Flexible Move

Key Things to Remember When Moving in the Snow

2011-12-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

Winter moving can be a lot harder than normal, and let’s face it moving is hard enough as it is. When snow is involved it makes it that much more of a hassle. But it doesn’t have to be, if you take all the right precautions to be prepared.

The things you must remember to do when there is snow on the ground when moving is to make sure all pathways are shoveled and salted. Remember, not only your doorway needs to be clear, but all other doors and pathways/walkways must be clear too for loading. This includes clearing your backyard, if necessary. Don’t forget if you have a shed to have the pathway to the shed clear for unloading the items you will be packing and loading in your moving container from the shed. It may be a good idea too, to unload your shed prior to your move, if you are in an area that is expecting or gets a lot of snow during the time you move.

It is important to remember to pack all outdoor items that you may have as well before a snowfall prior to the move. This includes things not only in the shed, but outdoor ornaments/decorations that you may have around the house (front/back) that can easily be forgotten about or covered in snow, for example the ornaments that you may place in your front yard/ backyard ground or garden.

Ensure that the parking areas for any vehicles and moving trailers are clear and salted for parking in a planned designated area for moving day.

Being prepared ahead of time for your move in the winter snow, will allow for a smooth move and less stressful move!

Moving Your Vehicle

2011-11-30T13:37:00.000-08:00

Did you know that we can also move your personal vehicle for you along with your move? When moving long distance majority of families travel by plane to their new destination or some families drive and may have an additional vehicle. In either case, you need a way to transport your vehicle from origin to destination. Luckily, Flexible Move works with third party car carriers to plan the transport of your vehicle along with your move so that we can save you the hassle of trying to find a reputable car carrier company, and the rates and having to deal with the actual coordination of it all.

Along with the coordination of your move, if you have a vehicle to transport we will retrieve the quotes for you to move your vehicle; plan and book the transport of your car; and in the meantime maintain all correspondence with the car carrier as well throughout transit. Now you have the ease of only having to talk to one coordinator for all your moving needs. So you don’t have to look no more, if you’re moving we will take care of it all!

Preparing Your Goods For Container Moving

2011-11-10T08:14:00.000-08:00

If you are moving and plan on putting your moving container into storage, then there are key things to remember about your packed belongings.

If you are packing any appliances such as a refrigerator or freezer, then remember to make sure these appliances are clean and completely dry so that you prevent mould or water leaks.

If you are planning storage during the winter months, then make sure you do not pack anything that can freeze and/ or break; things such as perishable items or electronics.

Do not pack any dangerous or hazardous materials/ liquids in your container as these things can be explosive, flammable, etc.

Keep these tips in mind and your move and time in storage should have no issues.

Things NOT to Pack on Moving Day

2011-11-08T07:39:00.001-08:00

On your load day it is important to remember not to pack any valuables in your moving container. Anything that you consider of great value or that you may need throughout your travels to your destination; whether it be sentimental, of high cash value, or of great necessity, then you should not pack these items.

Electronic items such as your cell phones, iPads, iPods, cameras, etc. should not be packed. You wouldn’t want these items to go missing or get broken and you will most likely need your phone. Any expensive valuables such as your jewelry should not be packed either if you do not want these items to go missing, in any case. You may want to think about whether or not to pack your pictures, and if you do then make sure your photos are packed in a waterproof container. This way your photos cannot be damaged. Lastly, the most important thing you should definitely not pack is your purse, keys and family’s I.D.’s. You may come across a situation that you will need your identification. If you have children (or for yourself) you need to have all health cards on you at all times, or at least photocopies. Just in case.

Don’t risk the chance of losing your most valued items, in the case of any event.

Moving in the Fall & Winter Seasons

2011-10-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

If you are planning a move, now is a good time. Moving in the fall or winter season can have its benefits! As moving in the fall and winter months are much cheaper than the spring and summer. Plus, right now with Flexible Move you can receive $100 off on your next move with us, if you use our special promo code: FLEXSALE when you submit your online quote.

If you are planning on buying a home, right now is also a good time! As per the latest statistics of housing data, home prices have continued to drop since June of this year. In addition, mortgage rates are at an extreme low, than they have been in a very long time. For a 15 year fixed rate mortgage it is only at a 3.78 percent interest rate.

So if you’re planning on moving and buying a home, now would be a great time.

For your Flexible move quote go to www.flexiblemove.ca and retrieve your instant online quote now and start saving money on your move!

Moving Tip: Budgeting for your Move

2011-09-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

Before your move, one of the things you should plan is a budget for all the moving expenses. You need to consider all expenses associated with your move because the costs and other small costs that you don’t realize can add up very quickly and let’s face it – moving is already expensive enough. So creating a budget is a great way to be prepared for what you’re spending and get the most out of each dollar spent on your move.

If you are selling or buying a home, there are closing costs, realtor fees, repair fees, title insurance, land transfer taxes and many other charges you may have not accounted for. Be sure to ask your realtor, lawyer and/or banker for all costs you should be anticipating during the sale and purchase of your new home. Record all of these costs in a file – so you don’t lose track.

If you are renting, there are probably deposit fees for the first and last months rent. Sometimes, the rental you are in will ask you to repaint the apartment you are leaving – if you have painted it in a bright colour. Be sure to talk to your superintendant on both ends to ensure you are accounting for all costs.

Then you have actual moving costs whether you do-it-yourself or go the more expensive route and do a full-service move. Never settle with one quote – and don’t be afraid to tell other moving companies that you will be shopping around. This will help ensure you get the best price possible!

Don’t forget, in addition, there are ‘moving-in’ costs that you will incur, such as; utilities set up, new appliances, furnishings, food, other household items like cleaning supplies, drapery and you will probably want to change the locks (if you are in an apartment, the superintendant will probably have done this for you).

Try to make sure you evaluate all your expenses and account for everything so that your budget can be as accurate as possible. Planning your moving budget ahead of time can save you a ton in the end!

Important Moving Tip: Remember to Keep All Documents

2011-08-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

If you are moving, you will have lots of important paperwork that you will receive. Whether or not you are buying a home or renting a home - either or you should file away all your documents for safekeeping.

If you are a homeowner you will get closing papers and if you are renting you will get a copy of your lease. In addition, you may receive other documents such as from your bank for the mortgage, etc; transaction documents of the sale; owner’s policy; insurance policy; agreements / contracts; documents from the inspection work; any financial or legal documents, etc…

Another thing to keep in mind is to make sure you receive any warranties for appliances, if you are buying a home with new appliances.

Keep receipts from your move also – as you may be eligible to claim your moving related expenses during tax season! To find out if you are eligible, check out our previous blog titled “Deductible Moving Expenses in Canada”.

These documents or any other documents you receive when moving to a new home are all important for purposes of reference or back up and taxes or any future refinances, so make sure to file away all your paperwork for safekeeping.

Beat the Heat – Summer Moving Tips

2011-08-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

Summer is the most popular time for moving in Canada. School is out and the summer weather is here. For moving companies this is the busiest time through June to August. Everyone prefers to move during the summer season. But there are some crucial things to keep in mind when moving and packing in this heat!

