Boston Movers Blog

Are you getting ready to move? Use this opportunity to purge your home of things you don’t need and don’t use. The cost of moving is high, why pay to move those items you just don’t need? Most experts agree that moving is stressful. Relieve some of that stress by eliminating belongings.

Don’t know where to start or how to begin? Just ask, we have a list of organizing and clean out companies that we rely on. But the best way to start is to just make a pile of things that you really don't need or use. Why spend the time, money, and energy moving unnecessary belongings to your new home. If you haven't used it (or worn it) for a year or more, sell it, get rid of it, or give it away; you will never use it.

Salvation army and Big Brothers Big Sisters will come and pick up your gently used belongings, or you can drop them at any drop box. Looking for more stress relieving moving tips? Contact Marathon Moving.

In all of our moves around the Boston area, we compiled a some moving tips, but overtime we have learned from our customers that there are two tips in particular that seemed to make their moving experience much easier. We would like everyone who is moving to know what our customers have learned.
 
Start early. In fact it is never too early to begin packing for your move. As soon as you know that you are moving, you should start organizing and thinking about the move. Moving is a very time consuming process and there are a lot of rooms to pack. If you are not a seasoned mover, most likely you will be surprised at how much time it takes to organize for your move.

Begin packing items you rarely use, like your china cabinet, seasonal clothes or formal living room.

Create “Open First” boxes and pack some suitcases. A big challenge in moving is trying to find what you need in your new home. Solve this by packing a suitcase for each person in your family with the necessary items for about 3 days. Keep these suitcases handy for when you arrive. Also, create an "open first" box for each room. Label these boxes in a different color, so they are easily found among the other boxes. These moving boxes may include items like soap, dish soap, coffee maker and coffee, toilet paper, towels, silverware, and some snacks.  These boxes will make the first overnight in your new home much easier.

For help with your move, or for more tips on moving contact Marathon Moving.

Moving is a stressful time for many people, and one way to reduce that stress is to ensure that you have hired a reputable and professional moving company. Unfortunately there are a number of illegitimate entities out there posing as legitimate movers. Here are some ways to avoid those scams.

Don’t forget that anyone can have a website, so don’t be fooled just because the moving company seems to look legitimate on-line. Actually look for a physical address and take a minute to verify that address on Google maps to be sure that the business and the address exists.

Check on the moving companies operating license. You can check them out with the Better Business Bureau or Angie’s list.

Also, references are very important.

The American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) screens moving companies in order to take the guess work out of finding a professional mover. Those moving companies that display the AMSA logo have passed the 7-point screening program and have sworn to uphold a code of ethics.

It is smart to use companies that display the BBB logo, however, some display them w/out authorization. Be sure to verify that the company is authorized to display the BBB logo as well as the AMSA logo.

Most important, get at least 3 written in-home estimates. There are online moving cost calculators, but the only written estimates that count are provided by professional movers in person who visit your home. If someone offers to do an estimate over the phone, be wary, you may be getting scammed.

Avoid moving companies that require large deposits or down payments, or that ask you to pay before you move. In fact, movers are not allowed to require large deposits or pay before move.
 
Click “Moving Company” if you would like more information on your local or interstate move from Marathon 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

The key to a successful move is organization. You also don’t need any surprises. There are several questions we encounter and some questions we think people should ask. Here are some things to consider when you are planning a move .

How do I find a moving company I can trust?

It is very difficult leaving everything you own in the hands of someone else. So the answer is interview the moving company, talk with them. Check out their background and their philosophy, but mostly, listen to your gut.

Should I hire a moving company or do it myself?

This is really a question only you can answer. It depends on factors such as time, money, and complexity of the move. You need to decide what your first priority is: time, money or a bit of both.

When should I call a moving company?

The earlier the better and the more lead time the better. That way every effort can be made to meet your preferred delivery schedule .

Should I get an estimate?

We will provide a survey of your items to be moved before you move. This way you can have an idea of what the move will cost you and we can determine the amount of van space you need.

Can my items be stored temporarily if I have not found a home in which to move into yet?

If you are unable to take immediate possession of your new home or you have not yet purchased a new home, your belongings can be stored in a Marathon Moving warehouse. Our facilities are clean, secure, and temperature controlled.

Am I protected against loss or damage while my goods are in transit or in storage?

Yes, but the amount of protection you have depends on the liability package that you select. Marathon offers three protection options from which you may choose prior to the start of your move. All options can be explained in full and made available to you up to the loading of your items on our truck.

Maybe you are an empty nester, or perhaps your goal is to live lighter, be closer to the city or just have a change of scenery; regardless, moving from a house to an apartment is a big change. Apartments have limited space which means you can't necessarily keep all of your possessions with you. But how do you decide what to take and what to put into storage or get rid of altogether? Apartment living is a different lifestyle than living in a house. The following is a list of some things to consider leaving behind in your move to your new apartment.

1. Furniture removal should be your first consideration. What will fit, what won’t. What are your favorite pieces? Measure your favorites, the items you can’t live without to be sure they fit into your new space.
2. If have two cars, you may not necessarily be able to bring both with you when you move. Apartments with one parking space are rare, let alone two. And if your apartment is in the city, most likely you are closer to public transportation. You may not need a car at all.
3. You won't need the lawnmower or rake. You may have a window box or some plants in your apartment, but no need for gardening tools.
4.  Outdoor spaces in apartments are usually small balconies or patios. You may be able to get rid of or dramatically reduce your amount of patio furniture.
5. Washing and drying machines. Most likely the apartment building will have its own laundry facility.
6. Tools and toolbox. Other than a small amount of tools that you may not want to get rid of, there is a maintenance staff on hand, so you can leave the tools too.

