford University and other educational institutions played a crucial role in this transition. The 1950s and 1960s saw the rise of high-tech industries in the area, leading to what we now know as Silicon Valley.

Modern San Jose

Today, San Jose is a bustling metropolitan city with a diverse population. It’s known worldwide as the capital of Silicon Valley, home to many of the world’s leading technology companies. The city continues to grow and evolve, blending its rich historical heritage with its modern-day status as a global tech hub.

San Jose’s journey from a humble pueblo to a global city reflects the dynamic history of California itself. Its story is one of diversity, innovation, and transformation, making it a unique and important part of American history.

San Jose California

Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Jose,_California

Questions and Answers about San Jose, California

Q1: Who were the original inhabitants of the area now known as San Jose?

A1: The original inhabitants were the Ohlone people, a Native American tribe who lived in the region for thousands of years before European settlers arrived.

Q2: When and why was San Jose established by the Spanish?

A2: San Jose was established in 1777 by the Spanish as “El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe.” It was the first civilian settlement in California, set up to support Spanish military installations and spread Christianity among the native population.

Q3: How did San Jose change under Mexican rule? 

A3: After Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, San Jose came under Mexican governance. During this period, the city experienced a shift in administration and saw the emergence of large ranchos, reflecting a change in land ownership and use.

Q4: What significant event led to San Jose becoming part of the United States?

A4: San Jose became part of the United States during the Mexican-American War. The war ended in 1848, and California was annexed by the United States. San Jose was incorporated as a city in 1850, becoming the first city of the newly formed state of California.

Q5: Why is San Jose known as the capital of Silicon Valley?

A5: San Jose is known as the capital of Silicon Valley because of its central role in the development of the high-tech industry. This transformation began in the mid-20th century, with the city becoming a hub for innovation and home to many leading technology companies.

Why do people move to NYC?

The allure of opportunities in New York City is undeniable. It’s a city that never sleeps, and there is always something happening. The job market is vast and diverse, with opportunities ranging from finance to fashion to tech. Many people move to NYC because they want to challenge themselves professionally and take advantage of the […]

Furniture Hauling Service – Get Rid of Things You Don’t Need

Everyone has a piece of furniture or equipment they no longer need. Old couches, chairs, or TVs that have become broken or are now obsolete pieces of technology are the first to be disposed of during renovation or relocation.

Fortunately, there’s a way to eliminate those useless or outdated items without much effort. One of the fastest ways to do so is using a furniture hauling service. If you wish to learn more about how this service type works and how to find the best company to meet your specific needs, keep reading. In this article, we discuss how to select the right furniture hauler and even provide actionable tips on using your old furniture creatively.

But let’s start with some furniture hauling basics.  

How Hauling Service Works

Most traditional moving companies will offer hauling or furniture removal services as part of their plans. This includes professional Bay Area movers coming to a property with a specialized truck and assisting home or business owners with disposing of large items.

You can dispose of furniture like dressers, couches, old mattresses, bookcases, chairs, cabinets, futons, bed frames, dining tables, beds, etc. Some companies can help with carpet or appliance removal as well.

https://youtu.be/Yl6xlhCPJ7E

Why Hire Professionals for the Job

You may think, “Why pay for professional services when I can dispose of my old couch myself?” However, there are numerous benefits to relying on expert haulers and movers.

1. They Do the Job for You

You may think that getting rid of old furniture isn’t such a time-consuming and challenging task. But in reality, you’re the one who will be in charge of lifting, packing, and disposing of the item. Also, you’ll have to rent a dumpster or find a way to dispose of the furniture in the trash properly. Disposal at a dump requires finding a transportation method and paying for the gas to haul it there while also doing the hard work of lifting the pieces yourself.

Hauling service providers do all the work, so you don’t have to. Most companies offer a flat rate, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected expenses. You’ll end up not only saving time and money but also avoiding the stress of doing the heavy lifting.

2. No Injuries

The obvious benefit of having professionals do the heavy lifting is that you avoid getting injured. If you’re not used to lifting heavy objects, you risk straining your back, tripping, and getting seriously injured in the process.

Professional haulers and movers are trained for the job and have the skills and tools to pack, mount, carry, and transport any furniture piece.

3. Better Security and Handling

If you donate your old furniture piece or offer it to someone you know, keeping the piece safe from damage is essential. Professional movers are trained to keep your belongings intact when they move from one point to another.

4. You Save Money on Long Distance Moves

If you were to move a piece of furniture by yourself, you’d be dealing with upfront expenses already covered by professional movers. The further you need to take a furniture piece to dispose of it, the more money you’ll save by hiring a professional mover.

Many hauling companies will charge a flat rate for long-distance moves. If you were to pay for the hauling, you’d be responsible for the gas, truck rental, food, etc. You spend more money the longer you’re on the road. The costs can exceed those of the flat rate a hauling company charges.

