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Preparing and Packing Your Outdoor Furniture and Accessories

Most of us have gotten to be “old hands” at packing and getting things ready for the movers. But many people forget that not all of your belongings are inside of the house. Lots of folks have to scramble at the last minute to prepare their outdoor furniture and accessories because they simply forgot about them. 

Here are steps you can take for your next move to get your outdoor furniture ready for movers:

Table chair with blue umbrella in garden backyard

Examine All of Your Items 

One of the first things you want to do is to look over all of your outdoor furniture to find any damage. Because they’re exposed to the elements so much, many of these items tend to wear out faster than regular furniture. 

If a lawn chair is broken or a chair cushion has become mildewed, it’s best to toss it. If you don’t plan on throwing any of it out, make sure to take pictures of the items (especially of any worn spots). 

You may want to take pictures of your furniture before the move so you can feel confident when you unpack in your new home that all the furniture was packed with care and moved without any damage. 

Clean It  

Next, perform a deep cleaning on all of your outdoor furniture. If possible, throw your cushions and pillows into the washing machine to get rid of any traces of mold. 

Use soap and a good water sprayer/hose to clean off all of the furniture and larger items. As you do this, make sure you get rid of dirt and other trash that may have accumulated over time. 

Also, if you have furniture with hollow sections (such as tubing) make sure that you clear out any insects that may have decided to nest inside of them. You don’t want the movers picking up your outdoor chairs only to have a nest of wasps come flying out. 

Doing all of this not only keeps you and your movers safe, but it also means that you won’t be taking dirty items on the moving truck with you as these can get other items from inside the house dirty.

Break Down the Furniture (and other items too) 

If you’re paying professional movers according to how much space you use in the moving truck, you definitely want to pack everything as compactly as possible. For lawn furniture, take the items apart (as much as you can). To make it easier to reassemble the items later on, be sure to use heavy packing tape to tie them all together. 

Alternately, you can place everything (including the screws and bolts) into separate bags for easy assembly. Definitely don’t just throw it all together and hope it will make sense when you get to your new home. 

If you have a glass tabletop, wrap it in protective cushioning such as moving blankets. Lawn umbrellas should be closed and tied shut so that it doesn’t pop open in the truck. 

If you have lots of outdoor cushions and pillows (or other small items), you can save a lot of space with vacuum bags. Place the items inside of the bag and then use your vacuum cleaner to draw out the excess air. This makes it easier to stack the items up in the truck. 

Finally, if you have pool items (such as floats), pack these appropriately. Floats should be deflated, dried out, and then rolled up. (You can also use vacuum bags for this.) Pool chemicals should be packaged and properly labeled to prevent spills or leaks.

Outdoor Furniture Needs Special Care in Packing for a Move

If you’re hiring professional movers to pack up your items as well as move you, they should already be familiar with these tips and make the process smoother. But, if you are packing yourself so the pros can move you, then make sure to follow these so your move goes quickly.

Easily Move Without Worry or Stress. Hire Experienced Movers That Care.

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

 

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What Your Movers Want You to Know

Hiring a professional moving company means that you can sit back and relax while someone else does the heavy lifting. But before the movers show up, there are a few things you need to know.

Think of this as a “mover’s wish list” they wish you knew. By being aware of these tips, you can actually make the moving process easier for everyone involved (including you!):

movers lifting boxes

Communicate with your movers early — Most movers are used to just about anything you could possibly throw at them. However, they need to be prepared for certain things.

If you’re planning to move special items like a piano or highly-valuable collectibles, be sure to communicate that well ahead of moving day. It may be that they will need to bring special moving equipment or packing supplies for these kinds of items. If you don’t tell them, they’ll have to go back to headquarters to pick up the necessary supplies.

This will slow down your move (and possibly cost you more money if you are paying by the hour). As soon as you can, make a detailed list of “bulky items” like a piano, couches, refrigerators, washers/dryers, or similar items and provide this to your moving team so they can arrive on moving day fully prepared.

Clear them a path — One of the hardest aspects of a move for movers is getting a large truck as close to your house as possible. If you live in a gated community, make sure they have the access code to get in on moving day.

