How much does it cost to move a piano long distance?

9/18/2021

Moving a piano requires extreme delicacy. Pianos are not only filled with thousands of moving parts, but are also super heavy, awkward, and hardly have any good places to hold on to it when moving it. This is the reason why moving a piano can be so expensive. In our article, we’ll analyze all the various components involved with the price and process of moving a piano from one place to another.

The Estimated Cost Of Moving A Piano

When it comes to moving pianos, the type of piano you have is a big determining factor in the cost of moving a piano. Upright and Grand pianos take different tools and procedures to safely move and the cost will reflect these differences. Another example could be, transporting an upright piano across a local area can cost as little as $100 to approximately $250 depending on if whether or not stairs are involved. Moving a grand piano long-distance typically costs an estimated $3 per mile plus a $50 base rate with most people spending an average of $1,050. Prices typically increase $40 to $100 per each flight of stairs.

Average Cost (Nationally)	$185
Minimum Cost	$100
Maximum Cost	$800
Average Range	$185-$260

Piano Moving Cost By Type

Pianos may require different types of equipment and handling procedures depending on the style of piano you have. Therefore, the costs will vary significantly. Baby grand and grand pianos will require more manpower and equipment, so they typically cost more to move than upright pianos. The physical differences between an upright piano and a grand piano can also lead to variations in the differences in pricing as more or less padding, more moving blankets, more employees, and larger crating materials are used. Prices are typically quoted based on type and size of piano.
The prices below are for local average-sized pianos being moved from a first or second floor:

Type Of Piano	Cost To Move
Spinet Or Console Pianos	$100-$310
Studio Pianos	$100-$250
Upright Pianos	$150-$290
Baby Grand Pianos	$250-$350
Grand Pianos	$350-$450
Concert Grand Pianos	$450 and up

Piano Moving Cost By Size

Here are the average local piano moving costs by piano size:

Type Of Piano	Cost To Move	Size
Upright Pianos	$135-$160	up to 47" (tall) 48"
Grand Pianos	$185 $210 $310 $425 $210-$395 $210-$395	~6' ~7' ~8' ~9' Square Pedestal
Organs	$135-$310	Spinet Console
Baby Grand Pianos	$250-$350
Grand Pianos	$185 $210 $310 $425 $210-$395 $210-$395	~6' ~7' ~8' ~9' Square Pedestal

Piano Moving Cost Calculator

In a perfect world, moving a piano from A to Z will occur with no obstacles in between. However, its best to plan for some sort of hiccup. Pianos are typically housed in rooms inside of homes. In most cases, pianos must be moved up and down hallways. Corners must be turned into other hallways, and all of those moves can contribute to the cost of moving a piano. There are even times when pianos must be moved up and down staircases, or out of storage units. Each obstacle can add to the cost of piano moving.

Item	Average Cost
Base Rate	$50
Cost Per Mile	$1.20 – $1.50 (local) $2.00 – $10.00 (long distance)
Cost per fight of stairs	$40 – $100
Cost per stairway turn	$60 – $80
Hardships (steep driveway, gravel road)	$40 – $240 each
Insurance$40 – $240 each	Free up to $5,000 $15 per $1,000 of coverage over $5,000
Storage	$60 per month
Rush Fee	$300 (local) $400 – $700 (long distance)
Reschedule or cancellation fee	$100 – $400.00

What Does A Piano Tuner Cost?

Hiring a piano tuner after moving your piano is a must and should be considered a necessary expense for any serious pianist. Internal mechanisms inside a piano may get a little bit loosened while traveling from one location to the next. The median cost of hiring a piano tuner is $100 an hour and you can anticipate it taking at least one and a half hours to tune a piano correctly

Other Potential Cost

If you have a large piano or require crating for long distance shipping, additional costs will apply.

Additional Fees	Cost
Player Piano Fee	$40
Grand Piano Crating Fees Grand Pianos 6' to 8' feet Grand Pianos Larger than 8' feet	$800 ($1200 for heat treated wood) $125 – $200 (local) $300+ (long distance) $200–$400 (local) $400–$600 (long distance)
Climate Controlled Transportation	$1,000 and up
Fuel Surcharge (long distance)	$100 for moves under 200 miles $250 for moves over 200 miles

What Affects the Service Cost of Moving a Piano?

Size and Weight
In general, a small upright piano is going to be cheaper to move than a grand piano because it takes fewer movers to lift and carry it. Pianos weighing upwards of 1,000 lbs. will require more manpower and equipment to properly move it. Therefore, on average, an upright piano will cost less to move than a grand piano. Grand pianos are heavier to lift, harder to handle, occupy more space, and generally require special equipment like a piano board and heavy duty dollies and straps.

Distance
Piano movers have invested in specially-equipped trucks with ramps, hydraulic lifts gates, and heavy duty straps to secure the piano properly during transport. In general, the longer the distance, the more it will cost.
Professional piano movers will charge a base travel rate of $50 and then add the additional mileage your piano has to travel as part of their fee. The average is $1.20–$2.50 per mile for a local move. Long distance moves charge from $2–$10 a mile with an average of $2.75 per mile. Moving a piano locally can cost between $200–$600. Moving long distance can run from $450–$2,000. Prices depend on the type of piano you have and its weight and size.

Storage
Sometimes people may need to store a piano for a period of time, and depending on your piano moving company, that timeframe may not always be included in the moving price. You might have to pay $50–$75/month to keep it in a humidity-controlled unit of 38% and 52% and a long-term temperature range between 50° and 70° F.

Difficult Circumstances
A steep driveway, a gravel road where the truck must park, spiral staircases, steps, crane lifts, hilly terrain and more all contribute to a higher cost. You can expect to pay around $40–$240 per each problematic turn.[1]
Moving a piano up or downstairs is very difficult. It requires 2–3 strong people with the correct equipment. Some moving companies will charge by the number of stairs between your home and their truck. Piano movers charge $2–$24 per step (average $5) or $40–$100 per staircase. If you live on the fifth floor of an apartment with no freight elevator, those five flights of stairs will add significantly to your bill. For example, 20 steps per floor x 4 floors at $5 per step = $400 additional cost

Special Cost Factors

Expedited Service – If you have a rush job, this can cost more. Most of us try to plan these things, but emergencies do occur. It might cost double or triple the regular price for this service.
No-show or last-minute cancellation – If no one is at home when the piano movers arrive, they may very well charge you a fee for this. $100–$400
Additional Items – A piano bench moved with the piano might not be included in the moving quote. If not, it (and additional items) might cost $1 per pound or $7 per cubic foot, with a $20 minimum on each.[2]
Piano Removal and Disposal – When throwing away or getting rid of your piano costs will be much cheaper. You can expect junk removal prices for piano removal to be around $50 to $100.