5. You Can Donate to Charity

Also, if you want to remove an obsolete piece of furniture, it doesn’t mean it has to go straight to the dump. Many hauling services work hand in hand with charity organizations and can donate your unused pieces to needy people.

6. Insurance

Again, if your goal isn’t to dispose of the trash but to donate or offer, you can know that your furniture pieces are insured against potential damage on the road.

Finding the Perfect Hauling Service

The marketplace is stuffed with furniture-hauling services. Most people look for one by searching Google or Bing.

Here are some popular keywords you can try on your preferred search engine to find local hauling services:

  • Moving and hauling services near me
  • Moving and hauling near me
  • Hauling service near me
  • Local hauling near me

Other common ways to find similar services are by reading online reviews and recommendations, or word of mouth from friends. For instance, if you have a friend or family member recently moved and hired furniture hauling providers, see whether their experience was positive.

We outlined basic steps you should follow to help you find the best company for your particular needs.

1. Look Up the Company’s Reputation

You don’t want to go with any truck-hauling service that pops up on your search results page. The first thing you want to investigate is the company’s reputation. Do they have a history of positive reviews? Or are people calling them scammers? Never go for businesses that have a questionable reputation.

2. Check the Services They Offer

Once you ensure you’re dealing with a trustworthy company, the next step is verifying whether they offer the service you need. Do you wish to dispose of your old furniture at a specific drop-off location? Then, the company needs to offer pickup and drop-off in specific areas. If you’re considering interstate shipments, you need to ensure the company can conduct service across state lines. You should also ensure the service provider can transfer the type of furniture or appliance you wish to dispose of.

Ideally, you want to hire a company that has helped customers like you and understands your needs well. You can check if they have a proven history of providing services like yours. You can always ask the representatives to send you a record of the last hauling service they provided.

3. Get in Touch With the Customer Service

Chances are, you only have a few pieces of furniture you want to get rid of, so not much planning and work needs to be done. Still, a hauling company’s customer service should be available whenever you have a question. Before booking a company, you can text them or try to contact them by whatever means possible to see how committed they are to prospective customers.

A hauling service provider that doesn’t answer calls or respond to emails, or doesn’t give clear answers should be avoided. They most likely don’t have much experience in this field, and your overall experience would be just as uncomfortable.

4. Check for the Discounts

Some hauling companies, like Bay Area Movers, will offer bulk rates for unwanted furniture, appliances, old electronics, etc. See if the equipment or furniture you wish to dispose of is available for discounts. This is a great way to save extra cash by removing stuff you don’t need.

5. Make Sure They’re Available

When you contact a person from the hauling company, one of your first questions should be whether the truck drivers can perform the transfer conveniently. Due to high demand, some service providers may not have enough available drivers at all times, so you may have to postpone your furniture removal until later.

General Furniture Removal Tips

To help make the furniture removal process run smoothly, we have developed a list of four steps you should follow.

1. Make an Inventory

Create a list of all furniture, appliances, and items you no longer need and wish to remove. Doing so gives you a starting point for forming a moving plan and communicating it to your hauling company.

2. Create a Moving Schedule

You won’t have enough time to deal with the hauling thing right away. Set aside a few days in your calendar when you’ll be up to the challenge. Then, depending on your schedule, you can find a hauling service that fits that time frame.

3. Measure All Items

Measure the items you wish to get rid of and check whether some will have to be disassembled before loading them onto a truck. If you remove a lot of bulky furniture, you can remove the detachable pieces to lighten the load. The items you wish to donate or offer can be assembled again later. Just make sure to keep the screws and other connectors in a safely secured plastic bag for easy assembly.

Ideas for Getting Rid of Used Furniture

If you wish to eliminate one or multiple pieces of furniture, your first option may be to take it to a landfill or the dump. However, there are plenty of other ways to be creative with old furniture; burning or throwing it away is not the only solution.

Donate

You can arrange to have your old piece of furniture picked up and shipped to a location of your choice. So why not make that location a Goodwill store, furniture bank, or Habitat for Humanity ReStore? If you don’t like cooperating with commercial charity organizations, you can deliver an old bed directly to homeless shelters or thrift stores.

Sell

Don’t think that just because your dresser lacks a door, it lacks value. Some people may be willing to purchase your old and used furniture pieces and use the remaining material to construct new furniture, turn it into an art piece, or use it in their home in a new creative way. You can go to Craigslist and similar websites and search for a buyer. After all, why waste your investment if you can still earn cash?

Trade

Like selling, trading is a viable option to get something valuable in return for your old furniture. Maybe a neighbor across the street could use your old bed and would be willing to trade it for a vintage shelf you dreamed of having. Craigslist is also packed with trading offers, so feel free to explore all your options before shipping it to a landfill.

Offer as a Gift

Remember that one friend who complimented your old night table last summer? Why not throw a surprise visit and deliver that piece to their doorstep instead of having it shipped to a dump? Think of family members or friends who could use the furniture you’re considering removing and instead offer it to them as a gift.  

