5 Tips for Cleaning Your House or Apartment When Moving Out

by | Feb 23, 2018 | Uncategorized

In a perfect world, the new home or apartment that you are moving into will have been cleaned thoroughly by conscientious tenants or homeowners. But we all know this is not a perfect world. Prior residents sometimes forget the little courtesies in life like such as helping to make the next person’s move easier and more sanitary. As one of the top movers in Burbank, we know that you will want to make sure that your apartment or home is spotless when relocating to your new residence. Thus, we offer you the following tips on making your apartment or home spotless before the new residents move in.

  • Gather cleaning supplies: The first thing you should do now that all your furniture has been relocated is to gather together the proper cleaning supplies. Be sure to have on hand, disinfectants, glass cleaner, mops, brooms, dusting spray, paper towels, a dustpan, trashcan, sponges, trash bags, etc. Gather these supplies together and begin to develop a room by room plan to clean the entire house/apartment.
  • Start with the kitchen: Study after study has concluded that the kitchen is the dirtiest part of any home (as disturbing as that may be). Go over the stove, oven, microwave, fridge, sink and disposal with the appropriate cleaner. Finally, do not forget the floor and walls.
  • Clean the bathroom: A plethora of nasty germs are known to inhabit the bathrooms of even the cleanest homes. However, don’t let that deter you from sanitizing the toilet, sink, bathtub and shower before you leave. Finally, clean the floors and tiles of mildew etc.moving
  • Clean all floors: As you move from room to room, don’t forget to clean the floors thoroughly. Be particularly mindful of high traffic areas that may be hiding dirt and other contaminants brought in from the outside.
  • Consider using professional cleaners: If the task of cleaning up before you leave your old residence seems too formidable, consider hiring an apartment or house cleaning service. Don’t leave the house or apartment in disarray.

To sum up, no one wants to move into an apartment or house only to have to clean up after the prior residents. There are far too many tasks involved in moving in or out of a home or apartment to have to worry about this. Moreover, consider how you would feel if, when you reached your new home, you found dirt, grime and other surprises all throughout the house. Our designer’s delivery service in Los Angeles can make the entire moving process seamless and cost effective.

Things You Should Consider Throwing Out Before You Move

by | Jan 10, 2018 | Uncategorized

One of the most daunting parts to any move is deciding what to throw out and what to keep. You know you have to do it but let’s face it – many of us are packrats. We cling on to certain items simply because we are used to having them around. But getting rid of your excess items can make your move more organized and a lot easier for all involved. So what items should you consider getting rid of and which should you take with you? Here are a few suggestions from Russell’s Moving and Storage.

  • Old, unwanted media: For many of us CDs, DVDs, Video Games, Blu-Rays and books are dust collectors. Many households can easily do without these often unwatched or unlistened to kinds of media. The good news is that if you are looking to reduce the size of your media library prior to your move there are many sites that allow you to do so. Sites like Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist are filled with potential buyers of such items.
  • Outdated electronics: The rapidly changing pace of technology makes this category a no-brainer. Many of us have TVs, computers and other items around the house that are not only outdated but that are difficult to move. Why not make your move easier by getting rid of devices that will have to be replaced any way? Charities will eagerly accept such donations.
  • Old clothes: Old clothing is perhaps the most surplused item of all time. Why not donate that old coat, pair of pants, shirt, etc and at the same time receive a tax-deduction! This win-win situation helps the less fortunate and reduces the amount of items you will have to transport to your new digs.
  • Gag gifts and random free promotional stuff: Yes, these items are fun to look at but like the other kinds of brickerbrack they can quickly outstay their welcome and quickly become clutter.
  • Old and unused kitchenware: Do you have Tupperware, forks, knives, plates, cups, bowls or can openers that you rarely use? What about that old blender, food processor or electric can opener? Get rid of these old and unused items for a much easier move.

In short, get rid of the clutter and make your move easier and quicker. As a company that has the best moving and storage in Los Angeles, we can tell you that every little piece of clutter that you can get rid of helps. One of our other specialties is designer services in Los Angeles. For those items that you cannot afford to get rid of such as fine arts and other valuables, we offer secure delivery and storage that you can rely on.

Ways to Stay Organized While Moving

by | Nov 20, 2017 | Moving Tips, Uncategorized

“Fail to plan, plan to fail” – Winston Churchill

As we’ve already stated on this blog, moving can be one of the most stressful events in life. The main reason for this is because of all the things there are to do and all the things there are that can go wrong. It isn’t just about getting used to a new environment. It is also about managing this very challenging process. Our Thousand Oaks moving and storage company is more than happy to aid you in the process of moving to your new location. However, we find that the easiest moves are made by people who remain well organized during every aspect of this demanding life event. Here are some of our suggestions for lessening the chaos involved in the big move.