How Do Piano Movers Charge?

Because there are so many different types of pianos and moving situations, there is a fee structure. Most companies start with a base rate of at least $50 plus $1.50 to $4.00 per mile, then the additional costs of stairs and hardships. After that, the variables come into play—the weight of the piano, its size, and its location. Add those factors to its destination and the total price comes out of that equation. There are two ways charges are figured:

Hourly – most general moving companies will charge the hourly rate, and many have minimums; for instance, a 3-hour minimum starts your bill at $150.
Flat Rate – companies specializing in moving pianos will most often quote a flat rate. Piano moving specialists have done this long enough that they can figure the cost of moving your piano at a flat rate fee once they factor in all the additional features of your piano and move

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What Equipment Is Required To Move A Piano?

To safely move a piano, special moving equipment is may be required. Havin the appropriate equipment to do the job keeps both the movers and the piano safe while moving it. The following list is some of the equipment that's necessary to safely move a piano:

Heavy Duty Platform Dolly: $125
Lifting Straps: $25
Ratchet Straps: $25
Piano Board: $125
Padding Blankets: $70
Truck with a ramp/liftgate $150

For the more difficult piano moves other special equipment such as pullies and cranes may be needed and the start cost for those thing is about $500.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does Piano Tuning Cost?
The cost of a hiring a professional piano tuner should be considered an necessary evil after having it moved to its new location. The average cost of having a piano tuned hovers around $100/hour. It can generally take about one and a half hours to thoroughly tune your piano. Also consider that the differences in temperature and humidity in your piano's new location may be drastically different than it's last. Give your instrument some time to adjust to its new environment before making reservations with the piano tuner.

How Much Should I Tip My Movers?
Deciding how much to tip your movers isn’t as simple as calculating a 20% gratuity on top of your final bill. Unlike other tip worthy professions like waiting tables or valet parking, the cost of hiring piano movers can range from a couple of hundred dollars to a few thousand. Therefore, Its normal for movers to get tipped at 5-10% of the bill. This usually averages out to about $20–$40 per mover.

How To Hire Professional Piano Movers?

Get a couple of quotes from reputable piano movers.
Check the moving companies' ratings on Google, Facebook, Yelp, or any other platform where solid reviews can be found.
Make sure you provide your piano movers as much background information as possible when it comes to potential obstacles they could face while moving your piano from one home to the next.
Your movers should provide you with a receipt or Bill of Lading for the service. Make sure you receive one.
The moving company you select should also have insurance. Most professional movers will have three different kinds of insurance and offer up to $5,000 for free with their services.
Commercial automotive insurance – this covers moving your piano to its new location.
Cargo insurance – this covers the physical piano in the event it suffers any damage during the trip.
Injury/Property – this coverage is specifically the workers who will be in charge of moving your piano, in case they are injured or in the event the damage occurs to your property while moving the piano.

Whether you own a piano for decoration or you're a professional pianist preparing your next concert, you've likely invested a lot of money into your piano. When you need to have your piano moved to a new location, it is important to choose someone that knows what they are doing. The condition of your piano depends on it. Take the time to get a few quotes, or ask for referrals from friends and neighbors. To get a free estimate or to schedule piano movers, visit the Hard Body Haulers Corporation and book professional piano movers today!

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Here's how much you should tip your movers

6/8/2021

We move hundreds of people every year and were often asked, “How much should I tip the movers?” Deciding how much to tip your movers isn’t as simple as adding a 20% gratuity on your bill. Unlike other tip heavy professions like waiting tables or valet parking, the cost of hiring movers can range from a couple of hundred dollars to a few thousand. Its common for movers to get tipped at 5-10% of the bill.

However, lifting heavy boxes and furniture in the blazing summer heat or blistering winter cold isn’t an easy job and if you feel that your movers were awesome then there is nothing wrong with showing a little extra love. To help determine exactly how much love to show we’ve highlighted the most important qualities to evaluate before distributing tips to the moving crew.

The work ethic of your movers

Moving can be expensive ordeal before hiring a moving company. Therefore, nobody wants to pay between $60 and $120 an hour for someone to take several smoke breaks. Good movers should be doing exactly that; Moving. Movers that you should consider tipping won’t be taking selfies every time you’re not looking. Instead you should see consistent progress. Good movers are usually willing to go beyond their traditional duties and do things like carry furniture you plan on disposing to the curb or dumpster.

The final condition of your furniture

The universal measurement of quality moving services is the condition that your furniture is in after being handled by movers. After all, you can rip and scratch your own things for free. But you hired professionals that maneuver heavy things in and out of different homes daily. Before you go around handing out extra money be sure to examine your things to ensure that there is no new damage. Good movers will ALWAYS carry and load furniture in a manner that minimizes the risks of damage and if you discover a bunch of new nicks and scratches then they didn’t do a good job.

The Weather on your moving day

In the immortal words of Andre 3000, “You can plan a pretty picnic, but you can’t predict the weather.” This can be especially true on moving day. Providing moving services is already a tough job in moderate weather. Now just imagine how your movers feel carrying heavy furniture and appliances on a hot and humid summer day. If the weather conditions are horrid and your movers still represent grace under fire, then a gratuity would be appreciated.

So how much should you tip?

Some people tip based on percentage. That percentage is generally 5%, and that’s fine. But there’s a pretty big caveat here: 5% of a $200 move versus a $2,000 move is quite a different number. More importantly, the price charged for your move more often reflects distance driven, versus how much was physically moved by hand.

For that reason, the industry standard tends to revolve around $10-20 per mover.

