Did you know the Western region is the most popular destination to move to in the United States, and the Great Lakes region sees the most outward bound migration? According to a recent van line migration study Michigan, Illinois and Indiana are 3 of the top 5 states that experienced the most outward bound moving. Washington DC was the most popular destination to move to, just ahead of Oregon which has had a high rate of inbound migration for 21 years! Nevada and Wyoming also experienced high rates of inbound moving.

Tip #11:
Keep important papers with you
Your list of “important” papers might include: birth certificates, school records, moving estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps, and more. Don’t leave these with your Austin moving company. Keep them with you! This way, you will have immediate access to them without having to dig through a dozen boxes or hunt all over your new house for the box you need. You may think you labeled your box of important papers well enough, but quite often it can be difficult to locate one particular box when you have your entire house packed into 100+ boxes spread all around. Keep in mind that although it is rare, occasionally boxes or small items are misplaced during a move. Your Austin mover will make every effort to get your mis-delivered item back to you as quickly as possible, but in the interim it could be frustrating to be without some of those essential documents. Better safe than sorry!

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Place an order for moving boxes and packing materials now!

Tip #9:
Use your luggage
Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. Even for local Austin moves you will be able to quickly spot your green suitcase holding your favorite sweaters, whereas “Box #97″ might remain elusive for days. Avoid packing books or heavy items in large suitcases, as these can be extremely difficult to move and may damage the luggage. Also avoid packing dishes or fragile items in suitcases or duffel bags, as luggage generally does not offer the same protection as boxes specifically designed for china and other delicate items. Be sure your Austin moving company knows that your inventory list will include suitcases and/or duffel bags. For local moves this may add to the time your move takes, and for interstate moves it will increase the weight or volume of your shipment. Either way, you want to be sure your estimate is as accurate as possible by providing your mover with the best information prior to your move.

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Place an order for moving boxes and packing materials now!

Tip #6:
Keep things together
Insist on keeping things together when you or your Austin moving company are packing boxes. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with tape or placed in small bags or envelopes (to keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf brackets with a bookcase, a special wrench and bolts with the wall unit, etc). Keep larger corresponding items (such as a cable TV cord or remotes) in ziplock bags, and tape these to the underside or back of the item. Alternatively, keep a “Parts Box” open on the kitchen counter and fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets, or nails that are removed from any items of furniture. It is a good idea to label the pieces so you remember what hardware goes with which item. Keep this parts box with you or label and mark it well with a rainbow of colored stickers so it can be easily located on move-in day!

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Place an order for moving boxes and packing materials now!

Your friends at Elephant Moving & Storage know that moving may not be the most fun you’ve ever had, but planning ahead will go a long way toward making the process bearable. Leaving everything until the last minute will only stress you out. A little preparation will help make you feel better about your local Austin move or interstate move. Nothing is worse than the feeling of helplessness that will overcome you if you schedule a move and are completely unprepared when the movers show up. Following are some simple tips and tricks to help you make the most of your moving experience, whether your move is a local Austin move or a cross country long distance move. And of course you can always contact our friendly office staff for additional suggestions or to ask specific questions about your move. We’re here to help!

Tip #1:
Make a list
Write everything down! Trust us, you will thank yourself later (like when your 8 year old is inconsolable and wants only his spiderman jammies…). 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 spiral-bound notebook for the job. Place a number on EVERY box you pack and specify the contents on your list. Don’t put the list down unless it is in a place you will call Packing Central. This is where you can find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies. When describing the box contents, be specific — “A-D files” is better than “files”, and “flower dishes” better than “misc. kitchen”. The more specific you are, the less you will have to dig for necessary items later on.

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Place an order for moving boxes and packing materials now!

At Elephant Moving and Storage we strive to maintain the highest quality services. Our movers work hard to get your valued possessions moved safely across town or across the country. Ocassionally, however, despite all efforts and precautions, small damages may occur. It is important to remember that all claims must be submitted in writing. A phone call will not be sufficient to process your claim! If you have a damage claim the best way to begin the claims process is to submit your claim to our claims department by emailing claims@elephantmovingaustin.com. Please include your name, the date of your move, a description of the item and the damage that occurred, the value of the item, and what you are asking for as compensation. If you have photographs of the damage please send those along with your claim.

Be advised that damage claims will be limited to $.60 per pound per article as noted on our local and long-distance moving contracts. This is the basic level of liability that is included in the rates for moving. If you purchased additional moving insurance coverage through MovingInsurance.com then you must submit your claim directly to them online at http://www.movinginsurance.com/claim/login.asp. For any damage to floors, walls, doors, and painted surfaces, Elephant Moving’s liability is limited to $50.00.

Also, please note that pressed wood and particle board furniture are exempt from any insurance or valuation coverage (this includes the basic $.60 per pound and also any additional coverage from www.movinginsurance.com). This furniture is not stable, and is not meant to travel fully assembled. For further discussion on this topic please visit the pressed wood section of our blog. If you have questions about the claims process or insurance for your move please feel free to call our office and we will be happy to assist you.