Recycle

You can take wooden, metal, and other recyclable furniture to the nearby recycling bin or facility. This is an excellent alternative to landfilling products that can be recycled as brand-new items instead.

Repurpose

Unused furniture doesn’t always mean unnecessary. You can find creative ways to repurpose your old items. For example, you can use your old ladder to hang blankets or towels. A wooden packing crate can be repurposed as a table for stacking magazines or journals. An old locker can serve as shoe storage, etc.

FAQs

How Does Hauling Service Work?

Hauling companies will transfer old furniture, appliances, or other items you no longer need to another location of your choice. Whether you wish to throw away your belongings or offer them to someone close to you, you can do so with the help of local hauling companies.

Are Load and Haul Services Worth It?

Homeowners who are moving to a new location and wish to get rid of plenty of furniture can benefit from these services. Also, if you purchased a new piece of furniture and wish to get rid of the old one without taking time off your schedule, it’s worth calling the professionals.

Is Furniture Hauling Service Expensive?

The return on investment in furniture hauling service varies on the amount of furniture you wish to get rid of as well as the drop-off destination. If you’re shipping half of your old bedroom across the state, hiring professionals for the job is undoubtedly better than organizing the move yourself.

Pickup Hauling at Your Doorstep

Hauling companies provide tremendous value to people who wish to eliminate their old bulky items. If you’d rather spend time with your family instead of thinking about how to remove the old bed in the basement, you can do so with pickup truck hauling services. And if you’re on the lookout for a trustworthy service provider that won’t break your bank, you can check out Bay Area Movers. They offer a comprehensive line of residential and commercial.

How to Make Corporate Relocations Go Smoothly

Corporate relocations can get pretty stressful. Moving an entire business – the infrastructure, employees, and equipment – takes time, planning, and effort. If you’re about to organize one such relocation, it’s worth noting that this doesn’t have to be a painful experience.

Corporate moving services can make the job much easier. You can also follow many other tips and tricks to reduce the stress and hassle of relocating an entire business.

How a Corporate Moving Company Can Help

The first tip on moving to a new corporate location is to consult a corporate relocation company. If you can reduce the load on yourself and pay a professional to do the transportation part for you, you should absolutely take that opportunity. Corporate relocation moving companies can take transportation and many other things off your plate.

Here’s why it’s better to hire a professional corporate relocation company than try to do everything the DIY way:

  • More storage room and organization

Most company relocations include bulky and fragile furniture, office materials, and equipment. These materials are also expensive and difficult to transfer from one place to another. Even the smallest workspaces feature more elements than one truck can carry. For this reason, it’s better to leave the job to professional companies that can efficiently map out how many trucks are needed for a fast and confusion-free transfer.

  • Specialized equipment

Depending on the furniture or element type, some things may need special tools to be relocated to a new location. As a DIY mover, you’re restricted to the tools you have at hand. Professional contractors have many machines and elements for packing and moving bulky objects.

  • Discounts

Some corporate relocation moving companies offer special plans and discounts for relocating employees. Make sure to specify how many employees you’ll be moving to see if you’re eligible for such a plan, should there be one.

  • Warehouse service

If you’re moving from one office, but the new one isn’t ready for use, you’ll need a warehouse or another storage service to keep your belongings. Some corporate moving services also include warehouse storage for this occasion. You can get more details on what your deal with the company comprises and whether it can fit in additional storage services.

  • Additional help for packing

Chances are that if you and your team operate out of a small office, you can handle the packing and removing all personal items from the office yourself. But bigger workspaces often require packing many small and large items before moving. You can get additional help from your corporate relocation company to speed up the process. Most modern service providers can offer some kind of help like this.

Of course, when choosing such a company, you should be careful to hire the movers you trust. There are hundreds of movers in the market, but only a few have the experience and capacity to perform corporate relocations. Do thorough online research or contact your colleagues who went through the experience and ask for recommendations.

To help you in the process, we’ll share the top seven tips to consider when choosing corporate relocation movers:

1. Check Their Service Offering

Plenty of moving companies offer similar services. However, finding the one that specializes in your specific type of move is crucial. So, you want to look for corporate relocation service providers exclusively.

Why is this important?

If you hire a private moving company, you may find they have limited capacity when transferring a larger number of possessions. Also, the turnaround times can be much longer given that their employees aren’t used to relocating so many people and things at a time.

Also, if your company is moving across borders, you want to ensure the corporate moving company you’re considering also offers international services.

After all, you’ll feel safe when working with a service provider who knows exactly the kind of problem you’re facing. Corporate companies will also have a better network of transportation methods and drivers to meet your specific needs.

2. Investigate Their History

Before hiring a moving company, check their “” page on their website. See how long they have been operating, especially regarding your type of move.

3. Look Into Their Reputation

Once you verify that a relocation company does corporate relocations and has been operating for a while, the next step is to check the reputation. If you discover a company with many negative customer reviews, it’s a big red flag. Word of mouth is the best way to go here, but if you lack direct contacts, always look for reliable reviews and learn to recognize scam movers.

