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Tips for employees relocating for work

April 24, 2012

Every year, employees across the United States are faced with the choice of whether
they will relocate for work if their company moves or they become unemployed. This process
can be riddled with anxiety, particularly when it comes to uprooting self and family. Relevant
2010-2011 figures from the US Census Bureau estimates that just over 11.6 percent of Americans
moved domestically or internationally in the course of the year, many of whom are relocating
due to employment status. Stress can be reduced by planning, communication and working
with a full service moving and relocation company.

In the months before the van lines arrive, movers should set priorities in preparation. In cases
of corporate relocation, begin with the company. Many businesses will offer packages to employees
to cover the costs associated with their changes of address. Families should research schools in the
new area, and ensure that children will be able to seamlessly transition into a new school.

Organization should happen along the way, but especially in the month leading up to moving day.
 Throwing away unnecessary items will streamline the process and ease anxiety. It will also help
to set everything in its proper place before the relocation and moving services arrive.

Always hire professionals to attend to your needs. Whether moving out of state or to the next county,
relocation firms offer support at every step of the process, from consultation to unpacking. Reputable
companies offer services including container moves, storage, recycling and debris removal. Once the
movers arrive, they can take care of everything, including packing and unpacking.

Be sure to be home to work with the movers to ensure the process meets your specifications. It is a
good idea to prepare a box or plastic bin with crucial items that may be needed immediately, such as
identification documents and medications. Professional companies carry insurance so all aspects of
he move are covered, but consumers should be aware of the time sensitive nature of claims.
Companies will discuss your options, and some even offer price quotes online.

Companies that move may sometimes opt to coordinate workers' moves alongside corporate
relocations. Speak to HR personnel for information. Following these simple steps will ensure
that everything is ready to go when the household moving company arrives.

Corporate Relocation Services

As a human resource or recruiting professional it is often your responsibility to get employees relocated on time, on budget and focused on their new job.  Mooney’s Moving & Storage is an authorized agent for Stevens Worldwide Van Lines.  We rely on our 107 years of experience and over 150 qualified agents throughout the county to help deliver a smooth relocation of your employees. 

There are 4 questions that you want to ask yourself prior to planning a corporate relocation:

1.  Are you looking for a moving company that provides more than just basic moving services?
2. Will you be offering a lump sum or full service relocation to your transferee?
3.  Do you want to develop a relocation policy for your transferees to avoid inequalities?
4. Can you move the employee during “non-peak” season?

Our core business is moving and storage.  However we provide many more benefits to the corporate transferee than just basic moving services:

Packing supplies: Free delivery when ordered through our website.  

Tech Support: Troubleshooting with personal computers and printer.  Support with home networks as well as cameras, iPods and mobile devises.  All included with you move. 

Concierge Service: Assistance to setup cable, TV, internet, utilities and home security.  All included with you move. 

PLUS Program:  Direct cash back rebates based on the sale of your home when using our network of real estate professionals.  

Identity Theft Protections:  Daily monitoring of your credit report for suspicious online activity, change of address alerts and assistance with stopping junk mail.

Whether you are allocating a lump sum payment or opting for a full service move, we will work with you to budget appropriately.  We understand that every company has certain budget limitations and can tailor relocation package that suites your needs.

Another benefit offered through Mooney’s and Stevens Van Lines is relocation policy consulting, development and implementation.  Our experienced staff can assist you with developing the appropriate policies so that you can proceed with an effective “game plan.”  Policies eliminate inequities, control cost, and reduce the burden of having to inquire or clarify “authorized” expenses.

Finally, is your company able to relocate your employee during “non-peak” months?  May through early September is extremely busy for any quality moving company.  By relocating in the offseason, discounts can often be more aggressive.  If the move must take place during the May-September season, plan on providing at least 5 week’s notice.

For further information about our corporate relocation services please contact Steven DeSteffano at (215)884-3280 or steve@mooneysmoving.com

4 Ways to Successfully Plan Your Local Move

Whether you are moving across town or across the country moving can be stressful.  But for a majority of people, a local move (within a 40 mile radius) is the most common type of move.  By following these four steps you can help reduce your stress and make the transition as easy as possible:

Settlement & Walk-throughs:  In conjunction with your Realtor & mover be sure to coordinate the timing of your settlements and walk-throughs.  This will determine when your moving crew arrives to pack up your belongings.  The last thing you want to happen is to have the moving crew trying to work while the new homeowners are doing an inspection. 

Donate & Sell: Americans are a consumer driven society.  That is a simple fact.  However many people pay (often time unnecessarily) to move items they neither want nor need.  Contact organizations such as Impact Thrift and Purple Heart.  Or have a good old fashion yard sale. 

