Homesearch process in Edmonds, WA made easy

Homesearch process

Searching for a home sounds like an easy task. You might think that it is just searching through listings and looking at the homes that you can afford until you find one you like. But that is not the case. The homesearch process can be the most difficult part of the relocation. This is why some assistance is needed. Assistance comes in many forms. One of them is actually reading and learning about the homesearch process and just how to make it easier. This means that you have already started helping yourself out by reading this helpful article. And since plenty of people have started searching for homes in Edmonds, Washington, we decided to focus on the homesearch process in Edmonds. This is an amazing place to invest in real estate as well as relocate to. And there are plenty of reasons why this is so.

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5 questions to ask a moving company representative

Ask a moving company representative some questions.

Moving is a serious business. And moving companies who care about their customers have a company representative who is responsible for all of the customers’ questions. They do their job for a reason. So, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask as many questions as you wish. But, in today’s list, we are going to check out the 5 most important questions to ask a moving company representative. So, without further ado, let’s inform ourselves!

Are you licensed?

It is important to hire a licensed moving company when you are relocating. All moving companies need to have a license number issued by the United States Department of Transportation. If they don’t have one, stay away from the company. You don’t want to be served by someone who is not licensed. You might even be dealing with a moving scam.

Ask a moving company representative about license.
Ask a moving company representative if the company is properly licensed.

So, the first question is: Are you properly licensed? That way, you’ll know that you have hired a good moving company.

Do you have prior experience moving special items?

Some moving companies only do the basic moving. That means that they’ll move your couch, TV, kitchen table, and other ordinary things without a problem. However, if you have some special items with you, and the moving company in question doesn’t have experience in moving those kinds of items, maybe you should consider hiring specialty movers.

What kind of estimates does this company provide?

The two most common estimates in moving business are binding and non-binding estimates. To put it in simpler terms, binding estimates means that the price is ‘set in stone’, while non-binding estimate means that the price may change later. It also serves as a kind of moving insurance.

While sometimes it may be great to have a non-binding estimate, a much safer option is to have a binding one. That way you’ll know just how much you will be paying at the end of the day.

Does your company have any hidden fees?

Sometimes the moving company may tell you how much your move costs, and that you find out later that your move is much pricier. And this is not due to a non-binding estimate, but due to some hidden fee. You should always ask in advance if there are any hidden fees. 

Does your company background check the employees?

People talking.
It is important that a moving company background checks their employees.

The reality is that you’ll be leaving your stuff to strangers. You should be confident that your stuff is in the right hands. You should always ask if the company in question background checks its employees. That way you’ll know that your items will arrive at your chosen location.

Good luck with your move!

Moving insurance explained

Moving insurance explained by the man with the pen.

Although there is only a small chance that something will go wrong with your belongings if you hire a reliable and professional moving company, it is always a good idea to have moving insurance whenever you are relocating. However, not so many people who want to relocate understand how exactly moving insurance works, and that can lead to many problems. In this article, we are going to tackle the question of moving insurance, how you can get one, and what you need to know when getting moving insurance. So, moving insurance explained – let’s begin explaining!

Moving insurance explained – what is it exactly?

First of all, moving insurance is not technically insurance. So, what it is? Moving companies offer their customers valuation. And this valuation works like insurance. Your moving company will ensure that you will be compensated if things go south. But, moving companies do not have the certification to give you insurance. They are not regulated by the federal government. This is why moving insurance is not technically real insurance, but it still functions like one. Ultimately, the moving company will compensate you.

So, what kinds of valuations exist?

All moving companies are obliged to offer their customers two types of insurances (valuations to be exact). Most professional moving companies will offer coverage options for both interstate and local moves.

It is important to know your options. If your moving company doesn’t repay you the amount you have chosen by selecting the valuation policy, you will be able to sue them on the basis of your valuation.

Two persons using the computer.
If you want to have moving insurance explained, you have to know your options first.

Full value protection

If some of your goods get damaged, the moving process can turn out to be quite depressing. This is why it is better to have the full protection of your goods.

This is the most complete evaluation. By choosing full value protection, your company will compensate for the full value of the things they are transporting.

However, full value protection is obviously more expensive than most valuations. since you have to pay a premium upfront. You will declare what you think your stuff is worth, per pound, and after that, you will pay a premium for that amount of coverage.

Most moving companies will offer their kind of full moving protection. This is why you have to look closely at what they offer, especially when it comes to protecting your goods in a local move.

Moving insurance explained with umbrela.
If you choose to have full value protection, your movers will be obliged to compensate you in full.