If you have already contacted a prospective company, you can ask them to provide you with three references from their most recent moves to other companies like yours. This way, you can avoid falling for the trap of movers who advertise as commercial but, in reality, have only done household moves. Such companies won’t be able to provide the references you ask for, and you’ll know they’re scamming you.

4. Contact Their Customer Service

A reliable corporate moving company will have a well-functional and responsive customer service team. As a customer, you should have them explain the moving process from A to Z. Also, the pricing should be transparent, and there should be no unexpected charges. If some additional payments can occur, their customer service should warn you of them beforehand.

5. Inquire About Their Insurance Certificate

Before entering business with a relocation company, ensure their Insurance Certificate lists your company or the building owner as insured parties. Doing so will protect your valuables against damage or compensation claims. If you aren’t sure whether your belongings will be insured, don’t hesitate to ask, as this procedure is normal. Should the mover refuse or hesitate to answer, it’s a sign they aren’t experienced in this type of moving services, and you should refrain from doing business with them.

6. Ask for a Plan of Action

Get a detailed action plan once you’re done with the pre-move survey and are ready to sign with a relocation company. You should have information regarding the cost estimate, truck size, the number of movers required for the move, and the support equipment that will be used for the project. Also, the action plan should estimate how long the move will take and how the process will flow. You can proceed with that employer if the plan seems reasonable and meets your objectives.

7. Beware of the Hourly/Net Cost

Many companies make the mistake of only focusing on the hourly mover rates. Ultimately, they expressed surprise that the process took longer than expected, causing the final cost to be much higher. So, if a relocation company gives you an estimate that sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

Other Tips for a Successful Corporate Relocation

Even though corporate relocations mainly depend on corporate moving companies, other factors must be considered to ensure your relocation goes smoothly.

1. Keep Everyone Up to Date

All employees must know about it beforehand if you’re moving a whole office. Make sure to communicate the news to everyone as soon as you are certain of the decision. There’s no need to share too many details, but at least try to let your team know where the new location will be and what they can do to help. You can also share the new building rules, parking arrangements, and everything you believe will be necessary for the team to know.

Also, inform your IT team about the move at least three months in advance. This should give them enough time to take care of the new location’s phone connections, internet plan, and similar things. They may also want to check the new location in person to verify whether your current equipment can fit or if there should be any upgrades.

2. Remove Things You No Longer Need

Corporate relocation often means disposing of a bunch of equipment that’s no longer in use. Ensure to do this before the movers arrive to reduce distractions and speed up the packing process. Removing old and unused supplies and tools will make the moving experience much less stressful. It’ll also declutter your new office before you even get there. You can always sell or donate furniture you don’t need anymore.

3. Plan the Relocation Early On

Corporate relocation calls for planning and good timing from the early stages. Come up with a moving date and relocation process time frame. After doing so, you can create a schedule and share it with everyone involved in the relocation, including the employees and the relocation company. You may also want to plan the budget before contacting the movers. This way, you can steer clear of making uninformed decisions.

4. Create a Moving Checklist

To-do lists or checklists will save you a lot of trouble throughout the moving process. With so many tasks, forgetting to get things done is easy. Don’t only create checklists for yourself – do so for the whole team moving to ensure nothing gets missed.

5. Organize Boxes With Name Cards

Packing up things from your office, you can stick name cards in multiple places to know which tools, files, and equipment are in which boxes. You can also give a layout chart to the movers so they can place the boxes at appropriate locations.

6. Do a Data Backup

Your data and other important files will make it to the new location safe and sound. But don’t take the chance of something going wrong and losing access to your essential work files. Accidents happen, hardware gets damaged, hard disks get lost, etc. While insurance can handle a broken computer, it can’t guarantee to retrieve all files written on it. That’s why making a copy of important data and keeping it at a separate location when moving is important. You can also consider cloud storage backups for this occasion.

7. Get a Project Manager

You may want to assign a project manager if you’re dealing with a large-scale corporate relocation. The move certainly requires a team effort, and a project manager can facilitate all its aspects and take the load off your back regarding communication and planning. Note that your team leader needs to be able to multitask, organize events and assignments, and communicate easily. They could also have experience making budgets.

8. Update Your Address

As you move to a new location, don’t forget to let your suppliers, customers, and prospective clients know of the change. Make sure to update the new location on your Google Business Profile, website, social media pages, or business cards.

9. Buy New Equipment in Advance

Once you sign the deal for the new business place and get rid of the equipment you no longer need from your previous office, it’s time to make some shopping lists. Order new furniture or IT equipment well in advance so the team can operate properly from Day 1. Don’t forget to coordinate the equipment delivery with your suppliers so everything is in place on time.

10. Reschedule Meetings and Projects if Necessary

As you plan your office move, don’t forget about any scheduled meetings you have around that time. Make sure to reschedule important client meetings or project deadlines. The last thing you want is to meet a client in your old office with no files and laptops present.

