Sunday, October 30, 2011

Schools Moving to Replace ISTEP with Common Core - Courier Press News

EVANSVILLE — Tri-State schools are moving toward a set of new academic standards that will replace ISTEP testing and are aimed at better preparing students to tackle the highly competitive world.
Changes are already visible in kindergarten classes and will lead to tests that replace ISTEP.
Common Core Standards were developed by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers.
Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois are among more than 40 states implementing Common Core. All three states are part of another consortium that will construct assessments on the standards for grades K-12; Indiana is among the governing states in that effort.
Full implementation is to occur in 2014. ISTEP still will be given to grades 3-8 in Indiana through 2014. Because current Indiana kindergarteners will take the new assessment in third grade, kindergarten teachers this year are implementing Common Core Standards.
Traditional state standards and Common Core have similarities, but the main differences lie in how skills are applied.
Teacher training on Common Core is ongoing in the Catholic Diocese of Evansville. Daryl Hagan, director of local Catholic schools, said the new standards will be more challenging for students and allow for more relevant state-to-state comparisons of academic data.
Traditional state standards and Common Core have similarities, but the main differences lie in how skills are applied.
"It includes more hands-on activity, immersing them in problem-solving and different methods of learning and not just sitting down with pencil and paper," said Tina Schmitt, a kindergarten teacher at Oakdale Elementary School in Warrick County.
Even in kindergarten-level math, Common Core Standards strive to show children that "there's more than just one path to a correct answer," Schmitt said.
Indiana standards focus on application of skills to an extent, but educators agree that Common Core takes that to a higher level. Technology is to be a major component.
"Instead of just asking kids to recall information in science pieces, it actually asks them to take those content skills and use them to develop a brochure, or to do a certain piece of writing based on some things they've read," said Emily Smith-McCormick, director of professional development for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp.
"There's going to be multiple ways to approach the instruction, however if you look at the rigor of what the standards say and what kids should be able to do, they definitely have to apply those skills that they are learning, across information (sources) that maybe are new to them," Smith-McCormick said.
EVSC officials said some existing curriculum programs reflect Common Core philosophy. New Tech Institute, a high school in its second year, focuses on group work and project-based learning.
They also pointed to a Harrison High School class where students create brochures or videos for nonprofit agencies as part of their language arts instruction.
"The focus is on college and career-readiness," said Velinda Stubbs, EVSC director of Title I schools.
Testing under Common Core, which is to eventually replace ISTEP, is to be administered throughout the school year. ISTEP is currently given each spring.
Assessments will be computerized, and Smith-McCormick said emphasis is placed on literacy skills across all grade levels and all content areas, "including those that maybe we wouldn't think of as being literacy oriented, like math, or even some of the technical trade areas. That may be something that parents see changing in the assignments that are coming home."
An acronym parents will hear more about is PARCC – the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers. PARCC is developing "the next generation assessment system" for U.S. students. in K-12, with a $186 million U.S. Department of Education grant.
PARCC already released a few sample test items. EVSC Chief Academic Officer Dan Ulrich said the school district is using those in professional development sessions with teachers. Students will be exposed to them, as well.
"We want to get them used to giving the test, and we want the students to get used to seeing it," Ulrich said.
Kindergarten classes are already immersed in Common Core. At Oakdale Elementary, Schmitt said she and her fellow teachers met every week to prepare for the new school year.
EVSC kindergarten teachers also worked for months on the change, and "as with any transition, as you get further into it, sometimes the more questions you have," Smith-McCormick said. "That's why schools have had faculty meetings, team meetings, collaboration time for teachers supported not only by expertise within the team but also coaches we have within the district."



Source:  http://www.courierpress.com/news/2011/oct/29/no-headline---_ev_school-standards/?partner=yahoo_feeds




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Friday, October 28, 2011

Moving is Expensive - Can You Afford It?

I bet you can't, or at least I bet it's going to cost you more than you think it will.

I've moved four times since 1992, which was the last time I had to pay for the move. My companies have always shouldered the tab. This move we're about to make to south Louisiana is on my own dime. I had no idea how expensive it was going to be! We don't have a lot of stuff -- we're living in a fairly compact three-bedroom apartment now. Don't be fooled by "three-bedroom;" it's not that big. And yet, when we got estimates from various moving companies, the rock-bottom cheapest was $8,000.

Eight thousand dollars, just to transport our stuff from here to there. And that was the best bid. Did you know that states impose tariffs to move your stuff into and out of particular states? We discovered that to hire someone to cart our stuff over the Pennsylvania state lines adds something like $1,300 to the cost of the move, because of a state-imposed tariff. And moving into Louisiana adds $300 to the bill, because of state tariffs. I had no idea.

