aLocalVan Moving & Storage Blog

Packing The Bedroom

2012-02-07T10:33:00.005-05:00

OK, packing the bedroom can be a daunting task. Wading through all the clothes, knick-knacks, books, kid's toys, and accumulated "stuff" can make the most sturdy heart faint. Since we have some experience moving people in Louisville and beyond, we have developed a precision plan to tackle the mountain and make a manageable project. Follow these easy steps and getting your bedrooms ready will be a breeze:

Create three piles:
Create space for three pile: Keep, Throw, and Donate. Belongings, like our waistline, tend to grow with time. It takes discipline to keep both in line. So making the hard decision up front is tough, but it will save hours during the move. Decide what needs to get tossed, donated to Good Will, and what is important enough to make it to your new place. Use the one year rule - "If you haven't used it in a year, toss it."

Pack a First Night Suitcase:
The first night in your home will be chaotic. Take time to pack what you will need for the first night and next morning. Pajamas, robes, underwear, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, vitamins, etc. Use this as a starting point to make your first night and the following morning as easy and relaxing as possible. Don't go crazy, keep it to one backpack or suitcase per person.

Use wardrobe boxes to your advantage:
Wardrobe boxes are about 4 feet tall and have a bar to hold clothes on hangers. Most clothes only take up 2 to 3 feet of the 4 foot depth. Use the bottom to store light things like pillows, shoes, and blankets. If you do, it will cut down the trips to the truck.

Mark the bedroom boxes well:
Taking a little extra time to carefully mark you boxes will save a lot of headache in your new home. Nothing is more frustrating than opening ten boxes only to still not find the item you are looking for. Write down the room it came from, only pack items from one room in a box, and write all the major item on one side of the box.

Use mattress bags or plastic wrap:
We always think we will be careful. We walk carefully, have two people carry the mattress… But then your buddy slips to perfectly place your beautiful mattress in a puddle. We live in the Ohio Valley, folks, it happens. Even professionals have accidents happen. So using a plastic mattress bags or having your mover plastic (stretch) wrap is always a good idea.

That should get you well on your way to packing your bedrooms like the pros. Remember, if you need any help, call you local Louisville area moving company, aLocalVan Moving & Storage, we are always ready to help.

Where to donate your used goods

2012-01-19T12:22:00.000-05:00

You never realize how much stuff you have until you’re packing for a move. And you uncover clothes you haven’t worn in months (some may even still have tags on them), toys your kids haven’t played with or old grab-bag gifts that you just never found a place for. We usually just stuff those in the boxes along with everything else and vow to make space for them in our new home. But this time around, why not lighten your moving load? Instead of sending your no-longer-needed things off to the dumpster or keeping them around, donate them. Luckily, we live in a great city that has tons of donation centers, resale shops and non-profits that would love to take those things off your hands. Here are a few ideas of where you can donate your gently used things.

Whether you’re downsizing, up sizing or just rethinking the feng shui in your new home, consider donating your furniture instead of trashing it. Resale shops are great and there’s always the free stuff section on Craigslist. But instead of giving it away, donate it.

Furniture & Clothing

Goodwill Industries of Kentucky - 1325 South Fourth Street Louisville KY, 40208 | (502) 272-1700

Saint Vincent de Paul Louisville - 1029 S. Preston Street Louisville KY, 40203 | (502) 583-8158

American Counsel of the Blind - 4932 Poplar Level Road Louisville KY, 40219 | (502) 968-6666

Cedar Lake Lodge - Jericho Road LaGrange KY, 40031 | (502) 222-7157

Furniture Only

DAV Disabled American Veterans - 1701 Berry BLVD Louisville KY, 40215 | (502) 363-3164

Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services - 2911 S. Fourth Street Louisville, KY 40208 | (502) 636-9263 x 145

Electronics Only

Famtech - 4424 Greenbriar Road Louisville, KY 40207 | (502) 866-880-8756

Other Options

Charities to donate to.xls

Preparing For Moving Day

2012-01-07T11:47:00.000-05:00

Moving Day can be very hectic. When planning a move, it helps to take some time a few days prior to your moving crew’s arrival to prepare your personal belongings. Whether driving your own vehicle or flying to your new home, there may be a few things you need to take along yourself. These items might include your prescription medication, handheld electronic devices, important documents or anything you will need while your items are in transit. Making a list of the articles you plan to personally take will be helpful. Next, designate an area of your home where these items can be placed on Moving Day. This can be in a corner or you may want to empty a small hall closet to assign as a holding area. Don’t place these items along with goods that need to be packed by movers. When you’re a Local Van driver arrives, let him know these goods will not be going on the moving van. It may also be helpful to tag that area or put a note on the closet door. If you are driving to your destination, you may wish to load those articles into your personal vehicle as soon as the movers begin working. The professional packers will be working quickly. It’s best not to leave your personal items on counter-tops or tabletops where the crew is packing unless they are intended to be packed and loaded on the van. Taking these steps in the days before your movers arrive will ensure a smooth moving day and that you have the essentials with you while your items are in transit.