Or you can choose to have released value protection

This is the most basic coverage on the market. There is a trick with this kind of coverage. Your moving company won’t charge you for released value protection. Still, you have to contractually agree and ask for coverage. This means that you have to ask your movers for released value protection.

Your moving company will only compensate you 60% per pound if things go wrong. It is free, but it only covers by weight. This means that if they damage your computer, they will only compensate 20-30 dollars, even though it costs much more.

Northern Virginia’s finest for military personnel – best cities to buy a property

Northern Virginia's finest places for military personnel.

Being military personnel can be quite stressful, and not only because of the risk of being sent to a battlefield. Stress is due to a constant moving from one place to another. When the military requires you to move to another location, you have to move. So, where should you go if you are being called to serve in Northern Virginia? What are Northern Virginia’s finest cities for military personnel? Let’s find out!

Falls Church

Some consider Falls Church county as one of the best counties in the US to live and work in. The same goes for military personnel. Falls Church offers one of the best places for residents to call home. So, if you decide to move your home to Falls Church, you won’t be depressed.

Northern Virginia's finest for military personnel. Moving to best cities.
What are some of the Northern Virginia’s best places for military personnel?

Falls Church has a relatively small population. This makes it one fantastic close-knit community. People here are quite friendly, and they tend to help one another. This county has low unemployment, and it has a great atmosphere for families.

Education here is top-notch, especially with elementary schools. This is why we recommend going to Falls Church if you are working in the military and you have a family. Just ask our friends from zippyshelldmv.com what they think about this awesome community.

However, Falls Church is not a cheap place to buy a property in. Prices of homes are averaging close to $720,000. The median income of Falls Church residents is about $120,000 a year.

Fairfax City

This popular suburb of Washington DC is one fantastic place for military personnel. It can be said that this suburb is in the capital of the United States, and if you have to be present in our capital, then Fairfax City is the perfect place for you.

Fairfax City has a really low crime rate which makes it perfect for families. It is filled to the brim with coffee shops, restaurants, and a wide variety of attractions and stuff to do and check out with your family. Also, it has fantastic public schools.

But moving to Fairfax City is impossible without the help of a reliable and professional moving company that is specialized in military relocation. Simply put, you have to have someone experienced to rely on. So, before you organize your move to Fairfax City, make sure to hire a reliable military moving company.

Family enjoying oranges and talking about Northern Virginia's finest cities for military personnel.
Fairfax City is indeed one of the Northern Virginia’s finest cities for military personnel, especially if you are moving with your family.

Chantilly

Between Northern Virginia and Maryland lays a diverse town of Chantilly. This community has unemployment under 2,5% and it is mostly unaffected by the current pandemic. It is ranked as one of the most secure and healthiest places in the US. And indeed it is.

Chantilly has an unbelievably low crime rate and like other places on this list, fantastic education opportunities. The median home price is just over half a million dollars, but many homes here are huge. If you want to move to a bigger home in Chantilly, you should be ready to pay the price. But, you can find some fantastic homes to buy for half the price in Chantilly.

We hope that you have enjoyed our list of Northern Virginia’s finest places for military personnel. Remember, wherever you decide to buy a property in Northern Virginia, you won’t be wrong. So, good luck with your move and thank you for your service!

Why do people leave Orlando?

People leave Orlando with baggage.

Orlando is a wonderful city, and many people dream of moving to it. However, we notice a new trend. More and more people are leaving Orlando. This is quite curious. In this article we are asking the question – Why do people leave Orlando?

We are going to try to give you a definitive answer, but this is not going to be easy. Every individual has its own reasons, and finding facts that connect them all can turn out to be difficult. However, it is not impossible.

So, why are people starting to move out of Orlando? Let’s find out right here, and right now!

People want to experience something new

Sure, Orlando is a large city with a lot to offer, but living in the same place for a long time can be tiresome. Novelty wears off quickly and people just want to experience something new.

This is why many people leave not only Orlando but Florida in general. Many people want to experience a new state, even though many people dream of moving to Florida. To get anywhere you want, you have to hire a moving company that is capable of long-distance relocation. For this, you need the help of a moving company that can take you away from Orlando.

People leave Orlando because it is becoming more and more expensive to live in it

This is a nation-wide problem. Real estate is more and more expensive while an average pay is more or less stagnating. COVID-19 pandemic has made it even worse. Surviving Florida on a tight budget is proving to be harder and harder.

People leave Orlando because of coins.
People leave Orlando because it can be quite expensive to stay.