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How to Get Accurate Moving Quotes

If you are scheduled to move house soon, you may be concerned with cutting back on the expenses involved to make this move a reality. Hiring a moving company can really eat up the bulk of the money that you set aside for moving so one is advised to shop around for the best moving quotes that would suit your budget.
Even as you consider saving money with the moving companies out there, bear in mind that sometimes going with a mover that offers cheap moving rates could eventually cost you a lot more at the end of the moving day. Most of the cheap moving companies are usually new in the field and they usually employ scamming tactics in order to make quick money. Your best bet would be to get in touch with a professional mover who can offer you excellent service at really low prices. All you have to do is to locate them.
You would be happy to know that the Internet is very resourceful in providing you with a list of moving quotes that you would need. As you seek out the moving companies that would be best for you, be sure to pay attention to all the services that are offered and only choose the one that would best suit your needs. Find out if the companies offer any type of coverage or warranty should your items get damaged or lost en route to your new home.
You may find some moving companies that would not care of disclose such information. These are the first warning signs of companies that you should be distancing yourself from. If you are to receive an estimate from any moving company they would more than likely calculate distance from the old home to the new as well as the weight of your items in addition to special services that you have requested.
There are two types of quotes that you can receive from a mover. These are a binding and a non-binding quote. You can receive a binding quote from the movers after they have seen your items in person and have weighed and evaluated it before they are transported. On the other hand in a non-binding scenario these are quotes that are estimated without seeing the mover seeing your items and these prices are subject to change on moving day to a higher price after your items have been seen and evaluated.










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Moving and the Environment

More than ever a lot of concern is put on the environment and a lot of organizations are doing what they can to preserve the earth. You can also do your part by conserving the environment when you decide to move. This is achieved by the type of moving boxes and materials that you use. You would also be saving money in the process as well.
Boxes are widely used in any move and you can really help the environment if you were to reuse recycled boxes that you have or get used ones from your friends and family. Even if you do not live close enough to people who would give you boxes, you can go online where you will find boxes to use on your move. And after you move, you can donate your boxes back to the websites so that others can use it as well.
Even when you are bolstering your moving box, if you have to use foam peanuts be sure to get the one that is biodegradable. Foam peanuts are reusable so if you do not have any use for them after you have moved, you should pass it on to someone you may know that is moving. If the foam peanuts are not available then you can secure your items with the use of newspapers or even recycled newspapers.
There are some products that although not suitable for recycling they are certainly good for passing along to someone else to use. Bubble wrap is such a product and you can either give it to someone who is moving who visit one of the postal agencies who would gladly reuse it for mailing. Finally a packed moving box would not be complete with the use of scotch tape to seal it close and although this product is also non-recyclable by using it in moderation you would be privately doing your part for the environment.









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Thursday, October 27, 2011

Hire a Mover or Do-It-Yourself

You’ve finally outgrown your current residence and have made the decision to move to another home. Since you may have an idea about where you are moving to and you may even have a moving date in mind, the next step would be to decide if you want to either hire a mover or get the moving job done yourself.
One of the obvious advantages of self-moving is that it would cost you less to move from one destination to another. On the other hand you would find that hiring a professional mover would alleviate all your stress especially when it comes to loading and transporting your household items. So which one should you choose? 
For the person that is considering a self move, you will get to save money on every aspect of the move. You will also have free reign on how you pack and load your items on the truck on moving day. As the person in charge of your own move, you are also able to choose where items should be placed in the moving truck and if you are renting the truck for the day, you can make your moving time a little bit more flexible.
On the downside of self-moving you would have a lot more organizing to do which would include everything from choosing your moving day to loading and driving the moving truck or finding someone to do it for you. Also, it is obvious that such a move isn’t a one man job so this means that you would have to get help from your family and friends. Even if your friends and family volunteer to assist you, you would have to move on a day when it is good for everyone involved and when they all have clear schedules.
Taking on a huge task as a self-move can ultimately burn you out in the long run that by the time you get to your new home it could be days until you unpack. If the lack of money is the reason why you are reluctant to hire a professional mover and the self-move is more doable then you should start planning as soon as you make up your mind to move. Moving experts would tell you that it is always wise to reserve your truck as soon as you decide which date you want to move. Ensure that the truck that you rent is the right size and that it would hold all your items comfortably. In addition, do not forget to properly label your boxes, reinforce the ones with the fragile items inside of them and keep a list of all the items that you have packed for your move.
Finally if you are driving the moving truck, remember to always adhere to the truck driving road laws. Most of the times you need a special license to drive moving trucks. However if you do not have a license, we suggest that you hire someone to drive the vehicle en-route to your new home.









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Should You Tip Local Movers?