Here are some tips to help make your summer move go smoother:

·         Don’t forget to plan ahead and book your move! For moving companies – like us, summer is the busiest time of year. So make sure you book in advance to ensure you will book the dates you need. Waiting until the last minute could make planning much harder.

·         Proper packing is essential! The heat of the summer can create moisture. So when packing your boxes, be sure to double up on the tape, especially at the bottom of every box. And don’t over pack your boxes, as the tape doesn’t hold as well in the heat.

·         Make sure to defrost the refrigerator and/ or freezer if you are brining appliances! The heat will thaw the freezers and create water damage to your belongings. So it is imperative to make sure these appliances are defrosted beforehand. Then you can use them to store other items for more space.

·         Be cautious when packing and moving electronics, as the heat can damage them! They should be wrapped with adequate bubble wrap and/ or towels to ensure maximum protection from the heat.

·         Last, but not least, don’t for get to drink water! It is very important to have water and/ or Gatorade close for yourself and the helpers to stay hydrated. This will help keep you energized and help beat the heat!

Keep in mind during the summer months, moving can also be more expensive opposed to the non-summer months. So planning ahead is the best way to avoid the most expensive times through June to August. Some moving companies may charge more during these months and if weight is a factor then this could increase the cost of your move. With Flexible Move we do not weigh our moving containers, so weight is not a price factor when pricing your move.

Keeping these summer moving tips in mind, will help make your summer move a breeze!

Customer Review: Moved from Montreal, QC - Vancouver BC in June - July 2011

2011-07-13T06:37:00.000-07:00

Here is another customer review that will be referring our services to the their friends:

“Kyla,

Thank you for the service. Your guy in Vancouver delivered the container Friday morning and everything seemed fine with our stuff.

We will strongly recommend your service to my friends in Montreal who might come the same way as we did.

Thanks again.

Jinqi Sun”

Customer Review: Moved from Kamloops, BC - Ottawa, ON in June 2011

2011-07-07T09:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a customer review from a recent customer:

“Everything went well with the move. The container was dropped off on time for both load and unload. I was pleased with the time it took to get from BC to ON. If I were to move long distance again in the future, this would be my preferred method. Thanks for everything.
Regards,
Georgie”

Deductible Moving Expenses in Canada

2011-06-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

When you are moving within Canada, there are moving expenses that you could be eligible for deducting on your next tax return. Many people are not aware of this but there are costs such as transportation, packing, and storage fees that you may be able to claim on your Canadian Federal income taxes. In this article you can learn about what expenses can be deducted and whether or not you are eligible for these tax returns.

Standard moves include costs for hiring a moving company to move your belongings, hotel stays and meals for long distance moves, service fees to disconnect/ re-connect home utilities, and even fees such as the cost for breaking a lease on short-term notice. Additional costs such as closing costs and commissions on the sale of a home, legal fees for homeowners, etc. may be accounted for as well.

Two groups of people may be entitled to deduct some of these moving costs; students and employees moving for the purpose of school or job relocation.

To be eligible to claim any of your moving expenses on your next tax return, you must meet the below circumstances:

· You moved from one place to another (within Canada)

· You moved to your new home for school or work; to attend a full-time basis educational institute or start a job or business

· Your new home must be at least 40 km closer to your school or workplace than your previous home

Students:

If you are a full-time student and meet all the criteria above, then you can be entitled for deducting moving expenses from your award income such as scholarships, bursaries, grants, etc. Your moving expenses have to be greater than your award income in order to deduct them from your tax return. If you are a student and did not receive any award income, then you can deduct your tuition fees from your tax return.

Employees:

If you are moving for work; either relocation of a job or new job, then you can qualify to deduct your moving expenses.

Expenses you can deduct:

· Moving transportation costs for your household goods

· Storage fees

· Travelling expenses such as vehicle costs, meals and accommodation costs for up to 15 days

· Any cancellation fees for terminating a lease, if short term notice was given and if any fee applies

· Any legal fees for the purchase of your new home

· Any legal fees for the costs of selling your home; real estate commissions, advertisement fees, lawyer fees, etc.

*Be sure to remember to keep all records and receipts of all moving costs and expenses to support all your claims.

For more information follow the link to the Canada Revenue Agency’s website for further details and instructions for claiming moving expenses on your next tax return:

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/rtrn/cmpltng/ddctns/lns206-236/219/menu-eng.html

Steps to Protect Your Goods in Transit

2011-06-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

Follow this link through the Canadian Association of Movers for additional steps that you can take to protect your goods through out your move:

Consumers Must Take Steps to Protect Their Goods in Transit

Truck Rentals VS Moving Containers - face off!

2011-06-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

So you are moving across Canada or into another province and you want to move your own things? You may have explored full service pricing (and quickly looked for a cheaper alternative) or you want the comfort of knowing that your belongings were handled by you or family / friends. Either way, you have 2 primary options.

1) Rent a truck or,

2) Rent a container

Flexible Move is breaking down the pros and cons to help you make the decision!

Renting a truck
Pro: Less expensive than full service moving
Pro: Comfort of knowing your goods are with you!
Pro: Scenic tour of Canada?
Con: Gas prices!! A lot of customers forget to factor in the price at the pump when comparing the cost of truck rentals to Flexible Move. (This can be hundreds and hundreds of dollars you weren't expecting)
Con: Driving that big truck! If you aren't used to driving a truck, this can be a bigger problem than you anticipated.
Con: Hotel and Meal costs. If you have to stop for 2 or 3 nights on your journey to a new home, you probably have to pay for a hotel and meals along the way. (This can add up to hundreds if not thousands of unexpected dollars)

Renting a container
Pro: Less expensive than full service moving
Pro: Exclusive use of the container(s)
Pro: Your own lock ensures your goods are kept private and secure
Pro: No driving! Once you load the container(s) up, our professional drivers will take your belongings to your new home.
Pro: Flexible storage options. If you want to paint or do any renovations while awaiting your container(s), feel free! On top of some free storage, we offer additional days of storage for as low as $12.47 / day.
Pro: Use the same equipment that the full service moving companies use. Each of our containers come fully stocked with blankets, skins (a burlap type of blanket) and straps at no additional cost.
Con: Can't think of any :)

Now that you have the non-biased facts, we hope you'll pick Flexible Move (it's the stress free choice).

It's Moving Season!

2011-06-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the summer months are the busiest (and usually most expensive) times to move? Most major moving companies would say that they do more than 70% of their business during the summer. The last week in June and July are the most chaotic. We call it 'peak season' at Flexible Move.

Most people and families try to move in the summer months for a number of reasons:
1) The weather. (Who really wants to move while battling mother nature?)
2) School schedules. As children and young adults usually have the summers off, it is a lot less disruptive on their lives.

So why is the last week of June and July even busier?
Traditionally, house closings or rental agreements start on the 1st of the month so many people are trying to move out right beforehand.

If you are trying to save money with Flexible Move or any moving company for that matter, you can avoid higher prices by selecting a date before June or after September. If you need to move in the summer - try to avoid the month end rush. A lot of moving companies will tack on additional charges because they are in high demand.

