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Pros & Cons of Moving Yourself vs. Hiring a Moving Company

Moving Yourself

Pros

  • Less Expensive

In a monetary sense, moving yourself is vastly less expensive than hiring a moving company.  If you have some favors you can call in, you can get the help of friends and family alike. Sure, you may take up their whole weekend and be depending on the gas in their vehicles, but if they are okay with that, then it may be in your best interest to move yourself.

Cons

  • Hidden costs to others

While enlisting family and friends to help you move may save you a few dollars, it could end up costing your loved ones more than just gas money.  What happens if your cousin, Billy, accidentally drops a priceless family heirloom and it breaks? A lot of things can happen during a move if you do not know how to properly secure delicate or heavy items.  Aside from damage to your belongings, there are also damages that can be incurred to your loved one’s vehicles.

  • You could hurt yourself

Do you know how to pack a box?  Do you know the proper way to move a china cabinet or a sectional couch without scratching the furniture itself or hurting yourself?  Chances are, you probably have never had to move such large items, meaning that you are not aware of how easy it would be to hurt yourself.  There are certain tools that professional moving companies utilize to protect their belongings and themselves. You will want to have a plethora of tools at your disposal such as back braces, hand carts, and moving straps.  Keep in mind, if you hurt yourself halfway through your move, that could seriously set you back in many ways. While you may have saved some money upfront, you will now have medical bills as well as probably having to hire a moving company anyway.

  • Time Consuming

Most of us do not have to move very often, that being said, you will probably be scouring the internet for tips and tricks to make your move as seamless as possible.  In fact, that is probably how you ended up here! Aside from the hours of research, you will do, you will also need to take the time to organize helpers, materials, and tools.  You will not only be the mover, but also the project manager, possibly knit-picking your free help as to how they are packing your beloved items. Since you will be the project manager, every single thing that comes up will need to be run by you, taking up your oh-so-valuable time from the moment you even begin to think about moving until you are surrounded by boxes in your new home, exhausted, and ready to just be done.

Hiring a Moving Company

Pros

  • Organized

Professional moving companies do this all day, every day.  When was the last time you moved? Do you think that perhaps someone with daily experience might be able to offer you some solid advice on the best way to move from start to finish?  The answer is undoubted, yes. While you may be able to scour Pinterest for the best methods to stay organized during a move, a professional moving company will know EXACTLY what to do to stay organized, as it is their job.  They will be able to take away the task of micromanaging, leaving you to focus on the big picture.

  • Materials & Tools

Professional moving companies will have back braces, dollies of every shape and size, moving straps and sliders for larger items.  They will also have boxes, bubble wrap, tape and markers on hand at all times. Professional moving companies anticipate having to move large, awkwardly shaped and heavy items, as well as the smallest and most delicate of items.  They are in the business of moving people in a way that will protect their workers’ safety as well as your belongings.

  • Experts at packing, loading, and unloading

Your belongings will not be thrown together in a box haphazardly, nor will you have delicate boxes as the bottom of a moving truck, under heavier items.  Professional movers are acutely aware of the ramifications of packing and loading things in an irresponsible way, and so they are extremely careful and practiced at what they do.

Cons

  • More expensive upfront

There is no way around it, the upfront cost of hiring a moving company will certainly be more expensive than moving yourself.  Generally speaking, it costs somewhere around the realm of $2,000 to $2,500 to move a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home. That being said, you will have the assurance that your move is done not only in an efficient and time-saving manner but that you will be able to focus your energy in other areas that will need it.

 

If you lack the manpower or the tools to move your self call Zooz Moving, best moving company in Tucson, to help you stay organized and complete a smooth transition. Call(520) 447-0900 to schedule your move with the best Tucson movers.

Zooz Moving. The Best Tucson Moving Company

4 Tips to save on moving costs

college-freshmen

College Freshmen: Alternative options to items that are prohibited in your dorm room

Soon you will be heading off to college for the first time, and you will have to decide what items to bring.  A lot of times, we get so wrapped up in bringing all of the comforts of home, that we do not stop to consider there are items that are strictly prohibited in a dorm room.  Below we will list some of the top items people want to bring to their dorms with them but will not be allowed, and some alternative options.