It is becoming more and more impossible for more and more people to live in overpriced apartments of cities like Orlando. This is why many people are leaving this city. Simply put, economic problems make people leave Orlando.

But on the flip side, prices of moving companies in Orlando dropped due to high demand. Check with Authority Moving Group to find out by how much.

Orlando can be quite noisy

Some people when they reach a certain age, don’t want to stay in an environment that is noisy and hectic. Orlando is such an environment.

This is not only true for people of a certain age, young people to are sick of not being able to sleep because of noise. Also, the hectic atmosphere of Orlando makes people anxious. Some people just want to relax in a less hectic environment.

Many people move to smaller places in Florida, like Palm Beach County. Orlando, although in Florida, is quite far from the nearest beach. This is exactly the reason why many people choose smaller towns on the coast instead of a gigantic inland city like Orlando. When thinking about Florida, many people think of beaches, oceans, and endless sun. Orlando can offer only one of those things.

Drum set.
Orlando can be quite noisy.

In conclusion

Orlando is a wonderful city, yet more and more people are leaving it. There are a few main reasons why.

The first reason is simple. People are getting tired of living in the same place for years, and they want to experience something new.

The second reason is an economic one. Orlando can be quite expensive, especially for young people.

The third main reason is – Orlando can be quite noisy. Orlando, like many other huge cities, is quite hectic and noisy, and most people don’t want to experience that every day.

Also, leaving in Florida and not being able to get to a beach is counterintuitive. Most people want to experience a real Florida experience, and Orlando usually can’t offer that to them.

Guide to safely packing wine cellar for a move

A wine cellar.

Having a wine cellar is a privilege. However, a wine cellar requires a lot of maintaining and moving it can be challenging. You have to be gentle towards your bottles when you’re moving them. You probably have a lot of expensive wine in your cellar and if you don’t know what you are doing, there is a chance that you’ll break some of your bottles. So, welcome to our guide to safely packing wine cellar for a move. In this guide, we are going to explore how you can pack and move your wine cellar most efficiently and without any damages. So, without further ado, let’s begin!

Check the regulation of the state you are moving your wine cellar to

As you probably already know, different states have different laws when it comes to moving and bringing in alcohol for personal use. Before you even call the moving company, you have to check the laws and regulations of the state you are moving to. If you are moving inside the state, there is no need to check the laws and regulations at all.

A lot of wine bottles you have to take a well care of when packing wine cellar for a move.
Packing wine cellar requires a lot of patience and preparation. For example, you have to check the regulations of the state you are moving your wine collection to.

You probably won’t have any problems, but it doesn’t hurt to check the laws of the state you are moving your wine cellar to.

You have to prepare the proper packing supplies before packing wine cellar for a move

Before you start packing, first you have to get your hands on wine packing materials. Here’s what you need:

  • wine shipping kits – Wine shipping kits are cardboard boxes that have a protective foam insert with holes. Each opening is designed to hold one wine bottle. Usually, wine shipping kits can transfer up to 12 bottles of wine. They are easy to get, and they are not that expensive. You can purchase them in your local wine store or online.
  • wine shipping crates – Wine shipping crates are the best way to move your wine collection. Those crates are sturdy but they take up a lot of space and they are fairly expensive. If you have in your wine cellar a mix of expensive and not so expensive wine, use wine shipping crates for your most valuable wine.

Get an insurance for your wine collection

If you don’t have expensive wine in your collection, breaking one or two bottles is sad, but it is not that big of a deal. But if you have a lot of expensive wine in your collection, it would be best to get insurance. Before that, you need to get the real price of your wine collection on the market at the moment of your move.

Bottles of wine.
If you have an expensive wine collection, it would be better to have an insurance.

Get a moving company

If you have the proper equipment for wine relocation, go for it, move on your own. But, if you don’t it would be smart to hire a reliable moving company that can take your wine collection to the destination of your choosing. Make sure to get a moving company that will take good care of your wine collection.

Good luck!

Moving to Boca Raton on your own

A cottage by the sea.

Ah, Boca Raton, one of the most beautiful and wealthiest cities in South Florida. Here it is common to see a lot of private jets, spas, tennis and golf courts, and anything that screams wealth and luxury. This is why many people who can afford it decide to move to Boca Raton. If you’re thinking about moving to Boca Raton on your own this is a guide for you. There are many things you should pay your attention to when moving to Boca Raton. First, you have to think about your finances. Second, you have to think about how you are going to get there. And third, you have to think about packing and storage. So, without further ado, let’s move to Boca Raton.

