Boston Movers Blog

It is Murphy’s Law: if you don’t buy the moving insurance you will need it and if you do buy it, nothing will happen. Well, that is a good enough reason to buy it isn’t it?

• Isn't the moving company responsible for your belongings? Aren't they liable since they are providing the service?
• Aren’t your belongings covered under your homeowners' or renters' insurance policy?
• If you are relocating for work, isn’t the company responsible for damage or loss?

Guess what? The answer to all of these questions is NO!

At Marathon Moving, we provide three options of insurance coverage.

If you do not pick any additional coverage, this is provided to you at no additional cost. Under this coverage, our maximum legal liability is limited to $0.60 per pound per article. This is insufficient protection for most situations. It is only recommended when accompanied by an insurance policy that covers goods in transit.

For customers seeking some additional protection, we offer Transit Damage Protection. This option meets most needs at a reasonable charge. Transit Damage Protection limits Marathon Moving Company, Inc.’s liability to the first $3000 at Actual Cash Value for damage repair/replacement. For amounts in excess of $3000, Marathon’s liability will be limited to $0.60 per pound per article.

C.   Actual Cash Value

This option is based on the declared actual cash value of the entire shipment by the shipper. The cost of this option is based on the value declared and can be found on our premiums valuation table.

There are plenty of people who are moving  to Boston and would like to pack themselves. In theory it sounds like a great idea, but in practice, it is a little more challenging. How exactly do you pack dishes so they don't break during the move?

Dish boxes are double lined for fragile items, plates and glasses. Be sure to add bumps, cushions or packing to the bottom of your dish box before packing. To do this, take the packing paper and roll it lengthwise, be sure to keep it fluffy. Lay the rolls in the box, perpendicular to the inside seam.

Start with the larger platters and plates. Place the plate in the center of the packing material and fold all the paper inside. Place the plate into the box perpendicular to the rolls of cushion in the bottom. Work from one end to the other; be sure you have a nice tight block of plates so they don’t shift.

When you wrap up individual dinner plates, set the dinner plate into the center of the packing  paper and fold over the paper into the center of the plate. Place another plate on top of this and set another plate on top. Do this until you have four plates in a stack for a nice tight bundle of plates. Place these in the box on their side perpendicular to the cushions on the bottom.

Once the bottom tier is complete, roll up another set of cushions, packing or bumps and place them on the top of the plates. Next pack up the lightest items you have for this next level in this box. This should be glasses or other light fragile items.

For more information on how to pack boxes, see the Marathon Moving packing videos.

As you plan a move, there is some stress involved and a lot of things to do. You thought the only thing you had left to do after you move is unpack right? Wrong. Depending on how far you have moved, and if you have a family, there are still some things to. But the light at the end of the tunnel really is daylight rather than an oncoming train.

Here are a few things that need to be done after your move in order to really feel like you can relax.

• Set up your utilities. It is football season, so if you are a football fan, this was probably first on your list of things to do.
• Be sure you have created a “moving file" and keep on your documents and receipts from your move in here. Be extra sure you have your Bill of Lading, paid in full receipt, and any receipts from any hotel stays. You will need all of this information when you prepare your tax returns, as well as for your company if you moved for a job.
• Of course, if you have children you need to register them from school. If you haven’t done so, you should contact their previous school and get their transcripts.
• Register to vote.
• You need to register your car and get new plates if you have made an interstate move. Also, you’ll need a new driver’s license. Be sure you have lots of time and loads of patience for this task. (There are RMV offices in Natick, Watertown, and Newton)
• Be sure that your mail is being forwarded and that your new address is registered.
• Of course, you have probably found a doctor and a dentist, if not, do so. You don’t want to be scrambling when you or your kids are sick or when a tooth gets knocked out while skiing this winter.
• Contact your insurance company. Be sure that your home and auto and any recreational vehicles are covered or get new policies if they are needed.
• You have just moved, and you all need some friends. Go meet the neighbors. If you have kids, the sooner they, and you, know some of your neighbors the happier they will be. Put them on your bikes and go knock on some doors. You’ll be surprised at how happy your neighbors will be to meet you.