After all the hard work that the movers have done for you on your moving day, the least you can do is to tip them. Movers who work with local moving companies are especially deserving of a tip since they are some of the hardest working people in the business.
While it is easy to go to a restaurant, enjoy a great meal and then be able to tip your server with an amount that you deem a fair token of your appreciation, it isn’t so easy when it comes to tipping movers. Tipping movers from a moving company could be somewhat tricky since you have a lot of people involved in your move. Not only will the driver play a significant role in your move but you also have other workers to take into consideration which include those who pack, load, unload and unpack.
Moving experts would tell you that first priority tipping should first go to the driver since he is the one who is not only driving the vehicle but is the one giving orders and directions to the movers. The tip that you give to the driver should be a little bit more generous than you would the other representatives from the moving company because not only is the driver making sure that the packing and loading process comes off without a hitch but he is also the one responsible for driving your items safely to your new home. Tips should be given to each worker only after they have completed their task and should be around $25 dollars for each mover if these workers are only involved in your move from your old location.
However if the movers are also working to unload and unpack at your new home, then their tip should range from $100 and up, especially if they have a lot of household items to transport. For a much easier approach to tipping, you can also work up a percentage that you wish to pay the entire crew and then divide the fee among the movers.  On the other hand if you are low on cash but really want to show your appreciation to the movers and driver you can also do so by simply attending to their needs while they relocate your household items. Have your refrigerator filled with cold beverages for the movers so that they can quench their thirsts when they take a break from moving. A job this tedious can also make you hungry and so you may want to also consider getting them something to eat like perhaps some sandwiches or maybe you can order a pizza as well.









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Packing Essential Supplies for Transportation or Storage

Moving can be a hassle, however there are some things you can do to help ensure your moving experience as easy as possible. One of the most important things you can do is make sure you are prepared for shipment before it is time to go.
Abraham Maslow once said: “If the only tool you have is a hammer, then every problem looks like a nail.” Having the proper tools is essential for easy relocation process. What tools? Here we’re talking about packing supplies and boxes.
If you have all the right packaging materials and supplies, on the one hand will save time, energy and stress. Here is a list of packing supplies you should have before you even think about starting to pack anything:
Boxes – “Yes,  that’s obvious. But having the right size and the number of boxes is important. Boxes are available in many places. A lot of businesses will give you extra empty free boxes if you ask. In addition, a wide variety of boxes for sale in packaging and services, home improvement and department stores, post offices, etc. Be sure to get boxes of different sizes. Great light, bulky and heavy for small items like books. And do not be afraid to get a lot. It’s always more than you think.
Packing Tape- Buy some good-quality packing tape. Depending on the amount of packaging you have to do, you may need several rolls. Even for small houses or apartments, a roll of tape is almost never enough. It may also be a good idea to buy duct tape that comes with a built-in dispenser. These tape dispensers that taping up boxes easier and faster.
The packaging material -Save old newspapers for a few weeks before your move. Newspapers make good packing material for most household items. The most sensitive and valuable items in your home need a little more every day. Bubble wrap, foam peanuts, and blankets provide excellent protection for breakable and fragile goods.
Tags – These are optional, but if you will not be able to write directly on the packaging, or if you can not see what you wrote, you might want to buy or make some labels.







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How to Move a Fish Tank

Whether it’s a long distance or local move, moving a fish tank can be a real demanding task.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that stress to your pets makes them more exposed to disease. Therefore you should keep the stress at a least possible. Below we will provide you with some guide as well as the order in which process needs to be done. With a little arrangement your relocation should be quite not difficult and rewarding.

The last item you should move from your home is your fish tank. Make your fish tank the last thing you take apart. At the same time, make sure that it is the very first thing you appear to once moving truck arrives to your new home.

Even though fresh and salt water fish are shipped around the world all the time, it’s not recommended doing so. If your new residence is further than 6 hours from your present one, you should think of finding a new home for your fish. You may want to think out selling your fish and start over. Moving less than an hour makes it easier. You can place your fish in the styrofoam buckets or plastic bags. Make sure to keep them in the dark, as this will decrease stress

Try to keep as much of your fish tank water as you can. If you re-use this water, adjusting to newly setup fish tank will take a lot less time with a lower chance of disease. As far as live plants, move them in a bag or container using some of the old tank water. Leave the gravel and small decorations in the tank with enough water to cover them.

As soon as you arrive at your new home start by setting up your fish tank. Fill it with as much water as you were transporting with you and complete with fresh water if needed. Next, get your filters running quickly. Add your decorations in the tank and finally transfer your fish.

The loss of fish due to relocation is a common thing. If you are moving locally simply follow the tips above and everything should be fine. Just ensure to underrate the stress on your fish and prevent the bacteria.










