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When doing business with movers, you might have heard the terms, non-binding or binding when calculating cost. There are a few things that you should about these quotes and estimates before calling your New Jersey movers. I have outlined a little bit of information that will help you in understanding the different types of services that are available when you move.

A non-binding estimate simply means that the rate offered is based on estimated weight. This calculated cost can change when the actual weight is factored in. Sometimes it may be hard to correctly estimate the weight that will need to be moved, so the actual cost may be under or over the estimate. It is a good idea to provide yourself with a grace percentage of the cost when dealing with non-binding estimates.

A binding estimate is a quote that is the exact amount that you will pay. Since you are committed to a set cost, factoring it into your budget will be a little easier. However, there is also the chance that the amount that you paid was over the amount of the actual cost. In this case, movers are very careful in assigning their binding estimates.

There are pros and cons to both non-binding and binding contracts, so it is a good idea to get all of the facts before making a decision.

There are certain life events that are difficult to prepare for. Altering your day-to-day life, like moving out of state, is intimidating when there is much uncertainty surrounding the steps that need to be taken. Luckily, there are ways to be prepared for a huge change, such as moving to another state.

If you are unfamiliar with the city or town where you will be relocating, it would be a great idea to plan a trip to find your new home. That way, you will be able to see your living quarters and meet your future neighbors or landlord in person which will limit any surprises.

Make transportation arrangements well in advance. This includes plane fare, moving companies, and driving expenses. If you have pets, it is also a good idea to plan for their safe arrival.

Filling out a change of address form from your local post office and notify personnel, such as doctors, pharmacists and bankers that you will be changing states.

It is easy to become overwhelmed while making big life changes, so it is important to have a plan of action in place so that stress does not take you over.

Moving can be one of the most daunting experiences a person can go through. The cause of this fear comes from a very real part of being human and living life: change. The fear of change is normal for most people and although, some people thrive on change and spontaneity, the majority of humans prefer the comfort and familiarity of a stable environment. The idea of uprooting everyday routing with moving to a new home or unfamiliar place can shatter a person’s balance.

Apprehension, anxiety and the stress caused by the thought of moving can greatly affect how smooth your move will be. However, moving doesn’t have to be a paralizing event. With the proper planning, the necessary amount of time and by soliciting help, any move can be done with ease. Children and elderly family members tend not to adjust as quickly to the rapid changes in a move so it is best to prepare them in advance on what to expect. Have a list of necessary duties that must be accomplished. Such things you may want to include on your list might be hiring a mover, address forward, driver’s license change, and checking your homeowner’s policy.

Preparation is the key to a successful move, and one of the best places to begin in your preparation is on the internet. You will find loads of information to help organize and plan you move. From locating the right mover, to researching the neighborhood where you will be moving to, you can get all the knowledge you need on the web. The more information you have at your finger tips to help you with your move, the easier your move will be. On the internet, you can make arrangements to have your mail forwarded, contact your homeowners insurance, and set up bill pay so you don’t have to worry about your bills being paid late during your move.

Preparing yourself for your move means more than just ironing out the tangible aspects of moving, however. It also means preparing yourself emotionally, as well as physically. Helping your kids cope with leaving and helping yourself to cope with the life change as well. By being prepared, you can prevent any gitters and accomplish a very smooth, seamless. When you are looking for a moving companies in New Jersey, Gen Movers is here to help. Give us a call today!

After the moving company has safely delivered your belongings in your new home, you look around your rooms filled with boxes. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, you wonder how does one tackle this mountain of stuff. The easiest way to simplify the unpacking process is to strategize and break it down into simple steps based on what you need soonest. A word to the wise: Always properly mark your boxes with their content during packing.

Since you took the time to label your boxes, it will make deciding which boxes you need to unpack 1st, easy.

Category A – Belongings you need right away Items in this category will be needed within the first day or two. Such things might include some of your clothes, pots and pans, silverware, small appliances (toaster, coffee machine), bathroom essentials, bedding, and other items like alarm clocks, lamps, computers, etc.

Category B – Belongings you will need within your 1^st week While you will want to unpack some of your clothes the first day in your home, you can unpack the bulk of your clothes within the first week. Other items you can wait to unpack within the first week might be electronics (DVD players, stereos) less used kitchen dishes, bathroom supplies, and entertainment items such as movies, toys, and gaming equipment.

Category C – These items can be unpacked when you get the time Holiday decoration, seasonal clothing, home décor, and keepsakes, do not need to be unpacked right away. These types of belonging can be tackled when you have the time. Many of us have old movies and books that we don’t use often and they can remain unpacked until there is a proper place to store them.