If you live in a neighborhood without yards or driveways (where you have to park on the street), save them a space near your property so they don’t have to park a block away. Otherwise, make sure that your yard is cleared for them with full access to your home, including the backyard and garage. It’s important that someone is at your new home to meet them and direct them where to put things.

Have everything ready to go on moving day — A professional moving company will be happy to pack your things for you. But if you decide to do the packing yourself, make sure it’s all done ahead of time.

Nothing’s worse for movers than trying to move items around while you’re still packing up. If you do the packing ahead of time, make sure you use strong boxes and packing tape so the boxes don’t rip or tear while moving. Keep heavy items separate so they aren’t back-breakers. (It’s never a good idea to pack all of your pots and pans into one large box).

Be there for the move, but relax — On moving day you need to be home so you can let the movers in, show them where everything is, and where it needs to go. But after that, you need to sit back and relax. The movers are professionals and know how to move your belongings. Allow them to do the job you hired them for.

Bottom Line: Moving Can Actually Be Enjoyable with the Right Help!
Hiring professional movers will ensure your moving day is less stressful for you and your family. But before you hire those movers, make sure you follow these tips. If you do, the day will run even smoother than you thought.
Easily Move Without Worry or Stress. Hire Experienced Movers That Care.
Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

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What Makes Movers Great? Learn from Pros with 40 Years’ Experience

When it comes time to move, it can be hard to know what you’re looking for in a good moving company. Some companies are fly-by-night deals that are literally a couple of guys with a pick-up truck who think they can run their business without any planning. 

A moving company that’s been in business in your neighborhood for the past four decades knows a few things about what makes great professional movers. Here’s how Crescent Moving and Storage has created a company that has stood the test of time and been voted the best in customer service.

How Crescent Moving and Storage Began

Great companies often start from humble beginnings and Crescent Moving and Storage is no exception. Crescent Moving takes its name from the small beach town of Crescent Beach in Surrey British Columbia. The company is truly a Canadian company, started by a former professional hockey player, Larry Romanchych. Larry played for ten years with the NHL in Chicago and Atlanta before retiring and starting the moving company in 1979. 

Family Owned and Operated

Like so many former professional athletes, Larry started his own business with just himself and a single truck. But this simple start quickly grew into a family business managed by Larry and Pat, his wife. His four children have all worked at some point in their lives with the company. It’s still being operated on the principles of hard work and reliability they’ve been known for.

Crescent Moving Has Grown Over the Years

From the beginnings at Crescent Beach, the company grew into other areas of Surrey and White Rock and then into other locales such as Burnaby, Richmond, and Vancouver. Today, the company offers moves all across Canada and even into some parts of the western United States. 

Rated Highest Customer Satisfaction 

After thousands of moves over the past 42 years, they’ve gained not just a great deal of experience, but also a great deal of respect in the industry. Crescent is an agent for North American Van Lines, receiving the highest rating for their customer’s satisfaction during 2020. Crescent Moving is also a proud member of the Canadian Movers Association and only employs movers who are bonded, certified, and insured.

Crescent Moving and Storage also realizes that part of being a good company is being a good neighbor. That is why they are proud that they are a 100% Canadian company dedicated to helping their customers relocate with as little muss and fuss as possible. The company has also been giving back to the community for years by sponsoring the Semiahmoo Rotary Club, Children’s Wish, and Move for Hunger charities. 

What Should You Look for In a Moving Company?

 

  • Reliability
  • Experience
  • Active in the Community
  • Bonded, Certified and Insured
  • High Customer Satisfaction Rating/Reviews

 

Setting a High Bar in the Moving Industry

All of this adds up to one of the most experienced and customer service centered companies in Canada. It’s a matter of faith to entrust your precious belongings with someone to move them without damage or breakage. Be sure to carefully check out any moving company you’re thinking about using. 

