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.

How to prepare for a smooth move of your office

Unlike moving your home, moving a business can present unique challenges.  After having recently moved our own office we here at Mooney’s would recommend the following tips:

Address Change: Contact the United States Postal Service to change your address.  This website is simple and easy to use.  Discount coupons are also provided once registration is complete.

Phone Service:  Call your phone service provider early!  Phone service interruption is one of the biggest hassles when moving your office.  Have a backup plan ready.  We had all incoming calls routed to cells phones for a 48 hour period just to be safe.

Moving into our new place.

Utilities: Contact Peco to transfer electrical service.  Don’t forget Aqua PA (or your local water company) to stop/start/cancel service. 

Moving company: Obtain at least two on-site written estimates from your local moving company. 

Notify your customers: We found Constant Contact to be a great way to send a large volume email blast to notify everyone of our address change.  

There are obviously more challenges than are mentioned here.  However the above topics will provide a good foundation for planning your move!

International Moving Services

Through our affiliation with Stevens Worldwide Van Lines, Mooney’s Moving and Storage has the ability to move your household goods anywhere in the world.  We have over 350 affiliates worldwide ready to help make you move as stress free as possible. 

 

What makes us so special?

 Stevens International relocation coordinators:

• Are experienced in international forwarding and the relocation industry
• Have multi-lingual capabilities
• Are familiar with customs regulations and other important information and can assist with the handling and processing of documents
• Provide single-service control
• Provide pre-move and ongoing counseling
• Can assist with destination country and customs information
• Provide continuous communication and service monitoring
• Follow clearly defined preparation and handling procedures
• Utilize comprehensive, expedited and fair claims settlement practices

For a free quote contact us today at (800) 854-1030 or steve@mooneysmoving.com

Are your moving expenses tax deductible?

If you moved due to a change in your job or business location, or because you started a new job or business, you may be able to deduct your reasonable moving expenses but not any expenses for meals. To qualify for the moving expense deduction, you must satisfy two tests. 

Under the first test, the "distance test", your new workplace must be at least 50 miles farther from your old home than your old job location was from your old home. If you had no previous workplace, your new job location must be at least 50 miles from your old home.

The second test is the "time test". If you are an employee, you must work full-time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months immediately following your arrival in the general area of your new job location. If you are self-employed, you must work full time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months and for a total of at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months immediately following your arrival in the general area of your new work location. There are exceptions to the time test in case of death, disability and involuntary separation, among other things.

If you are a member of the armed forces and your move was due to a military order and permanent change of station, you do not have to satisfy the "distance or time tests".

Moving expenses are figured on Form 3903 (PDF) and deducted as an adjustment to income on Form 1040 (PDF). You cannot deduct any moving expenses covered by reimbursements from your employer that are excluded from income.

For more information on deductible and nondeductible moving expenses, please refer to Publication 521, Moving Expenses

Moving Terminology

Moving is without a doubt one of the most stressful events that can take place in your lifetime.  That is why it is important to familiarize yourself with terminology used by our industry.  The following terms will appear on your move paperwork:

Bill of Lading - the receipt for your goods and the contract for their transportation. It is your responsibility tounderstand the bill of lading before you sign it. If you do not agree with something on the bill of lading, do not sign it until you are satisfied that it is correct. The bill of lading is an important document. Don't lose or misplace your copy.

Binding/Non-Binding Estimate - a binding estimate is an agreement made in advance with the mover that guarantees the total cost of the move based on the quantities and services shown on the estimate. A non-binding estimate is the carrier's approximation of the cost based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial services requested. A non-binding estimate is not binding on the carrier and the final charges will be based on the actual weight and tariff provisions in effect.

High Value Article - items included in a shipment that are valued at more than $100 per pound. These items should be disclosed to the mover to ensure that they are protected accordingly.

Inventory - the detailed descriptive list of your household goods showing the number and condition of each item.

Order for Service - the document authorizing the mover to transport your household goods.

Shuttle Service - use of a smaller vehicle to provide service to residences that are not accessible to the mover's normal linehaul equipment (large moving vans).

Storage-In-Transit (SIT) - temporary warehouse storage of your shipment pending further transportation; for example, if your new home isn't quite ready to occupy. Added charges for SIT service and final delivery charges from the warehouse will apply.

Valuation - the degree of "worth" of the shipment. The valuation charge that you are assessed compensates the mover for assuming a greater degree of liability than that provided for in the base transportation charges.