Also, it’s unfair to expect your team to be efficient at work while they lack essential equipment for work or when they have just moved to a new location. Give them a few days to adjust to the new environment.

Corporate Relocations Can Be Easy

Moving your business to a new location doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. With proper organization and communication with your team, you can prepare for the big day without much trouble. And if you’re on the lookout for reliable, licensed, and hard-working corporate relocation movers, contact Bay Area Movers. After all, a thorough plan and professional help from corporate movers can make any office relocation a breeze.

How to Rent a Storage Unit and Store Your Goods Safely

Renting a storage unit can be extremely useful for people who lack space at home for all their belongings. Whether you wish to store old furniture, seasonal clothes, or equipment, you can do so by signing a contract with a storage rental facility. However, doing so isn’t always straightforward. There are many service providers out […]

What to Look for in Packers for Moving

When the moving date approaches, it’s time for the most dreaded part of every move – packing. No matter how many personal belongings, appliances, electronics, and valuables you have, everyone can benefit from some packing help. It’s definitely not a one-person job.

Most people don’t even realize how many belongings they own until they start packing. Packing everything in bags, boxes, and containers can take days, and shipping it to your new address. Aside from being time-consuming, packing is also stressful and exhausting. This is where professional packers come in.

This article will discuss everything you need to know about hiring packers for moving. In addition, we’ll give you a list of 10 factors to consider in order to hire the best professional packing company.

What Are Professional Packers?

When we decide to move to a new apartment or house, one of the most significant decisions we have to make is whether to do everything ourselves or hire a moving company. A professional moving company has many advantages; home packing services are one of the biggest.

Many people wonder whether a professional packer and a mover are the same. If you choose a full-service moving company, packing and unpacking services are usually included. With an experienced packer, moving becomes more manageable, allowing you to focus on other matters. You can choose between full packing and partial packer mover services.

Full packing services are the best option for large moves, where you need to rent a moving truck. Before the moving day, the movers will come to your home for a pre-move inspection and give you a free estimate. When the moving day comes, the movers will come again to organize all your belongings, pack them in boxes, and carry them to the moving truck. When they arrive at your new home, the packers will haul your belongings and unpack all the boxes.

Partial packing services are for people interested in a budget-friendly moving solution. This includes packing some of your belongings and leaving the bigger items for the movers. With such home packing services, you usually need to buy the boxes, packing supplies, and other materials.

Whether you choose full packing or partial packing is up to you. Full packing services are a better option if you can’t set aside time to pack your stuff or if you need to turn your attention to other matters. If you don’t have many belongings and prefer to pack alone, you should opt for partial packing.


What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Professional Packing Service?

If this is your first time moving, you might think, “I don’t need any packing help.” Sure enough, packing doesn’t seem like a challenging undertaking at first. All you need to do is organize your belongings into boxes and protect them with bubble wrap or other packing materials. Then you need to label the boxes so you’ll know which box goes where in your new home, and that’s it. However, it isn’t until people start packing that they realize it’s actually not that simple.

Efficient and quick packing is a skill that not everyone can master. Every item must be cleaned, disassembled, folded, and protected with packing materials. When homeowners pack their own things, they might stumble upon an old family album or memorabilia, distracting them and slowing down the moving process.

Moreover, all the items must be carefully organized into categories. If you throw random piles of stuff into boxes, unpacking them will be an even bigger nightmare. Not to mention that some of your belongings, like household appliances or boxes with books, are extremely heavy. You might not be able to lift the box alone or carry it to your vehicle.

A professional packing company will do all the work for you, allowing you to sit back and relax. If you have packing help for moving, you can focus on other things, like how you will decorate your new home. Professional movers also know how to pack all kinds of belongings, from complicated entertainment systems and large pool tables to precious antiques and electronics with many wires.

What to Look for in Packers for Moving

Now that you know all about moving and packers, let’s see how to find the best professional packing company. While there are various movers and packers with local and long-distance moving services, finding one that meets all your requirements might be challenging. That’s why you must set aside time and research packing companies.

Here are 10 factors you need to consider before hiring a professional packing service:

1. Licensed Experience

Experience, knowledge, and skill are important when hiring any service. When it comes to moving and packers, experience matters even more. Naturally, you want your belongings to be in the hands of skilled professionals with years of experience. That’s why it’s imperative to look for a moving company that can pack up all kinds of items, regardless of size, weight, and shape, most quickly and efficiently.

Experienced moving companies should be licensed, so look for operating licenses and federal registration on their website. If your new home is in a different state, make sure the long-distance moving and packing service you choose is licensed by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

2. Travel Distance

Not all movers offer long-distance moving services, so this is one of the first things you must check. Look for local movers and packers if your new home is in the same city or region. On the other hand, if you’re relocating across the state or even internationally, you need to hire movers that offer long-distance moving services.

If there is a professional packing company somewhere in your area, hiring them will pay off. A local moving company will charge less due to lower mileage, and they can also send someone over to do an in-person estimate.