There are many things that are required when you own a home, but that you don’t need once you move to an apartment or condo. For sentimental items, heirlooms, or items you just can’t get rid of yet, think about storage facilities. You can always attend to those items another time.  

We all know that moving is a very stressful experience. That’s why we discuss a couple of simple moving techniques and tips to make you move smoother and easier. Before you begin the packing process, you should look around and decide what of your belongings you really need and use. It’s amazing how much unnecessary stuff we buy over the years, so there is absolutely no point to move something that you don’t need or use. Arrange a garage sale or give clothes you don’t wear to charity, that way everyone will benefit from the move and the price that you are going to pay for your move will be smaller.

Plan the moving day careful. Yes, Marathon will move your belonging in bad weather, but it will be much less stressful if you move in a sunny day. So watch the weather forecast to make your decision. Be sure to collect some moving supplies as well. Buying good moving supplies is the next vital step of moving. Contact your moving company and ask them to provide to you packing supplies. You will need boxes in different sizes, markers to label the boxes, unprinted news prints and off course bubble-wrap for all fragile items.

The last tip for your successful move is to start packing early. Make a moving checklist and start packing at least two or three weeks before the move. That way the chance of forgetting something is very small. So if you are looking for the perfect Boston mover, either to or from Boston, Marathon’s reputation for excellence is unparalleled by any of the other Boston Moving Companies. This is evidenced by the fact that over 90% of our customers are repeat or referral as well as our 6 straight Super Service awards and A+ rating at the BBB. Contact us today to learn more about moving, as no move is either too big or too small or Marathon.

If you need your precious items and antiques to be moved, you should take some time and decide if you are capable of packing and moving your items by yourself or should you have the movers at Marathon do it. Doing the packing and moving by your self could save you money, but if you don’t do it the proper way, there is a big chance that you would end up with scratched items. Thus costing you more money in the long run, and if they are valuable items, the result could be catastrophic. To help you all out we organized a few important moving tips that you need to follow for a successful move and packing of valuable items:

Buy the proper packing supplies

Using the right packing supplies is a very important step of the relocation process. We know the proper way of packing and the latest packing techniques. We also have a wide assortment of packing supplies that make your move smoother and easier.

Wrap each of your valuable items individually

Remember, you don’t move ordinary belongings to put many of them in one place. You need to pack each of your items individually using the proper packing materials. It’s a good idea to use bubble wrap to prevent scratches. It is very handy and does the job right when comes up for protecting an item. After you had carefully packed all your artwork, you should place your paintings in special picture boxes.

Make sure to label all the boxes

Compared to the packing and moving, it is quite simple, but we often forget to label all the boxes with words such as “GLASS!” or “FRAGILE!” Then you need to load the items very carefully into the moving truck or car. The best bet is to put them in the moving truck along with the other items, as it can provide support for the valuable objects so they don't get tossed around and smashed.

If you still think you cannot manage and do these steps, it is always a good idea to have the movers at Marathon do the packing for you. We have been in business for over 10 years and have successfully completed over 12,000 moves. Allowing us to do the move for you is a smart solution and we'd be happy to take you step-by-step along the way. Contact us today to learn more about moving or packing tips.

When moving you have many things to consider, location, the new home, old neighbors, but one of the top concerns on the list is your children. Some children are nervous when moving and have a hard time adapting. So, make sure you include your children in the moving process and keep them informed so it's not entirely new to them on move day. The following tips often help children get used to the move before, during and after a family relocates.

• Include the children in making plans for the move. For example, take them house hunting with you.
• Through play-acting with dolls, boxes and a wagon, children can get a feeling of "moving".
• Help your children learn about the new area.
• Let the children help decide how their new rooms are to be arranged and decorated.
• Encourage children to exchange addresses and phone numbers with their friends.
• Prepare a package for each child containing snacks, some clothing, a few favorite toys and maybe a new toy, for the move.
• Take a "family break" as soon as the major unpacking is done. Don't try to do everything when you arrive, take everything slowly and let things get on track.
• Parents should spend time after the move listening to each child about new schools and new friends.
• Follow progress in new schools. Accompanying your children to school the first few days may ease tension.
• If your move involves suburban to rural, or vice versa, inform your children about the new situations they will face.

Give Plenty Of Notice

When you are moving out of state, it is important to give early notice to your children's schools that you are moving so they can prepare the necessary documents you will need to take to the new schools. You also have to let utilities, internet, and telephone companies, your bank, credit card companies, the electoral board, and other important agencies know that you will be moving and provide them with your forwarding address. If you have any magazine or other subscriptions, let them know well ahead of time that you are moving as well.

In addition to letting schools and agencies know that you are leaving, you should also let your new location know that you are moving to the area. Make sure to let new schools know when you are arriving so your children can start attending as soon as you get settled. If possible, try to get your new state driver's license issued prior to your arrival.

Marathon Moving Co. is passionate about helping you make your move as easy as possible. And as such we provide various services to help you stay happy during your move. But who can't use some moving tips when they're packing up their whole life for a new home? If you're among thousands of people who have picked up and moved their family to a new home, you have fresh memories of some of the ups and downs, or thrills or frustrations of moving.

Drawing from the expert experience at Marathon Moving Co, we know there are lots of ways to help make your household move easier and more smooth. Read here for some basic help to get your life, and your possessions, organized for a peaceful and exciting move. Your best friend is going to be a list, you’ve should prepare for your move. Yes, write everything down! You'll thank yourself later. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a handy-dandy spiral-bound notebook for the job. You'll place a number on each box you pack and list the contents on your list. Don't put the list down unless it's in a place you'll call packing central. This is where you'll find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies. Which Marathon can provide for you as well. And remember when describing the box contents, be specific; A-D files is better than files, and flower dishes rather than kitchen stuff.