Easily Move Without Worry or Stress. Hire Experienced Movers That Care.
Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

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A Guide for Seniors Downsizing After Retirement

Retirement, for many, is a distant moment when you can finally take yourself off the hamster wheel that is work. Instead, you have the opportunity to focus on what’s important to you in your life.
Many retirees find they want to simplify their lives by downsizing their home. After the kids have moved out and your work is done, those large multi-bedroom homes aren’t really necessary and a move to a lifestyle community or condominium may be in order.
Here’s what you need to know about downsizing and moving into your new, smaller home:

Don’t try to do it yourself — One of the first things you need to realize is that you shouldn’t try to move all, or even most, of your belongings yourself. When you were younger, you might have been adamant about moving yourself. But this is the time to trust your move to professional movers. Now that you’re older, you likely have more expensive and sentimental personal belongings (certainly more than the giant spool you used as a coffee table and the third-hand sofa you had in your twenties). Professional movers can pack your belongings quickly and get them moved safely without you having to break your back loading furniture.

Downsize your belongings — It’s not enough to move into a smaller space with less square footage. You also need to downsize your belongings to fit into that space. To do this, go room-by-room and sort all your belongings into three piles: Keep, Donate, and Trash. Donate quality items that you don’t want anymore and trash the junk that you don’t need anymore.

Get a storage space — If you have a lot of sentimental items that you aren’t quite ready to get rid of yet, consider having these moved into a storage facility. You can now easily find a safe and quality storage area that is not only secured but also climate controlled.

Have a yard sale — If you have a lot of items you don’t want to keep, consider having a garage sale. By selling these yourself, you can take in all the profit and have a little bit of spending cash on hand to help with moving expenses and other incidentals.

Go digital — Although you may be hesitant to embrace technology, it can actually be a great way to downsize your belongings that might otherwise clutter your new space. Pictures, old videotapes and music can be easily digitized and then stored on a portable hard drive or a cloud drive that takes up virtually no space. Likewise, you can reduce all your bookshelves down to a digital library on your iPad or tablet.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way When You’re Downsizing
If you’re a senior and you’ve recently retired or had all of your kids move out on their own, then it’s probably a good time to downsize your home. By taking your time and planning out the best, safest way to move your furniture and valuables, you can make the move as smooth and painless as possible.

Use Experienced, Professional Movers Who Know Your Area
Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Rain or shine, we’re there for you! Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

 

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Questions to Ask Moving Companies for Your Upcoming Move in Canada

An easily avoidable mistake many people make when it comes to hiring professional movers is not knowing exactly what to ask the company before they hire them. On average, a person moves only once every few years so it’s not like it’s something you would invest a lot of time into. Most folks assume that all the companies are alike and there isn’t much to it other than to just pick up the boxes and carry them to the new location. 

It’s important to do your research on a company before you sign a contract with them. They literally have your life in their hands!

 

Here’s what you should ask potential moving companies before you decide to use their services:

Where are you located? 

Today, most people book a moving company over the phone or online and never venture into their physical office. But you need to know exactly where this company is located. If they cannot give you a physical location for their office, they’re most likely a fly-by-night operation that you don’t want to trust with your prized possessions. This is the first question you need to ask (and verify) so you can start your decision process.

 

Are you licensed/insured? 

Find out if the movers are licensed or bonded and what type of insurance they offer regarding lost or broken items. You also want to know if they’re part of professional organizations or moving associations such as the Canadian Association of Movers. 

 

In order to become a member of such groups, they have to meet certain eligibility requirements. This also demonstrates that the company is legitimate. In addition to asking what type of insurance they carry, ask them if there are additional insurance or protection plans you can purchase to ensure you’re compensated if something happens to your belongings.

 

How much will the move cost? 

Another big question you must ask is how much the move is going to cost. But don’t just stop with the grand total. You should also ask them exactly how the moving costs will be calculated. Ask to see a line-by-line estimate showing what the cost will be before you sign a contract. One of the major items to look for is if you will be charged by weight or if this will be a simple matter of paying by the hour. Regardless of which they use to calculate the total, you need to know this info.

 

Do you offer storage or other services? 

