item list for movingThis is a question the sales staff at Elephant Moving hears frequently. Many customers want to know why we need an accurate item list for moving from them if we are charging by the hour.

REASON #1:

The most important reason is to make sure that we are sending the right size crew of movers to each and every move. We want to make sure that your moving experience is a positive one! Elephant Moving strives to maintain a consistent level of quality and service. If the crew is too small for the job the move will not go well. The crew will become fatigued and that leads to damages!…

moving insuranceWhen purchasing moving insurance coverage 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 third party 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 mover in order to get full replacement coverage.…

moving seasonThat’s right, summer is here, and that means it’s moving season!

Did you know that 70% of all moves take place during the summer months? Elephant Moving would like to wish Austin a safe and successful moving season this summer! Here are a few tips to help you get through your summer move:

As always, be sure that your mover is a licensed moving company that carries the proper insurances.

Check with the Texas Department of Transportation (for local moving) and/or the U.S. Dept of Transportation (for interstate moving) to make sure your potential movers are currently licensed.

Be Aware

Be aware that all movers charge higher rates during the peak season.…

prepare for your interstate moveHow to prepare for your interstate move: Order moving supplies!

As you prepare for your interstate move and you move through the steps of the moving process, you will find it helpful to have boxes and other moving supplies on hand. Start packing some of your non-essentials as you begin cleaning closets and paring down; you will be glad later.

Packing is far less overwhelming when you spread it out over weeks versus trying to cram it all into a couple of days. Also, before you begin any packing you will want to review our packing tips. Because who wants to pack anything twice?…

Be an Informed Mover!

In order to be an informed mover, start by creating a “move file.” You will need a place to keep important information and receipts for your long distance moving related expenses. Contact the IRS or visit their web site to determine what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return.

be an informed moverMake sure to file contact information for Elephant Moving & Storage and any other special services (such as vehicle movers) you might need.

Do Research

Research your new community. Start by visiting your new city and state’s web sites or contact their chambers of commerce for relocation packets.…

preparing for interstate movingOur next tip for preparing for interstate moving: Take inventory!

preparing for interstate moving just got easier; Sorting through your home prior to your long distance move gives you the opportunity to take inventory of your belongings. Make a list of everything you decide to keep and assign replacement values for insurance purposes. Make note of items that are difficult to replace. Either carry these items with you or ship them by insured or certified mail.

Such items might include:

  • Photos and home videos
  • Birth certificates, wills and other legal documentation
  • Jewelry, rare coins and special collections
  • Stock certificates, insurance policies and financial records
  • Computer diskettes with backups of important files

Know what you will need upon arrival to your new home

Plan ahead and make a checklist of things you will need to pack in suitcases and an “essentials” box.…

prepare for interstate movesOur next tip for how to prepare for interstate moves is: Start Paring Down!

Cross country moving is tough, but it can also be an opportunity. We want to help you prepare for interstate moves and make this process as painless as possible. This is the perfect time to get rid of the extra stuff you have accumulated. Take it one room at a time and prepare to make tough decisions.

Survey each room and ask yourself:

  • Does this have sentimental or monetary value?
  • Does anyone really use it?
  • Is it worth lugging around?
  • Is there room for it in our new home?
…

moving box kitsNot sure precisely what moving boxes you need? Try our bundled moving box kits!

Each kit contains 18 boxes (9 small, 6 medium, 3 large) and 1 roll of 55-yard tape.

This mix of moving boxes is perfect for packing up all your nonfragile items such as books, files, clothes, shoes, pots and pans, pantry items and all the various odds and ends you may have in your home or office.

Each kit includes enough boxes to pack up to 500 square feet.

Use as many kits as needed for the size of your home:

  • 500 – 1000 square feet: 2 kits
  • 1000 – 1500 square feet: 3 kits
  • 1500 – 2000 square feet: 4 kits
  • 2000 – 2500 square feet: 5 kits
  • 2500 – 3000 square feet: 6 kits
  • 3000+ square feet: 7+ kits

Supplement the kit as needed with wardrobe boxes, dish packs, bubble wrap and packing paper.…

preparing for your long distance moveAn interstate move is different from a local move.

We help with preparing for your long distance move. Since your things are travelling much further than on a local move it is important to package them accordingly. On local moves you may notice that your local Austin moving company is able to move some items that are not boxed. This includes TVs, computer components and other small electronics, items in certain types of bags, and awkward items such as fans, lamps and humidifiers.

On local moves Elephant Moving Company has specialized bins in our moving trucks that allow your crew to wrap and protect these things and secure them for transport.…

interstate movingElephant Moving offers long distance – interstate moving to any destination in the United States.

For your interstate moving needs… Our crews pack and wrap everything with the greatest care to ensure it makes its journey to your new location safely. All furniture is pad wrapped in heavy duty moving blankets and secured with strong tape so it remains wrapped throughout the trip.

Each customer receives a copy of an itemized inventory of everything that is shipped to help eliminate the possibility of misplaced items in transit.

Don’t Forget…

When packing for your long distance move it is important to remember that all small and loose items must be boxed for an interstate trip – Elephant Moving can provide all the boxes, crates and materials you need, along with detailed instructions for anything you are unsure how to pack.…