Unpacking can be an overwhelming process. However, with a little advanced planning and prioritizing the mountain of boxes in your home won’t seem so daunting. Sometimes in the unpacking process you realize you have too much “stuff” that you don’t need now, but that doesn’t need to be thrown away. Our moving company in NJ offers storage as well as moving services. Call us for our competitive storage options.

Can you believe it? 2012 is less than a week away – just a few days from now to be exact! If you feel anything like we do, it feels like we just entered 2011 and it’s already over. It truly is so important to live life to the fullest and with no regrets.

At General Moving Carriers we certainly have no regrets for all the wonderful customers that we have been able to assist with their moving and storage needs. It’s been an honor that you have chosen us to be your New Jersey movers of choice. We see you more like family than our customers. The funny, touching, and inspiring stories you’ve shared with us about the reasons you are relocating will stay with us forever.

Nothing is more rewarding than the fact that you have allowed us to be apart of your stories by trusting us to move your belongings safely to their final destination. Where ever life takes you, General Moving Carrier hopes you will continue to seek our assistance to help you get there.

We can’t thank you enough for your business, your loyalty, and for spreading the word about us. We send you many good wishes for 2012 and from our General Moving family to yours – HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Earth is an amazing planet with its multi-faceted dimensions. From the depths of sea to the vault of heaven, its wonders never cease. With such a vast, expansive presence it’s often easy to forget that our home has a fragile side. When the Earth roars in thunderous ovation over open plains, or crippling blizzards bring cities to a halt, it may seem as though the power of Earth can withstand any abuse we may send her way. However, our planet desperately needs our protection. Here are some helpful ideas on how you can make your next move eco-conscious.

Reduce: Be conservative with the amount of fuel you consume during your move by following a few eco-friendly road tips. Even if a moving company is transporting your belongings, you can still minimize your fuel consumption. If you have personal vehicles that you are driving to your new destination, you can reduce your fuel usage and carbon footprint on your journey. Make certain that your tires are properly inflated which will greatly increase your gas mileage and lower your gas need. Follow the speed limit and use your air conditioner only when you need it to lower your overall gas consumption during your trip.

Reuse: Do you have left over boxes from recent purchases? Use them to pack your belongings. The local grocery store, Wal-mart or Target are always willing to give you boxes. After you’ve moved into your new home, you may be wondering what to do with the left over boxes from unpacking. They can be used for other things. For instance, you can use your cardboard boxes for storing things you don’t use too often, like holiday decorations, seasonal clothing or old books. They can even be used as compost.

Recycle: Once you’ve used all the left over boxes from unpacking that you can, instead of throwing them into the dumpster, recycle them. Old packing materials such as bubble wrap, plastic padding, and boxes will be picked by your town’s recycling facility. If it doesn’t have a pick-up service you can take it to a local facility.

General Moving Carriers is a moving company in New Jersey that wants to do it part to help our planet. We use the most green moving techniques possible. We provide you with the best moving services and help out the environment.

A few weeks ago we did a review of the iPhone moving app called Move Planner. Once again we’ve discovered a gem that can greatly improve your move with an app called moveAtlas™. This tech review highlights Atlas Van Lines’ brand new app. This app is available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch and it’s free. The  press release from the company states the app is “aimed at streamlining moving tasks”. From our review of it, it seems to deliver what it promises. It has a very user-friendly interface and is  perfect for anyone preparing to move and who desires all the information they need at their finger tips.

One of the most unique features of this app that is not found in other similar apps is the shipment tracking option that it offers it’s users. This is a fantastic tool for customers who have chosen Atlas Van Lines to ship their belongings during their move. The app allows customers to track their shipment in real time with a shipment tracking ability for both residential and commercial moves.

In addition to the apps ability to track shipments, moveAtlas™ also provides a wealth of knowledge from moving and relocation professionals. Also, it contains a moving to-do lists to help keep your move well planned. Finally, if you are an individual not yet ready to move, but are in research mode, the app allows users to receive moving quotes to help you plan your budget and get the best rates.

At General Moving Carriers we want to make your move as smooth as possible. We know relocating can be stressful and unpleasant. If you are are looking for moving companies in New Jersey, but one that genuinely cares about your peace of mind, give us a call. We are here to help.

To be sure that all your household belongings arrive safely from point A to point B it’s important to choose the right mover. One aspect of a smooth move is to protect your valuable items with the right insurance coverage. According to the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) an estimated 1 in 5 moves involve a claim for damaged or lost property. Start your move right by hiring the right mover and then protecting your belongings with the right insurance. Below is an explanation on the various types of insurance you can consider.