Many people opt to pack themselves when they move. If you decide to do this, be sure to take enough time to do it so that the packing doesn’t become a race to the finish. When you pack in a hurry, things get broken. Also, be sure you have the right moving and packing supplies.

Be sure that everything is in the right sized box. Boxes that are too small allow your items to get damaged, but also, they don’t stack properly, making your move inefficient and precarious.

Be sure that you use enough packing paper, newspaper or peanuts. If you leave extra space in a box, that area needs to be filled with paper or peanuts so that the item does not move in transit. Using too much packing paper is better than using too little.

Sofa pillows also make great packing filler.

When packing books, face the spines of the books to the outside of the box. This protects the book ends and has them in there at their sturdiest.

CD’s should also be placed on their ends, not flat. This is how CD’s are at their sturdiest.

Be sure that all of your boxes are labeled in multiple spots to make it easiest to know where the boxes should go. It is better to label the boxes by the room rather than the contents. You are paying the movers by the hours, so you definitely want them to easily be able to find where the box goes.

When you are packing fragile items in a box, be sure there is a cushioniong at the bottom of the box. Either a sofa pillow, a layer of packing peanuts, or some rolls of packing paper.

At Marathon Moving, we have all kinds of moving tips for you. Watch our videos for more information on packing  moving boxes.

Moving is hard, but relocating with families is very tough. When you are moving kids to a new neighborhood, it doesn’t matter if it is a local move or an interstate move. But there are definitely ways to make it easier on the kids. You know what they say – if the kids are happy, Mom’s happy and if Mom’s happy then Dad’s happy. And we definitely want happy parents and kids.

Focusing on the kids’ needs is an important part of making this transition smooth. The relocation industry, says that six in ten transferees have dependent children. So here are some things to think about if you are relocating with children.

1. Kids should be involved - As soon as you know you are moving, you should tell your kids. They need as much time as possible. Make it a fun, exciting event, and focus on all the positives, like a new bedroom.
2. Let them know they can still be in touch with their friends - With today’s digital world, it is much easier to stay in touch than before. Help them get email addresses.
3. Let them house hunt with you – They can feel involved and you get to understand what their concerns are. If it is not possible, show them pictures of the new neighborhood and house.
4. Research the sporting and recreation –Let them know that they can continue in their same activities, but also, after they move, this will give them a direct route to friends.
5. Try and move during the school year or before the school year ends - So many families believe that the beginning of the summer is the best time to move, but this ends up being the worst time. They get to their new neighborhood and have no friends for 10 weeks. If they can move during a school year, they have no choice but to make friends fast, and they spend less time missing their old friends.
6. Take them round the schools too - Organize a tour of their new school so that the kids can get excited. They won’t have to imagine the unknown.
7. Stay positive - Because you are moving, you will have many stressful days, decisions, and more to do. But try and remember this as a positive move for your whole family.

Boston Movers

Your move should be seamless, and you transition smooth, for everyone in your family, even your pets. Pets need special attention and consideration when moving. For a stress free move for your pets, you need to do some preplanning. The following information outlines the points to consider when relocating with your pet.

Before you move you should check with the City Clerk's office in your new community for local pet ordinances. "Leash Laws" are common, licensing may be necessary, and the number of pets per household may be limited.

Be sure to get your pets health records from your veterinarian. This will let your new vet take better care of your pet. During the move, any pet that can wear a collar should wear one.

Movers, buses and trains are not permitted to move pets. So you can either hire a pet transport company, or you can do it yourself. If your pet needs special handling, you should consider having a professional pet service move your pet and take care of everything for you. At Marathon Moving, we can recommend a reputable service.

Remember that your pet is going to need time to get used to your new house. Using your pet's favorite food bowl, bedding and toys will help your pet start to feel at home. Ask your former vet for references, and once you are settled, locate a veterinarian.

Moving Companies in Boston

You have worked hard to make your indoor plants flourish and now it is time to move them. Plants need special attention when you move. If it is a long-distance move, your plants should be moved in a temperature controlled environment if possible. Extreme temperatures and the lack of fresh air in the moving van can kill your houseplants.

Make sure you have the correct supplies to move your plants. Pack them in boxes that are strong enough to hold them. Also, use cushioning like bubble wrap or wet paper towels so the plant doesn’t hit the side of the box when transported. Wet paper towels would allow the plant to stay alive longer. To keep them healthy during your relocation, refer to the tips below on the best way to transport your plants.