How to pack a truck for long distance moving

3/20/2019

Most people don't realize there is a preferable way to pack a rental truck when moving furniture over long distances. Moving to a new location is already expensive. The last thing you want to do is replace damaged items. To ensure a safer, easier, and quicker move, load your prized possessions in a manner that consistently builds walls throughout the moving truck by utilizing the furniture you have available. Below we’ve outlined the different types of furniture you’ll find during a basic household move and how you can pack them in a manner that saves truck space and guarantees protection.

Look at your furniture like a mover would

Bases—Bases are large furniture items that are particularly heavy, wide, and flat. An example of a base piece of furniture would be bedroom dressers, dining room buffets, armoires, refrigerators, washers, dryers, nightstands, etc. Basically, a base is anything over 75lbs that can sit on the floor of the truck or pod container and support the weight of boxes.
Walls—Furniture items that we would consider walls are relatively tall and flat. An example of a wall would be bookshelves, box springs, refrigerators, etc. Ideally, a wall is a taller piece of furniture that can be used to secure other furniture items behind them like a makeshift wall.
Boxes--Boxes are self-explanatory, so we won’t go into detail here. The key to remember when handling boxes is to always stack them in accordance to their weight with the heaviest boxes on the bottom of the stack. Also note that occasionally small boxier shaped night stands that aren’t heavy can be utilized as a box.
Tables--Tables will come in all shapes and sizes. As a rule of thumb, the legs should be removed from all wooden dining room tables if possible before moving in order to ensure that it remains damage free. Moving blankets should be wrapped around all tabletops. Depending on the size of the tabletop, it can be place in the truck either as a wall or simply along the walls of the truck.
1. Glass Tabletops/Stone--Should never be carried flat. This places pressure in the center and is more likely to increase the odds of damage. In general, Glass tabletops should be wrapped in moving blankets and secured between the mattresses if available.
Sofas—Couches should be placed along the sides of the moving truck or shipping container preferably after all or most of the bases have already been loaded. This is because sofas and chairs are going to be the biggest space takers on the load.
1. Armchairs/Recliners—These can usually be placed upside down on top of a sofa if it is not overly heavy or have mechanical parts that could be damaged if reversed. Occasionally the backs of armchairs and recliners can be removed. If this option is available, please use it.
2. Dining Chairs—These should be among the last things loaded into the truck or shipping container due to their awkward shape. If the weight of the chairs is not considerably heavy you can place them on top of other furniture in the truck once you have established a stable platform.
3. Rolling Desk Chairs—These are difficult to find the perfect positioning for. However, please ensure that the wheels and the pivoting functions of the chair have been immobilized so that it can’t shift and cause damage during transportation.
4. Ottomans—These are traditionally lightweight and can usually be placed at the top of a stable pile of other furniture.
Miscellaneous—This would be anything that doesn’t directly fall into one of the about categories. This could be any household thing like bags of clothing, bikes, garden tools, kiddie pools, etc. The goal with these items is to use them to fill in odd shaped gaps so that all the loose space is utilized.

The goal is to achieve a symmetrical load that’s less likely to shift and get damaged. Please review the following photos:

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Utilize the tools of the trade

Standard equipment that will be utilized to carry out your duties as a moving labor helper are:

Hand Tools—Basic set of screwdrivers, pliers, hex keys, socket wrenches, etc.
Moving Dollies
Moving Blankets—Unless there are none available, moving blankets are to be placed on ALL FURNITURE. Especially wood and glass furniture.
Plastic Wrap

The differences in moving trucks

All moving trucks and shipping containers perform the same duty. However, the subtle differences between them dictate that they should NOT be loaded in the same manner Use this reference as a guide for loading each kind correctly. Most of the time you will be assisting in loading/unloading the following types of moving vehicles:

U-haul trucks

A U-Haul Truck: The difference between U-Haul rental trucks and other rental trucks is the addition of the Attic area. When loading a U-Haul truck, you want to always load this area of the truck FIRST with boxes and secure them in position with a wall. You can then begin to secure the walls in position with a base item that you will then stack with boxes as you continue to build walls toward the front of the truck. The only time when you will not load the attic part of the truck first is when the customer does not have enough furniture to completely fill the truck. In that situation your objective would be to spread things out in a manner that fills the trucks width but not its height.

Penske/Budget trucks

A Penske/Budget Truck: Penske or Budget variety of moving trucks are not equipped with the attic area that U-Haul trucks have. This works to the advantage of the customer because it allows you to load the truck with more things.

ABF shipping container

An ABF UPack container: Is like a semi-truck trailer. The vertical space is greater when loading one of these and therefore the wall building model of loading the truck should be strictly applied here. Also note that like the Penske/Budget scenario, you have to begin the load with a blanketed base.

Pods/pack rat container

A Pod/Pack Rat container: Similar to Penske and ABF, PODS containers must also begin with a base to ensure the integrity of the load. However, due to the way that they are designed, you have to be strategic about space usage because of the post in the inside can make achieving an even load difficult.

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If the idea of doing all of this yourself is still intimidating to you after reading this guide, just hire movers to take care of all of the heavy lifting while you sit back and attend to the other aspects of your move.

How to Hire Movers & Stay Within Your Budget

8/20/2018

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Whether you're moving locally or out of state, the idea of moving can lead to many a sleepless night. After all, you have a checklist of tasks ahead of you, not the least of which is moving all of your possessions to your new home. If you're on a tight budget, which is always likely these days, moving yourself can seem hopeless. There's a lot of time, work, and money is involved in relocating. Fortunately, its easy to minimize your anxieties and expenses by hiring movers within your budget. Below are several useful tips to help you find an experienced moving company without having to take out a loan to cover the cost.

Embrace the Idea of Using a Moving Company

For many people, the idea of completing a do-it-yourself move often comes to mind when first think about moving. After all, you should be able to pack a truck and do it on your own, right? You'll save money in the long run, right? In all honesty, unless you are experienced in how to packing fragile things or strong enough to lift furniture for hours at a time, you might find yourself at a serious disadvantage when your actual moving day arrives. It takes a lot of time and effort to wrap delicate items correctly and box them, label the contents of each box, and carry it out to a moving truck or portable storage container. Hiring someone else to do it for you might seem to cost more money than toughing out on your own, but you'll save time and your back while simultaneously insuring that your furniture arrives safe and sound.

