Moving Truck Rental

The Battle for Foreclosed Homes: Occupy Protesters Tackle the Big Banks

jason — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:24:49 +0000

We’ve been hearing an awful lot about the Occupy movement in the past couple of months. People gathered to protest many things; the inequality between the rich and the poor, the fading middle class, and the corruption that seems to run rampant throughout the monetary and government leaders in our country. Having been evicted from the parks and other public areas where they gathered, however, protesters have set their eyes on an entirely new area; foreclosed homes. In an effort to protest the money made by the banks during the housing bubble, as well as the corrupt lending procedures that banks made lots of money from, these people are taking over said homes and getting between officials trying to auction or foreclose on houses.

Occupy Our Homes

The offshoot movement has been dubbed ‘Occupy Our Homes’, and they are embarking on what they call a national day of action. This day is meant to protest how banks have treated homeowners in recent years, with many protesters claiming gross mistreatment of people who purchased homes during the bubble and the fact that most banks made tons of money by offering loans that were more predatory that took advantage of consumers. While few people argue the statistics and the corruption that was hidden until the housing bubble popped, many wonder if the Occupy movement is really handling it in the right way. The protesters march on, however, looking for a variety of ways to get their message out.

Occupy Homes, Courthouses

Protesters associated with the movement have come up with a few ways of making themselves heard. Without regard to local laws, protesters in Brooklyn marched through the damp and rainy streets to cover all for sale signs with police tape. Their end goal was to occupy a home that had been empty since its foreclosure two years ago. They plan on permanently occupying it and offering it to a homeless family. Such stories are cropping up around the country as well, though not always accompanied by a protester force. In fact, we’ve been hearing about homeless squatters taking up residence in homes that are empty for a while now. This time, however, there is a show of force behind the occupation; a show of force that is chanting ‘Bail out the Workers, not the Banks!’.

Attempts to Block Foreclosures, Work Towards New Terms

In some areas, the protesters are turning to other methods to ‘occupy’ homes and people that are being affected by the crash of the housing market. One such example is seen in Minneapolis, where protesters are trying to block and change the terms of some homes being foreclosed on due to loss of income or illness before these consumers can even think about a moving truck rental. In one case, a man faces eviction in February for failing to meet the bloated payments for his home. Protesters and leaders of the Occupy Our Homes movement say that it just doesn’t make sense. Though he owed $275,000 on the home, it only fetched $80,000 at an auction. It made no sense for the banks to do what they did, rather than offering some kind of reduced payment solution. Bank representatives only say that he didn’t meet the qualifications for their reduced payment program. Protesters plan on camping in the front yard, blocking any attempt to serve eviction papers in February.

Good or Bad?

To date, many groups of Occupy protesters have taken back homes that have been foreclosed on. The homes are empty and more often than not have been left to vandals and disrepair. Occupy protesters move homeless families into these homes without the use of a cheap truck rental, repairing the vandalism and fixing the homes as they go. But is their cause and the way they are going about it good or bad? Only the future will tell, but the protesters say they are just getting started. With plans to expand in 2012, we can only wait to see what might come of the Occupy Our Homes movement and the people involved.

How to Move Your Big Screen TV Safely

larry — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:56:30 +0000

Big screen televisions are no longer reserved for the rich. In fact, many more households have big screen televisions now than ever before in history. Perhaps that is why so many people are concerned about the implications of moving in a cheap truck rental with such a device. As these televisions are still not cheap, it is important that they are moved carefully so that they are not damaged throughout the process. It might seem like a daunting task, but there are some methods that you can employ that will only make things easier on everyone involved. In the end, you will be glad that you sought out knowledge before you started moving your things, especially when an expensive big screen television is involved. Make sure to consider these tips and you will easily get your television to your new home without any trouble at all.

Preparations

Moving a large screen television on your own is not something that you should attempt. You can, however, prepare for the moving of this item ahead of time while you are packing and preparing other things for moving day. Here are just a few ways that you can plan and prepare to move your big screen television without all of the hassle:

· Pack It Right: No matter what kind of television you have, packing it up the right way will be the best way to avoid damaging it throughout the move. The best way to pack a tv such as this is to use the original carton that it came in when you purchased it at the store. The original packaging is the best thing for the device as it was designed to keep the television safe while it was being transported to the store that you bought it from. If you don’t have the original packaging, make sure that you pad it well with moving blankets or other thick padding that will protect it from bumps along the way.