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Moving Guide for a Successful Move

In this article, we’ll provide genuine moving guide to people who are in the process of relocation . You’re probably planning where to begin and what to take, so let’s make a moving guide for you to keep.
Step 1:
This sounds like an obvious step, but it is overlooked too often. The opportunity has arisen in this time you can get rid of your junk and have more space in your new home, and decrease your workload and expenses on the moving  day. This is especially valuable if you move to another state. Remember, the large shipment means large money. Take a good look at your belongings, and think if you really want to transport everything with you.  Ask yourself when was the last time you used that particular item, and force yourself to throw away. Use it or lose it, it’s that simple.
Step 2:
We all have those things that can not be away from us, like photo albums, cash and jewelry, artwork, and of course our clothes and cooking utensils, all these can be packed weeks before the moving day. If you can sort by executing in essence, and the cash surplus before long, suddenly discover that the workload on moving day is a much more manageable. If you can get this phase completed before getting moving quotes, it follows that we can expect rates to be much more affordable. You can leave your boxes unsealed in case of need to find that special pair of shoes or other knick knacks. Stack boxes to fill your wall in each room, ready to seal them until just before moving day.
Step 3:
Relax. With steps one and two complete you can take some rest. You can give yourself a pat on the back at this moment and know that your moving task goes as planned. You’re going to need your clothes, wash kit, a couple of towels and breakfast in the morning, but everything else can be packed. Make sure to keep the coffee out and a series of cups and spoons, milk and sugar. Everyone has a mid-morning on the day and is much nicer to have a cup of tea or coffee. Particularly valuable here is that you get a good sleep. Moving Day is a long day, you should be refreshed and energized ready to rock and roll.
Step 4:
You must be washed, dressed and fed before your movers arrive. Then you have to get the breakfast dishes washed and packed. You may pack your washing kit, but leave a towel and some soap in the bathroom. Strip your beds down and the stock sheets, pillows and duvets. Seal all boxes that have been open so far and you’re done. When the movers arrive, they can go straight to work. Once all the boxes and furniture carried out, go through your rooms and closets to make sure nothing was left behind.









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Questions for Movers

Choosing a professional moving company for your next moving project should go very easy especially if you are armed with many questions to ask them. Such a huge moving project like this needs to be done with great precision so that you are not disappointed come moving day. Those who find themselves disgruntled after moving day is mainly as a result of not doing their homework when it comes to finding out more about the moving company. You want to work with a company that you can trust and to be able to work along with a moving company that has your best interest at heart. Price quotes may be your top priority as far as getting more information is concerned but just think about how many other pertinent issues are worth discussing with your movers. You may have a mover that would give you a steal of a deal when it comes to a price quote but is the moving company licensed to operate a moving business?
These are questions that you should be asking. In addition, it would also be great to find out what sets this particular moving company apart from the rest? Moving experts would tell you that a company should be able to provide you with at least three positive reasons why you should choose their company over their competitors. Any company that is willing to drag their competitors in the mud based on rumors in order win you over as a customer isn’t even worth considering doing business with.
A reputable moving company would not think twice in showing you a copy of their moving license and insurance upon request nor would they have problems providing you with the owner’s name and their mailing address as well. Find out how long the company has been in existence and also get information about the length of time the employees have been there as well. You want to be locked in to a stable company with employees who have been there for several years who would be a bit more trustworthy than someone who has recently joined the company.  Get information about the company’s hiring tactics and if they perform background checks on the moving crew that they hire. Also, get references from former customers so you can speak with them and get feedback from their moving experience with the company.
Is your prospective moving company a member of the Better Business Bureau? What is their rating with the company and do they have a list of consumer complaints? If the company would not provide this information to you, you can always check out the Better Business Bureau’s website at www.bbb.com where you can research the information yourself. Don’t be alarmed if the company you are checking has a satisfactory rating; not every customer would be pleased with a moving service. It is how the moving company handles the whole incident is what speaks volumes about the company that you should choose.

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Common Moving Mistakes

Many people make common mistakes when they are planning their move. In this article you will find some general moving tips and tricks that will help make your moving process a lot less nerve-racking and maybe actually enjoyable.
Begin early! Start creating a checklist of all the things you will need to do at least a month before. Prepare a list with phone numbers of utilities, phone service, cable, internet service provider, and etc. Make sure to visit the US Post Office and get a change of address form and fill up all the information that you have.
New moving boxes, made especially for moving and storage, recommended to be used. Get your boxes and moving supplies at least a month in advance because you should pack consistently in the weeks going up to your big day. Always get more than you think you, because it’s always more than you think. If you buy the supplies and boxes from the local moving company who will be transporting your belongings, it is simple to return unused ones on the day of the move and deduct it from your final bill. Get some quality packaging tape and lots of it.
In a hurry to get everything done on time, many people end up in a mad dash to get everything packed, and don’t decently take care of fragile items. Moving requires a lot of stacking, even when handled by professional movers. Packing properly claims more time but drastically cuts back the number of things that will get damaged. Not packing breakable items precisely can leave damaged or ruined items.
Another big problem with first-time movers that they hire the wrong moving company, generally looking for the cheapest moving rates they can find. Moving scams are common, and many times the the consumers receive an exceptionally low moving quote, but the company will hold your possessions hostage on their moving truck until you pay much more money than your original quote showed.
By having everything appropriately packed and marked, you will be quickening your moving day which will save you money on your move. If you simply follow these tips, your moving day will be quite a bit less nerve-wracking; and if you hire a good, legitimate moving company who is fully licensed and insured, then you will not have any problems with your move.