Using a moving company makes sense for a variety of reasons including:

Professional movers understand the intricacies of packing and possess the skill and conditioning to move your things safely.
Your items are generally insured as long as you choose this option when making your reservation. Most professional moving companies offer insurance options you can purchase. Alternatively, your homeowner's insurance may already provide coverage some of your things during the move, but it is essential for you to verify the details with your insurance company. However, you are less likely to discover broken items since they are in the hands of professionals with the skills needed to move them correctly.
Qualified movers makes things go smoothly and take far less time than if you did it on your own. A side benefit of having more time on your hands is that you can devote some of that time to things related to the moving process like canceling utilities, changing your address with the post office, and signing up for new services.
You don't need to worry about planning the route to your new home since you can just follow along behind the moving truck.
Hiring professional movers gives you access to one-stop shopping. The movers can provide packing supplies, the truck, the fuel, and the moving muscle to complete the job. All you have to do is simply request the services you need or want and pay for only those services.

As you can see, hiring movers is within your budget because it eases the many of frustrations associated with moving. Plus, the only thing you'll have to lift will be your finger to dial the phone, since the moving company will do all of the work for you.

Call for Quotes

Although any quote you receive is more likely to be an estimate than the actual cost of hiring a moving company, it is important to call around and get a few quotes. Doing so provides a starting place when you are looking to hire the best movers within your budget. You can sidestep the ones that are outside of your budget and focus on calling only affordable moving companies.

Also remember that you can negotiate prices in many cases. This is particularly true if you are only in need of loading and unloading a truck without the need for packing services. Furthermore, what furniture items you're moving specifically, can influence the cost of the overall move so don't be afraid to open up negotiations with the company in order to lower your costs.

Obtaining a quote should be your first step in finding an affordable price simply because it gives you a standard to compare all other moving quotes. If an amount seems too low, it probably is. For the best results, you might want to start your search in the middle range of prices, particularly because you know you can most likely negotiate a deal.

Attempt to Negotiate Fees

It's important to be upfront and tell the moving company that you are working on a tight budget and looking to save as much money as possible on your actual moving costs. Doing so at the beginning of the conversation avoids the frustration of finding an experienced moving company that isn't within your budget. It also encourages open negotiation of the cost to move since both parties are fully aware of your financial situation.

You shouldn't be afraid to ask if any wiggle room exists in the quoted price. If you allow your discomfort to prevent you from asking, then you lose a valuable opportunity. Its always possible that the movers can offer you a discounted rate based on how many jobs they currently have on a particular date or how long each of the existing jobs are going to last. Plus, you might be able to lower your price if you helped with the move in some way such as packing your own items or moving the boxes and smaller things to the new location yourself. It never hurts to ask, and the worst that can happen is that you receive "no" for an answer.

Only Request the Services You Need

Most moving companies offer a full array of services to accommodate the needs of each of their customers. Some customers need all of these services, while some people do not. In general, these companies can provide packing materials, packing services, the moving truck, and the labor for loading and unloading of the vehicle. However, no written or unwritten rule exists that states you must arrange to pay for each of these services. Plus, most professional movers adjust their pricing according to which services you decide to use.

Once you talk to the moving company, you should make clear, exactly, what services you need so that the quote you receive is as accurate as possible. If you only need help with packing up specific rooms, then you should just pay for those services. In fact, many moving companies suggest that you leave your clothing in bureau drawers rather than packing them separately. Doing so reduces the cost of your packing supplies, effectively lowering your overall cost of moving. Besides, the movers are strong enough to carry out furniture containing items in its drawers. However, you should keep in mind that anything stored on a shelf does require packing since it won't stay in place.

Another example is that you might only need help with breakables, collectibles, and antiques, so you can arrange for custom crating services for those items while packing up non-breakables yourself. Not only can you lower your cost to pack your home up, but you might also gain access to better insurance rates if you have professional movers packing your valuables for your move.

It is essential to determine the packing services you need and want, in addition to the loading and unloading of the moving van, before you begin your negotiations. You might be surprised at the money you can save by doing so as well as by packing up part of your home on your own. In fact, customizing your moving services is one of the easiest ways to save money on this necessary expense.

Consider Off-Peak Hours for Moving

Moving companies go through busy periods as well as slow ones, so it is possible that you might be able to access cheaper rates if you plan your move accordingly. It's easy to understand why moving companies might be busier at certain times if you consider several factors, including:

Real estate sales are more active during the spring and summer than they are in the fall and winter, so those months are going to keep moving companies busy.
Many people prefer to move on the weekends since they do not need to take off from work.
Certain days of the month are busier than others, simply because rental agreements start at the beginning or middle of the month.
It is also possible that certain days of the week are busier than others for a specific moving company due to their employee schedules or days the business is open.

So, you might be able to hire the best movers within your budget by merely asking to move during one of their slower times. All it takes is a moment to ask, and you might save a lot of money by doing so. If you can arrange to move during the company's slowest times, it might make a higher-priced firm more affordable for your moving budget.

Request a Written Contract

One of the easiest ways to avoid extra fees is to simply get a written contract that outlines all of your costs. Not doing so places you at risk of having to pay for unexpected incidentals that can drive the cost of your move up in price. Reliable moving companies do not pad their bills by adding on extra charges at the end of the service. If the moving company you are considering refuses to provide you with a written contract, you might want to look for a different outfit to hire. Having a written contract guarantees that the price listed is what you are required to pay for these services.

Identifying the Best Movers within Your Budget

You should never consider only the lowest quotes when choosing the best movers within your budget for relocating your possessions. Whether you are taking a house full of furniture and personal items or only a small apartment's worth of things, your ability to find the most qualified movers is as important as locating the most affordable ones.

With a low-end moving company, you might gain access to low prices, but you must consider what you are getting for your money. The packing materials might be of low quality, and the employees might not have the experience or skills needed to pack and move your possessions safely and without incident. Choosing a slightly higher priced company might save you money by avoiding many of the pitfalls of hiring individuals without the skills, materials, or desire to provide a quality moving job.

To find the best movers within your budget, you should be prepared to ask for flexibility in services and costs. Many qualified movers are willing to negotiate their services with customers to come up with an arrangement that everyone is happy to consider. Professional moving companies understand that not everyone is going to require their full array of services, so they are more than willing to adjust their pricing by tailoring their moving packages to fit each customer's needs. If you want the best movers within your existing budget, you should be willing to ask questions and get your answers in writing. Moving should be an exciting experience, so you should try to minimize the stress associated with this scenario by getting what you need without paying more than you have to spend.