Many professional moving companies offer more than just the move itself. One of the services that many movers offer is storage. If you’re having to delay a move (for instance because you have to wait on a house closing), some companies offer secured storage for your belongings until you can take possession of the new home. Others have started to add more services including junk removal and cleaning services. You should ask what is available to see if you can put these services to use.

 

Do you handle collectibles or oversized items? 

Some companies are fine handling unusual items such as fragile collectibles or oversized items such as pianos. However, others do not and treat all belongings the same. You need to find out if the company you are considering has special training in handling items like pianos or if they offer temperature-controlled moving vehicles to move items such as vintage wines.

 

When will you get your belongings? 

Finally, you want to make sure that you know exactly when your belongings will be delivered to your new home. If you’re doing a long-distance move, it may take a few days for your stuff to get there. Make sure that you work out the details of when to expect your items so you aren’t sitting around waiting for them.

These Questions Will Help You Move with Peace of Mind

As with any major decision, it’s important to choose wisely when picking a professional moving company. Be sure to ask the important questions so that you know you are getting someone you can trust.

Use Experienced, Professional Movers Who Know Your Area

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Rain or shine, we’re there for you! Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

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Moving Company Reviews: Why Your Research Shouldn’t End There

 

Today, it’s easier than ever to find information about a business. All you have to do is Google reviews and comments online. Looking through social media may give a clue as well. In the past, it was a lot harder to find this information as it was just through word of mouth. 

When it comes to moving companies, there are several steps you need to take besides just pulling up Yelp and picking the company with the highest star rating. You can never be too careful with the people who are literally going to be moving your entire life.

Here’s how you can do your due diligence in researching a moving company before you trust them with your belongings:

Start with the Reviews  

Yelp, Facebook, and Google Reviews will be your go-to websites here. But you also need to do more than just look at the overall star rating. Unfortunately, a lot of companies have found a way to “game the system” to artificially raise their ratings. To avoid this and other issues, look for these indicators:

 

  • Narrow your search — There are hundreds of moving companies operating in Canada. No one has time to read all the reviews for every single one of them. Start your search by choosing three to five companies you’re leaning towards and then start your research from there.

 

  • Single reviews — If a company is trying to use fake reviews, they’ll create a profile and review only their company. It’s best to ignore Five Star reviews if the reviewer has not posted any other reviews.

 

  • Ratings without reviews — Another issue is a company posting Five Star ratings without bothering to leave a review. A legitimate review will include details about the company’s service that provides specific information.

 

  • Biased reviewers — Everyone has a bad day and companies are no exception. However, remember that some One Star reviews are not the fault of the company. Anyone who has worked in the service sector will tell you there are some customers who are rude and unrealistic when it comes to their expectations of the company. Look closely at the text of the reviews and a lot of times you can spot these rude customers through their comments.

 

  • Read a cross-section — Instead of focusing on just the Five Star or One Star reviews, read a wide cross-section of all the reviews. Pay attention to the longer ones that give lots of comments. Be sure to look for specifics such as what to expect on moving day and how the movers responded to problems or issues.

 

  • Read the feedback — Many review sites allow companies to provide feedback, either to refute some of the more outrageous claims left by some reviewers or in an attempt to reach out to them to make amends for poor service or experiences. Pay attention to these. If a company doesn’t bother to respond to any of the negative comments, it may show that they don’t care about their reviews. But if they legitimately reach out to rectify issues, that shows they’re striving for good customer service.

 

Look at the moving company from a few different perspectives beyond their reviews. These include:

 

  • Contact the Better Business Bureau — Contact your local Better Business Bureau and ask if there are any complaints filed against them. This will give you another idea if the company is legitimate or not.

 

  • How Long Have They Been in Business — You want a moving company that has been working in the area for many years and has a proven track record. You don’t want to trust your precious belongings to a couple of guys with a pick-up truck who decided it would be fun to get into the moving business on a whim. Check to see if the company has changed its name recently. Oftentimes, a company with a bad reputation will try to rehab their reputation by just changing the name of their company instead of actually addressing issues.

 

  • Get Specifics — Look out for a company that tries to be very vague about what they offer. Ask them specifically what the qualifications of their workers are, if they are insured, and how much the move will cost. If they are not willing to give you a contract to sign and these details, then pass for another company.