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How to Select Piano Movers

Relocating from one home to another is never simple task. It is difficult to move your furniture and boxes, but if you have a piano, moving gets even harder. Finding a mover that you will be able to trust to manage your piano the right way is critical. Here are a few tips to take into consideration when you are choosing your piano moving company.
The first factor to consider is whether the company of choice practice  exclusively in moving pianos or household items. Some furniture movers are trained and equipped to handle pianos but some are not. It may be worth to hire professional piano movers for the piano and residential moving company for everything else. This is since the moving of a piano is intriguing and a company that handles only pianos will probably have more knowledge with that type of a job. If you want your moving company to move the piano be sure to ask about their experience of moving pianos.
The next factor to consider is the crew scheduled for your move. What kind of training they have or how many pianos have they done? Apparently, the more experience that they have the better for you. You want a crew that works good together and has been handling pianos for long time.
Now, you you may want to look at the moving trucks. Pianos require exceptional care so that they don’t get damaged during transportation. The trucks should be well treated, with good suspension. Should you have to store your piano, then you should check the storage facility too. You want your piano stored in a climate controlled facility where it is not subject to acute temperature variations.
Regardless of everyone’s best efforts, damages can occur on a move. To take care of your property and piano be sure that your picked moving company is licensed and insured. This will cut down any chance of financial loss.
Although it may be more convenient just to have your moving company to move your piano, it is well worth the try to research all of your choices. As with anything else, before you hire a piano mover, be sure to go over with local agencies like the Better Business Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce. And always check the reviews from past customers.









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Moving Scammers – How to Fight Them

Getting into the hands of scam movers is becoming more and more frequent. You can’t really see this coming when you get involved with them, but before you recognize what is going on you may have lost some of your property or received badly damaged furniture with no prompt hope of redemption. Their style of business changes, but most scam companies will give you laughably cheap moving estimate just to get the job first with very doubtful purposes and motives.
They may ask for a little deposit, pack your belongings, load everything in their moving trucks and leave your old home in an alleged drive to your new home. You may be waiting for hours to hear from them till you call their office. This is even unusual when you think of the fact that they should have at least keep you informed before leaving the old home but that is not the scenario in many cases. They would drive off with your possessions and wait for you to pay more money, in some cases double than what was earlier agreed on. There is hope for you if you end up in this position but even before it occurs, you have to take some accordingly preparatory steps.
Here is what you should do if you feel being scammed by a moving company.
Ensure that you document everything that happens between you and the company. Keep all your records , the total amount you two agreed on at first, the deposit you had already paid and the amount the sneakily want to take from you.
The minute you find out that you’re being scammed or that your possessions are being held hostage till you pay extra money, you should purposely and accordingly keep all phone communication, who you talked with, the dates, emails and any other documented proofs that will help you to demonstrate you case. Doing these will assist you to regain your goods by the legal means and bring out the crime of such company.
The doubtful behaves of such scam moving companies are wrong and should be convicted and fought by all in the community. Connect with the closest BBB and describe your case and you will be able to brief your lawyer while this is happening. Be ready to battle for your rights and help to stop scammers in our community.
If everyone that has been scammed by moving companies decided to get compensate, the scammers actions may have been cut down to minimum or even stopped since they’d have discovered that it is no more beneficial to betray their customers.








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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

How to Prepare Electronics for a Move

If you are planning to move, then it is probably you have to think about how to pack your household items. It is crucial to pack up electronics carefully so that you will be able to continue to enjoy them at your new residence. Here are some packing tips.
Mark each part before taking apart. It requires a time to find out which cables go where for electronics. So, before you start taking apart your electronics, make some labels. Taking apart your electronic equipment will be really easy with tags on both the cable and the fitting spot. You should either apply colors or numbers to match cables and ports. Check it twice to ensure the stickers are securely tied so they won’t shift during the transportation.
Make certain that your wires are secured. When it’s a time to unpack, don’t leave yourself dragged in a web of cables. Bring down stress by folding cables together ready for arranging the electronics in a new location. Losing a cord is the worse thing that can occur. You should have no problems finding everything you need once you move to your new home, since everything will stick together in the same place.
Many people will find that basic packaging supplies are not good to use when packing electronic equipment. Some of them in reality will harm your electronics. Special packing stores sell bubble wrap that is anti-static. Always place the larger pieces on the bottom and add smaller items on top. Fill out empty parts of the box with bubble wrap. And if possible, put a few smaller items on top. Then ensure all holes are filled with loose bubble wrap, so that nothing will shift during transportation.
Label the box properly. When you’re done packing your electronics, simply tape it and mark it as ‘fragile’.