Released Value Insurance: 

This insurance option provides the bare minimum coverage required by law through your mover. What is required is 60 cents per pound, regardless of the value of the item. Released value insurance is generally automatically included in the price estimation that movers give. Example: If your couch weighs 200lbs and it drops and gets damaged you will only be reimbursed $120 for it (200lbs x .60 per lb).

Full Value Insurance:

With this coverage, movers will give you complete repair, replacement, or fair market value reimbursement of all covered belongings that are damaged or destroyed. This coverage provides various options based on deductible amounts and other factors. Additional info: Some policies severely limit or cap the mover’s liability on expensive property and may require that additional coverage be available through another source.

Homeowner’s Insurance:

If you have homeowner’s insurance you might be overlooking what an asset it is if you move. Review your policy because you might be surprised to discover that it already provides sufficient coverage for your belongings  in your move.

Third Party Coverage:

Shop around when you are looking into moving insurance. If you have homeowner’s insurance, compare it to what the moving companies offer and also get quotes from outside companies. Sometimes, what your mover has to offer may be limited, particularly when it comes to expensive items. It’s always wise to know what your options are to ensure that you have the best coverage for your belongings. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to call third party insurers to see what other coverages are available.

General Moving Carriers understands that your personal belongings are very valuable and oftentimes irreplaceable. Give us a call so we can discuss with you how we will ensure a smooth move of your items and how we will protect them with one of our moving coverage plans.

In today’s world, high tech gadgets and smartphones seem to rule our lives. Want to read a good book or get the scoop on the latest celebrity gossip? Read it on your Nook. Do you have a business conference that needs to be organized? Arrange it on your phone. Everything we need practically seems to be at our finger tip with a push of the button.

When it comes to phones, the many different apps out there certainly make our lives a bit easier. There is one app that can actually make your next move easier. iPhone has an app called Move Planner. There are other apps out there that are similar to this app, however, one things that distinguishes Move Planner is the task checklist that this app includes.

This unique features really helps cut down on time. Instead of having to create your own custom checklist and then having to input all of the tasks you want to complete for your move, Move Planner has done the tedious work of creating a list of about 100 different moving-specific tasks that you might want to complete. Simply add the tasks to your list as the need arises. Of course, if there are tasks that you want to include not listed, you can simply add them and customize the list.

Another very cool feature about Move Planner is that it allows you to delegate tasks to different people, thereby enabling you to easily divide responsibilities. This invaluable feature makes it easier to remember who is responsible for what task and to whom you need to follow up with about tasks that haven’t been completed.

Overall, the Move Planner has very user-friendly interface and it is easy to understand. For the $1.99 cost to download this app, it is well worth the money. The next time you are planning your move, if you have an iPhone you might want to consider Move Planner. After you’ve determined what tasks you want to accomplish for your move with this app, give us a call so that we can perform a smooth, problem-free move for you.  Thanks to the app, there is less of a hassle when the moving companies arrive.

Often times, when it comes to moving, it becomes necessary to look for storage. It might be due to a period of time when your old home is no longer available, but your new home isn’t ready yet. During this time, you will need a place to store your belongings. Perhaps, your new place is smaller and just doesn’t have the extra space your former home had. Again in this situation, you will need to search for a place to keep those items you can’t move into your new home. Here are some important things to keep in mind when you’re choosing the right storage place.

1) What are the storage facility grounds like? Always tour the facility before you make a final decision on it. Take note of how the outdoor grounds are kept. Is the environment clean and well maintained? Are there enough security measures and is the area well-it? Avoid facilities that seem to have a problem with rodents and insects that could destroy your property.

2) What does the interior of the buildings look like? So you approve the exterior grounds, but what about the interior? Be aware of the following things: Is there enough lighting in the buildings? Are there smoke alarms and ceiling sprinklers? Does the storage place allow smoking on premises?

3) Climate control. Some areas of the country have extreme fluctuation in seasonal temperatures. Be sure that your storage facility has the option for climate control in their storage areas. Extreme changes in weather conditions could pose a risk to some of your more fragile belongings. It’s important that you keep all of them safe and protected from all weather conditions.

4) Pest control.  When  you’re walking around the facility, be sure that the area is free of any stray animals, vermin, and insects. What a nightmare it would be to come for your belongings only to discover they had been destroyed by raccoons, mice, or bugs.

If you are in need of storage space, look no further than our moving companies in New Jersey. We offer affordable, great quality units and well maintained grounds that will give you peace of mind about leaving your precious belongings with us.