Winter Moving Tips

2011-12-23T14:02:00.004-05:00

While it is common knowledge that summer is "busy season" for moving companies, you don't always have the luxury of moving at the optimal time for good weather and your kids' summer vacation. Don't fear; you can rely on our 20 years of experience to guide you through moving in the off-season. In honor of the crisp, cool weather and the appearance of fall leaves in glorious reds, oranges, and yellow, we present aLocalVan’s Moving Tips: Cold Weather Edition! The biggest element of the fall and winter months that can disrupt your move is weather. There are several things you take into consideration when choosing a professional mover:

Reschedule Policy: There are some days where the weather is so bad that it would be irresponsible and unsafe to move your items. You want a moving company who cares enough about your items to postpone a move so that your items are not damaged and are not being transported on icy, treacherous roads (it's a rare moving company that employs Ice Road Truckers!). Sure, it's easier to just service the move and collect payment, but on some occasions, it's not the right choice. On the other hand, there are bad weather days that, with proper training and equipment, a professional mover can work through safely and quickly. But that doesn't mean you, the client, still want to move in snow or rain. Make sure you choose a company who doesn't punish you with fees when you reschedule. At aLocalVan, there is never a charge to reschedule. We respect your comfort level when you wake up to a cloudy sky on move day.

Hazardous Weather Policy: First off, make sure the moving companies you are evaluating have one in place. You'd be surprised at how many don't! Here are some aspects of our Hazardous Weather Policy. It's a good starting point for a conversation with the movers you speak to.

Because our movers move quickly when not carrying anything, on rainy days they are instructed to slow down. The truck ramps and driveways can get awfully slippery really quickly, and no one wants their move slowed down by an injury.
We always pad wrap all wood and fragile furniture with thick, new moving blankets and then add a layer of industrial strength plastic wrap for additional protection, but on rainy days, we use blankets for everything, so that none of your possessions are exposed to the elements.
Once items are loaded into the moving truck, everything is inspected and wiped down. Just one more extra step to ensure your items stay dry and protected.
When we arrive at your new home, we first set up pads to protect all floors. We unload in a two stage process. Items are unloaded into the garage or other dry staging area, wiped down, and unwrapped. Then all movers clean and dry off their shoes and any other rain-affected parts. We then move everything, now that it's dry and our guys are, too, wherever you want it in the new home. No muddy footprints, no wet furniture, and no extra rainy day stress!

Oh, and don't forget! Everything we mentioned above should come and no additional charge: refuse to be nickel and dimed for things that are just plain good customer service.

We hope these tips help you with your cold and rainy weather move. We are always here to help and share the knowledge we've gained while completing over 7,000 moves in the greater Louisville area! Thank you, and happy moving.

About aLocalVan Moving and Storage

2011-12-22T09:23:00.004-05:00

aLocalVan Moving & Storage is a residential and commercial mover in Louisville KY you can trust with your possessions. We are a family owned and operated business, not a franchise, that provides local and long distance moving with personal attention to detail. Our people are prompt dedicated professionals who are ready and willing to assist you in every phase of your moving process. Let us help you reduce the stress related to moving your belongings, leaving you with the piece of mind to concentrate on the other aspects of your relocation.

Why choose A Local Van Moving & Storage, LTD. CO. for your upcoming move?

Family owned, Louisville, Kentucky based local and long distance moving company.
Residential and Commercial mover.
Fully insured and carry Worker’s Compensation.
Intrastate and Interstate operational authority in the forty-eight contiguous states. Our operational numbers are USDOT 899195, MC 391893, KY DMT 806.
Trucks are CLEAN, professionally maintained and moving van outfitted.
Crews are experienced professional movers with excellent work ethics, speed, stamina and are company employees.
Free moving estimates available online, on-site, or by phone.
Specialize in moving office equipment, antiques, pianos, and other fragile items.
Loading and unloading of rental trucks and internal moves.
Complete packing services and supplies are available.
Multiple stops, pick-ups and deliveries are available to get your possessions where you want them and when you want them.
Your move will not be combined with another customer.
Storage on our trucks in a secured location is available if necessary.
A+ Rating Seal of Approval from the Better Business Bureau.
Major credit cards accepted including, VISA, MasterCard, AmericanExpress and Discover.