· Solicit Help: Moving on your own isn’t too difficult if you don’t have heavy things to lift. When you do have some heavy items, such as your television, you will need to find someone to help you or you will risk damage and injury. Ask your friends and family if they can help on the day that you are going to be loading up the moving truck rental. Offer a meal or some kind of reward in return. If you cannot get friends or family to help, call around to find some moving men who work separately from any moving truck or relocation company.

· Rent Equipment: Sometimes, your television will be too big or unwieldy for you to move even with some help. You might need some assistance from a dolly or other kind of cart that you can use to wheel your heavy tv around on. There are hardware rental businesses in almost every city, so call around and see if any of these companies offer a rental that will help you move your tv. If you do not find such a business in your area, try asking the company you rented the truck from. Often times they have equipment that can help. Be sure to put in a reservation early so that you don’t have to worry about last minute availability.

· Insurance: No one wants to think about what would happen if they should damage or break their big screen television during a move, but this is something that must be addressed. Having insurance on all of your belongings can help you recover financially if something is broken or damaged along the way. Your tv is included in this list of belongings, and you will feel much better knowing that even if something were to happen, you will be able to enjoy your large screen in your new home.

A Successful Move

Regardless of where you might be relocating your big screen to, you need to know just how to move it so that it is safe and secure throughout the process. Don’t let a little accident ruin the fun and enjoyment that you get out of your television. Instead, consider the tips set out above and plan ahead so that you can handle anything that comes your way. Remember, there will be plenty of things to worry about when you are moving. Having a plan for your big screen television will only make the process easier and less stressful for anyone and everyone who might be involved. While it will require a little bit of extra work, having things set up for this maneuver will only help you in the long run.

Getting Rid of Clutter and Cheap Self Storage

larry — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:49:42 +0000

Getting rid of clutter is a challenge for people all over the United States. Having too much stuff but too little space is a common dilemma. Downsizing and organizing are some of the short-term solutions. Probably the quickest and most efficient solution is to look into cheap storage options.

About 86% of the world’s consumer-facing storage services can be found in the United States. According to the Self Storage Association, there are about 58,000 storage facilities located worldwide. And 50,000 of those are located in the U.S., which means we have the largest need for self storage in the world. Ten percent of Americans lease at least one storage unit. Many of these units are permanent homes for about 100 to 2500 cubic feet of household possessions. If you, like so many Americans, are in need of self storage, you should take the time to perform a thorough amount of research in order to find the most reasonably priced storage contract for your needs.

First of all, figure out what you really need. Storage space prices differ based on amenities, location, and size offered by particular facilities. To help you make a decision on what storage costs are acceptable to you, it is imperative to create a list of what you would like from the additional storage space. Do you want indoor or outdoor storage? Would you like climate control? Is it your preference to find a unit that is conveniently located to your business or home? Answer these questions to help you eliminate self storage options that do not meet your needs.

Secondly, make your mind up on the amount of space you will need. You need this pertinent information for you to make a price comparison among different facilities. After you have decided on the actual amount of space you really need, assess your possessions and try to distinguish if there is anything you can put up for sale or give away.

Thirdly, start looking for the most reasonable deal. SelfStorage.com and SpareFoot are online aggregators that can tie into storage service management software and offer information on amenities and pricing at each self storage facility. These sites can serve as your guide while you search for features you want like strong security, drive-up units, around the clock access, a free moving truck, and climate control. You can then sort each facility by cost to find the most affordable self storage unit with the features and location you desire.

Lastly, determine the actual savings of short-term promotions. A lot of storage facilities will offer a discounted rate for 3-6 months, a discounted rate for a contract of a year or more, or a free first month of access to a storage unit. Take into consideration the length of time you plan on leasing the unit. This will help you make your mind up on which promotions will save you the most money in the long run.

Self-storage should be one of the last alternatives you use to organize your home. As you evaluate costs, remember that you may need to store your items for longer than you intend to. So, you may want to look for longer-term contracts that have lower monthly rates. As previously mentioned, thoroughly researching your storage needs will help you find the best unit for your possessions. You don’t want to end up paying more for a storage unit than necessary.

Five Amazing Small Towns to Consider Moving To

larry — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:20:05 +0000

America is known for many things; fast cars, amazing technological advances, great personal freedoms, and really cool small towns. If you are considering a move with a moving truck rental in the near future, then it might behoove you to look into the small town life that you can only find in a few, out of the way, areas spread throughout the country. Not only do these little towns offer something special for those who make their homes in the area, but they remain relatively untouched by the rush and hustle of modern life. Even if you have to work in the city, think about living the rest of your life in one of these amazing small towns.