Customer Review: Moved from Aurora, ON - Kelowna, BC in January 2011

2011-06-01T10:21:00.001-07:00

Here is a customer review, after their move:

"Just wanted to say thank you. Container arrived yesterday and we got it all unpacked in just a few hours. We had a great total experience with flexible move, and your customer service was outstanding!
Thanks for everything,

Kate and Laurence"

Guarantee Maximum Transit Protection

2011-05-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

There are several steps that you should take to ensure that your belongings are fully protected during transit.

First, you need to make sure that you are packing your belongings as best as you can. Our containers come fully stocked with furniture pads (blankets), skins, and straps to help you secure your load.

The quilted furniture pads can be used for wood furniture pieces and upholstered items such as chesterfields and chairs. The burlap skins can be used for sturdier items such as exercise equipment and garden tools.

Wrap all necessary belongings including all furniture to ensure your goods are completely protected and cushioned for transit.

Having several rolls of tape on hand is a must!

The straps are to be used to tie off your shipment once all of the items have been loaded in the container to ensure your goods will be completely strapped down and won’t move through out transit. There are clips on the inside of the container walls to attach the straps.

Move the largest and heaviest items first into the container. Longer items such as beds, sofas, headboards, wall units, appliances such as the fridge, etc. should be placed against the walls, which will keep them upright and save space. You can also use the straps to tie things like the fridge to the wall of the container, to ensure that it will not slide or move.

Next, start loading the biggest and heaviest boxes, placing the boxes on top of appliances and/ or furniture. Put all heavier items on the bottom when stacking things. Then, transfer the lighter boxes and items; stacking them on top. Finally, placing fragile items on last, ensuring that they are cushioned through-out transport.

We also provide a wide range of packing materials and supplies for you to purchase for your move.

Click on the link below and take a look at the different options of packing materials that we can supply you:

http://www.flexiblemove.ca/Content/Other+Services

We also provide additional coverage for your belongings during transit and storage, so that you can feel safe that your most valuable possessions are covered in the event of any devastation.

TIP: Make sure when closing the container door, that the latch is secure on the bottom and top before inserting your lock. This will ensure the privacy of your goods, while the container(s) are in our possession.

Take a look at the Flexible Move Channel on You Tube for a list of packing videos:

http://www.youtube.com/user/FlexibleMoveCanada

New Home: New Hardwood Flooring; Care & Maintenance

2011-04-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

So you might have moved into a new home with beautiful new (or brand new to you) hardwood floors. You want to keep your floors in good condition. Keeping hardwood flooring clean and like new, requires different pre-cautions and maintenance then regular flooring.

Below are some Do’s and Don’ts and maintenance tips to keep your hardwood floors looking like new!

Don’t ever use water on wood flooring. This will leave water stains on the wood and damage the finishing.

Do use a fully squeezed mop or cloth, if needed to clean or wipe away anything. *Wipe away any spills immediately.

Don’t use soaps/ oil soaps, or other cleaners such as wax cleaners when mopping or cleaning. This can damage the wood by leaving residues that can discolor the finishing. And this can cause difficulty when applying a preservation coat on the floor.

Don’t use polish waxes, except if it species for hard wood flooring, as this can stain the wood as well if it has ingredients not meant for wood.

Do use neutral pH cleaners made for wood floors.

Don’t drag furnishings or furniture on the floors, as this can scratch and damage the flooring.

Do lift furniture to move it and have area rugs underneath, to prevent scratches.

Do place floor mats where necessary, for instance, by the door; to prevent scratching from dirt, as dirt and sand/ gravel can ware away the finishing.

Maintenance:

-Use a soft bristle broom for regular sweeping.

-Use a vacuum with bare floor attachments like a brush attachment to get rid of dirt, otherwise the vacuum can scratch the floor.

-Use dust mops such as a Swiffer: http://www.swiffer.com/en_US/sweepervac.do these are made for almost any surface.

*Frequent sweeping and vacuuming of your hardwood floors can keep away everyday dirt/dust and grit, preventing regular scratching that would eventually completely damage the wood.

Customer Review: Moved from Tottenham, ON - Dawson Creek, BC in April 2011

2011-04-21T05:50:00.000-07:00

Here is another customer review:

"In this day when there is some much competition for everyone’s business the only thing most of the time that separates everyone is customer service and I must tell you that your organization clearly is heads above the competition when it comes to customer service!!!

My wife and I relocated to Northern BC in the past month and used your services, after having being told by your competitor they would not fulfill their contract at the last minute!!!

The professionalism and attention to detail by Kyla was just exceptional and it was refreshing to have Kyla answer our many questions and also assure us that everything would be taken care of.

The help Mike provided in getting the container in our driveway, and the extra couple of days for loading he got us was very helpful, and boy did we need the extra time.

Pat/Glenn you should be happy to have a great team working for you and if you could pass along our thanks that would be helpful.

If you ever need a reference for future clients by all means share this email with them or have them call me directly.

Best regards

David Fogarty"

It was our pleasure!

Customer Review: Moved from Vancouver, BC - Burlington, ON in Nov. 2010

2011-04-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a customer review from a returning customer, from their second move:

"Hi Kyla,

I just wanted to thank you and your team at United Van Lines for doing such a great job with our move. I appreciate the time you spent with me getting all of the details sorted out, especially in our rare situation of moving across the country and back. Your kindness and patience was very refreshing.

Please extend our thanks to everyone involved in our move. The people that we worked with at UVL (throughout the entire process of moving out west and back) were very friendly and helpful. We sincerely appreciate everyone's dedication to excellent customer service!

Take care,

M. Marentette"

It was our pleasure!

Customer Review: Moved from Toronto, Ontario - Vancouver, BC in Oct. 2010

2011-04-11T11:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a review from a customer of ours that will more than likely be booking there move with us again this year!

"Moving across the country with Flexible Move was a fantastic experience. Of all the moving companies I contacted their service was the most affordable and accommodating.
The whole process was super easy from beginning to end and I definitely felt like it was a service I could trust.
Each person I spoke with in regards to my move was helpful and friendly and I definitely won't hesitate to contact them again for any other moving services.

Abra"

We look forward to moving you again!

Customer Review: Moved from Georgetown, Ontario - Campbell River, BC in Oct. 2010

2011-04-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

Customer Review:

"Prior to our move we carefully researched and completed detailed background checks on pretty much every available long-distance mover in Canada and were disappointed to discover just how few reputable movers there were to choose from. Particularly when one is entrusting the care of their entire household and all of their treasured belongings to to these outfits.  Our careful research uncovered the shocking fact that a large number of these moving companies indulge in questionable business practices, including; hidden fees, stair charges, distance to door charges, parking charges, heavy items charges, etc. that often have to be suspiciously paid on-site to the drivers in cash. There are also numerous reports of some operations dabbling in outright extortion. Holding client's belongs hostage until what are essentially ransom payments are paid. Even then, quite often delivery would be seriously delayed by weeks and sometimes months and once delivered valuable items such as electronics, antiques, artwork, etc. would often be missing and the remaining items rifled through, damaged and ransacked.