Prohibited Item: Space Heaters

There is an old trope where the father of a household is the one that controls the thermostat.  You may be thinking that because you are now technically an adult who is going off to college for the first time that you will be able to have a space heater to bring some warmth to your dorm room, well think again.  Space heaters are a serious fire hazard and as such are banned from most college dorm rooms.

Alternative Option: Heated Blanket

If you can’t have a space heater in your dorm room, a heated blanket is the next best thing.  You will want to make sure that your heated blanket has a timer on it so that even if you accidentally leave it on your way out the door, it will turn off automatically.  A good habit to get into if you have a heated blanket that plugs into an outlet, is to unplug it when you are not using it.

Prohibited Item: Portable Air Conditioning Unit

The only thing worse than being cold during the winter, is being hot during the summer.  Most dorm halls do not come equipped with air conditioning units, but that does not mean you are free to bring your own portable air conditioning unit.  Since you are not technically paying for utilities in a dorm room, there would be no way to charge every single person for the amount of energy they use when operating individual air conditioning units.

Alternative Option: Oscillating Fan

A good alternative to an air conditioner is an oscillating fan.  You can buy an oscillating fan at most retail stores for around $20-$30, and then your roommate will be able to enjoy a breeze as well.  You may want to pair your fan with breathable bamboo or cotton sheets and a reusable ice pack that can be stored in the freezer portion of a mini-fridge.

Prohibited Item: Candles

If you thought you would be bringing candles to freshen up your dorm room, or set the mood, unfortunately, you will have to do without.  Candles are an obvious fire risk, and as such they are not allowed in college dorm rooms.

Alternative Option: Battery-Operated Candles and a can of Air Freshener

In response to the no candle policy on most college campuses, you can bring in battery-operated flameless candles and a can of air freshener.  Just keep in mind that you are in a tight space, and your roommate may not appreciate your attempts at ambiance, so be prepared to have a conversation about that!

Prohibited Item: Iron

If you own a lot of clothing that needs to be ironed, you may want to rethink the clothing that you will be bringing to college because you will not be allowed to have an iron.  The reasoning behind banning irons is that they are a fire hazard, so be sure to leave it at home.

Alternative Option: Steamer

Hope you didn’t leave all of those clothes that need to be ironed behind!  Dorm rooms allow steamers, with which you will be able to get rid of wrinkles in your blouse or dress pants in no time!  You may also be very popular in your dorm hall for those students who may not always hang up their clothes or have them neatly folded.

Prohibited Item: Anything that needs nails or tacks to be hung on walls and wall decals

In case you are unaware, you will not be the first person to live in your dorm room, nor will you be the last!  For this reason, using tacks or nails to hang things on the wall is strictly forbidden. Can you imagine the amount of holes that would be in a dorm room wall if everyone who has ever lived there put posters all over the place?  If you thought that you could use wall stickers, otherwise known as decals to display pretty designs, you were also wrong. Anything that could be a pain to get off the walls will not be allowed to go on them.

Alternative Option: Pictures from home that can be displayed using tape

Scotch tape is generally acceptable when hanging things on your dorm room wall.  The reasoning behind this decision is that it really can’t hold too much or too heavy of items, and the adhesive is not powerful enough to pull paint off the walls.  The good news is, scotch tape is perfect for hanging a few pictures of friends and family on your wall.

Whether you are heading to college for the first time and moving into the dorms or an upperclassmen moving into a new apartment or house, we can help you with all of your local or long distance moving needs into or out of Tucson.  We can help you prioritize and pack, and then safely transport your belongings to your new home. We offer inexpensive moving services as well as group rates, so if you are moving into a sorority or frat house, gather your sisters and brothers and take advantage of our deeply discounted group rates!

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Ways to declutter and make money prior to moving

Items to go through…

  • Clothing

If we are honest with ourselves, it is pretty easy to see that we all own far too much clothing considering we usually only wear a few go-to outfits.  If you know that you will be moving in a few months, whether it be going off to college or a planned family move, you may want to take all of your clothes that are hanging in your closet and turn their hangers so that they are facing you.  In the time you turn them to face you to the time you move, you would be shocked to see how many items you have not worn. Maybe you have clothes that you are holding onto from when you were thinner or heavier, that you just haven’t been able to let go of – well, now is the time.  There are plenty of people out there that would love your handmedowns. Keep in mind that if a piece of clothing has holes in it or stains, you should just throw them away or commit them to being rags for dusting. You can also take the opportunity to go through your shoes and get rid of the shoes that may have been an impulse buy that you know you will never wear.