Lexington, Virginia – Lexington only has a population of about seven thousand people, but what it lacks in people, it more than makes up for in history. Most people claim that this area is not unlike a Normal Rockwell painting. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains, this 19th century hamlet is one place where history lives even today.

Cayucos, California – If you want to visit this little coastal town, you will have to make a serious detour. This simple fact has helped this small town remain untouched and small, just the way that the residents there like it. While it is quiet and calm most of the time, residents love the waves and the food of the area, both of which are famous; at least in California.

Wallace, Idaho – With a population of only one thousand, and buildings that are well over a hundred years old, this sleepy town in the mid-west is perfect for anyone who wants to see what life was like in the old west. Perhaps the biggest claim to fame that this little town has is the fact that all of their buildings, including a brothel that was open until 1988, are listed on the federal register of historical places.

Mount Vernon, Iowa – If you love art, then this little town is the place for you. With a population of less than five thousand people, Mount Vernon is an artist’s dream. Here, art is never confined to a canvas. In addition to the Iowa sidewalk chalk festival held each year, grand masterpieces can be see almost everywhere; even on the side of a barn as visitors enter the town.

Rockland, Maine – If you are looking for sophistication after moving with a cheap truck rental, along with the quietness and neighborly feelings of a small town life, then Rockland might just be the perfect place. With all the charm that a small New England town is known for, along with high class businesses and homes, this little town is perfect for both visitors and residents alike.

Moving is never easy, but it can be fun when you are looking forward to the place where you are moving to. Not everyone gets a choice, but when you do, make sure that you consider one of these small towns for your next home.

The Five Cheapest US Cities to Call Home

admin — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 06:47:02 +0000

At a time when everyone is looking to save money especially when moving, finding the cheapest place to live ranks high on the to-do list. There are plenty of places in the United States where you can save some money, but these top five destinations really keep your wallet fat. Considering a move to a cheaper city? Look at these options and then call the moving truck rental company and reserve your method of relocation.

Sherman, Texas: The city of Sherman, located a mere sixty miles north of the massive city of Dallas, is home to over one hundred thousand people. Many of the streets look as if they were taken right from the Midwest. With the median income level of only forty five thousand a year, it is no wonder that this is one of the cheapest places to live. With an on average apartment rental going for less than six hundred dollars, this truly is an affordable place to call home.
Springfield, Illinois: This city, also the capital of the state, has multiple claims to fame that the much larger, and better known city of Chicago doesn’t. First, it is the capital, secondly, it was the longtime home of President Abraham Lincoln, and third, it is one of the most affordable places in the country to live. With average rentals going for only $550 dollars a month, it is easy to see how this city made the list.
Waco, Texas: The median income level for the city of Waco is only forty thousand dollars, which is one reason that it made it to the most affordable cities to live in list. Because of its location, Waco provides big city living at a little city price. With average rentals going for around eight hundred dollars, and boasting a college educated population, this city is not only affordable, but is a great place to call home.
Fayetteville, Arkansas: Perhaps the biggest aspect that put this little city on this list is the fact that utility costs and food fall far below the average for the country. Apartment rentals run around five hundred and fifty dollars as well, making Fayetteville one of the most affordable of all cities on this list. With an average median income of only forty five thousand a year, and a metro population of over four hundred thousand, it is easy to see why this is another great place to live.
Springfield, Missouri: The number one cheapest city to live in within the boundaries of the United States is the city of Springfield again, but this time in the state of Missouri. With an average income of forty one thousand a year, this city is the third largest city in the state. Food prices and utilities remain well below that of the national average, and home prices also come in below what you might expect of such a metropolitan area.

Finding the home or city of your dreams is no longer difficult. With the right truck rental, you can be on your way to a new home and a much more affordable cost of living.

The Price of Not Being Licensed

jason — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:58:12 +0000

This past week, officials from the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs executed ‘Operation Mother’s Attic’; a sting operation aimed at finding and fining unlicensed moving companies that operate throughout the state. The target group of companies was 25 movers who advertised online in places like Craigslist, where consumers might not always know what their rights are when hiring movers. The result was fines for all 25 companies, even though only 17 showed up to the job that they had been scheduled for.One company, Van Express, was cited for operating without the proper licenses, and as such, they will have to pay a fine of at least $2500. Officials say that companies that operate without licenses are more likely to scam consumers out of their money by holding belongings hostage or demanding a large tip before things are unloaded. While this particular operation is not accusing any of these companies of being scams, the DCA is demanding accountability including licensure and meeting the requirements that go with it.