Then there are the other move-it-yourself solutions we looked at. On a previous move we rented a truck from a very well known and established rental truck company. Despite regular follow-ups and subsequent confirmations from this company that our truck would be available and on time the day of our move... It was't available at all. To make matters worse they still charged us the full amount for the truck they were unable to deliver. A close friend using the same moving van rental company who was pulled over by the RCMP in the middle nowhere out on the prairies, ended up having to move everything on the spot into an alternative truck rental company's rental van as the original one proved unroadworthy and a replacement vehicle would not be provided.  Needless to say our research, customer feedback and personal experiences left us somewhat terrified and wondering how we were going to safely and reliably move our precious belongings cross-country.

Luckily for us, our research turned up one Canadian moving company that stood heads and tails above all the others; Flexible Move. When compared against all the other competition for reliability, security and cost-effectiveness...  Well, it was essentially a no-brainer. Kyla our Flexible Move agent was always friendly, professional and extremely helpful and most importantly FLEXIBLE in arranging and organizing the details of our of move.  When the popular container size we required was out of stock, she was able to coordinate and discount the delivery of smaller containers to accommodate us fairly.  Kyla was also very FLEXIBLE and helpful in arranging for a non-standard, over-weekend container drop so we would have sufficient time to pack the load ourselves. Mike our driver was also very courteous and went above and beyond the call of duty to help us out. The beauty of the Flexible Move system, unlike most of its competitors, is it IS flexible!  And once your containers are packed, they are personally padlocked, so there is little chance of your valuable items being damaged, stolen or held hostage, provided you arranged to have them packed properly. And Flexible Move provides (arguably an overly generous) supply of packing blankets and strapping to ensure your household belongings arrive unscathed.

Ironically, not only did our container arrive on the other side of the country on time, but almost a full week ahead of schedule! I had actually been hoping to have a little more time to recover from the initial move and cross-country drive... But I beat the containers to our destination by only one day. Remarkable! And I'm pleased to report that other than some scuff marks on a pair of shelves that were poorly packed by my personal assistants, everything arrived in mint condition.   As long as you can marshal your own moving team and packers I don't believe there is currently a more cost-effective, secure and reliable option for long-distance moves within Canada than the Flexible Move system. I give them a 9 out of 10 rating.

I highly recommend Flexible Move for do-it-yourself movers.
K. Currie"

Spring is Here and Spring Cleaning is Near! Tips on getting you motivated for Spring Cleaning, if you haven’t already started

2011-04-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here (even though it may not feel like it yet) and it is time to put away the snow gear! If you are moving, this is a great way to help you start organizing and tidying up your home to prepare for your move. Spring cleaning consists of packing things away such as winter jackets and clothing, storing away the shovels and salt, getting rid of any junk that’s accumulated over the year, tidying up and really cleaning your home! Below are some tips to help get you started:

Kitchen; Oven, Microwave, Fridge. Your kitchen should actually always be cleaned (sanitized/ disinfected). Start by taking everything off your counters and clean the countertops (disinfect!). Clean around the oven stove top and burners then thoroughly clean the inside, even wipe down the backsplash of the oven. Clean in and out of the microwave. Next, clean the fridge out; throwing out anything old or that has just been sitting in the fridge for too long unused (condiments). Clean the shelves and drawers. Lastly, wash that floor! You may even want to pull out the oven and fridge to clean behind there as well.

*If you are moving, unplug your fridge prior to your move date 24 hours before to ensure the freezer is defrosted.

Bathroom; Toilet, Tub, Sink. Don’t just clean the bowl of your toilet, clean around the outside of the bowl of the toilet to the ground (this is a place forgotten about and can be dirtier than you think). Clean the bath-tub or shower; walls, tub and ceiling! Scrub clean the sink and don’t forget those faucets. Clean around the countertop too. Then lastly, clean the floors.

Bedrooms; Yours & the Kids! This is a good time to go through anything not needed anymore. If you have young kids; maybe they can get rid of all the toys they don’t play with anymore and these things can be given away to another child or charity. Clean under those beds and check the closets. This is the time to start folding away the warmer winter clothing too.

Coat Closet. De-clutter your closet by removing all the unnecessary shoes and coats. Boots and winter jackets can be put away now, including hats and gloves. If there are items not used anymore get rid of them and give them away to charity and that goes for anything else thrown and stored in the closet.

Cabinets & Drawers. The best place for junk! Go through any drawers with stacked papers and knick-knacks and get rid of all the garbage. Organize the important things into a filing cabinet or storage bin. Go through any other cabinets and drawers such as kitchen drawers, cupboards and medicine cabinets. Get rid of any utensils, cooking ware and/or other items being stored away that you don’t use. Organize your cupboards/ pantry and throw out anything old or not used. As well, dispose of any empty bottles or expired medicines in the med cabinet.

Mirrors & Windows. Don’t forget to windex those mirrors and windows! This is easily forgotten about. As well, if you have any curtains/ drapes up, take them down and wash them, especially if they’re white (dust and smoke can stain them and make them appear dirty).

Floors, Carpets & Area Rugs. Lastly, vacuum, mop and/ or sweep your floors (whichever it may be). It may be a good idea to rent a carpet cleaner or depending on the cost buy one (or even hire a professional) to have your carpets washed and steamed because even with vacuuming the carpets/ rugs still build up lots of dirt deep down.

If you have additional rooms such as a garage, basement, storage room, etc. you may want to organize these areas as well and store away any winter equipment like shovels, as an example.

As well, if you own your home you may have fixtures around the house or outside of the house that need to be fixed and with warmer weather upon us, it is the perfect time to get this started.

If you are preparing for your move and/or selling your home, these tips will help make your home more functional and organized for packing.

For a list of ideas on ‘going green’ check out these links below to learn how you can use natural eco-friendly everyday cleaners that are around your home:

http://www.canadianliving.com/life/green_living/natural_and_cheap_household_cleaners.php#

http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm

Moving to a Smaller Home? Tips to Help You Downsize Effectively!

2011-03-30T07:36:00.000-07:00

Where do you start? How do you pick what belongings should stay and which ones should go? Downsizing can be stressful in so many ways; since we build a life full of memories around our belongings.

Below are some tips to help you get started on letting go of some memorable items or just simply junk!

Make a list of all the items you love and can't live without. By keeping what's on your want list, you won't be upset about the things you can't keep.
Start organizing your belongings at least a couple months before the move and throw out what you can. Take some time each day or week, to go through closets; such as coat closets or filing cabinets. (Paper can be the worst, it stacks up and is huge for clutter), so recycle as much as you can.
Start with rooms next. When you begin, start by looking at items that are kept in rooms that are not used often. Most items under the bed or at the back of the closet buried are most likely things you rarely use. If you haven’t used an item for a couple of years, get rid of it – you probably won’t miss it. As well, get a feel for the size of your new rooms by comparing rooms in your present home. For instance, compare your living room to your new living room and visualize what furniture will fit comfortably in your new home, if you have too much furniture now.
Analyze areas with items of less sentimental value. For example, the kitchen; over time kitchen ware can really accumulate and 50 coffee mugs or 10 mixing bowls for instance, is just not needed, so these things will be easy to get rid of. If you're downsizing from a house to an apartment/ condo, target the garage and storage space. Things like the lawn mower, shovels, etc - you won't need them.
Make piles and don’t just throw away everything. Sell, donate, give away, recycle, etc. You can sell some of your items; have a garage sale and make back some money for your things. You can donate your items to goodwill or shelters, these items will come in good use. Give away items that you want to maybe keep in the family to a close family member or friend who may need these things and will cherish the item as much as you did. Recycle whatever possible you can. For example, you may have an old T.V. no one wants, so recycle this item where electronics are recycled and feel good knowing you’re helping the environment too.
Get rid of items immediately. The faster you get rid of these things the better! If you keep these items around you’ll be more reluctant to get rid of them.