  • Dishes

As we go through life, we will buy several different dining sets.  That being said, we will also break various pieces and then at some point you just buy a new set add it to your old dishes.  Its safe to say that this happens with utensils as well. As long as you are going through and packing your dishes, just get rid of the old mismatched set.  You will also want to go through your pots and pans, as well as any tupperware that hasn’t been used for a while.

  • Furniture

Moving is a great opportunity to get rid of your current furniture and invest in some new pieces.  Whether you have second hand couches, dresser or bedroom sets, someone else would love to have your second hand pieces. Consider moving an excuse to spoil yourself a bit and expand on your personal style!

  • Bedding

If you have old sheets, pillow cases, quilts, blankets or comforters, make room in your linen closet by clearing out the old stuff and making space for some new bedding to bring to your new home!

Ways to get rid of your old possessions…

  1. Have a Garage Sale

While having a garage sale may seem like an old school tactic, it is still highly effective.  If you have any doubts as to how many people go to garage sales, just take a walk on a Saturday morning and you will see plenty of tables sitting in front of people’s homes as strangers sift through their belongings.  You will want to post large and brightly colored posters on busy street corners or bulletin boards a few days in advance so that people know where they need to be on Saturday morning.

  1. Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist

You can post to Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist that you have several items to sell, but the most important thing to do is to take clear pictures to post alongside an accurate description about the items.  The one thing we want to make sure that you do is take safety precautions when selling things online. It is best to meet in a public space, and to have at least one other person with you, as you should never agree to meet a stranger alone.

  1. EBay

Depending on the kind of items you are looking to sell, EBay may be a good option for you to try and make some money.  Essentially, people will bid on your items for a certain time period and then the highest bidder gets to purchase your items which you then ship to them.

  1. Donate

While you can not make money directly when donating your items to a charitable organization, like Goodwill, what you can get is a tax form saying that you have donated and you can apply it towards your taxes for the year which will then reduce your taxable income.  Be sure that you take keep any paperwork you receive from the organization to donate to just in case you are up for an audit for any reason.

If you are looking for more tips regarding how to downsize and declutter your home before you move onto your next, be sure to reach out to a local moving company in Tucson.  Not only will they have creative ideas as to how you can earn money selling your things that they have learned from previous customers, but they can help you streamline the process.  Most Tucson movers will have storage units just in case it takes a little longer than expected to sell you items. That being said, do not move those items into your new home! This is a great chance at a fresh start and we are happy to help you in any way possible.  Call us for a quote or just to say hi to your friendly local Tucson movers!

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3 Ways to move to or from Tucson, Arizona on the cheap!

The Dream Scenario: You employer is paying for you to relocate for work 

If your employer has offered you a position in which you will need to relocate for work, there is a good chance that they will offer some sort of monetary assistance in terms of helping you pay for the cost of hiring a long-distance or out of state moving company.  Chances are that your employer will offer an average cost of hiring a moving company that will tip slightly lower than the average rate to hire a truly exceptional moving company. It never hurts to do some research and crunch some numbers, which means looking up moving companies and getting quotes, but if you find one that will cost slightly more than what you have been allotted from your company, you may be able to bring in your quotes to have your stipend increased.  Keep in mind, your employer may pay for you to hire someone to transport your belongings but may omit coverage of loading and or unloading. You will just want to keep track of exactly what is covered by your employer, and what costs you will be responsible for. You will want to make sure that you keep any and all receipts related to your move, whether it be for the long-distance moving company, buying supplies or renting equipment.

The Old Standard:  Bribe Friends and Family

While your friends and family may say that they are all in when it comes to helping you save a buck and offering up not only their time, weekends and evenings, but also their muscles!  We all know the call, and it goes something like this, “Hey, are you busy this weekend? I’m moving and could really use some help or your vehicle… I’ll pay you in pizza and beer! So, what do you think, you in?!”  We dread receiving the call for action. You dread it. Everyone dreads it. But, let’s face it, asking your family and friends to help you move will definitely be a cheap way to hire “movers” in Tucson. Just keep in mind that you can do more than just buy pizza and beer to repay your helpers.  Gas gift cards for the people who have offered up their vehicles to help you move, and then knowing that should they need assistance at some point in the future, you will need to show up and help.