 

Stalk Potential Moving Companies Like You Would a Potential Date

Let’s face it: your personal belongings are precious to you and you want only the best moving your items. That’s why it’s so important to look at a company that has good reviews over many years and also gives back to the local community. This shows they are involved in the well-being of those they serve and aren’t just in this for a quick buck.

You’ve found the moving company with over 40 years of experience, BBB-accredited and certified in Canada!

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for many years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

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Moving Services You Might Not Know You Need for Your Big Move

For many of us, the idea of a moving company conjures up images of a couple of guys driving an old truck with a trolley or handcart. But the modern moving company has changed significantly. 

Today, these companies don’t just pack up your belongings and move them from Point A to Point B. They offer many other services you may not know are available to you. 

Before your next big move, take a look at these additional moving services that could make your life easier:

Packing Supplies  

Even if you plan to pack your belongings leaving only the pickup and transport of the boxes to the movers, you’re still going to need packing supplies for your move. Your professional movers carry a wide array of moving supplies including cardboard boxes, sturdy packing tape, and bubble-wrap as well as other packing materials to cushion and protect your breakables. 

The boxes are really important because it’s disastrous using recycled “banana boxes” from the dumpsters of grocery stores or package shops. These are often not sturdy enough to hold heavy items and they can be hard to find since everyone else is stalking them too. A moving company’s packing supplies are clean, efficient and a lot easier to get.

Storage 

Sometimes, it’s not practical to take all of your belongings right into your new home. You might find that you’re temporarily setting up a home in a hotel while you wait for your new house to close. For others, they may be downsizing their house into a smaller home. 

If you’re in one of these situations, it means you’ll need a place to store your belongings at least temporarily. Many moving companies provide secure storage units that will help you keep your belongings safe until you need them.

Large Item/Specialty Moves 

Perhaps you have belongings that are more than just your average sofa or bedroom set. If you have a huge item like a piano or an oversized piece of furniture, look for movers who have experience with these awkward to move items. 

Experienced, professional moving companies offer specialized services to ensure the cumbersome items are safe. Likewise, if you have special collectibles such as prized wines or breakable figurines, you should ask if the company offers special services to ensure these items are properly cared for (including being kept in a temperature-controlled environment if necessary) in the moving process.

Vehicle Moving 

Many people forget about their vehicles during a move. Your cars will need to move as well. Whether you’re moving cross-country or just across town, you may have vehicles that need to be moved professionally. 

You may be flying to your new home and can’t drive your car there. You may have smaller vehicles like snowmobiles, motorcycles, or ATVs that need to be moved separately. That’s where your moving company can help.

Dumpster Rental 

When it comes time to pack, many people realize they have a lot more stuff than they will ever want or need. It’s a good idea to reduce the amount of “stuff” you have to make the move easier and, in some cases, cheaper. 

But throwing out a lot of tchotchkes can quickly fill up your average household trashcan. Some moving companies offer dumpster rentals that can be used to throw out all of your unused items. They can then come by and pick up the dumpster and dispose of your unwanted items. Even if your movers don’t offer this service, you may want to reach out to them and see if they partner with anyone who does or if they can recommend someone who offers this service.

Movers Don’t Just Move Anymore

Many local professional moving companies offer more than what you may think. Before you begin your next move, check with potential movers to learn exactly what services they offer. Additionally, make certain you’ve thought of everything for your move by checking out this list to get a better handle on what you may need for your next move.

Easily Move Without Worry or Stress. Hire Experienced Movers That Care.

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

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Ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction 2020

Chicago, IL: North American Van Lines, Inc., one of the world’s largest moving companies, is honored to again be ranked highest in average customer satisfaction among all leading national full-service moving companies per the 2020 Relocation Managers’ Survey on Household Goods Shipments©. The annual survey measures corporate relocation managers’ satisfaction with moving service industry suppliers and tracks information on household goods policy and domestic US relocation program management.

This is the second time in three years that northAmerican has received this honor. Also of note is that northAmerican ranked highest in satisfaction with relocating employees for 2020 as well.