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Moving Specialty Items

Moving specialty items can be somewhat complicated job. Frequently we decide to ask a family member or friend to help with these heavy and antique items thinking it’s a small job. However, while it may seem a small job, it requires professionals who know how to handle these types of specialty items.
As a matter of fact, pianos should be moved only by certified piano moving companies. A professional piano mover will have the essential moving equipment to secure your piano for the entire time. Many times when you call moving companies and require about piano services, the response will be “yes”. But if they are not specialized in piano there is a big risk to your instrument. There are special equipments and tools used by professional piano movers that ensure a safe delivery of your precious instrument.
The same applies for moving antique items, or slate pool table. These items also demand professional movers who have all the necessary tools and supplies to secure a safe transportation for your antique items. In many cases there are additional charges associated with this type of moves, also moving minimums, because it’s typically one or two items you’re relocating. However, the experience and confidence you get with a professional company far outweighs the price. There is no guarantee that your precious item will be delivered safely with an inexperienced company. Moving pianos, antique items and pool table moves are complicated.
So, when you call around to get a quote for moving your piano, ensure you make them aware of the type of piano such as spinet, upright or baby grand. If you need antiques moved, define the type and form so they can decide if crating besides pad wrapping is required. And if you’re moving a pool table, mention its size and type. Some pool tables need to be taken apart and reassembled. All of this information is important for movers for a precise moving quote. Location of these items is also important. All this information helps the them to decide the number of movers and moving tools required to assure a successful loading and unloading process. A professional mover will always figure out the best possible move plan and utmost protection of your valuable items.









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Selecting a Right Size Truck

One of the hardest aspects of a self move is trying to determining the size of the moving truck to rent.  No one wants to rent a truck that is too big where their household items are sliding all over the place as well as making a few trips back and forth from the old house to the new can be both tiring and expensive too.  So just what size truck do you get? Well it may seem obvious that if you have chunky furniture, your best bet would be to get a larger sized van while smaller trucks are ideal for carrying around small furniture, perhaps those that are compact or easy to break down and placed on the truck.
Moving experts however are of the opinion that regardless of the size of your household items, you choose a truck that is larger in size. Depending on which truck rental company you hire, they would more than likely provide you with a general idea as to what type of vehicle you should rent for your specific household items. For instance, if you currently live in a studio apartment that has three rooms worth of household items, then you should rent a truck that is 12-15 feet. Twenty-foot trucks are recommended for those who have five rooms of stuff while a home that has eight rooms of household items should be placed in a 24 foot truck.
Now that the sizing of the truck is out of the way, you can begin your search for a truck rental company. Moving experts would recommend that you get quotes from at least three truck rental companies ahead of moving day. When you call them, be sure to ask them for a price as it regards to the size of the moving  truck that you are thinking about renting. Make sure that you read all the fine prints on the truck rental documents; there are usually many clauses in place that isn’t as straightforward as it seems. With that said, when reviewing the documents, ensure that you ask a lot of questions so that you would be clear on what you are getting into.
It goes without saying that if you move during the fall and winter months, you will be saving a lot of money than if you were to move during the summer months. However, if you can only move during the summer months, then you should try to book for truck rental way in advance.
Since this is a self-move it means that you would have to do everything on your own once you rent the truck. With that said, taking out an insurance policy on the moving truck highly recommended since most of these trucks are not insured. While you are at it, you should also get insurance for your household items as well just in case the worst happens on the road.
Finally, remember you would be the designated driver for your move; even if you are not driving, your probably have a friend or family member on stand by to do so. Whatever the case, when you decide on a truck company that suits your needs, you should go into the truck rental company and test out your chosen vehicle before leaving the premises. Spend that extra time checking out every aspect of the vehicle as you keep on the alert for leaks, faulty tires, brakes etc.









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Long Distance Movers

With jobs getting harder to find in current neighborhoods, more and more people are warming up to the idea of moving to other cities or even other states where it isn’t so hard to find a job. Unlike local moves, long distance moves are much more complicated and when searching for a long distance moving company you will have to do twice the work and research than you would when employing the services of a local mover.
One of the first things you would want to do is to secure a list of long distance movers searching for those that offer a reasonable enough price and those that have longevity and reliability in the business.
Think back at a time when one of your friends moved out of state or to another city that’s further away and find out from them if the service was satisfactory. If it was then  you can get the mover’s contact name, address and phone number and perhaps go down to the office to get additional information. You can also do an Internet search for long distance movers and read the testimonies from their former clients which would help you in your selection process. Usually, some of these websites have a testimonial section where they allow their past customers to speak of their services. These reviews are usually positive. However, a general web search on a particular long distance mover can yield mixed reviews which is what you would want before making a decision.
When you narrow it down to the long distance movers that most impress you then you can start to compile your questions for them as well as be prepared to provide them with relevant information that would determine the cost of your move. Ideally, the movers would first need to know where you are moving so that they can calculate the distance and miles. You can also give them a guesstimate about how many items you have in your home so that they can also determine the size of truck to send on moving day; one that would fit all of your household items in one trip. Usually long distance moves mean the higher risk for your items either being damaged or getting lost. With that in mind it would be in your best interest to find out if your long distance moving company provides moving insurance.
If you need packing assistance you should also let your moving company know of this and if you also need packing materials, your moving company could also assist you with that as well. When you meet with the moving company look around to see if they have certifications on the wall; this is a good indication  that you are working with professionals. You can also ask for references from past customers so you can contact them and find out more information about the moving company as well. There are some long distance companies that would not include your vehicle with the move or may ask you to drive to your new destination. It is imperative that you know what would happen to your vehicle; if the moving company cannot move it they can certainly refer you to a company that can get the job done.