The Tough Call:  Time vs. Money

Hiring a moving company may seem like the most expensive way to move, but there are things you should consider.  It really comes down to what is more valuable, time or money. If you are in a time crunch trying to get out of one living situation and into another, or there is some opportunity that will only be around for a limited amount of time, it is worth every penny to hire a professional moving company.  If you are looking to hire a local moving company in Tucson, there are a few that can provide you with a full-service move, meaning they come in and expertly pack all of your belongings, transport them to your new home and also unpack your items and then they will remove all of the packing materials – all in ONE DAY!  Think about that – you could be completely moved out of one home and into another in the space of 24 hours, leaving you to focus on whatever it is that has you moving in the first place! If you happen to be moving long-distance, you can also hire a moving company, either full-service or self-service, but the important thing is that you have a professional transporting your entire life, and they will be able to insure your belongings just in case something happens.  If you are moving long-distance, shipping your belongings will mean that you are free to fly to your new home whether is be Tucson, or anywhere else in the United States.

Regardless of what your personal situation is, it is always worth calling a few professional moving companies to get quotes.  At the very least, you will be making an informed decision. At the very best, you will be able to hire a professional moving company that you can have faith in to make your relocation as stress-free as possible.  If you would like to speak to one of our licensed professionals, please feel free to reach out to us at any time so that we can help you with any of your moving needs!

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Cheap vs. Inexpensive Moving Companies in Tucson, Arizona

When people start looking for a local moving company in Tucson, Arizona, they may start by Googling something along the lines of, “cheap movers Tucson, Arizona”, and then several different companies will come up.  That being said, there is certainly a difference between cheap moving companies and inexpensive moving companies. When we think of the word cheap, generally we not only associate it with the cost of a service but also the overall value of a service.  So, while you may want to pay a cheap price, you will most likely not want to experience a cheap move.  There is a line where affordability meets quality, which is why hiring an inexpensive moving company will leave you with a better overall experience than a cheap company will.

Communication

Cheap Moving Company

A cheap moving company may not have anyone available to answer a phone call at all.  They may have an answering service that you have to leave your information on and then hope that someone returns your call.  Often times, this call will never come, but if it does, you will want to be aware of the etiquette being used even if it is just over the phone.

Inexpensive Moving Company

An inexpensive moving company will have someone available to answer calls during posted business hours.  Should they be on the other line, they will call you back before the days end to set up an additional call at the very least.  Just because they do not charge the highest rates in town, does not mean that they are not professional in any and all interactions not only with customers but also within their team.

Paperwork/Quote

Cheap Moving Company

A cheap moving company may try to get you to sign a suspiciously vague contract, without thoroughly explaining their rates and services.  They may also have language that is not clear and can vary depending on interpretation. You will want to read through the entire service contract and make sure that everything is on the up and up.  If the cheap moving company you are looking to hire does not offer to come out to your current residence to get a read on exactly what kind of items you will need to be moved, do not be surprised if they come unprepared on moving day.

Inexpensive Moving Company

An inexpensive moving company will have someone go out to your residence so that they can give you the most accurate estimate of the total cost of your move.  They should have questions for you in regards to what services you are looking to obtain, and they should have answers for all of your questions. Once they have written up a quote, they will go over all sections, including any ways in which you may incur extra charges, and also some tips on ways that you can cut down on costs, such as packing and unpacking yourself and just hiring movers in Tucson to load, transport and unload.

Packing/Unpacking

Cheap Moving Company

Cheap movers may offer packing and unpacking services, but that does not mean that they will have highly trained professionals that will know the best way to protect delicate items when moving them. While they may offer insurance, that will do little to comfort you if your great grandmother’s china set gets damaged due to improper packing methods. Cheap moving companies may also show up without the proper amount of materials, especially if no one came out to do an initial walkthrough.

Inexpensive Moving Company

An inexpensive moving company will come fully prepared to pack all of your belongings, without having to make trips back to their warehouse to pick up additional supplies. They will also know the correct way to pack highly breakable items, such as china sets, grand pianos and grandfather clocks since they have been trained and have the necessary experience in moving such sentimental items.