How to Pack a Pod for Moving

1/23/2018

Portable storage container companies like PODS, Pack Rat, or Upack —offering the moving truck in addition to personal storage—are an excellent alternative to traditional moving services. However, due to the manner in which portable storage containers are collected and shipped, you have to know how to pack a pod for moving the right way in order to be certain that your furniture arrives safely to its destination.

Pods storage containers have been revolutionizing the way people are moving as of late. Portable storage containers give people the flexibility of moving out or in over a period of days or weeks thus removing the stress of the time constraints ordinarily associated with moving from house to house. While hiring full-service movers or getting a rental truck may appear to be easier options, those methods of moving also tend to be more costly and less efficient than using a pod for moving.

How it works

The storage container company you decide to go with will deliver the pod to your home and place it in a location that can be easily accessed for loading and unloading. The pod can remain at your home for as long as you need it or are willing to pay for it. This should give you plenty of time to get the pod loaded with your furniture. Once you have the container filled the company will come back to pick it up and deliver it to either your new home, apartment, or to one of their storage facilities which are generally indoor and weatherproof.

Getting Prepared

Before you load the storage container, you should take the time to prepare and organize your things. Good packing practices will ensure the safety of your belongings during transportation. Pack using a variety of different sized boxes in order to get the most out of the amount of usable space inside of the pod. However, make sure you don't over-pack your boxes. As a general rule of thumb, the heavier the items that you are packing, the smaller the moving boxes you're going to use.

Next, you should wrap all of your furniture and fragile and breakable things in moving blankets secured with plastic wrap to give them a little extra cushioning. As a final point, you want to take the time to disassemble and furniture item that can be broken down into smaller more easily manageable components such as bed frames and tables. Taking the legs off of a table can save a tremendous amount of space inside of a portable storage container.

Loading the Pod

The order in which you load a pod for moving is absolutely critical to the success of your move. When loading a portable storage container the idea is to build "furniture walls" going from side to side and top to bottom before front to back. For example, the first thing you would traditionally load on to your container first would be something heavy and wide like a bedroom dresser or armoire. This will provide you with a sturdy base that you can safely stack boxes or smaller and lighter furniture items on as you build a wall toward to ceiling of the pod.
Using moving blankets as you load will greatly lower the chances of damaging valuable pieces of furniture. Professional movers sometimes roll up extra moving blankets to fill random gaps to prevent shifting inside of the pod.

A nice even furniture wall.

Let The Pros Load Your POD

Throughout the pod, there are anchoring hooks where you can use bungee or ratcheting straps if necessary. Once you have a fairly even wall going across the back quarter of the pod you can place a taller item like a box springs or bookshelf in front of the first wall to add additional support to the items you stacked. You want to continue making furniture walls in this manner until you reach the front of the container by the door. The final wall close to the door should be marginally shorter than the rest so that you won't have an issue opening the door when the container reaches its destination.

Protect Your Stuff

If your container will be sitting outside for a while, you'll want to safeguard your belongings against changes in weather that can lead to pest infestations, mildew, and mold. We suggest using humidity absorbers, which can be purchased online or from a home hardware store. Also, keep your container safe with a heavy-duty padlock at any time you aren't around. Sometimes the portable storage company may provide the lock themselves or sell you one when you order the pod.

Conclusion

Commitment to using good pod loading practices is imperative to the overall success of your move. Taking the additional time to organize your things will ensure that your furniture arrives at the new location undamaged. Load the container in the right order so that everything fits together in makeshift walls of furniture. Don't forget to use moving blankets throughout the load to take up any additional gaps and to cover your more delicate possessions. Finish the load with moisture absorbers and a strong padlock for security and you're good to go. By taking the time to load your pod for moving correctly, you'll save valuable time and prevent damage which saves money.

How to Save Money and Time When Moving Out

5/7/2015

Get Moving Boxes for Free

Moving boxes can be expensive. This is especially true if you have a lot of things to pack up. However, you can reduce the cost tremendously if you belong to a wholesale club like BJ's or Costco then you can acquire free boxes. Many of these wholesale clubs have a designated area that they place empty boxes so that you can carry your stuff to the car. If you need larger boxes, simply find a manager and ask for the boxes in the back of the store; they'll be happy to help because you'll be helping them get rid of the boxes. Its a win win.

Pack One Room at a Time

Packing all on your belongings seems to be the most difficult and time consuming part of moving to a new home. That's usually because most people don't have a basic packing strategy. If you pack everything one room at a time and stick to a room or two per day, you'll find that packing your house will be a lot easier and less stressful. Be sure to resist the urge to organize things before you pack because this will only lengthen the process.

Unless you are in the household moving business or one of your buddies owns a moving truck, you're going to need access to a box truck. When it comes to truck rental rates and location availability, no other truck rental agency can hold a candle to Uhaul. Go onto Uhaul's website and reserve a truck for your moving date that is closest to either your starting or ending destination. This ensures that you don't have to pay for unnecessary mileage and gas. Also remember that weekday rentals are cheaper than the weekend so if you can, schedule your move for a weekday.

Rent a Moving Truck thats Close to Your Home

Hire Moving Labor

Sure you can move everything yourself but; do your really want to? These days there are plenty of options available to you for hiring moving labor that won't break the bank and will allow you to settle into your new home faster. Moving labor services cost a fraction of what hiring a big name moving company would be. You can hire a couple of guys to do all of the heavy lifting for under $200 and not only save your back but your time too.

By practicing these four basic principles of moving, your next transition from old home to the new home won't cost a small fortune, or take up all your time. By finding creative ways to get boxes for your move like getting them from a wholesale club, will save you a ton of money. Just remember to pace yourself by only packing one room at a time so that you don't get overwhelmed. Uhaul locations are everywhere and chances are, your old home or new home is near enough for you to rent a truck from there. Getting moving labor help is like having a couple of buddies over to help except these guys won't knick your furniture or stand you up last minute. Now you can spend less time moving and more time getting to know your new neighbors.