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Moving for the First Time

If you are moving for the first time then stop and read this article before you proceed. There are a lot you need to know about moving that goes beyond packing and loading boxes; the more you know the more equipped you would be to come away from a moving experience all stress-free and of course with all your household items intact and your moving bills accurate.
If you do not have a set time to move like say you haven’t been evicted or have to leave urgently because of some issue with your home, then you should try to move within what movers refer to as their peak and off speak months. You must understand that the mover’s peak months are usually around summertime. And while the predominant sunshine provides gorgeous weather that makes your move run smoothly, it is also a season where movers and moving vehicles are in high demand. What this ultimately means is that you will also be charged a higher fee to move. Moving is also expensive especially during the holidays or at the end of the month so try to schedule your move during the week to save money.
If money is low, then you may want to move around the off-peak season which is usually in the colder months of fall and winter. As the temperatures drop low in most states, so do the prices to move so moving during these months may be a good idea for those who are strapped for cash.
Once you get your financial issues straightened out for the move and you decide on a date then you should start calling up a few moving companies either through the telephone directory or via a friend or family referral. The Internet is also very resourceful for searching for a right mover; you also get the opportunity to research the company to read what their past clients are saying about them.
After the research, narrow down your list of six prospective movers and call each of them with questions; the one mover you feel comfortable with you should schedule an immediate appointment. While at the mover’s office do not forget to ask him for a list of referrals but also check to see if he is certified to conduct such business.
What would usually happens after you select your mover is that they would send one of their moving consultants to take inventory of your household items so that they can give an estimate of how much it would all cost to move. The estimate can be a binding or non-binding estimate or a binding not to exceed estimate.
With a binding estimate you are asked to pay the exact amount that is quoted to you by the evaluating consultant whether or not the shipping costs is more or less.  With a Binding Not to Exceed estimate, the consultant would not only evaluate your items but he would also weigh the items as well. Sometimes at the weighing the shipping price on your items may be higher or lower than what was originally quoted by the moving consultant. By law if the price turns out to be lower than what you were originally changed then the consultant is obligated by law to charge you at the lower cost.
A non-binding estimate is the initial quote you would get from the consultant without them even visiting your home to see your household items. Usually they can guesstimate just by finding out how many rooms you have in your home or by the size of the home. You will pay nothing to the movers until they give you a final price which is yield after the move.









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Things to Think About Before Moving

Moving long distance is never an easy thing especially when you have to leave your friends and family behind, your job and comfort zone. But sometimes it is necessary to make a move in order to have a better life in terms of a job, marriage etc.
No matter the reason for moving out of your current state of residence, one should still put some thought into it before making such a big and life changing decision.
One of the first things that one should consider before moving is how much it would cost to do so. Start looking for long distance movers  within your area who specialize in state to state move. Remember to do your research into the company to ensure that they are reputable and have good customer standing. You can find out the latter by asking for referrals from the moving company. Experts would tell you to have at least two long distance moving companies on standby for your move just in case one of them does not pull through.
Next, when choosing a state to live in, you should pay attention to the cost of living as it compared to where you currently live. It would not be a wise decision to move to a state where the cost of living is expensive especially if you are trying to move on your current income. With that said moving long distance to an expensive state is only recommended if you are moving for to a new job that pays twice as much as what you currently make.
Before moving, do your research on the new state as regards to the type of housing and the best areas to live and raise a family. Try locating a house that is not only affordable but one that is large enough to accommodate every member of your family. Even if you find a home that is the right price, the area may not be the safest. Do your research on the Internet to get an idea of the area you would be choosing to live. In most cases there are particular websites that you can find online where there are tenant reviews and ratings for homes in a specific area. This has proven to be very effective for those who are relocating.
Safety aside, you would also want to find a location that is within close proximity to schools, convenient stores, malls and restaurants. This would definitely be an added convenience especially for those in the family that do not drive or own a vehicle. Choose schools for your children that have great student achievement ratings and after school activities that they can enjoy.
It is always recommended to have a great support system in the new state where you would be moving. A cousin or great family friend may be able to assist you with getting things done around your home or they may be able to give you a tour of the place and baby sit your children should you need their assistance.
This article is written by FindGoodMovers.com would help our readers to better prepare for long distance relocation.