Loading/Unloading

Cheap Moving Company

A cheap company may take a bit longer to load and unload your belongings. If they have not been properly trained in moving safety techniques and proper lifting methods, they are more likely to strain muscles and need to take more breaks. They also may not pay attention to what boxes belong in what areas of the house, meaning you will have to follow them around and redirect them.

Inexpensive Moving Company

An inexpensive moving company will have all of the proper moving equipment needed to streamline a safe and effective move, such as appliance and utility dollies, furniture straps and sliders. They will know the most efficient way to load boxes both into the moving truck and then into your new home, being sure to pay attention to which boxes go in any particular room.

Transportation

Cheap Moving Company

A cheap moving company may play fast and loose with the expectations regarding the transportation of your goods. They may be very vague as to the time frame you can expect your belongings, or have drivers that may not be quite up to snuff in terms of driving in a safe manner.

Inexpensive Moving Company

An inexpensive moving company will have a driver that is professional and gives you an expected arrival date, barring any huge disruptions to travel such as weather-related issues including heavy snowfall, dangerously high winds, flooding, etc. They will expect that you are reasonable when it comes to mother nature intervening in a prospective arrival date, as they will keep an open line of communication with you if they think anything will keep them from meeting the expected arrival date.

Overall Cost & Experience

Cheap Moving Company

If everything goes right, then yes, you have saved some money. That being said, the likelihood that the cheapest moving company will check all of your boxes in terms of a good move, is very low.

Inexpensive Moving Company

An inexpensive moving company may not be the bottom of the barrel cheapest price out there, but it will be close enough, especially when you consider the upgrade in the overall experience of having a professional moving company who stands by their name and the quality of their work.

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9 Tips for college freshmen moving out of state

1. Find out your move in date

Each school will have a move in date for college freshmen, and they will often have allotted time periods specifically coordinated for each student to move in. Often times, the school will let you sign up for certain days or time periods and then give you a parking pass so that you can pull up as close as possible to your dorm hall and move your belongings in. Once you have the day and time arranged, you can start planning your long distance move with details such as if you will be bringing your vehicle, flying, hiring a moving company, taking a road trip on the way there, etc.

2. Hire a moving company

While many people think that hiring a professional moving company is unaffordable, that is not true. People think that they will have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to move across the country to college, and so they opt out, trying to do the heavy lifting themselves. Hiring a local moving company in Tucson that will service a long distance move is a great way to ensure a stress free move. They will come in and pack everything up for you, and then transport it, and unload it for you in a safe, quick and efficient manner. If you know anyone locally that will also be attending the same college, it is worth asking about a group rate which will save you both time and money. The more people you can get on board, the bigger the discount you will receive. You may also want to look at some of your college message boards and see if anyone will be moving from you area to join in the group rate.

3. Only pack the essentials

You may want to bring everything you own with you to college, that is not practical for many reasons, the first being that you will have very limited space. This is a time to downsize in a big way. Go through all of your clothes and separate them by pieces you can donate, pieces that need to be tossed, and then pieces that are versatile enough to go with you to college. Remember, you won’t have access to a washer and dryer in your dorm room whenever you want, and you will not want to be lugging five bags of dirty laundry down to the laundromat every week. It is best to bring a few pieces to mix and match, and then hope that your roommate is about the same size so you can borrow each others clothes occasionally!

4. Contact your roommate

Before you move in, your college will send you information on your new dorm mate and a way to contact them. This is a great time to get to know who you will be living with for the upcoming year, at the very least. You will be able to coordinate who is bringing what of bigger pieces so that you don’t end up with two mini-fridges or microwaves. Some people even like to color coordinate their room decor such as bedding or lamps with their roommates, though not every pairing will agree on things like that, which is completely fine as well. The important thing is that you get a chance to get to know this person who will likely become your first friend at college in a new state.

5. Wait to purchase

As soon as people begin to pack, they get excited and want to buy everything before they take off for college, but you should definitely wait to buy some things. You’re already making a long distance move, and whether you are hiring a long distance moving company in Tucson, who will charge you by the total weight of items moved, or you are moving yourself, meaning that every last inch of vehicle space is valuable real estate to bring as many things as you can. So, wait on buying textbooks, school supplies, even a mini-fridge or plastic storage drawers for under your bed. This will also give you and your new roommate a reason to go off-campus and explore for a bit, and they may need some last minute items as well.