3. Insurance

If a moving and packing company has insurance, they will be responsible for any broken items. That’s why they must go through all your belongings before packing. By doing so, they can ensure nothing is broken before they pack it and place it into boxes.

Note that only items and belongings packed by the moving company are covered under the default valuation policy. If you opt for a partial packing service, you won’t be able to get your money back for broken items. Your belongings are more likely to get damaged during long-distance moves. Hiring an insured mover is even more critical if you’re moving nationwide.

You can check a moving and packing company’s insurance policy on their website or use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) search tool.

4. Specialty Items

Ensure the moving and packing company you choose has experience packing specialty items. This includes artwork, hot tubs, chandeliers, pool tables, vases, antiques, pianos, mirrors, and fragile items. Moving a piano requires training and special skills, and such a valuable item must be carefully protected.

This also applies to appliances that must be mechanically removed, like wall-mounted TVs, hot tubs, entertainment systems, shelves, etc. Certain items require special packaging, like paintings and flat-screen TVs. Packing heavy appliances like refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, and dryers, which can’t be disassembled, also requires skill and strength.

5. Packing Supplies

One way to ensure you’ve made the right choice is by finding out what’s included in the service and what is charged extra. Packing supplies like boxes, tape, plastic covers, bubble wrap, and similar materials may or may not be included in the price. Some moving companies let you buy packing supplies from them, but they offer lower prices than those in supply stores.

6. Unpacking Services

Just like packing services are included in the full-service moving deal, the unpacking service also needs to be included. These two services typically go hand in hand. In other words, if you don’t need to pay extra for packing services, you also don’t need to pay additional fees for the movers to unpack all your belongings.

When unpacking all your things, the packing company might not place every item where you want it to go. So, communicate with the packers and let them know about your preferences. Of course, this applies to furniture, appliances, and larger items that you might be unable to move alone.

Professional packers won’t leave behind a mess when they’ve finished unpacking. They’ll throw away all the used packing supplies and keep anything that can be reused, like boxes and plastic covers.

7. Storage Options

If you’re moving to another city or across the country, you might need to store your packed belongings in another location until you’re ready to move in. You must look for professional packing and moving companies offering storage options.

Choose a professional packing service with a list of short-term and long-term storage services. This type of service also includes temporarily relocating your belongings and furniture when you’re renovating your home. Storage services give you peace of mind, knowing all your belongings are in a safe and secure storage unit.

8. Positive Reviews and Recommendations

One of the most foolproof ways of finding a trustworthy moving and packing company is with positive reviews and recommendations. Ensure the reviews you find are genuine and not generated by bots or fake accounts. If you visit a specific company’s site and the testimonials page, you can find many reviews, but they might not always be authentic.

You can find honest and reliable reviews on websites like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google. For a bonus tip, look for reviews from people in your region.

You can also ask for recommendations if you don’t trust online reviews. Ask your neighbors, friends, family members, and colleagues if they can recommend reliable moving and packing services.

9. Additional Costs

Some moving companies may charge for additional hidden expenses. For example, if you live on the fourth floor and don’t have an elevator, the mover will charge you extra for the distance between your apartment and the moving truck. You might not be aware of various other costs until it’s too late.

You don’t want to be surprised by any unexpected fees incurred when you receive the bill. This is especially relevant if you’re on a budget. To avoid unnecessary additional fees, ask the packers many questions before deciding.

10. Competitive Prices

Finally, you must consider how much the whole packing service will cost and how it fits into your budget. None of the abovementioned factors matter if the company is overcharging you. If you’re moving locally, the company will probably charge you by the hour. Most packing companies charge $32 to $42 per hour. And that’s only if you hire one packer. Note that some movers charge a lower hourly rate if you hire multiple packers.

The total price of the professional packing service depends on a number of factors, including the travel distance, the shipping volume, moving date, packing supplies, storage options, and more. Naturally, the more items you need to pack, the more it will cost.

Look for professional packers for moving that offer a free quote. This will let you know whether they’re offering a good deal for their moving, packing, and unpacking services or if they’re ripping you off. If you find a local company, you can also get an on-site, in-person estimate.

While finding a packing company that fits your budget is important, hiring the cheapest company isn’t the answer. Quality and reliable services are likely to command a higher price, but at least you know your items are in the hands of professionals.

 

Ready, Set, Pack!

Packing can be very stressful, even when you’re good at it. However, the right professional packing company can make it much easier. Professional packing services are convenient for a number of reasons. The packers will come to your home, disassemble furniture, protect your breakable belongings with the appropriate packing materials, and organize everything into boxes. When you arrive at your new home, all your stuff will already be waiting for you.

If you’re looking for reliable moving, packing, and unpacking services, Bay Area Movers are here to make the moving process as stress-free as possible. You can get a free quote on our website or contact us if interested in our full packing service.

The Ultimate Guide to Packing Clothes for Moving

You need to consider many things when you’re moving to a new apartment or house. Hiring a moving truck, finding boxes and packing supplies, disassembling your furniture, and wrapping all your dishes and fragile belongings in bubble wrap are just some of them when not using full-service movers. Packing clothes, however, is something people usually leave until the last minute.