4 Reasons Why You Don't Need A Moving Dolly

8/20/2014

Oftentimes when our moving laborers arrive to a job site we are asked, "Aren't you guys going to use a moving dolly?" After the look bewilderment and the initial shock of the question fades off of our movers faces (we are the Hard Body Haulers of course) our answer is always the same: "We don't use dollies." This response always garners a quizzical look from our customers until they see our guys in action (more on that later). This may sound shocking to professional movers and novices alike but, with the exception of a few situations, you really do not need to have a moving dolly on hand.

Moving Dollies Only Add Weight To The Load

This is a matter of simple physics. If you have a stack of moving boxes that need to be moved up a long flight of stairs and you use a moving dolly to do it with, you'll have to pull not only the weight of the boxes but also weight of the hand truck which can be 30 or more additional pounds depending of the type of dolly you have. The chances are that you'll only attempt this feat once and then after that you'll probably resort to using the dolly only to get the boxes to the base of the stairway and then you'll carry them from there. Just cut out the middle man and skip the hand truck.Your back will thank you.

They Slow Down Your Entire Move

On average a moving dolly may allow you to move one or two more boxes than you ordinarily would have been able to carry. However, you have to lift the boxes to stack them in a pile so that you can use a moving dolly in the first place. That amount of time could have been better spent moving the objects to their desired location. By the time the dolly dependent mover makes it to the drop-off point with the first load, an able bodied mover will have made two or three trips resulting in more boxes being moved. So instead of double lifting the same boxes; toughen up and just carry it. It saves time; your most valuable resource.

They Cost Too Damned Much

To purchase a quality moving dolly is going to cost you at least 30 or more dollars. Although 30 dollars isn't a ton money, it IS a lot to pay for a tool that can only be utilized in a handful of situations, and that you may only use once a year at best. Another option would be to rent one from a moving equipment provider like Uhaul for about 7 dollars. What most people don't realize is that you are probably going to use the dolly for less than 5 percent of the items you move meaning that you ACTUALLY overpaid by $6.65 or almost enough to put the gas needle back to the beginning mark on your rented moving truck (depending on where you live and how far you drove).

You Hired The Hard Body Haulers

If your moving labor providers are the The Hard Body Haulers, then you DON'T need a moving dolly; you need a lounge chair and bucket of popcorn to enjoy the show with. Each of our movers are required to bench press and squat a minimum of 200 pounds during the interview in order to represent our elite brand of moving services. So unless you have boxes that weigh in excess of 200 pounds and household furniture that weighs more than 400 pounds (grand pianos not included) you don't need anything when the Hard Body Haulers are on the job.

Reviewing these fours points you should demonstrate how moving dollies can be a detriment to your move in most situations. We discovered that they actually make things heavier, make your move take longer, and cost more than what they are worth. So instead of wasting money on a moving dolly, just get a Hard Body Hauler to move it. You won't regret it.

4 Tips For Moving A Refrigerator

7/6/2014

As with most appliances, moving a refrigerator can be a bit of a challenge at times. Although there is no one size fits all method to appliance moving, there are a few general guidelines you can follow to move a refrigerator quickly and without causing any damage.

Depending on the size of your refrigerator and the width or your doorways you may find it necessary to remove the doors. This is because the handles and hinges on the doors often make it hard to fit between the thresholds of a lot of homes; especially in older homes. Removing the doors also make the refrigerator lighter and provides more gripping area which will come in handy when its time to lift it and move it.

When the average person thinks about moving an appliance they immediately reach for a moving dolly to assist them instead of calling a buddy or hiring moving labor. While there are times when dollies can be helpful, they can also be heavy and more work than they are worth. Not only do dollies add weight to what you are moving but they also make it more difficult to navigate around certain household layouts and designs.

Remove The Doors And The Drawers

You never want to move anything that has moveable parts inside without either securing them or moving them. When moving a refrigerator it will probably be a lot easier to simply remove the inner racks and drawers than to secure them with packing tape. The obvious benefit of doing this is lowering your risks to potential damages while moving your fridge to its new home. Another advantage would again be less weight to carry when its time to do the heavy lifting.

Don't Work Too Hard

Most refrigerators are equipped with wheels, giving them the ability to roll frontward and backwards. During the moving process you will have plenty of opportunities to simply push it across a room to where you need it to be without overworking yourself.

You Don't Need A Dolly

In conclusion, although moving a large appliance like a refrigerator can seem difficult if you don't have any prior moving experience, following these four tips for moving refrigerators are sure to simplify the process tremendously.

A Few Reasons to Move to Glendale, Arizona

7/15/2013

Glendale, Arizona is a city located just a short distance away from downtown Phoenix and is currently one of the fastest growing cities in America. The city is full of peaceful energy with plenty of sunshine for outdoor activities that you can undertake as well as and vibrant nightlife. If you are moving in search of career opportunities, Glendale has a large variety of employers to choose from. Whatever your reason may be for moving from where you are, hopefully the follow introduction guide may convince you to consider moving to Glendale, Arizona.

The Community

Glendale is a very diverse city with a blend of both blue collar and white collar communities. The cost of living here is about two percent less than the national average making it a good location to move to when feeling the economic pinch. People in search of a new career could possibly find employment with the Luke Air Force Base or with Honeywell; two of the largest employers in the state of Arizona. There are several schools ranging from elementary to middle and high school. After graduating, young adults will also have several collegiate educational options to pick from such as Arizona State University and the Glendale Community College.

The Weather

On average Glendale, Arizona only receives about eight inches of rain per year and virtually no snowfall. There are 294 sunny days per year in Glendale, Arizona. The summer high is generally around 105 degrees on average with a winter low of about 38 degrees. This means that you’ll rarely have to rescheduling outdoor events and activities due to the bad weather. The skies are usually clear with breathtaking views of vast mountain ranges.

The Outdoor Activities

Glendale has a variety of outdoor activities for people looking to catch some sun. Sports lovers can visit the University of Phoenix Stadium; a glorious facility unlike any other in the states. The state of the art retractable dome allows you to see the vast Arizona sky while browsing the booths at the craft and trade shows that are frequently held there. If shopping and dining outdoors is your thing then the Westgate Entertainment District should definitely be on your list of things to do. Here you can stimulate your taste buds by enjoying some of the most delicious southwestern entrees country. After dining, you can treat yourself by visiting C’est Bein Skincare and picking up a few specialty bath and body offerings.