6. Places of Interest

Take some time to look up your new city and where certain places are located, such as department stores, hospitals, police and fire stations, and perhaps a few fun restaurants or parks with activities available to students. This will give you a good idea of where to go in any given situation. Perhaps you are moving to a college town that has an amazing Sushi restaurant, or deep dish pizza, wouldn’t that be a fun thing to try with your new friends?

7. Plan your driving route

One of the benefits of hiring a moving company is that it frees up your drive to your new college for an amazing road trip. You can plan on seeing national monuments or parks, picturesque small towns, or spend some time in big cities – it’s up to you! While most people have GPS on their phones, you should also have a paper map just in case something goes wrong. You should also be aware of the road and weather conditions you may encounter on your drive, meaning that if you will be driving during Tucson’s infamous monsoon season, you know the safety protocols to follow.

8. Get your vehicle serviced

If you plan on driving a vehicle during a long distance move, you must get your car serviced as soon as possible. Do not wait until the day before you leave to go for a quick oil change. You will want to make sure that a mechanic checks all of the fluids, valves, belts, hoses, tire tread, tire pressure, filters and battery before you venture out onto the open road. Heed your mechanics warnings because you car will need to be in tip top shape to not only make it to your new college, but then also to survive it’s time there. You will also likely be experiencing weather patterns that you may not be accustomed to, such as driving in snow, or through dust storms.

9. Car Emergency Kit

For any long distance trip in your vehicle, you will want to make sure that you have a Car Emergency Kit ready, should the unthinkable happen. There are several different things that you can pack in a kit, but a few items that are necessary would be flares, a spare tire and jack, jumper cables, a basic tool kit, a flashlight and extra batteries, some non-perishable food items, blankets, a car phone charger, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and a few bottles of water. If you do not have a membership with a roadside assistance company, such as AAA, this would be a good time to become a member.

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6 Dorm Room Essentials

As you are gearing up to move to your college dorm room for the first time, it can feel a bit overwhelming trying to figure out what to pack.  This is a great time to find out exactly how little you really need to be happy. That being said, there are a few dorm room essentials that you will not want to forget to pack.

    1. Surge protectors
      Think of all of the electronics you own that you use on a daily basis – a cell phone and charger, a laptop or desktop computer, perhaps an iPad or something similar. Well, first off, the plug to outlet ratio is way off in dorm rooms, meaning that you will have to choose what gets to be plugged in and what can wait. Not to mention, outlets are usually somewhat hidden, especially in small places like dorm rooms, meaning you will have to climb under your bed or desk and unplug one thing while plugging in another. A way to maximize the amount of electronics you can use and protect them from overheating and blowing a plug, is to use a surge protector. It is worth purchasing two, as you may have a refrigerator or microwave in your dorm room as well.
    2. Shower Caddy
      Gone are the days of counter space and drawers where you could store your items – when you are living in a dorm, you are sharing a bathroom with a LOT of people. You will want to invest in a shower caddy that is light and easy to carry with everything you will need when venturing out to get ready for the day. Ideally, your shower caddy will be able to hold your shampoo, conditioner, soap, razor, toothbrush and toothpaste and hang from a hook. You will also want to invest in shower shoes, or have a pair of sandals for sanitary reasons.
    3. Mini-Fridge
      If you are living in the dorms, then you have vouchers for the school eatery, but that does not mean you will always want to head down to the dining hall after a long night of studying (okay, let’s be honest – partying). Having a mini-fridge in your room will allow you to store drinks and some healthier food options, or pizza… Yeah, it’s probably just pizza. In any case, having a mini-fridge in your room will allow you to have snacks that you know will be available at anytime that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own bed.
    4. Microwave
      People under the age of 20 tend to consider themselves microwave connoisseurs. Give them something that requires cooking, and chances are they will try to put it in the microwave at some point. This will also give you the option of buying food for yourself and saving some credits from you meal plan, and who doesn’t want a microwave burrito every once in a while?!
    5. First Aid Kit
      Everyone should have a basic first aid kit in their homes, and a college dorm room is no exception. You will want to have things like band aids, antiseptic, burn ointment, aspirin, a thermometer and some hydrogen peroxide. Basically, you will want anything that you may need in the event of an emergency while waiting for help to arrive. Although you may be using it more for scraped knees or elbows, it is still important to tend to any wounds as soon as possible. You should also have an ice pack, and if you do not have a mini-fridge to keep it in, there are one time use packs that you break and bend until a cooling gel is activated and it gets cold.
    6. Get a few plastic drawer bins
      Plastic drawer bins are a lifesaver when you have limited storage space in your college dorm since they can be placed under a lofted bed. They are super light (no heavy, bulky dresser needed!), and since they are see through, you can tell which drawer contains which items. You can use them to store clothing, school supplies, toiletries, or anything else your heart desires! The other great thing about these is that you can find them in most stores such as Target or Walmart, so you will not have to make space for them in your vehicle, meaning that you can use that extra space for whatever you would like!