*Another helpful tip is to get someone like a friend to help. An neutral person who cares about you will be able to help you determine better what things you should let go and really don’t need any more when it’s hard letting go.

These tips can make the downsizing process easier so you can get through the process successfully – and with as little stress as possible.

Dangerous Items to Pack or Unsafe to Transport; Hazardous Materials such as Explosives, Corrosives, Flammables, and more…

2011-03-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

Moving day is approaching and you are getting prepared to pack your belongings. Before you begin, it is important to know if what you’re packing and bringing along for the move is dangerous to transport in your do-it-yourself container or just simply illegal.

Some materials require special handling when packing or caution to avoid an accident. But anything flammable, explosive or corrosive is very dangerous to transport, and can be illegal. On the other hand, you may not be aware of which materials are prohibited.

The following is a list of items that you should be cautious with overall, but should never transport:

Explosives: Ammunition including, bullets, shotgun shells, etc.; fireworks; detonators; blasting caps, etc. (these things can be illegal)

Corrosives: oven cleaner; toilet cleaners; liquid plumber; drain cleaner; household cleaners; lye; acids (sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric muriatic); car, boat, motorcycle batteries; motor oils, etc.

Flammables: matches; fuel tablets; barbecue starter pellets; hay or straw; wood chips; gas; cleaning fluid; lighter fluids; paint; paint thinners; barbecue starter; glues; resins; kerosene; sterno; naphtha; acetone; alcohol; lamp oil, etc.

Gases: any gases under pressure or liquefied; propane; quick start; oxygen; acetylene; helium; household or industrial fuel; aerosols of any kind; hair spray; antiperspirant; paint cleaner; butane lighters; propane tanks, etc.

Oxidizers: any kind of bleach; disinfectants; organic peroxides; fertilizers of any kind; swimming pool chemicals; hair bleach; chlorine in any form; chemistry sets, etc.

Liquids: wine, beer, preserves, etc.

Poisons: pesticides; herbicides; cygon; fumigants; wood preservatives; creosote; photographic chemicals, etc.

*You should not be moving gasoline, acid or ammunition under any circumstances!

If you do not have any goods mentioned on the list, but have some items and are not sure if they are hazardous or illegal to move, then the safest thing is to read the label of the item you intend to pack OR contact a professional like your local recycling center and see what advice they give you (this is a good place that can tell you where to best dispose of hazardous materials as well)!

Here’s a link to Environment Canada for more information regarding hazardous waste and chemical substances: http://www.ec.gc.ca/pollution/Default.asp?lang=En&n=1BB199B9-0

NEW Flexible Move You Tube Video (in HD)! Do-it-Yourself Container Moving Process

2011-03-11T07:58:00.000-08:00

Check out our new You Tube video on the process of how Flexible Move container moving is done!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxjChbCJnFs

Flexible Move New Website; new look and feel, new logo, new design/ theme, social media pages, new video, new user friendly quoting system, and more!

2011-02-28T11:44:00.000-08:00

It is exciting to announce the launch of our new Flexible Move website as it has just recently launched with its newly designed Flexible Move logo, design and theme including our social media outlet pages and new easy navigation tools, featuring our moving process video, a new user friendly quoting system, and booking options, including AIR MILES® Reward Miles.

The site now features our new ‘flexible move’ logo, which represents our 3 container sizes we have to offer. Our logo is consistent with the blue colour design/ scheme of the Flexible Move brand and will be recognizable for our branding.

The Flexible Move theme is schematic with the Flexible Move 'blues' and is consistent through out to our social media pages such as our Blog, Twitter, You Tube, etc.

*Everyone is welcome to posting comments!

Our Home page now features new easy navigation tabs to utilize such as 'Reserve Now' and 'Distance Calculator'. This allows you to book online and reserve your container while be rewarding with Airmiles! The Distance Calculator lets you utilize this tool and plan for your move better! By entering in your 'from' and 'to' locations you can determine the transit times of your container(s).

Our Flexible Move video is a video that displays how the moving process of the self-loading container service works. This can visually help you understand the exact idea and process of your move and how you load/ unload your container. The video illustrates the containers arriving on the trailer with included moving blankets, pads, straps and walking boards for a smooth move! And then illustrates your own lock being applied to ensure the security of your valued goods while in our possession. Then arriving to your new home and illustrates the unload.

The new quoting system has been re-vamped so that it is user-friendly. It is simple to receive your quote, which has been broken down into 4 easy steps. You provide your origin and destination locations where you are moving from and to. Then you have the option of choosing the exact container size you request or you can now choose your dwelling type, if you are not sure of what container size you require. Lastly, you choose the date of your move and then voila, you receive the total cost of your move. Then you have the option of reserving your quoted move total or booking online!

By booking online you will receive 50 AIR MILES® Reward Miles! If you do not book online you can still receive 25 AIR MILES® Reward Miles. Flexible Move is the only do-it-yourself container program with this incentive!

Enjoy the new site and navigate around to check out the new features. Check out our social media Flexible Move pages on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and our Blog. Feel free to leave us any comments if you have any questions and let us know what you think. After all, the newly designed website was all for our customers (you)!

Container Moving? An Innovative Moving Solution

2011-01-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

If you want to save on the big costs of moving but aren’t willing to drive that big truck, especially long distance, then self-service moving might just be right for you. In fact, do-it-yourself container moving is the best option for you!

Majority of people today are not familiar with all the moving options they have, especially do-it-yourself container moving. It is simple, affordable and efficient. Do-it-yourself container moving is the alternative to full service moving and the alternative to rental truck moving. You load and unload your own container, while leaving the driving to the professionals.

There are many pros to do-it-yourself container moving:

· Your reserved container is like your own personal vault; you load your own personal belongings into your own container

· The comfort of knowing your things are packed and unpacked safely since you have the ability of doing it yourself, while still saving on your move

· No chance of cross-contamination from another shipment or any chance of mix up because you do not share your container

· You put your own personal lock on your container so only you have access and complete control of your possessions

· The moving container allows for the capability of well organized packing and ability to maximize space by the functionality of the cube sized container

· No worries of having to drive a big rental truck or even worse breaking down on the road because the driving is still left to the professionals (while saving money!)

· No stress of having to pay for the high costs of fuel while driving and worrying about extra mileage and extra fuel costs

· The containers are weather-resistant to prevent any possible weather damages

With Flexible Move do-it-yourself containers you get all these benefits with your moving container, plus more. We know that not everyone is an expert at packing. Therefore, we provide numerous moving blankets, pads and straps for your move provided for you along with your container rental. This ensures that all your goods are fully protected through out the transit of your container, allowing for some piece of mind!