1. Put holes in the box or leave the top of the box open. Without some holes the plant most likely will die
2. Water the potted plants about a day or two before the move depending on the climate at your current location. You would want to have the plants containers moist but not soggy.
3. If you are moving during warm weather cover the pots with plastic bag - reducing water evaporation this way
4. For plant with large foliage, consider trimming them about two weeks before the move. Plants loose water through their leaves. Trimming plants back would reduce the chance of accidental tear, reduce water evaporation and will slow the plant metabolism for a short while
5. Load the plants at the back of the truck, so they will be the first to be taken off
6. Do not let the plants stay in the van overnight.
7. Pack garden chemicals very carefully. If you decide not to take them with you, give them to a neighbor who gardens.
8. When you have arrived to your new home unpack your plants first. This will insure that they will survive.

Boston Movers

Moving is a fun and exciting event, however it can also be time consuming and stressful. When you choose a moving company, the next question is usually, “should we pack ourselves, or pay to be packed?” Packing your home can be a very daunting task that requires a significant commitment of time and energy.

There is a time/cost benefit to having someone else pack for you. Your job is to consider if it is worth the time and stress savings to have Marathon Moving pack up your personal belongings. Moving companies, the good ones at least, are professional packers. So your items will be efficiently and safely packed, that you can rely on. Many Marathon customers choose to use our professional packing services for their most treasured possessions, while others have us pack all of their belongings.

Let us put your mind at ease with our careful and efficient handling of your belongings. A professional pack by Marathon has many benefits. The first of which is the added convenience of access to your belongings right up to the day of your move or the days immediately prior to your move. In addition, your goods will be protected by professional packing methods, and you will have more time to tend to other matters.

Regardless of how you choose to pack up, your move consultant will tailor your service request to meet your needs.
If you are packing yourself, we have provided some helpful tips on our packing tips page and we offer free to home delivery of all your packing supplies.

Moving Companies in Boston

Often, when moving, you feel pressed for time. Because of this, the search for the moving company is hasty. However, this is where you should invest some time.

Many will simply go through the Yellow Pages or do a brief search on the Internet and hire the first company that gives them a good sales pitch. Others simply go with a "name brand" and don't give it a second thought.

Now, there is nothing wrong with hiring a well known moving company to move you. But do a little research before you sign on the dotted line. But here is a better way to hire a mover, and this way you can feel more relaxed about your possessions, you move and the fee.

The first step is to find the three best moving companies located in your area. Find moving companies that have been in business for 8 to 10 years. It's preferable to hire a company with a lot of experience. Even possibly visit their offices, check out their trucks and storage facility. Make sure their trucks are permanently marked with the company's name.

Next, be sure the moving company you’re considering is an accredited member of a trade body or a moving association. If they do belong to one of these organizations you can rest assured that they need to adhere to certain standards and guidelines.

Ask the moving company to provide referrals of satisfied customers. You can use this question as part of your screening process.If they don't seem keen about letting you talk to people they've moved, that’s a red flag.
Find out about their insurance options and get their quote in writing. Read the small print. Never hire a moving company that does not have adequate insurance.

But get a minimum of two to three quotes before you make your decision. And be sure you understand the value of those quotes. What are you getting for you money. A moving company is not a purchase you want to make on price alone!

Boston Movers

Relocation can be a difficult and stressful time for everyone involved. Between packing, finding hotels, finding a new home, selling your old home and navigating in your new city there are many stressors that can occur during the process.

We have experience with clients who are moving locally to companies who are moving numbers employees overseas. No move is too big or too small.

What we can do, at Marathon Moving, is make the process less stressful, perhaps enjoyable. We offer customized moving solutions to individuals, corporations, and referral customers. Whether you are one person looking to relocate to a new territory, or a large company relocating their entire headquarters to Boston, we can help you.

Let us remove stress one step further.  We have developed relationships and partnerships with area businesses to help you with your local move. We would be happy to refer to you a realtor from within our network, or mortgage consultants or cleaning companies. Or, of course, all three.

Moving Companies in Boston