A Boom in Moving Truck Rentals

Moving can be scary when such companies are allowed to operate. Without the proper license, a mover can pretty much do whatever they want. This is why there has been such a boom in moving truck rentals over the past few years. Consumers are no longer willing to sit on the side and allow these companies to take their money or harm their things. But even when you choose to move your things on your own, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure that the truck rental you obtain is better than the scam movers that you might have hired.

Protect Yourself When Moving

If you are considering a moving truck rental, then make sure that you remember these simple steps:

·Always reserve ahead of time. Trucks are generally overbooked, so if you don’t reserve in advance, you might face unavailability.

·Do a walk around of the truck before you sign the paperwork and take it off the lot. You want to make sure that it is in working condition and in good repair.

·Get extra insurance. Truck rental companies will charge you for any ‘damage’ that they see on the truck. This is another good reason to do a walk around when you first obtain it.

·Read the fine print. Never blindly sign a contract when you are getting a truck rental.

Research Before Signing

Whether you choose to hire movers, or you opt for the moving truck rental solution, make sure that you are aware of your rights so that you can reduce stress when you move. Never sign anything blindly or hand over money to a company that you are not really familiar with. Do some research to ensure they have all the proper licenses (including truck rental companies) so that you can enjoy the moving process rather than dreading it.

Self Storage – Best Practices and Avoiding Problems

admin — Sun, 22 May 2011 09:15:23 +0000

No matter how cold it is where you live, self storage units should not be used to store food that might go bad. But in Pittsburgh, that is just what police found. After being called out to investigate a horrible odor that was coming from one of the units, police in the city found that there was lots of plastic wrapped meat that had spoiled from sitting in warmer temperatures. After removing the meat, the unit had to be disinfected with bleach and it was then hosed out by local firefighters.

Getting a self storage bin is a common practice, especially if you are moving your own things with the help of a moving truck rental. There are a couple of different kinds of storage units out there, and you should be aware of the differences so that you can safely store all of your things, even those that require some kind of climate control. While meat is not something you should store anywhere but your refrigerator, there are lots of other goods that need to be in a climate stable area.

Outside Units

Perhaps one of the most common forms of self storage is the kind that looks much like a garage. These outdoor storage units are big and roomy, and can be easy to get in and out of, but they are not climate controlled. If you have a few boxes or things that aren’t going to be affected by temperature extremes, then this is a cheaper and more feasible method of storing all of your things. What’s more, most of these storage places offer the use of their own moving truck rental if you purchase so many months of service.

Indoor Units

If you have things, like records, that will break or get damaged as of the result of climate extremes, then you need to look into a different option. Indoor storage units are generally the best option for you because they are all housed in a building that remains at a constant comfortable temperature throughout the year. Even when it is really cold outside, or really hot, you can be that the temperature inside the storage building will be much like that of your own home. As such, delicate things that might be susceptible to hurt when exposed to cold or heat will be safe in this type of storage unit.

Finding a Good One

Just like movers, when you are looking for self storage, you want to find a company that you can work with over time. This will reduce the stress of moving. The last thing that you want is to deal with a company that is not honest or one that doesn’t protect the things that you put into your purchased storage unit. As such, it is important to take some time to research the different options out there. Remember, there are two main kinds of storage units, so make sure that you know what you want before you go looking. This will only save you heartache later.

Save some Cash

You are already saving on your move by opting for a moving truck rental, but there are also ways that you can save money on self storage. First, calling around to get quotes is the best way to weed out those companies that offer storage at a hefty price. Secondly, it is a good idea to check with the people you rented the truck from to see if they offer discounts when you rent a truck and storage at the same time.

Moving Methods – Visual Comparison

admin — Sun, 08 May 2011 12:10:40 +0000

For people who have to move, choosing the right method of moving might be the most difficult part of a move. It is important to compare the three main types of moving; full service, portable storage, and self service moves. From pricing to services included, be sure to think about your abilities, financial, physical, and time wise, before you choose the one for you. The following chart compares these three main methods, allowing you to get a good idea of which might be best for you.