The Nightlife

Go out and have the time of your life by hanging out at Chilly Bombers, a robust nightclub that will give you the excitement you desire. The club features indoor and outdoor seating areas and the bartenders are skilled at drink mixing are quick with the refills. The DJ’s are masters at playing the songs that will keep the energy going all night. This is definitely a place to meet new friends after moving to Glendale.

It does not matter if you are moving for excitement or to carve out a new career path, Glendale, Arizona is sure to have something for people of all walks of life. The communities are diverse and the weather is always favorable. Chock full of fun outdoor activities and a bustling night life it is no wonder why Glendale is among the fastest growing cities in America.

3 Tips For Moving Out Of An Apartment

7/14/2013

Moving out of an apartment is not always an easy task. Without taking the time to organize everything you could end up taking all day to move out from your old apartment and into your new apartment further wasting time and money. Preparation is the key with any household move and apartment buildings follow the same protocol. If you want to be certain that things go effortlessly the next time you move you move out of an apartment just remember to follow these three simple tips.

Secure the Elevator

A lot of apartment occupants do not realize that the amount of things you have do not extend the time of your move more than the building’s elevators. A lot of apartment buildings have a separate freight elevator and will allow you to completely reserve the elevator for the time you need to move. However, some apartment developments do not have such an amenity and you will have to struggle with other residents of the building to use it. If you live in the latter we suggest that you arrange for a buddy to help you by becoming an honorary elevator attendant for the day. This will prevent you from having to wait for the elevator to be returned after someone else uses it. Also, for those moving from apartments with freight elevators, be sure to schedule more time than what may be needed. There is nothing worse than trying to move out with other tenants moving out on the same breathing down your neck about when you’ll be done with the elevator.

Pack Neatly

Neatly packing your things in advance can be a tremendous time saver. This is because things can be stacked in the freight elevators safer, higher, and more condensed when everything has been properly prepped and packed. Take the legs off of kitchen tables and make sure that all of your moving boxes have the lids closed and taped shut (not folded over). The overall objective is to minimize the amount of times that you have to fill the elevator to move out of your apartment. More elevator rides will equal a longer move which may translate into higher cost if you are renting a moving truck or hiring movers.

Use a Dolly
Using a dolly will speed your move tremendously if you have a ton of boxes, or if your apartment unit is a good enough walking distance away from the freight elevator, or if your moving truck is parked away from the loading area. There is no good reason to walk back and forth with only a box or two when you can roll five or six boxes at a time. Dollies and hand trucks can also be very useful for certain pieces for furniture depending on the shape and weight of the item.

Moving from your apartment doesn't have to be difficult. By taking the time to organize the move before your move, you’ll save time, money, and effort during your move. Just be certain to reserve the freight elevator well in advance, pack your things thoroughly, and take advantage of every moving tool available and the next time you move from an apartment it’ll be a breeze.

Moving Out After College

4/16/2013

Like most graduate students you're probably eager to strike out and carve out a career for yourself. A lot of college grads either move back to their hometown but most seek career opportunities in a new city. Under ordinary circumstances acquiring moving help is generally done by calling a few buddies and ordering a pizza. However, if your friends are also graduating or taking final exams, finding someone with the discretionary time can be a little difficult. With skillful planning however, you can simplify your move and be settled into your new home and career in no time. Read below to discover a few tips that will make your relocation seem effortless.

Hire Movers/Rent A Truck/Shipping Container

These days there are a variety of ways that you can arrange to have you things moved. For whatever shipping method you choose be certain that you secure a reservation as early as your schedule will allow you to. People tend to move around the same dates of the year and the longer you wait, the less likely you are to make a definite reservation.

Pack Your Apartment

Between final exams, graduation, apartment search, job procurement, and saying goodbye to friends, it's highly likely that most of your packing will be getting done within a span of one to two days (if you're luck). The most efficient way to pack is to box your things one room at a time; even if the match to something is in another room. Not only will you pack things faster but you will also decrease the odds of something getting lost or left behind. Be sure to arrange a trip to the thrift store to donate clothing or other salvageable things you no longer need.

Clean Your Apartment

Do not forget to tidy up a bit. Building managers and landlords will have no problem revoking your security deposit for a dirty or damage apartment. Its true that spending hours cleaning a place that you'll never live in again is nobody's idea of a fun time, there's no point in wasting money due to sheer laziness.

Close or Transfer Bank/Utility Accounts

Some utility companies require someone to be home in order to turn off the service. If this is the case where you live, arrange to have them arrive on your moving day so that you don't have to pay a day more than necessary. If you bank with a national bank you probably won't have to close your accounts but, be sure to transfer your information to the correct residential city.

Road Supplies

If you are moving a long distance away you should probably secure an emergency road kit. Suggested items to purchase would be anti-freeze, fix-a-flat, and engine oil. It would also be wise to buy a lock to secure the back of your moving truck in case you are lodging and have to park for an extended period along the way. To maximize your driving time you should have a grab bag of snacks, water, and other items to occupy your time while on the road.

Hotel Reservations

If you plan on stopping along the way it would be wise to secure a hotel reservation in advance if you want the best rates. Also if you are moving during a popular travelling season or holiday, you could be forced to stay in a grungy motel.

Say Your Goodbyes

College life has been a part of your life for many years and you've probably picked up a lot of friend along the way. Invite a few of your closest buddies for pizzas and beer and reminisce about the those crazy times.

The Journey Begins

With the knowledge acquired at college and a moving truck full of all your furniture and life experiences you set off toward your destiny knowing that all loose ends have be tied. Utilizing this moving guide ensure that you'll be able to hit ground running the second you move in.

5 Reasons to Rent Moving Boxes

3/24/2013

Hard Body Box

America is in the beginnings of a love affair with all things renewable. Therefore, its no surprise that Cleveland, Ohio residents are highly supportive of the Hard Body Moving Box Solution; an innovative program that rents reusable plastic moving boxes that are cheaper, safer, and more durable then their cardboard counterparts. Most people can agree that the woes moving are already enough of a headache before combining them with the high ONE TIME fee of cardboard boxes, tape, and other packing materials multiplied by the impact that cardboard waste is having on our environment. Instead of creating more waste, why not rent moving boxes instead? Below we've listed five of the many ways in which moving box rentals can save money, time, and the ecosystem.