One of the beautiful pools you can visit or even own after moving to Boca Raton.
Everything screams luxury in Boca Raton.

Moving to Boca Raton requires good planning and organization

Many people dream about moving to Boca Raton, and you seem to be on the verge of moving there. Congratulations! However, relocation is not that easy. You have to organize and plan your relocation carefully if you want to make it as smooth as possible. This is why you need to grab a pencil and a pen and organize your move.

Here are some of the things you need to pay closer attention to.

Think about what you can afford

Sure, you are probably well-off if you are thinking about moving to Boca Raton, especially to wealthier parts of the city. But remember, many parts of Boca Raton are luxurious places where it is not easy to live if you don’t have a pretty deep pocket. But since you are reading this guide, you probably have that sorted already, or you are getting there.

However, Boca Raton has experienced an expansion in the past several decades, and people with different wealth statuses can go and live in Boca Raton. Don’t be discouraged to move to Boca Raton, since you can easily live there with an average Florida income.

However, Boca Raton is a place in which you can work for a living. It is a place which needs people to work there, and who knows, maybe you can get some connections for your future career.

You have to gather some packing supplies

You have to get your hands on packing supplies before you move to Boca Raton. There are a lot of options when it comes to packing. First, you can get a company that can pack your things for you. This is the least painful way to do it, but it is the most expensive one. The second option is to get some packing materials and pack your stuff on your own. You can get most of the packing supplies in the nearest supermarket. Here’s what you need:

  • a packing tape
  • different kinds and sizes of container (boxes, plastic bins, crates)
  • a sticky tape
  • a marker
  • some kind of protective material like plastic beans

Packing process

If you are packing on your own you have to know how to pack things properly. It is not a good idea to lump all of your stuff in random boxes and call it a day. No, you have to pack properly.

A cardboard box packed with some items ready for moving.
Moving to Boca Raton means that you have to pack properly.

When it comes to packing ordinary things that are not too large and bulky, you can simply put them in boxes with minimal protection. If you have fragile stuff, pack them in their original packaging. If you don’t have original packaging, you can put your stuff into boxes or plastic bins and protect them with plastic beans or crumbled newspapers.

Here are some extra tips for organizing the moving process. When it comes to moving artwork and special items, it would be a good idea to get wooden crates. You have to have wooden crates that are the right size in order to protect your valuables properly. There are a few ways to get wooden crates. You can order them online or you can go to the carpenter with the right dimensions and order some crates. If you are particularly handy and if you have time, you can even make them by yourself.

Still, moving to Boca Raton needs the help of a moving company

It would be distasteful to move by yourself to Boca Raton. You are not going to save any money and there is a good chance that you’ll damage something you own. This is why moving companies like City Movers exist. They have the right machinery and vehicles for relocation and you probably don’t. There are a lot of moving companies on the market, but not all of them relocate people to Boca Raton. You have to have special expertise to move people to Boca Raton. You have to have a crew that is reliable, professional, and that has experience in moving valuables.

Three trucks on the road.
Get a moving company for your relocation.

You might need a storage unit

You probably have a lot of things. However, it is not smart to move all that you own to Boca Raton. You know what they say, moving is the perfect time for decluttering. But, there are times when you don’t have enough space for everything you have relocated. This is when it is time to rent a storage unit. Maybe you need it for a car, or maybe you need it for your figurines collection. Who knows.

In conclusion

Boca Raton is a wonderful place. It is perceived as a place for the rich, but that is changing. Many people from all around the country call Boca Raton their new home. Don’t be discouraged to move to Boca Raton. However, moving is not an easy process. You have to organize your move and you need help from the moving company. It is unwise to move by yourself since you’ll just lose money, energy, and time.

What to look for when renting a storage unit in Seattle

Seattle - Make sure to know what to look for when renting a storage unit in Seattle.

For starters, you should know how amazing your life is going to be in a place like Seattle. And even though, this relocation is not going to be an easy job, but still, you will be able to prepare everything on time when the big day comes. All you have to do is to plan and discover how to organize your household relocation. This doesn’t include just packing and transporting, this also involves using any other additional services. Many people are using them, especially when they are lack of free space. For example, if you don’t have space in your new home for some items, then you need to find out what to look for when renting a storage unit in Seattle.