At Elephant Moving & Storage we strive to maintain the highest quality moving services. And how do we do that? First and foremost, our experienced crews wrap all furniture in heavy duty quilted moving blankets before it is even moved in order to prevent damages. We don’t take items to the truck first then throw blankets over them as we load. This offers very little protection, since most of the damage will occur in doorways, tight spaces such as hallways and on stairs.

When purchasing moving insurance for your local or long-distance move you should be sure to read the fine print carefully! There are some things that are not covered by any moving insurance policy. Boxes, containers and items that are packed by owner (PBO) are excluded from full coverage – the maximum amount that will be paid for these items is $250. If there are items that need to be boxed or otherwise packaged that you would like insured for above this amount then you will need to order packing services from your Austin mover in order to get full replacement coverage.

Delicate and fragile items - including glass tables/tops, marble tables/tops, slates, paintings, framed pictures, chandeliers, display cases – must be professionally packed and/or crated in wooden or other protective containers to be covered. Wrapping such items in moving pads only does not constitute professional packing and are not covered. All lamps, including floor or pole lamps not professionally packed in cartons specifically made for this item will be excluded from coverage. Loss and/or damage to articles not professionally wrapped with special moving pads, bubble wrap, and/or shrink-wrap will also be excluded from coverage. Mattresses and boxsprings are specifically excluded from coverage unless packed by the mover in mattress cartons specifically designed for this purpose. Shrink-wrap alone does not constitute proper protection.

The following items are excluded from coverage regardless of how they are packaged:
jewelry, watches, gem stones, cash, currency or bank notes, deeds, travelers cheques, coin or stamp collections,
sports memorabilia, alcoholic beverages, negotiable items, furs or garments trimmed with fur, plasma televisions, firearms and
ammunition, or contraband. Loss or damage to motorcycles is not covered. Wrinkled or soiled clothing, linens, drapes, or rugs are also excluded.

*** Moving insurance excludes damage to any furniture constructed of veneered chipboard, particle board, composite board, pressed wood or similar. Any reduction in quality arising as the result of dismantling or reassembling of any such items of furniture is also excluded. Click here for other posts on this subject. ***

And perhaps the most important exclusion to remember: Items not listed on the movers’ inventory prepared at origin are not covered. Items not shipped are not insured. Be sure to double check the inventory your Austin movers have prepared for your shipment!

As with any insurance policy, it is important to read through your moving insurance policy information so that you are aware of all exclusions and exceptions to the coverage. If you have any questions or concerns talk to your move coordinator.

The insurance offered on your move covers only the items that the movers are transporting. Please be advised that our liability is limited to $100.00 for damage to floors, walls, doors, and painted surfaces.

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Get a quote for moving insurance now!

More moving insurance options:

Total Loss Only
This coverage is for a specified dollar amount and pays only in the case of catastrophic loss. Small damages are not covered by this type of insurance. Benefits of this coverage include low cost and protection against a major accident or disaster.

Add-on options for full replacement value moving insurance include pairs and sets coverage and mechanical and electrical derangement coverage. Pairs and sets will replace a full set of something if only one or part of the set is damaged. The mechanical coverage covers internal working of mechanical and electrical devices (without this add-on coverage, only physical damage to the unit itself is covered).

Movinginsurance.com also covers storage in our warehouse (self storage facilities are not covered). A policy purchased for a local or interstate move is good for up to 90 in our storage facility. Customers can also purchase extensions of this coverage on a monthly basis to cover periods longer than 90 days.

All of our basic and increased insurance options cover the goods that we transport and store. None of these options cover damage to the premises we work in. Be advised that Elephant Moving’s liability is limited to $100.00 for damage to floors, walls, doors, and painted surfaces.

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Get a quote for moving insurance now!

Elephant Moving and Storage is pleased to offer a variety of increased insurance options for customers moving locally, interstate, or coming into storage. The basic coverage of $.60 per pound per article is included automatically and free of charge with every move, and also with all storage. The two most popular additional coverages our customers most frequently purchase for their interstate relocation are ‘Total Loss Only’ and ‘Full Replacement Value.’

Full Replacement Value – Lump Sum
This coverage is for a specified dollar amount (customer states that shipment is worth $XX,XXX). Any items specifically valued at greater than $500 must be noted at the time of purchase. Damaged and destroyed items are covered at full replacement value up to the lump sum amount of the insurance. Customers should be careful not to undervalue their total shipment since compensation is limited to the total lump sum amount specified at the time of purchase.

Full Replacement Value – Valued Inventory
This coverage offers full replacement coverage for a list of select items. You will be prompted to create an inventory list that includes the name, value and condition of each item. Damage to listed items is covered, but items not included on the valued inventory are not covered by the additional moving insurance (the basic coverage of $.60 per pound will apply to these items).

Stay tuned for more information on other types of moving insurance that are available for your local or long-distance move with Elephant Moving & Storage…

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Get a quote for moving insurance now!