People assume that packing clothing is easy and you can just throw all your clothes in duffel bags or boxes. You may think this is the quickest and easiest way to pack clothes, but all your clothes will be wrinkled when it’s time to unpack. To save yourself hours of ironing or even re-washing, there are many things you can do to make sure your clothes arrive in optimal condition and closet-ready.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best way to pack clothes when moving. We’ll also give you tips for packing clothes that will make the whole moving process much easier for you.

What to Do Before You Start Packing Clothes

The process of packing clothes for moving should consist of carefully-planned steps. The more care and effort you put into packing your clothes, the better shape they’ll be in when they arrive at your new address. When you unpack your boxes, you’ll immediately be able to sort your clothes in your new closet without having to wash, dry, and iron them again. But before you start packing clothes, there are a few things you need to do.

1. Make a Throw-Away, Give-Away, and Keep Pile

Every time you move into a new place, it’s a good idea to throw away unnecessary stuff you don’t use anymore and items that are in bad shape. The same goes for clothing. That being said, parting with your old clothes might not be as easy as tossing away outdated magazines or your empty bottle collection.

The best way to pack clothes when moving includes setting aside clothes you will get rid of and clothes you plan to take with you. You can do this by sorting your clothes into three piles; a throw-away pile, a give-away pile, and a keep pile. If you find it difficult to throw away old clothes, just ask yourself when was the last time you wore them. If you didn’t wear a piece of clothing in the last year or two, it’s a sign that you probably won’t wear it in the future. If something doesn’t fit you anymore, you have no reason to hold onto it.

You can donate the give-away pile to charity or give it to your friends or family members. The throw-away pile goes in the recycling bin. Another option is to sell clothes that are still in good shape. This leaves us with the keep pile, which is now ready to be packed.

2. Assess How Much Packing Supplies You Need

Now that you know how much clothing you’re taking with you, you’ll be able to assess how much packing containers you need. It’s important to prepare all the boxes and duffel bags before you start packing. That way, you’ll avoid the hectic and stressful situation of realizing you don’t have enough boxes for all your clothes.

3. Wash and Dry-Clean Your Clothes

This step is very important, and it shouldn’t be skipped. It’s imperative to wash all your clothes before packing them. You don’t want to do laundry on your first day at your new home. Even if you throw only one dirty piece of clothing into a box with clean clothes, you’re creating double work for yourself.

When you do wash your clothes, make sure they’re fully dry before packing them. If you put damp clothes in a box or a sealed container, it will undoubtedly make the whole box smell bad. Not to mention that you’ll have to wash them all over again. Clothes made from silk, leather, linen, suede, and wool can be dry-cleaned.

Make sure you set enough time aside for this step and don’t rush it.

4. Sort the Clothes Into Different Categories

While there are many packing clothes hacks for moving, one factor trumps the rest, and that’s organization.

Organization is key when it comes to packing clothing. The best way to organize your clothes is by sorting them into different categories. There are various ways to do this. You can sort your clothes by material, season, or usage.

For example, separate your summer clothes from your winter clothes. If you have lots of delicate clothes that require special packaging, set them aside. If you’re moving with a family, make sure the clothes for each person are separated in different boxes. Another way to sort your clothes is by piece. For instance, place pants in one box, shirts in another, and so on.

How you sort your clothes is ultimately up to you. Just make sure your future self will be able to find everything when it’s time to unpack.

How to Pack Clothes for Moving

Now that you’ve prepared your clothes, let’s see how to pack a closet for moving. Follow this step-by-step guide to find out the best way to move clothes:

1. Choose Where You Will Store Your Clothes

Deciding which packing supplies to get is the first step toward packing clothes for moving. Most people buy cardboard boxes, plastic containers, and duffel bags for packing clothing.

When it comes to boxes, you can buy standard cardboard boxes, which are perfect for packing folded clothing. If you’re looking for an easy way to move clothes, wardrobe boxes are ideal for clothes on hangers. If you have enough suitcases, they’re a great alternative to boxes.

If you have the budget for it, we suggest getting plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes. They’re much safer for your clothes, whereas cardboard boxes can retain moisture, rip easily, and even attract pests. Plastic storage containers are a good option for clothes you don’t plan on wearing any time soon.

Duffel bags are easier to carry, and they’re cheaper, but your clothes might get jumbled in there. However, if you neatly fold the clothes and stack them on top of each other, they should still be fine by the time they arrive.

Vacuum bags are handy for bulky clothing, like jackets and coats, and they’re great for saving space. Not to mention that they keep away moths and other pests, protecting your clothes until they’re unpacked. You can also buy special garment bags for your delicate clothing, like suits and dresses.

2. Select the Best Packing Method

The next step is to choose a packing method. The most effective moving clothes hack is hanging as many pieces of clothing as possible. The reason why it’s better to hang clothing items than to fold them is to prevent wrinkles. Moreover, you won’t have to put them all on hangers again before putting them in your new closet.