As well, after the container(s) are dropped off at your home, loaded, locked up and secure; once the containers are transferred and reach destination we provide flexible arrival and delivery dates. Once you are ready at your new destination for delivery we will drop the container off again for you to then unload. However, you may not be ready to take delivery, so we can provide storage as an additional option. Most self-service companies should offer storage options in case you're waiting between moves. After, the containers are then delivered to your new home, where you unpack your things. All at one flat rate with Flexible Move!

In addition, most companies should include insurance in the price, while others may charge extra. For your Flexible Move service we already provide basic coverage insurance for your goods, so that your goods are covered in the case of a tragic event! We also provide additional coverage that you have the option of adding on to your container. If you have valuables, you may want to purchase more. Flexible Move provides you with many options to meet all your needs; whether you are looking for a cheap affordable, but yet professional move or just flexibility for a stress-free move!

Now that’s a great moving solution!

For more information, check out www.flexiblemove.ca/.

New Airmiles Partnership Coming Soon!

2011-01-28T09:23:00.000-08:00

In February of 2011, we will be launching our newly signed agreement with AirMiles. If our customers book their upcoming move online, they will receive 50 airmiles reward miles! If you would prefer to speak to one of our friendly representatives to book your move, you will still receive 25 airmiles reward miles.

Flexible Move is the only do-it-yourself container moving program with this partnership. It is an exclusive deal that you won't find anywhere else and we couldn't be more excited to launch it to our customers. Keep checking back in with our blog, to find out the exact launch date.

Finding a Real Estate Agent

2011-01-25T18:24:00.000-08:00

Finding a good real estate agent/ or broker is essential to a smooth move. So if you are buying or selling a home you need to find a good, reliable agent that you are happy with. Everyone that sells a home is selling a different home than the other ones sold and when buying a home it will be different than all the others bought. So what you need is a real estate agent that listens to your wants and needs and knows your market.

Here are some ways to help you find a good Real Estate agent:

· Referrals: Many real estate agents get majority of business through satisfied clients who refer them to friends, family, neighbours, co-workers and so on. So ask the people around you if they know any good real estate agents that they have used or heard about. Successful agents make customer satisfaction a priority and should put their customers' needs before their own.

· Phonebook: In the phone book you can easily search for a real estate agent alphabetically. Shop around until you know you’ve found the right agent for you. These agents have paid for their ad listings in your local phonebook, so they will be local and could be a good resource. Research!

· Online: Anything can be found through the internet now, so search on the net. Make sure to hire a reliable agent though. So doing your research will be a necessity, since finding someone online does not always assure quality. You could also do a search on any agencies you are considering to see, find if there are any reviews or feedback from people who have used them, such as customer testimonials.

· Open houses: Attend open houses in your area and watch the real estate agents that host them. You can get their business cards and interact with them. Make sure to note if they are polite, informative and appear knowledgeable in the home they’re selling.

· Neighbourhood signs: Pay attention to the listing signs around your neighbourhood. The agent who sells listings the fastest might be better for you than the agent with the largest number of "for sale" signs. Results speak volumes!

· The paper: The real estate classifieds will have listings along with agents and their agencies. You can always call them up and ask about their credentials, experience, and what they think they can do for you.

However you find your self a real estate agent, make sure you are informed and pick someone who has a proven track record of success and that you have a good feeling about so that you can have confidence in the process of buying or selling your home!

Do It Yourself Container Moving

2011-01-17T13:06:00.000-08:00

*Ability to load and unload your OWN container, while you leave the driving to the PROFESSIONALS!

Save on Fuel, While Moving Across Canada!

2011-01-17T13:04:00.000-08:00

*Flexible Move allows you to save on high costs of fuel AND you don't have to drive that BIG rental truck

Movers You Can Trust

2011-01-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

*Flexible Move is owned & operated by 2 of the most reputable names in moving; United Van Lines & Mayflower Canada

Protect Your Home on Move Day

2011-01-17T12:59:00.000-08:00

*Each container provided with numerous moving blankets to protect your home and goods while in transit

You Lock it, We Move it!

2011-01-17T12:57:00.000-08:00

*Exclusive use of your own 8 foot, 9 foot, or 12 foot size container(s) - 3 sizes to choose from

*Own lock attached to ensure the privacy of your container

First Time Homebuyers 101

2011-01-17T12:32:00.000-08:00

Congratulations! So you are buying your first home. This can be an exciting time, but the transition and moving process can be a very stressful time! There are many things to take into consideration and to decide when buying your first home that many first home buyers don’t know or forget to consider.

There are many questions to be answered such as where, when, why, how, schools, transit, environment and so on and so on. And then the hard questions like what mortgage plan to consider!

There are a few different types of Mortgages and depending on your situation, circumstances, finances and budgets; you need to find the best one to suit your life.

Mortgage Type

Description

Variable Rate

Mortgage with an interest rate that change with the market. The rate changes each month, meaning that the portion of your monthly payment that goes towards interest may go up or down monthly. However, your total monthly payment probably stays the same.

High-Ratio

Mortgage you obtain when you have less than 25% of the total purchase price to make as a down payment. This type of mortgage must be insured – through sources such as CMHC or GEMI.

Closed

Mortgage with a fixed interest rate – usually lower than an open mortgage rate – and a set, unchangeable term. You cannot pay off a closed mortgage before the agreed end date without paying a penalty.

Convertible

Mortgage you may change from short-term to long-term, depending on your financial situation.

Open

Mortgage you can pay off, renew, or refinance any time. The interest rate for an open mortgage is usually higher than a closed mortgage rate.

http://www.prudential.ca/intl/canada/pdf/Select-the-Correct-Mortgage-Type.pdf

Flexible Move understands that this really is a life changing event and we want to help.

Click on the link below to learn more about Home Buying and Mortgage Basics 101 and make your process a lot easier:

http://www.groupmortgages.com/ca/firstTimeHomebuyers.page

Aside from all the expenses of first home buying; Flexible Move offers an affordable, cheaper option to moving your goods from anywhere from one side of the country to the other.

To learn more click on our website and read all about it:

http://www.flexiblemove.ca/

First Time Home Sellers & Buyers

2011-01-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

Preparing your home for the market as a homeowner has a lot of work involved when setting up house for selling and moving. There are far more responsibilities when you own your own house since you are the owner. In rental homes for instance, the Landlord or Rental Company would take care of these essential responsibilities before moving. So there is a lot to consider and keep in mind as an owner.

First, you need to prepare the house for the market.

*Tip: You should take the time to spruce up your home even more, rather than just “clean” to maximize your sales.

(The Real Estate agent will give you recommendations as well, for things to do to increase your sales appeal. They are the experts so take their advice!)

Checklist for preparing home:

- Get rid of any clutter or junk for a neat and tidy look

- Put excess items or even furniture away (into storage) to make your home look tidy and spacious

- Arrange your furniture for an inviting look and feel

- If needed, paint the walls for a fresher look

- If needed, clean the carpets

- Fix any noticeable fixtures that need to be fixed

While home is on the market remember to:

- Keep things looking neat and tidy

- Keep home looking clean; vacuum, dust, etc.

*Don’t keep piles of dishes, laundry, boxes, etc.

