Boston Movers Blog

Whether you are moving due to your job, or simply because you want to, it would be wise to consider hiring a moving company to ensure that all goes well and your possessions arrive safely.   However, there are some details that only you can address. Here are some helpful tips on how to manage the details while you getting ready to move.

Start by making a list of everything that has to be done, and keep it handy for instant reference. Be sure the moving company knows the dates involved so that they can schedule their trucks and employees for loading up and transporting your household goods.

If you have more than one vehicle, ask about auto transport services, because this could save you money on gasoline depending on how far the move is.

If you have dogs or cats, plan ahead for how your pets will be transported. They could simply ride in the car, but if your company is flying you and your family to your new home, then you will need to make arrangements for your pets. Airlines have requirements on what type of crates are approved, so contact them and find out what you need before the move.

Decide if you want to pack boxes yourself, having the movers simply load the boxes onto the truck.  If you want the movers to do all of the packing, be sure to specify this before getting a estimate. Call the moving company to get quotes.

Don't forget to notify all of the utility companies of the date you need them to turn off services. Also, be sure the address change forms have been filed out and given to the post office an the trash pick-up has been cancelled. Moving companies are not responsible for addressing these issues.

If you owe property taxes, you will need to notify the tax assessor’s office that you are moving and make and address change with them. Even if your house is still on the market, it is up to you to make sure all government agencies are away of your new address. When your house goes through closing, you will be released from the involved tax burdens, but until then you are still liable for paying property taxes, even if you are moving.

If there is a chance that you will need storage for some of your possessions, be sure to ask the moving company if they have long or short term storage. You should get estimates on these facilities at the same time that you set up arrangements with your mover, so you have a budget firmly in place with no last minute surprises.  

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.

The winter season is often the best time for a family to relocate due to the low service demand, thus decreasing the moving costs. Even though you most likely will save money on your relocation, you will have to put in extra effort to prepare for the actual residential move because of the difficult and cold weather. There are several important details that individuals must consider and arrange while planning for their move.

Since families engage in the moving experience, it is critical that all family members are dressed warm whether they are assisting with the household move from inside or outside the house. You may also want to change out of your moving clothes once you arrive at your new home without having to search through endless wardrobe boxes for your clothes, hence you should pack a bag of extra clothes that you can put in your car. Make sure that your new home has operational heating; you wouldn't want to waste time fixing the furnace instead of focusing on moving.

Whether it is slush, hail, ice, or snow, any winter barrier will always delay the pickup, loading, and delivery for any individual. This is why, before your moving crew arrives at your current home, you should shovel all walkways and driveways for easy access. You can also cover all walkways with salt to ensure that nobody will slip and fall while carrying your belongings. Also, if there is plenty of snow on the road in front of your home, you may want to consider shoveling the snow there as well just so that the moving truck can conveniently access your driveway. Keep some salt and shovels in your car because you may have to use these materials at your new home as well. Cover your floors and carpets to avoid any mess or stains caused by people bringing in snow on their shoes.

Once all of your belongings are loaded onto the moving truck and you are ready to drive to your new home, make sure your vehicle is fully serviced and maintained to avoid any mishaps on the difficult roads. Always keep a spare tire, first aid kit, bottled water, maps, and a flashlight in your car; you should always be prepared for any emergency. Use local radio stations to keep informed of any road conditions.

The most important factor when relocating is to always plan ahead. Deal with the minor details ahead of time so you can focus on the enjoyment of the transition to your new home, regardless of the weather. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions regarding moving or moving supplies and we would be happy to help.

Moving down the street is easy right? It's only 10 minutes away how hard could it be? We convince ourselves that it's going to be easy. We can have multiple trips; bring our belongings over one bit at a time, and break the load into more manageable pieces. No big deal.

Well not to burst your bubble but that's not easier. It's harder. Moving cross-country is a comparative breeze, in a sense, because you're forced to load everything up at one time and haul it to your destination once. When people move locally, some delude themselves into thinking that they really don't own as much as they thought they did, and it really won't be that labor-intensive to bring it over in several smaller loads.

Then something strange happens. The car seems to shrink as you realize that it really won't hold as much as you thought it would. The number of trips between point A and point B increases exponentially, and finally some people are so worn out, they swear they'll never move again. It is also difficult to have access to both homes or apartments at the same time. Usually if you are granted or have arranged for early access it is only for a short time and this time vanishes quickly as 2 or 3 carloads turns into 20 to 30.

Also most people even take shortcuts when packing, like tossing things into paper bags, or just putting them in the back seat of the car. This can lead to a lot of damage to your valuables. So let the professionals at Marathon do all the handy work for you, for your own peace of mind. And don't worry we won't look at you cross-eyed if the distance between your new home and old home is 10 minutes.

It’s always a good idea when you’re moving somewhere, whether it is residential or internationally, that you prepare for the moving day. Even if Marathon is packing you, you still need to prepare yourself. Here are 10 steps to go through to prepare for the big day:

• Gather up essential items to take with you during the move, such as toiletries and clothes, and set aside the items in a small closet or cabinet that will not be accessible to packers or movers. If no such area is available, make certain items are clearly labeled not to move.
• Remove breakable and liquid items from drawers and cabinets for packing separately.
• Separate hazardous, flammable and combustible items from the rest of your household goods; either dispose of the items or pack separately to take with you.
• Locate all valuables, such as jewelry, collections and personal records, and pack separately to take with you.
• Defrost the refrigerator and freezer and dispose of perishable foods.
• Drain oils and fuels from power equipment such as lawn mowers.
• Take rugs and drapes to cleaners; when you pick them up later, leave them in wrappings for transport.
• Back up computer files and remove CDs from players.
• Strip beds and wash linens for packing.
• Call your mover to confirm the packers' arrival date and time.