About a month before school starts, or perhaps even sooner, your school will contact you and let you know who your roommate is, and how you can contact them, which  you absolutely should! Not only will it be helpful to get to know your new roommate prior to moving in, but then you can coordinate so that you do not end up with duplicates of items, such as mini-fridges or microwaves.  If you have any other questions about how to coordinate a move to college, please feel free to reach out to us any time! Not only can we help you move locally within Tucson, but we also service long distance moves. Good luck!

 

excited couple with keys to new home

6 Ways to spot a bad landlord when searching for a new home

    1. Landlord is MIA
      A landlord is the face of the property they are representing. If you find it difficult to make contact with the landlord, such as never answering their phone or not responding to voicemails or emails, that is a pretty good indicator of how a landlord will treat you going forward. Another thing to look out for is a landlord that lives in another state or even another country. If you have any issues with a place you are renting, you should be able to have a landlord come and take care of it within a reasonable amount of time. The last thing you would want is for something like a pipe to burst and not be able to get ahold of your landlord to fix it. There is no need to accept excuses from a potential landlord, as they should be just as invested in finding a good tenant as you are in finding a good home.
    2. Requests that you only pay in cash or money orders
      Each state has its own set of standards for the cap of a security deposit. For instance, if you are moving in or to Arizona, the landlord CAN charge you a security deposit in the amount of one and one-halves month rent. You will want to check the laws for the state you live in because some can require three months rent as a security deposit ON TOP of charging first and last month’s rent. If you feel that the amount is too high, you can show your landlord the laws pertaining to your state just so that they are aware, but either way, you may want to keep searching for housing.
    3. Requests that you only pay in cash or money orders
      If a landlord asks or pressures you into thinking that paying in cash and money orders is the best option, run, run fast! This is a telltale sign of a scam, which unfortunately happens all too often. There are scenarios where landlords will ask for a deposit, and first and last month’s rent money from two parties and then claim that one never paid him, and that is why the other one is now moving into the available housing. In this scenario, there is no way to prove that you actually paid this person. You may have a receipt from a money order, but it will not have the recipients name or a signature from them acknowledging receipt of the money order. This is all a long-winded way of saying that any reputable landlord will not pressure you to pay in cash. In fact, they will welcome a check because that will protect both parties if anything comes up in the future.
    4. They complain about current tenants
      If a landlord feels that it is appropriate to complain about other tenants to you, then rest assured that at some point your landlord will be complaining about you to other tenants. A landlord should never speak ill of their tenants, and in doing so, they are showing that not only that they are extremely unprofessional, but also that they are disrespectful. If a landlord is behaving in such a manner, it may be worth reaching out to the building owner, since, at the end of the day, the landlord is supposed to be the face of the building and therefore the professional contact for the owner. Building owners can be held accountable for their employees’ actions, so you do them a disservice by not letting them know that a landlord is being unprofessional.
    5. Pressures you to sign a lease without giving you time to read through it carefully
      While most rental agreements have fairly standard terms and qualifications, you will want to take adequate time to read through your lease agreement and find out if there are any stipulations to know about, such as if your agreement is protected in the event that the building is sold. If the landlord will not allow you to take home a rental agreement and read through it, that is a huge red flag. There is no reason that a landlord should pressure you to sign a lease agreement on the same day that you receive it.
    6. Google your landlord
      This may sound crazy, but it is never a bad idea to Google your landlord’s name. You would be surprised at the information that may be out there, anything from social network profiles to arrest records. If you are moving locally, you may even have a mutual acquaintance that you can speak to about the landlord. Local moving companies in Tucson know a lot about the housing rental situation in town as well, so you may ask them if they have heard positive things about a particular apartment complex, whether it be good or bad. If you find something that makes your nervous, move on to the next option. Ultimately, you want to live somewhere that you feel comfortable and that you know your belongings will be safe.