*Tip: Having fresh flowers in the home gives a nice touch and baking a pie or cookies before an open house will create a smell that will make for an inviting and cozy welcome.

After house sale (before move):

- Make sure everything is clean

- Have all repairs fixed that need to be fixed

*Don’t leave any junk left behind in house, once you leave

When moving into new home remember to:

- Change and forward all your mail to your new address

- Update utility companies as well as cable, internet, phone, and so on with change of new address

- Update any other important things such as bills with change of new address

- Update drivers license

- Update insurance

- Before you move in make sure to inspect your home for safety purposes

*Check to have properly placed working smoke detectors

*Set up utilities in new home

For additional information for homeowners buying, renovating, renting, selling, and more click on the link below to find out some great information/ facts:

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/sgmnts/hmwnr/menu-eng.html

For a list of more information on homeowner tips, credits, rebates and more news click on the link below for helpful articles:

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/cjcm/srch/bscSrch?lang=en&bscSrch=home+buyer+credit

Moving Our Senior Citizens

2011-01-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

So the time may come when it is required to move an elder family member from their home to another type of housing accommodation. Moving can always be a hectic event, but there are a lot more concerns when you are a senior (or moving a senior) when moving. How much you do yourself will depend on your age, abilities and family support.

Moving and packing up household belongings is at a whole other level. If you don't have family close by it can be even more overwhelming. But there are many ways to make it easier for our seniors in the moving process that can make the moving experience go smoothly for everyone involved.

*If you are someone moving a senior then there are many things to keep in mind through-out the move process. Remember to:

· Be understanding of your loved one's belongings (these are things they could’ve had all their lives)

· Be considerate when it is time to minimize belongings, as it is often a result of necessity rather than desire

· Be sensitive to their feelings, as many times even at an earlier age we start to feel abandoned. Spend time with your senior and stay in touch anyway you can (the elderly move is more emotional than an average move)

· Pack in smaller boxes as much as possible, for their sake. Doing so will make it easier to carry, but they are easier to unpack without getting tired so quickly

· Focus on their new location and go over to visit the place a few times together; let them spend the day if it is a more active community (it can make the transition a lot easier)

Now depending on their state of health and finances, the options of where to move generally fall into three categories:

For the Active Senior – Retirement Communities
Usually these are condo, land-lease or own homeownership of detached/semi detached homes, townhouses or apartments. There are usually recreational facilities in place in a planned community type setting.

For the Less Active Senior – Retirement Homes
Usually these are small apartments or bed-sitting type accommodations (including a small galley kitchen). Meals are available in a communal dining room although residents can prepare light meals in their own unit. Recreational activities are also available within the complex.
Nursing staff is usually available on site with physicians on an on-call basis.

For Seniors Requiring Care – Nursing Homes
Usually a private or shared room accommodation with 24 hour nursing staff available. Crafts, physiotherapy and some light recreational activity available on site.

*Finding the right accommodation can be a time consuming and sometimes difficult task. Nursing homes in particular often have waiting lists. Some useful information and advice can be found at:

www.thecareguide.com

Varying on how much space they will have in the new place, help them to choose an appropriate amount of furniture and/or keepsakes to accompany them. Always ask their opinion before discarding belongings and honour their wishes as to how some items are to be dispersed among family members and so on.

If the senior is moving into a non-assisted living type arrangement, offer assistance in making moving arrangements.

Nevertheless, if you are able, there are a number of things which you could do to ensure that your move goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible. And always keep in mind the tips above if you are helping your senior to move!

If you are a senior on a budget, especially retirees, then Flexible Move is perfect as the cheaper option. Flexible Move offers not only an alternative service to the more expensive Full Service move, but we can provide labour to you as well with help loading and unloading your container(s).

Fuel Prices Making You Re-Think Renting a Truck?

2010-12-20T08:52:00.000-08:00

With the high cost of fuel these days more and more people are choosing to move via do-it-yourself moving. However, when moving with a rental truck you need to consider where all the expenses are coming from. The most significant component will be fuel.

When renting a truck there are many factors that come in to play. First, you got the primary rental rate, which is usually a per day rate. Then, you got the mileage rate, which only includes so many miles. Then you have to factor in how much for the additional miles. And this can really add up for longer haul moves! Next, you got the insurance fee, which you should always have to be on the safer side and purchase insurance because god-forbid you break down on the side of the highway! This ensures that you are not liable in the event of any accident. Then of course, you got the fuel costs!

When receiving your rental truck… after all the paper work and registration, you should receive the truck with a full tank of gas. Once you return the truck you are responsible for giving it back with a full tank of gas too. If you don’t the company will charge you for it and the costs are usually higher than what it would normally be to fill the tank, which includes the ‘labour’ for paying the employee to do it. The mileage along with the truck costs are usually only limited. Once you go over your included mileage there is an additional cost per mile. This cost may seem small, but it adds up! Especially when moving long distance. This could cost from anywhere in between 0.19 cents per mile to 0.80 cents per mile or more! The average cost of an average size rental truck is approximately 10 miles per gallon. So depending on how far you are driving, the more the miles add up, therefore the more the cost adds up.

The size of the truck also makes a difference. As well, weight plays a big part in fuel consumption.

And whatever hidden costs come along with that…

With Flexible Move you don’t have to worry about the cost of fuel! And you don’t even have to worry about driving that big truck! All you have to do is load and unload your own container. Flexible Move’s do-it-yourself container service allows you to save on the cost of moving and the high costs of fuel!

For more information on the high cost of fuel, check out Statistics Canada and check out the increase in fuel over the years:

http://www40.statcan.gc.ca/l01/cst01/econ154a-eng.htm

To get a better idea on how much you pay on fuel with a moving truck per mile/kilometer calculate your costs on this Fuel Calculator:

http://www.upack.com/moving-tools/fuel.asp

Now compare that to the price of your flat rate cost with Flexible Move!

It’s clear that the cost of fuel; provided from the stats above from Statistics Canada, that the cost keeps increasing dramatically. So when moving, consider how much you will pay on the cost of your move!

Off-Setting the Stress of Moving!

2010-12-09T12:28:00.000-08:00

Moving can be one of the most stressful events, especially when moving long distance. Depending on the circumstances for the reason of your move, some situations can be more stressful than others. No matter what the reason for your move at Flexible Move (United Van Lines/ Mayflower Canada) we are experts on the moving process and understand the emotions that go along with it. That’s why during a move we are committed to providing you “A Higher Standard of Care”.

· First, pre-planning can make your moving day and process a lot smoother. One must be organized for calling it a day for moving. A good idea is designating tasks for everyone involved in the move. Allocate tasks to friends and family members who are willing to help to babysit (if you have children), to walk the dog (if you have pets), and helping you to pack and so on. If you have older children, help them get organized and provide them with packing supplies, boxes and labels and get them to pack the things they can in their own rooms. This will relieve some stress of having to do so many things. Make a list of each task, prioritize, take it step by step and things will gradually get done. Proper planning, organization and timing is key (always give yourself enough adequate time)!