	Full Service Movers	Portable Storage	Truck Rentals
Costs (You have to Pay For)
Labor (Professional Movers)	X
Transport/Driving	X	X
Packing Supplies	X	X
Truck or Container	X	X	X
Insurance	X	X	X
Overall Costs	High	Mid Range	Low
Tasks (You are Responsible For)
Packing		X	X
Loading		X	X
Driving			X
Unloading		X	X
Moving Concerns (Highest Scoring Options)
Full Control of Logistics			X
Lowest Overall Costs			X
Easy Storage Options		X	X
Best Service Options	X
Simplicity of Use			X
Fastest to Complete	X
Does the Driving for You	X	X
Ease of Reservation			X
Flexibility			X
Required Lead Time	Months	Months	Weeks
Added Benefits
Insurance Included	X
Flat Rate Prices			X
No Dealing with ‘Movers’		X	X
Use Your Own Packing Supplies		X	X
Least Intrusive to Daily Life			X
Kid and Pet Friendly		X	X

Choosing Moving and Storage Options for Your Move

admin — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 11:08:46 +0000

Everyone has different requirements and needs when they are moving to a new home. One of the most common of these needs, however, is a place to store things while a home is being finished, while you look for a home you like in a new area, or simply while you locate a place for everything that you own in a smaller area. Regardless of what your need is, when you want storage to go along with the moving services that you hire, you need to do a little extra work to ensure the safety of your goods. To that end, consider the following before you sign a contract for a mover or a storage area.

Separate Services

One way to acquire moving and storage services is to locate a good mover and a good storage place separately. There are hundreds of movers around the nation that can help get your things from your current home to either your new home or a storage facility that you choose. Choosing a mover to take your things to storage is just like any other time you need to hire a mover. Make sure to follow the steps that are needed to find a company that is highly rated and honest. When you need a storage facility, take time to contact a few in the area where you are going to live so that you can see what the price range is and how much you need to budget for such services. Also look at outside storage versus climate controlled storage to see which would better suit your budget and your needs.

Moving and Storage Packages

Another great way to go about purchasing moving and storage services is by opting for a package that includes both. Most of the time, you can save hundreds of dollars by opting for a moving and storage package from a reputable company in your current or desired area. These companies are usually moving truck rental companies that offer the use of a one way moving truck rental as well as a storage area for your things once they are moving. You can also opt for a portable container, which is a quite common moving method these days. These portable containers can also be used as storage, and the company that transports them will take them to their warehouse rather than to your new home. When you do get settled, you can simply call the company and have the container brought to your new home.

Things to Consider

Regardless of which choice you make, there are a few things that you should think about. Depending on where you are moving, climate controlled storage might be the best option. Outdoor storage, or that which is not climate controlled, will put your goods at the mercy of the elements. Extreme cold or extreme heat can cause some pretty big problems for delicate things that can warp and become damaged in such conditions. Remember also that you need to figure out what method of moving is best for your situation. If you are not able to lift and carry things back and forth to a moving truck rental, then you probably don’t want to opt for the packages that include self service moving tools and storage areas. Instead, find a mover who will deliver your things to a storage facility. Keep these things in mind as you begin your search for the perfect moving and storage solution and you too can enjoy moving rather than worrying something will go wrong.

How to Move Computers and Electronics Safely

admin — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 12:43:51 +0000

Most homes are full of electronics and computers these days. All of these things are quite common, but they are also delicate and easily breakable. Thus, when you are facing the need to move to a new home and you need to start moving computers, figuring out how to pack and protect these things is something that should be near the top of your checklist. Remember, moving is a chaotic time and not everything is going to be handled the way that you might want it to be. As such, keep the following things in mind so that you can transport your delicate items in a manner that will get them to your new home without any damage.

Pack Correctly

The first line of defense against damage when you are moving computers is the packing of the items that you need to move. First, it is a good idea to pack things in boxes that you originally purchased them in. This is usually possible for peripherals such as monitors and even printers. The tower to your computer might be bit more difficult, however. Towers can come in so many different sizes and can often be modified or hand built. As such, always look for a box that is large enough for the item plus any packing paper, peanuts, bubble wrap, and other protective packing supplies that might be required when moving computers. Be sure to make use of anti-static bags as well to protect circuit boards and other items that are sensitive to static electricity.

Choose the Best Moving Method

With all the different methods of moving out there today, you need to make a choice that will benefit your household goods and your family. If you are really worried about the transport of your things, then opting for the cheaper method, a moving truck rental is the best way to go. When you are moving computers, you need to retain control of how the boxes are handled throughout the process. Opting for a moving company will not give you this freedom, but having a truck rental will. Not only will you be able to handle the actual placement and handling of the boxes, but you will be able to keep an eye on the truck throughout the moving process as well.

Get Insurance

One of the best things that you can do when you are moving computers is to get enough insurance to cover the loss or damage of the computers that you need to relocate. There are many different places that you can get moving insurance from, but you should start with a company that you already work with. Sometimes, your homeowner’s insurance company or even your auto insurance company will be able to help you locate and secure a policy that will cover your household items while they are being packed and transported to a new home. In the end, this simple step can save you tons of money. Remember, accidents happen, so keep these things in mind and get the right policy before you move to keep all of your things safe.