Waste Reduction

Most people are only going to use standard moving boxes one time and then they are either going to take up space in their basement or in the landfill. Someone people attempt to salvage a few boxes in anticipation of a future move. In reality most cardboard boxes are damaged beyond usability after just one move and at least a few will have to be thrown out. Not only is this a waste of your money but it is also a waste of the planet's resources.

Sustainability

Our plastic moving boxes can be reused up to about 500 times before having to be replaced. Another ecological benefit of our boxes is that when the box reaches its maturity, it can be recycled into a new moving box without the need to take any additional resources from the Earth.

Customer Service

Hard Body Moving Boxes are delivered to your front door when you need them. Once you are finished unpacking in about a week or so, the Hard Body Haulers will pick them back up free of charge. Now you don't have to stare at a mountain of boxes after your move is over!

Savings

The price to rent plastic moving boxes is about half the cost of buying cardboard boxes, tape, labels, and other packing materials. Keep in mind that this would only be your monetary savings. When you consider the amount of time that it takes to prepare cardboard boxes and their low capacity limits, the Hard Body Moving Box Solution just makes your move more economically sound.

Durability

Hard Body Moving Boxes are tough. Very tough. They will protect your things from being crushed under the weight of your other boxes. Is it raining on moving day? No problem! Plastic moving boxes are waterproof so the weather won't be an issue.

So if you are looking for way to make your next move quicker, safer, and more eco-friendly, then you should packing using the Hard Body Moving Box Solution.

How To Load a 6x12 Trailer

3/6/2013

The year was 2008 and our moving company was still in its infancy. The summer moving season was in full swing and we were busier than ever. It was then that we got a call to complete our first long distance move. A guy wanted us to move a one bedroom apartment from Cleveland, Ohio to Houston, Texas; over 1300 miles and 21 hours of driving time. This was a pretty big job for such a small moving company at the time but we were up to the task. Based on our past moving experience or lack thereof, we assumed that a one bedroom apartment would be able to fit comfortably in a 6x12 U Haul trailer and any excess could fit in the truck.

We were gravely mistaken.

Sure it was just a one bedroom apartment but, It was a large one bedroom apartment. It also didn't help that the guy owned all of the oddly shaped modern pop culture furniture that makes loading a moving vehicle as compact as possible very difficult. To make matters worse, we didn't realize that we needed a bigger vehicle until we arrived to move the guy and it was to late to acquire a larger vehicle.

The pressure was on.

This was an important moving job for us and didn't want to see this opportunity fall through the cracks. So we proceeded to load the U haul trailer by putting all of our combined years of Tetris playing to good use. We flipped and fitted furniture in every geometric combination until we finally made it fit; six hours later. Because the load took so long, we had to hit the road immediately if we were to make it to the destination on time.

It didn't take long after our departure for us t o notice the way the U Haul trailer kept swaying and rocking at normal speed. This rocking motion frightened us lot because it felt as if the entire truck would flip over. We did not want to lose our live or ruin our clients belongings. Our only solution at the time was to drive slower. Driving slower did reduce the rocking motions although it postponed our arrival time.

Eventually we stopped outside of Memphis and reorganized everything the correct way.

First, we made sure that the heaviest items were located in the front of the trailer.
Secondly, we ensured that the weight of the furniture was even distributed throughout the entire trailer.
Finally, we never allowed our speed to go too far above 60 mph.

Once these changes were made it was smooth sailing for the rest of the way.

How To Write Off Moving Expenses On Your Taxes

1/26/2013

The ever-present uncertainty of today's job market has a lot of people thinking about relocating to another state in search of better career and business opportunities. Unfortunately the moving cost associated with long distance moving services can be a bit pricey when compared to local services. However, if you would like to relocate but are intimidated by high moving fees; the Internal Revenue Service may be able to assist you with financing a fresh start and getting back on the career path.
In order to qualify for the moving deduction you must meet the following specifications:

Be at least 50 miles away from your former home.
Be employed full time in your new location for at least 39 weeks during the first year of your relocation.

Business organizations, as well as the self employed, can simply transfer the business or themselves and file for a deduction of the expenses under these same guidelines even if you do the move yourself. Just be certain that your safely store and organize all of the receipts and documents from your move so that your can accurately calculate your costs. Once you have a final tally, fill out the IRS moving deduction form and claim your refund!

So if the employment situation in your current location is looking dire and you think that moving to a new town it just the spark you need; go for it.

HOW TO GET YOUR MOVE COMPLETED IN record TIME

9/8/2012

So your moving day has finally arrived.Your boxes are packed, your furniture has been disassembled and wrapped, and your movers are booked and ready to roll. Now what? There are plenty of things that you can do to ensure that your move is completed quickly and error free.

Be Prepared - Be certain that everything you want to be loaded onto the truck/pod is completely prepared and ready to be loaded when the movers arrive. Although your movers will generally arrive with all of the necessary materials to properly pack and protect your belonging; doing so will slow your movers down and since most moving companies charge an hourly rate, it could mean a higher bill to pay if your move takes longer that your allotted time period.
Label Everything - Labeling all of your moving boxes and furniture will speed your move up tremendously. Your movers will take longer if they have to lift things more that once because they were placed in the wrong room. However, proper labeling will ensure that everything is loaded in accordance to the order in which it will be removed. Labeling your boxes can also protect your belongings from damage by allowing the movers to know where the fragile and delicate items are located.
Make a Path - Not only will congested walkways make your move take longer; they also present a major safety hazard for your movers. It is very difficult to carry furniture over scattered household debris. One slip could potentially spell disaster for your movers or your furniture. Remember: Safety first!
Be Realistic - An unfortunate truth is: Many of us just have too much stuff. The quote that your movers provided for a one bedroom studio apartment is useless if have enough stuff to fill a three bedroom home. Because there is no surefire way to determine how long your move will last it is up to the customer to divulge as much information as possible in order to assist your movers with providing an accurate quote and ultimately, getting the job done within that time frame.

If you follow these general guidelines while preparing for your upcoming move, you should be rewarded with a fast move and a bill that is within your budget. The task may seem daunting at first but paying close attention to the small details now will ensure that you do have to pay out in the future.

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