· It is easy to get frustrated in the process of your move when something planned hasn’t gone accordingly. For instance, something was broken. You need to remember that these things are easily bound to happen during a move. Keep your cool and stick to your plan to stay as organized as possible and go with the flow. Make sure to get enough sleep in between the days because not only is it important for your health, especially at the time of your move, but you will be well rested for the day ahead. Emotions can play a big role in moving.

· If you have kids involved, then it is very important to remember to give them attention through the moving process. If the move is stressful on you, then imagine how your kids may be feeling, particularly when they are younger and really don’t understand what’s going on. It can be hard on them switching schools, leaving friends, changing to unfamiliar locations, and the fear of making new friends, etc. Communicate with them and reassure them that everything will be fine. Make it a positive thing, if the move isn’t already. Again, depending on some circumstances for the reason of your move it may not be a happy one. But most often the reason is a positive one such as a new home or job promotion. Stay positive!

· When it comes to transportation with Flexible Move we alleviate some of the stress in a long distance move by doing the driving for you! It’s hard enough packing up your whole home and then having to drive across the country with a big truck! We take that added stress away from you and your family. So keep in mind not only are you saving on the cost of moving, but you can leave the driving to the professionals. All you have to worry about is strategic planning in packing and loading your container.

Always remember that moving is a process, not a week long assignment. Take it easy and enjoy the transition in your new home and neighborhood. Make a checklist and check off your establishments as you finish each room and/or job in your new home. Doing these few things will help reduce the stress of your move and make your move go a lot smoother!

Winter Woes & Pro’s to Do It Yourself Moving

2010-12-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

Winter Woes: Moving can be a challenging time and moving through the winter season can slow the process down dramatically. Be prepared and take pre-cautionary measures to avoid any possible troubles that the ice, snow and cold can bring.

First, remember to bundle up! It is very important to remember not to pack any winter garments away. While you are moving, you and/or anyone else helping should be wearing a hat, gloves, scarf, warm clothing and a warm jacket.

Watch the forecast! Knowing what to be prepared for and hopefully, avoiding any snow storms or heavy snow falls can be instrumental in planning your move.

Remember to clear the way! Have your driveway, sidewalk, walkways and/or any steps salted and shoveled before your moving day. Make sure all pathways are clear of snow and ice. Protect your floors when walking in and out of the house. It may be a good idea to have someone bringing your belongings to the front door, while another person loads/unloads your container. Have an extra pair of shoes, shoe covers (booties), or floor runners put down on the main walking areas in your home. Winter time can be a messy season and tracking in snow or mud can make for a slippery and wet floor. TIP: Having old towels on hand will allow you to sop up any wet spots. Prevent any possible slip and falls!

Winter Pros: Winter moves are typically more expensive because of the harsh conditions. Flexible Move actually lowers the cost of moving in the winter months. We understand the conditions you will be faced with and want to do our part in helping you save on moving costs!

Packing & Loading Moving Tips

2010-11-29T10:40:00.000-08:00

First and foremost, proper packing is essential for a successful move. When packing your possessions it is important to remember to plan carefully, effectively and efficiently. So give yourself plenty of time! Doing so will save you time, money and a lot of stress!

You need to have the right packing materials. You should have a number of supplies to pack, protect and organize your possessions such as:

1) Thick sturdy boxes of all sizes to pack your goods. (Boxes can be purchased from one of the Flexible Move depots across Canada near you). You can also use plastic containers with lids, which are great for keeping after your move for storage.

2) Newspaper or brown paper wrap (typically unprinted, so that any print does not rub off on your goods) to wrap things such as your dishes and/or ornaments. You should put some crushed newspaper at the bottom of each box for extra cushioning!

3) Bubble wrap to protect your valuables such as electronics and frames.

4) Tape! And lots of it. This should be used to seal boxes and hold the furniture blankets/pads in place, which are supplied in your Flexible Move container.

5) Sticker Labels are very useful to stay organized. Label all boxes, this way you know what and where everything is to be placed in your new home.

6) Set-up Box: This is a great box to keep all the small parts and kits required to assemble your furniture. Clearly labeling one box your “set-up” carton, will allow you to easily find parts needed to set up your new home.

Once you’ve packed your belongings it’s time to think about packing your container. It is a good idea to plan ahead how the container should be loaded this way you can use your time loading effectively and efficiently, while staying organized with your plan in mind.

In each Flexible Moving container we provide you with plenty of moving blankets and moving skins for your move. (Skins are a more durable type of blanket that can be used to wrap things that are sensitive to scratching -like workout equipment or garden tools). You can use these for inside your home and when packing your belongings into the container. The quilted furniture blankets can be used for wood furniture pieces and upholstered items such as chesterfields and chairs.

Now when moving your things out into the container keep in mind the following steps when loading:

1) Move the largest and heaviest items first. Longer items such as box springs, mattresses, sofas, long mirrors, headboards, wall units, etc. should be placed against the walls, which will keep them upright and save space. Loading the heavier furniture pieces on the bottom.

2) Next, start loading the biggest and heaviest boxes, placing the boxes on top of appliances and/ or furniture. (Make sure to fill any open spaces).

3) Then, transfer the lighter boxes and items; stacking them on top.

4) Finally, place fragile items on last, ensuring that they are cushioned through-out transport.

Lastly, your reserved container is equipped with straps. These straps should be used to tie off your shipment once all of the items have been loaded in the container(s). There are clips on the inside of the container walls to attach the straps. This will ensure additional safety through-out transport and help to minimize shifting in your container.

The main key when moving is pre-organized planning, with caution!

For more tips on packing techniques, check out these great websites:

http://bekins.ca/tips/mpack.html

http://uvl.ca/Packing+Guide+Videos

Moving? Leave bed bugs behind!

2010-11-29T08:21:00.000-08:00

Bed Bugs

There is a growing concern today about the number of cases involving bed bug problems. Results have shown that bed bugs appear to be on the rise all around the world. There has been a huge increase in the number of pest control reports relating specifically to bed bugs. A link to such infestation is spread through moving. For instance, if your belongings are on a truck with someone else’s that has bedbugs, then your goods can become infested.

With Flexible Move, the risk of getting bedbugs from another shipment does not exist, because you have your own container. Regardless of whether or not you use Flexible Move, protecting your goods from cross-contamination should be top of mind when selecting a mover.

Bed bugs reproduce and breed very fast. In just one day a bed bug can hatch 3 eggs and 300 through-out one year! It only takes 10 days for an egg to hatch; increasing the infestation to multiply and multiply. In addition, the lifespan of a bed bug is lengthy and can live 18 months without eating!

Bed Bugs infest and live on pets, clothing, luggage, furniture, linear, etc. Bed Bugs are carried into houses for instance through; pets, another person or house, from a hotel stay, someone’s luggage, clothing, or the previous infestation in one’s home, etc. When moving, if you have an infestation, you can carry the bed bugs with you through travel. Which is why it is very important to be aware of the increasing spread of bed bugs, take precautions to prevent bed begs and know how to treat this problem if you have one. Using a container, is the first step in protecting your household goods.

How to Check for Bed Bugs
Read up on this informative article and learn how you can check for bed bugs:

http://www.bedbuginfo.com/

How to Protect Yourself from Bed Bugs & How to Terminate them
Read this article and learn how you can prevent and treat bed bugs:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/199664.php