Floor Planning:  Get your tape measure handy.  Just because your dining room set fits well at your existing home does not mean it will fit well at your new home.  Take measurements and plan out where you want your items to be placed.  This will allow you to have the moving crew place the items in the proper location the first time. 

Pack, Pack and Pack Some More: Properly packing your breakables, knick-knacks and other items into boxes is the number one way to ensure a smooth local move.  If you are not comfortable packing certain items be sure to ask you mover to include this in your quote. 

Mooney’s Moving & Storage is a family owned and operated business now in our 4^th generation of ownership.  For a free estimate contact us at (215)884-3280 or visit us online www.Mooneysmoving.com

Self Storage versus Full Service Storage

We have all seen the rise of self-storage facilities popping up in town.  They are a convenient option for the “do it yourself” crowd.  However they may not be right for you when planning your local or long distance move.

3 important things to consider when making your decision.

1.       

      Liability coverage.  If you hire a moving company to place your belongings in a self-storage unit the movers liability ends at that point.  However when storing items in a movers facility, liability is maintained by one company throughout the duration of your move and storage period.

2.       Safety:  Every self-storage facility has rules & regulations regarding items that can & cannot be stored.  Nevertheless, it is virtually impossible for management of those facilities to ensure chemicals, illegal products or even worse are being brought into their facility.  Contrast that with storing at movers warehouse where all items are hand carried, labeled and accounted for by properly trained employees. 

3.      Furniture protection:  When storing at a self-storage facility, customers are required to either provide or purchase their own furniture pads & stretch wrap.  Such items are often overlooked and seldom factored in to the budgeting process.  It is not advisable to stack furniture without protection nor store a sofa without plastic (stretch wrap).  While storing your furniture at a movers warehouse, all items are pad wrapped and stretch wrapped FREE OF CHARGE.

      We invite you to come tour our climate controlled storage facility anytime at 33 Bon Air Drive Warminster, PA 18974.  http://www.mooneysmoving.com/residential.html

Seasonal storage needs

With the holiday season already in full swing, many retail businesses grasp the need for “more storage space.”  The staff here at Mooney’s has worked with several retailers over the years to help receive and store seasonal merchandise.  

Due to the seasonal demands of our industry (busy May-September) space is available and pricing becomes more competitive just as the need for warehousing hits the retail industry.  Our full service warehousing and distribution allows for retailers to focus on their main task at hand…holiday shoppers. 

So feel free to contact us today for a cost assessment or schedule a tour of our facility.

Steve@mooneysmoving.com

www.MooneysMoving.com 

3 Estimate Options When Planning Your Long Distance Move

When planning a long distance move there are several types of estimates available to each shipper (customer).  The following is a brief description of each:

Non-binding estimate:  The final cost are determined after the shipment is weighed. When receiving a non-binding estimate there is no guarantee that the final cost will not be more than the estimate.  This option is only advisable if you are unsure of the total amount of items you want to ship. 

Binding estimate:  The final costs are provided as a “flat fee.”  Your price will not change no matter the actual weight of your shipment.  This option is good for customer that know exactly what they are shipping and do not plan to increase or decrease the size of their shipment. 

Binding not to exceed: The final costs are determined by the actual weight of the shipment but may not exceed the quoted amount.  This is the most common type of estimate because it provides peace of mind knowing the max amount you will pay.  If you plan on getting rid of items prior to move day and your shipment weighs less, the charges will be decreased.

It is important to discuss these options with your estimator when planning a long distance move.  Movers are legally required to provide an in-home estimate in order to survey the items to be shipped.  Never accept a “verbal” estimate.  Finally, if it seems to good to be sure…it generally is.

Senior Moving Services

We recently moved an elderly couple that had lived in their home for over 45 years.  Needless to say a lot of “stuff” had accumulated.  This couple was moving from a 4 bedroom house into a 3 room condo.  Most people find it very difficult make this transition.  

Fortunately the staff here at Mooney’s is more than capable of dealing with such a scenario.  The first step is to start sorting items into “want” versus “need” lists.  It is important to be realistic about what items will fit at the new home.   Besides giving children and grandchildren items, donations can be made to such organization as Impact Thrift.

The next step is to work on a floor plan.  Compare measurements of furniture with the dimensions of the new space.  This will also serve as reinforcement for whether or not too many items are being brought along. 

Finally, contact 2 or 3 local reputable moving companies.  Inquire about packing services as well.  What generally takes professional packers one to two day can generally take a homeowner one to two months. 

We have worked at many area retirement communities, and are familiar with the moving policies of each.  As a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers we have access to a vast network of training and resources to assist any of your moving related needs. 

To download a brochure please click here.