Inform yourself before anything else

You see, renting a storage unit isn’t as daunting a prospect as you may think in the first place. You have some simple rules to follow to learn how this renting process works! So, in case you’ve never rented a storage unit, then you’ll probably have lots of questions. And that’s why to decide which option is the best, you’ll surely need some guidance. But, the good news is you can learn how to rent your storage unit in Seattle. And also, you will discover how much does a full-service move cost. Thanks to this, you will know what price you should expect, and you will be able to prepare your budget for using any kind of service.

Notebook and pencils - use it to write down your priorities before you learn what to look for when renting a storage unit in Seattle.
Learn how to prepare for the big move and find out what to look for when renting a storage unit in Seattle.

Space is one of the first things you should look for when renting a storage unit in Seattle

So, you’re preparing to relocate somewhere to Seattle. With that on your mind, you have learned all moving preparations along with tips and tricks. The only thing that is left is to find out how to rent a storage unit. That’s why, before renting, you must measure everything you are planning to store to see how much space you need. This is important to remember because units vary in price. That estimate will mostly depend on the size you want. So, have this in mind when you find out that West Seattle offers great self storage service, and when you are planning on using them.

Also, when it comes to sizes, there is something else you should look for when renting a storage unit in Seattle. You see, smaller ones will cost less to rent than bigger ones. For that reason, you must know exactly how many items you are planning to store and how big storage space you need.  

How to rent a storage unit in Seattle?

Since there are so many elements and important things to look for when renting a storage unit in Seattle, you must find some ways to prepare yourself and items for everything. Probably the most important things are collecting information and having the budget ready. But you should know, only thanks to that you will discover what to expect from all of this. For more information on how storage renting in Seattle works, make sure to visit the portabox.com site.

Storages.
To rent your storage unit in Seattle, you must know what type and storage unit size you need.

Pick the right location!

Another important thing you should consider when renting a storage unit in Seattle is the right location. You see, you don’t want to spend ages driving from your house to the storage unit. Because of that, it makes perfect sense if you can find facilities that are close to your home. So, make sure to consider choosing a closer location. That will be more affordable, and you can always go there wherever you want to take anything you want. 

Make sure to learn how to take care of your items

Since you are planning on using a storage unit in Seattle, then you need to be aware of some other things as well. You see, storage units are dry, clean, and secure for all tenants. But what do you might think, what happens when the building gets damaged, for example? So, for that reason, it’s worth knowing how to properly secure your items in boxes and how to have some extra protection. Also, for this part, it is desirable to find out what packing materials you are going to need. This is not hard and only requires a little bit of time to discover it. And when you take care of this, you will be ready to write a packing supplies checklist and to gather some tips and tricks for packing.

Moving boxes.
If you are not sure how to properly protect your item for storing, then make sure to hire someone who does.

Look if there are any discounts when renting a storage unit in Seattle

One of the benefits of renting a storage facility in Seattle is when it comes to the duration is that you have complete flexibility. You see, in most cases, you can rent a unit for as little time. That is one week, with no maximum length. And because of that, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask for a discount. You will see that when you are looking for one, especially if there are lots of available units, it is worth it. 

Have the right documents is another thing you should look for when renting a storage unit in Seattle

When it comes to renting a storage unit in Seattle, you should know that most storage units have certain documentation. And that’s why when you are planning on using some of their services you have to be well informed. Without any doubt that can help you on how to save on your Seattle move so you can have more money for this storing process.

Conclusion

In the end, you should know that there are so many things to look for when renting a storage unit in Seattle. And only when you are aware of them, you will be able to confront and achieve them. So, learn how this process works, because that is the only way you and your items will be ready for this mission.

Most common house bugs and how to get rid of them

spray bottle with pesticides used to kill common house bugs

The darker side of homeownership is definitely a bug problem that everyone faces eventually. If these uninvited guests have set up camp in your humble abode, we know it’s annoying, but don’t worry. Nowadays, there are many proven ways you can get rid of common house bugs, so continue reading. We’ve written a short guide on the subject to help you debug your living space! Read More …

Best places to retire in the US

The two elderly people are looking into each other, smiling.

Everybody dreams about that one day when they will be able to wake up in the morning not thinking about their jobs. That one day when the stress about work will be gone, and when daily plans will be based mainly on the search for joy. Every employed man dreams about retirement. It is true that many people would choose not to change their place of living after they retire. However, there are still some who would be ready to take a step forward in the search for better life opportunities and would decide to move somewhere else. And although it is true that there is no place in the world like home, these adventurous people are willing to meet new places. They still want to know what life has to offer to them. In order to make the choice easier, here is the list of some of the best places to retire in the US. Take a look and start your journey. Read More …