 

Young couple carrying big cardboard box at new home.Moving house.

6 ways to treat aches and pains after a self-move

  1. Rest & an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
    The first thing that you should do when completing a self-move, is sit down and relax. Keep in mind that you have been so busy between packing, loading, transporting, unloading, unpacking and delegating tasks to your friends and family, that you have not had much time to sit and relax enough to let the aches and pains set in, so the next time you get up could be a doozy! It is wise to take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen as soon as you start to feel some pain coming on. Rest and Ibuprofen really are the first method that you should try when you are starting to feel achy. If those don’t seem to be working, or if you have specific areas of pain, the rest of the list should provide some alternative treatment options.
  2. Ice
    Whether you choose ice packs, frozen gel packs, ice massage or ice baths, they are all aimed at numbing pain and reducing inflammation and swelling by reducing the blood flow to particular areas of pain. It is important to note that you should never apply ice directly to your skin as it can cause damage to your skin tissue, such as frostbite. You will also want to limit your exposure to ice, applying for 10 to 15 minutes in one sitting, and being sure never to exceed 20 minutes. It is also advised to avoid using ice to treat stiff muscles, as this will only exacerbate the issue.
  3. Heat
    While ice is great for inflammation, heat is great as soothing and relaxing stiff joints. For heat, there are two types – dry heat and moist heat. Dry heat would be things such as heating pads or saunas, whereas moist heat would be steamed towels and hot baths. Most minor injuries can be relieved with just 15 to 20 minutes of heat therapy. For more severe pain, you can apply heat for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
  4. Massage
    Massages are great for strains or injuries, as well as joint pain. When you go to get a massage, an essential element will be a relaxing atmosphere. A massage therapist will use oil to massage areas that have tight muscle fibers from an injury or overuse. There are several different types of massages to choose from, but two of the most commonly available are Swedish massage, deep tissue massage. Swedish massages are composed of long and light pressured strokes, in combination with kneading and deep circular movements. A deep tissue massage is a slower, but more acute pressure type of massage that targets the deeper layers of muscle and tissue.
  5. Chiropractic Adjustment
    Having a chiropractic adjustment can do wonders after lifting heavy boxes and furniture during a self-move. Chiropractic adjustments involve the manipulation of your spine to properly align your body’s musculoskeletal structure to restore joint mobility. A good chiropractor will sit down with you at your first appointment and go over exactly what happens during an adjustment. They will also do a physical examination and ask you several questions as to what is bringing you in, any areas of particular concern, or if you have endured some sort of physical trauma, whether is be more recent, or something a little farther in the past that has just been building on your sore body. Realigning your spine will help with pain relief of muscles, joint, ligament and tendon pain, as well as reduce overall inflammation.
  6. Acupuncture/Chinese Cupping
    It seems that everyone has that one friend that swears by acupuncture in conjunction with Chinese cupping. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at various depths at specific points on your skin to balance overall energy. Acupuncture states that the different pathways through which blood flows through our bodies, otherwise referred to as meridians, and how there are specific points that relate to anything from joint pain to migraines, and by unblocking these points, you can relieve pain regardless of if it is physical or mental. Chinese cupping is often used with acupuncture as a way to encourage blood flow. For cupping, you would use glass cups to suction different areas on your body to create negative pressure to loosen muscles, whereas as with massage, you have positive pressure working the muscles in. By increasing blood flow throughout your body and pinpointing the areas in which you have the most pain or tension, you can trigger your body’s natural painkillers throughout your body.

Hopefully, if you ever find yourself in the position of needing to move yourself, all of these treatment options will come to mind when you start to feel the pain. However, if you have the option, please consider hiring a local Tucson moving service. They can move you within the city, county, state or country, so do not feel like local movers in Tucson will not know how to move you to your new dream home, regardless of where it is located. Professional moving companies can take care of all of your moving needs, whether it be packing your great-grandmother’s China, moving your grand piano without damaging it OR your home, or unloading and unpacking all of those heavy appliances such as washers, dryers, stoves, etc. Professional movers in Tucson know all of the safest ways to move your life from one location to the next, and you will not have to lift a finger, which means you can get a massage just for the fun of it, rather than the necessity!

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