Let our experience and commitment to excellence help to make your next move safe, effortless and efficient. Don’t forget to visit our moving links and moving checklist tips for useful relocation information.

Louisville KY Movers

CALL US TODAY AT (502) 266-7777 FOR A FREE MOVING ESTIMATE, OR GET A FREE ONLINE MOVING ESTIMATE.

Moving Before Christmas or the New Year?

2011-12-20T13:11:00.000-05:00

As an extra special holiday offer from aLocalVan Moving & Storage any local move booked prior to December 30^th will receive a special holiday rate of $4.00 off per hour and $20.00 off the normal travel charges!

To receive this special, simply log on to www.alocalvan.com or call (502) 266-7777 and mention the ALV Holiday Sale.

One mover, two movers, three movers...four?

2011-12-19T17:12:00.000-05:00

One mover, two movers, three movers...four?

With most reputable moving companies it depends entirely on the size of your move. A smaller move tends to warrant two movers, a medium size move at least three movers with the largest move being at least four movers.

When you call in to schedule an appointment for a moving estimate or obtain a moving quote, your agent will begin by gathering information about your move. A list of things they will ask is indicated below:

How many bedrooms?

What's the square-footage of your home?

Do you have any large or fragile items?

Is your home one story, two or more?

Will you need packing done?

The answers to these questions will help the mover gauge your move size and then devise a move plan that addresses your moving need. The least amount of movers sent will be two. Two movers generally handle one and two bedroom apartments. For larger two bedroom apartments, condos and three bedroom homes, three movers are generally assigned. And lastly for larger three bedroom homes and more you should receive at least four movers and possibly five depending on home size.

I've heard all sorts of horror stories about the amount of movers received for a given move. When you are discussing your move with the agent make sure you find out the number of men and their hourly moving rate. The amount of movers affect the pace of the move. If the moving crew is hindered because a lack of support it will cost you in the end. Also ask if there are any minimums associated with your move. These questions shed light on your anticipated costs.

The size of your moving crew is not picked out of a lottery, but your experienced mover will package the right amount of movers and tools to deliver a move for you that is second to no other moving company.

Reputable Moving Companies, Two Movers, Three Movers, Four Movers, Moving Estimate, One Bedroom Apartment, Two Bedroom Apartment, Three Bedroom Home

Retirement and Relocation

2011-12-19T16:17:00.000-05:00

While economic conditions may have affected or delayed the retirement plans of some, there is still a great number of baby boomers reaching retirement age.

According to a Dell Web survey of baby boomers, 55% of them plan to move when they retire.

If you own a home it is likely your most valuable asset. Although there may be many emotional ties to your current home, you should consider if its the right place for you in retirement.
There are many good reasons to consider downsizing or relocating for retirement:

Retiring with debit is not optimal; perhaps you can downsize and eliminate the need for a mortgage completely.
Even if you don’t have enough equity to buy a smaller home outright, reducing the size of your mortgage payment will likely improve your financial security in retirement.
Your housing needs during retirement will most likely be different than your current needs and you may want to find a home and community that better suits your retirement needs.

In addition to a lower mortgage relocating can provide several other financial benefits:

Moving to an area with a lower cost of living, lower energy costs and better tax environment are all things that can benefit you financially.
Moving to an area that offers a climate or community that is a better fit for your retirement can have a positive impact on your retirement lifestyle.

Beyond the financial savings relocating and/or downsizing can improve the quality of your life. You can reduce the time and hassle of maintaining your current home and move to an area ideally suited to your values and interests.

You might move out of your large suburban home into a condo by the beach. Or, relocate across the country to be closer to family. Perhaps your health would benefit from a different climate.

No matter your motivation, retirement should be a time for you. Find the place to make these years the best they can be.

Be sure to consider the following points when evaluating retirement locations:

Proximity to family
Climate
Adult education opportunities
The number and types of doctors
Hospitals
Air Quality
Crime rates
Availability and cost of recreational activities
Availability and cost of cultural activities
Ease of travel—proximity to transit systems, airports, train stations, etc.
Cultural events and festivals

You will also want to consider how well you will be able to live in the home or condo you choose as you age:

How easy is the property to maintain
Does the home have stairs
Could the home accommodate a wheel chair if necessary?

The questions and concerns can seem endless when you begin the process of selecting a new home for your retirement. There are many organizations, websites and magazines dedicated to helping provide answers to these questions.

Many companies offer the price saving benefit of their relocation program to retiring employees. Be sure to check with your Human Resources Representative about this important benefit. Once you choose your new home and are ready to move—aLocalVan will be there to get you moved into your new home with ease.