The best way to pack clothes on hangers is with wardrobe boxes. These types of boxes are specially designed for packing clothes for moving. They come with a metal hanger bar where you can hang various types of clothing. Make sure to get thin hangers to maximize storage. For extra space, hang multiple pieces of clothing on one hanger. If you can, get garment bags for extra protection.

When it comes to non-hanging clothes, you have two options; folding and rolling. There are various ways to fold your clothes. If you’re not good at folding clothes, you can watch hundreds of five-minute tutorials on YouTube. Rolling is another popular packing method, allowing you to save space by stacking rolled pieces of clothing on top of each other. Folding is better for cotton materials and rolling is more suited for synthetics.

3. Protect the Clothes From Damage

Protecting your clothes is important, so they don’t get damaged during the move. There are various ways to do this. The best way to protect your clothes is by wrapping them with plastic covers or sheets. This will protect them from dust, dirt, and moths. You can also place a cling wrap between each piece of clothing, which also prevents them from creasing. When it comes to delicate clothing, it’s also a good idea to place a paper towel between them.

If you’re packing clothes in cardboard boxes, you can place a plastic wrap or packing paper at the bottom of each box. The plastic wrap will protect your clothes from moisture in case the bottom of the box comes into contact with water. You can add another layer of plastic wrap or packing paper on the top of your clothes before sealing the box.

Garment bags are ideal for protecting your hanging clothes, but they might cost a bit more. If you can, buy at least a dozen of them and place your most valuable pieces of clothing in them. Another way to protect your clothes is by keeping light and dark clothing separate. Moisture and humidity can cause dark-colored clothing to transfer colors to light-colored clothing.

4. Secure the Boxes With Tape

No matter how meticulously you pack your clothes, if you don’t seal the boxes properly, it will all be for nothing. You don’t want the box to break open and for all your clothes to fall out. To prevent this from happening, make sure to secure the boxes with tape. Secure both sides of the box with packing tape.

Be careful about putting too much clothing into one box. This will result in the bottom of the box breaking. If you’re using duffel bags to pack your clothes, make sure the drawstrings are tightly and securely tied.

5. Label All the Boxes

When you’re transporting your clothes to a new place, be prepared for a lot of boxes. Whether you choose cardboard boxes, wardrobe boxes, or plastic containers, they will all look the same. That’s why it’s important to label all the boxes before shipping them to your new address.

You can use a permanent marker to label the boxes. This is why it’s a good idea to categorize your clothes first. Instead of just writing “clothes” on all the boxes, you can label them in different ways. For example, “summer clothes,” “jackets,” “baby clothes,” “pants,” “skirts and dresses,” and so on.

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Additional Tips for Packing Clothes

Now that we’ve covered how to pack clothing with our step-by-step guide, let’s see what else you can do to pack your clothes successfully.

Be Careful About Delicate Clothes

As mentioned before, delicate clothing needs special care and packing materials. This also applies to valuable clothing, like your wedding dress, which should be stored in a vacuumed-sealed bag. It’s best to set one box aside, which will be just for your delicate items.

Pack Clothes You’ll Wear During the Move

A lot of people pack all of their clothes, but they forget to leave some clothes for the move. Unless you plan to wear the same outfit during the entire move, separate comfortable, everyday clothes you can wear until you arrive at your new home. This is especially important if your new apartment or house is a long distance from your old one.

Don’t Overstuff the Boxes

To avoid overstuffing the boxes, just buy extra boxes so you’ll have enough room for everything. While maximizing storage is important when packing clothes, putting too many pieces of clothing into one box will cause it to break. Not to mention that it will be very heavy to lift.

Choose the Right-Sized Box

Make sure to choose appropriately-sized boxes for your clothes. You don’t need jumbo-sized boxes. Instead, get small and medium-sized boxes.

Leave Clothes in Your Dresser

If you’re wondering how to pack closet for move, there is another way to pack your clothes. Instead of taking out all your clothes and organizing them in boxes, just leave them in the dresser drawers and then transport the dresser with the clothes inside.

This isn’t a good idea if you’re moving by yourself. If you hire professional movers in Bay Area, they’ll be able to transport your dresser together with your clothes. This is a neat moving clothes hack. When the dresser arrives at your new address, you won’t have to unpack anything. The clothes will already be in the dresser.

Pack Clothes Like a Pro

Although many people hate packing because it’s stressful or boring, it doesn’t have to be this way. When it comes to packing clothes for moving, there are plenty of things you can do to make sure your clothes arrive in tip-top shape.

If you don’t have time to pack all your clothes, you can hire a reliable professional moving company that will do all the packing for you. Here at Bay Area Movers, we help our customers by coming to their homes and packing all their clothes for them. Our team of skilled movers will handle your clothes with care, making sure they arrive in optimal condition. If you want to know more, don’t hesitate to contact us.