“Providing outstanding service to our corporate customers and their relocating employees is something every agent in the northAmerican network is passionate about,” said Kevin Murphy, Vice President and General Manager, northAmerican Van Lines. “We are honored to have received such positive feedback from our clients two of the last three years.”

Trippel Survey & Research, LLC© provided this report. Orignal Post is here: https://www.northamerican.com/blog/view/all-blogs/2021/03/23/northamerican-van-lines-ranks-1-in-satisfaction-among-relocation-managers

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Moving Terms and Abbreviations You Should Know For Your Next Move

It seems like every profession has its own lingo and jargon of terms, acronyms, and abbreviations they use regularly. But for the uninitiated, these terms can sometimes sound like gobbledygook.

Moving Terms and Abbreviations You Should Know For Your Next Move

So, it should come as no surprise that the moving industry has its own “language” as well. But it’s important when using professional movers to be familiar with all of these terms so you can understand what you’re being offered.

Here’s a list of the most common terms you should know before your next move:

Charge Terms

• Quote — This is an estimate of how much a move will cost you. It’s not a guarantee of the final bill and is usually determined after a walk-through of the home.

• Moving Cost — This is the basic cost of moving your belongings from your old house to your new house. It does not include special fees.

• Actual Charges — This is the grand total of all your charges (moving charge, accessorial charges, and miscellaneous charges).

• Accessorial Charges — This is a charge for services other than the move itself. This can include the packing and unpacking of goods and the installation and set-up of appliances or furniture.

• Bulky Item Charges — This is another additional charge that is required for moving oversized furniture considered “’bulky” and difficult to move. This can include pianos, refrigerators, pool tables, and the like.

• Elevator Charge — This is another additional charge used by some companies. It refers to extra fees when the movers must use an elevator to deliver your items.

• Flight Charge — This is another additional charge used by companies if they need to travel up multiple flights of stairs to deliver your belongings. It’s only charged if the movers have to actually go up and down the stairs (as opposed to using an elevator). It’s also not used if they only have to go up one flight of stairs (to the second floor).

• Line-haul Charges — When you move a short distance, the total cost is usually a flat-rate or hourly charge. For longer moves, the cost is calculated based on weight and mileage. This is referred to as a line-haul charge.

• Long Carry Charges — This is a charge that you really need to be wary of. It’s basically charged if they carry your possessions a really long distance. The problem here is that the definition of “long carry” is left up to the discretion of the movers.

• Peak Season Rate — Generally speaking, movers are most busy during the spring and summer (from May to September). Some companies may charge a higher rate to move during this time as it is the peak season.

Insurance Terms

• Insurance Adjuster — In the event that you have to file an insurance claim for lost or damaged items, the claim will be handled by an adjuster. It’s this person’s job to investigate and decide about the claim.

• Full-value Insurance — This is an optional insurance policy offered by movers. It will cover your belongings with full replacement costs and repair costs. It’s probably the most fully comprehensive insurance policy offered.

• Hazard Insurance — This is optional insurance that is meant to pay out if your belongings are damaged by disasters such as fire or flooding/water damage.

• High-value Articles — These are items that are generally worth more than $100 per pound. They may require extra insurance during a move and can include collectibles and antiques.

Abbreviations

• CAM — This stands for the Canadian Association of Movers, a professional organization that represents professional moving and storage companies. The association not only advocates for these companies but also provides leadership, consultation, technical advice, and research in this field.

• BOL — This stands for Bill of Lading and refers to a document that lists all of the items that have been taken on by the moving company and serves as the agreement between you and the company.

• PBO/PBC — PBO refers to items that are “Packed by Owner.” PBC refers to items that are “Packed by the Company (Movers).”

• OA/DA — These abbreviations are used in extremely long moves such as from one country to another. OA refers to “Origin Agent.” This is the company that handles the start of the moving process. DA refers to “Destination Agent.” This is the company that the OA delivers the belongings to so they can make the final delivery to the new home.