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How to Pack for a Move

Packing up and moving to a brand new home can be exciting, terrifying and stressful all at once. Packing especially can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. There are ways that you can reduce the stress of packing and make your packing more efficient. 
The first obstacle you are going to encounter with packing is just how much time it takes. Because of the time commitment associated with packing, the best thing you can do is to try to pack one or two boxes every day. If you work during the day, one or two boxes in the evenings before bed will eventually pay off. On the weekends, unless you are equally busy, you can pack more. Have everyone in your home pack as well; giving them instruction if you need things packed in a certain way.
The best thing to do is to have everyone start with their own belongings first and then take time when you are together to pack the items that belong to everyone. Packing a little at a time and as a team will be less overwhelming and can even be fun; you can reminisce about past times in your life and bond with your family over times shared in your home. This process is not only efficient, it can be uplifting. 
One of the most important things when you are packing is to stay as organized as possible. One thing that can help you do this is packing based on the rooms in your house. Packing room to room is especially good because you will be able to see the progress you are making. You will also be able to organize your new home with much more efficiency, especially if you label each box with the room its contents belong to and the general items that are in it. In the case of valuable, breakable, or damageable items, you want to be sure to wrap each item carefully and well. Old newspapers or clothes are especially good for this.
Wrapping your belongings will keep them from rubbing against each other and scratching it. This will reduce the chance of them breaking when dropped or handled roughly. Moving is an unpredictable process and you needed to do everything you can to protect your belongings. Finally, if you have anything especially valuable, like important documents or family heirlooms, you will want to pack these items yourself and personally transport them to your new home. This will protect them from being lost or stolen in the moving process. 









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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Moving Day Tips and Essentials

Before your moving day: Common issues
Many people prefer to use bridge financing to close several days or a week prior to closing the deal on their current home. This arrangement gives you time to clean, paint and “spruce up” the new home before moving furniture and family in.
Prior to your moving day, it is helpful to do some planning such as booking a rental truck or hiring professional movers from a reputable moving company to move and/or have your belongings packed. If you haven’t packed yet or formulated any kind of plan for your move, it is not too late!  You can also ask you friends and family if they have dealt with a mover that they had a great experience with. If they do recommend someone, it could potentially save you quite some time instead of looking for a mover yourself.
First things first, you need to be packed before you move
If you have not packed yet: Do not panic. You do not need movers to pack your things. Not only will this cost you a great deal of money, but will cause you even more distress when you need to find your things.
Moving Day Tip: Call friends for help
Many of us have friends and family that will be more than willing to help us move. Whether it is your parents, siblings, kids or friends, it is likely that a helping hand is available. This will cost you nothing and will speed up the process if you happened to have procrastinated on packing.
Moving Day Tip: Label your boxes and make a floor plan for your new home
Knowing where you want everything to go on moving day will save you time and confusion. When doing your packing, label your boxes and furniture with labels identifying the room you want them to go in at the time of the move. This way you won’t spend extra time moving things around once they are in your new house.
Now that you have packed, you still need to make moving arrangements
If you do not have a moving company and movers booked: Consider yourself lucky! Although moving companies are the simplest way to move, it will end up costing you a significant amount of money.
Moving Day Tip:  Do it your self
It often needs less planning to book a truck from a do-it-yourself company than it does to hire movers. Not only that, but it will be drastically cheaper to get a truck from U-Haul for example, and drive it yourself, than having a moving company do it for you. If you don’t drive ask a friend to drive it for you. Disreputable movers commonly overcharge and take longer to move your stuff because of the financial incentive.
If you do choose to hire a moving company: Do your research. Do not just jump to your yellow pages and choose the first company you see. Many people select the first company they see, with the idea that it is the cheapest and best. The best way to get a good price is to go online and find companies, look at reviews for their service and their prices. After doing so, select a company that would suit your needs.
Moving Day Tip: Make sure you are there during the packing and unpacking of your belongings
It is essential if you hire movers to know what belongings you have and the condition that they are in. A good moving company should have an inventory list. If you are there during this process, you can aid them in putting this list together and you will notice if anything is missing from the list initially. You do not want to move in and realize that you are missing things and that they were not on the list to start with.  With this minor step you can ensure the safety of your belongings and deal with any damages if need be.
Moreover, a common occurrence is forgetting to arrange parking for your truck. Depending on where you are moving, this could be a simple or complex problem. If you’re moving into a house, you can park your truck right outside and unload. If you’re moving into a condo or apartment then you need to arrange for parking and reserve an elevator.
 Moving Day Tip: Do this ahead of time
Arranging with your condo/apartment on the day off your move can be tricky. Firstly, you do not know who else is moving in and an elevator might already be booked. Also, some buildings require you to book ahead and will not leave room for negotiation.
Now that you have taken care of these essentials and made arrangements for your move, before you know it, it’s moving day!









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