• PAD — This stands for “Preferred Arrival Date.” It’s the date that you want to have your items delivered.

• SIT — This stands for “Storage in Transit.” It refers to when you may need to store items temporarily until the new home is ready for the items to be delivered.

Now that you know some of the lingo, your next move should run a little easier. Be sure to read over your contract carefully and make sure you understand every term before you sign on the dotted line.

Easily Move Without Worry or Stress. Hire Experienced Movers That Care.
Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

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The Complete Moving Checklist for 2021

One of the most nerve-wracking aspects of moving into a new home is that you always feel like you’re forgetting something. You have so much to do that you’re worried things will slip through the cracks. We want to help you prevent that from happening during your next move.

Here’s a run-down of items you need to take care of as you prepare to move:

 

  • Clear your schedule — Once you have your moving day picked out, be sure to clear your schedule from work. Even if you’re moving on a weekend, you might want to take a day or two off to handle moving-related errands. 

 

  • Research your moving options — Take a load off you physically and figuratively by hiring a professional mover. Research by looking at reviews and talking to the movers. Look for established moving companies that have been around a long time and have great reviews.  Once you’ve made your choice, book your moving company for the big day. 

 

  • Change your address — You can change your mailing address online and redirect your mail using the mail forwarding tool from Canada Post. The process is simple, and the fee is the same as you pay when you go to a postal outlet to fill in a form. Cost varies based on where you move. Don’t forget your credit card companies. They will find you eventually! Finally, change your address with your employer.

 

  • Get organized — There are lots of ways to get yourself organized for a move. Check out apps such as Move Advisor or Sortly. These can help you keep track of your boxes and other essentials during a move.

 

  • Take care of the utilities — Before you move, set up the utilities (including cable and Internet) in your new home and turn them off in your old one.

 

  • Get your supplies — Be sure you have plenty of supplies. We recommend professional moving boxes instead of recycled boxes from your local package shop or grocery store. These will hold up well, especially if you have heavy items to pack. Also, be sure to get bubble wrap or Styrofoam packing peanuts for your breakables and LOTS of tape.

 

  • Clean house — Don’t clean up, clean the house out. Go room-by-room and place everything into three stacks: to pack, to donate, and to trash. The more stuff you can donate or throw out means the less stuff you will have to pack and move.

 

  • Start packing — Remember when you’re packing up your rooms to follow a few basic rules. First, don’t overpack. It’s easier to move twenty small boxes than it is to move twenty-boxes worth of stuff all crammed into one oversized and heavy box. Also, be sure to properly wrap breakables so they’re cushioned in the box.

 

  • Label your boxes appropriately — Be sure to label EVERYTHING. When you’re packing your kitchen, label the boxes as “Kitchen 1 of ____” and so on. That way, when you’re finished you can put the total number of boxes in the blank and know exactly how many boxes go in each room. This makes it really easy to figure out if you have all of your boxes in the right spot when you arrive at your new home.

 

  • Pack an overnight bag — No matter how well you pack, it’s going to take a few days to get everything unpacked and put up. In the meantime, pack an overnight bag with a few day’s clothes, your medications and toiletries, and a few favorite toys for the kids. 

 

  • Make needed repairs — Whether your old house is a rental or you own it, you’ll probably need to do “touch-ups” to the house before you leave. But you also need to walk through your new home and find everything that needs to be fixed before you move in. It’s a lot easier to paint a room or replace the flooring before you move all of your furniture in.

 

  • Take precautions — Since COVID-19 is still a major factor worldwide, you need to take proper precautions. Have masks and hand sanitizer ready for moving day. Also, if you are using a moving company, ask them about how they are handling safety during the pandemic.

 

  • Treat your movers — If you have people helping you, it’s nice to have something to show them they are appreciated. Bottled water and a supply of coffee and donuts are great moving treats. Also, be ready to spring for dinner for your friends who help with the unpacking process. 

 

Moving to a new home doesn’t have to be stressful. If you follow this checklist, you’ll be sure to hit all the important points and keep your move as hassle-free as possible.

Are you ready to find a BBB-accredited and certified moving company in Canada? 

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.