  • Choose a reliable moving service: Choosing a moving company that is reliable, professional and courteous will save you time and money. Professionals such as the ones we employee at our Beverly Hills moving company are experts in helping to make your move seamless.
  • Use a moving checklist: Outline everything that needs to be done during, before and after your move. This will save you aggravation, time and possibly even money. Keep this plan in a binder and include in it things such as your budget, the name of your moving company, receipts, etc.
  • Meticulously label all boxes: This will help you keep track of what you move and where it will be placed when you reach your destination. It will also help our movers.
  • Pack on a room by room basis: Along with labeling all boxes, packing the contents of each room separately will help you during the process of unpacking.
  • Get rid of junk: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Throw away or donate as many items as you can before you move. This will eliminate clutter and ease the amount of packing you will have to do when the big day arrives.
  • Start early: Pack a few boxes each day so that you will have less work to do on the actual moving day. Also, by packing non-essential items early you may find that you can eliminate items altogether (see above).

 

In conclusion, by making a plan and following through on that plan you can decrease the confusion involved in the moving process. Making an effective plan will help during all aspects of your move from beginning to end.

Items that are Challenging to Move

by | Sep 15, 2017 | Moving Tips, Uncategorized

At Russells Moving and Storage, we pride ourselves on making what is normally a difficult task easier on you. We have been in the business for years and are accustomed to moves of all sizes. But when it gets right down to it the task of moving can be challenging because certain items are more difficult to move than others either because they are fragile or because they are large or oddly shaped etc. Our Westlake Village Storage Company is up to the challenge that these items present but we thought you would like to know some of these items so that you can prepare them for transport by packing them carefully and letting our movers know what to expect.

 

  • Plants: Plants are, as everyone knows, relatively fragile compared to other items on your moving list. They can do best when they are packed carefully in cardboard boxes. Be sure that when you do pack your plants to prune and care for them properly before transporting them and to unpack them right away once you reach your new destination. Finally, you may wish to transport your plants in your own private vehicle.
  • Delicate works of art: The trick to packing artwork of high monetary value is to use sturdy boxes that are profusely packed with bubble wrap, packing peanuts, paper etc.
  • Pianos: There is a very funny Laurel and Hardy short that centers on the pair moving a piano up a steep flight of stairs. The pair does so completely incompetently of course but it shows what everyone knows – pianos do not move easily. They are large, expensive and oddly shaped. For this reason, you should never take this task on yourself. For this task, rely on the best moving and storage in Los Angeles – Russells Moving and Storage.
  • Fish and fish tanks: Fish can be more challenging to move than most other kinds of pets. When moving them and their tanks, place the fish in a bag rather than leaving them in the tank. Finally, empty the tank mostly and do not try to transport it while it is full and the fish are present.
  • Workout equipment: Most workout equipment weighs a lot and will naturally add heft to your move. Pack small weights in boxes and dissemble whatever you can before attempting to move these items and remember most of all to be careful.

The most important thing to remember is that all of this can be made easier by engaging the right movers who are experienced and who have insurance for when things don’t always go as planned.

Tips for Unpacking After a Move

by | Aug 18, 2017 | Moving Tips, Uncategorized

You’ve finally arrived at your new home with your life’s possessions safely in tow. There is nothing more to do than just to relax, thank the movers at our storage and delivery services in Los Angeles and congratulate yourself on a move well done. Wrong! Now the challenging part begins. Now it is time to unpack your belongings and start making your new house or apartment a home. But where do you begin? What is the most efficient way to make this job easier? Here are some tips our Pasadena moving and storage company would like to offer you for completing this transition to your new digs.

 

  • Clean before you move in: It will be much easier to clean up before you start unpacking than afterwards. Moreover, you can make better use of the available space by making sure that all clutter has been removed.
  • Create an unpacking schedule: Set the maximum amount of days you want to spend unpacking and stick to it. This way you will not have boxes lying around for weeks, months, etc.
  • Organize your boxes: Hopefully, you will have properly labeled and classified your boxes by content, room, etc., before moving. (If not, yikes!) Place related items together in their appropriate rooms for unpacking.
  • Open all boxes at once: Once you move all boxes that belong in a particular room into your new home, open all boxes at once. This will help you to better organize where things will go. You may even discover that there are some items that you wish to place in storage.
  • Set up your bedroom first: You will probably not finish unpacking and setting up everything on your first day so having a bed to sleep in will be an absolute necessity.
  • Unpack items for the kitchen and bathroom: Not only are these rooms necessities, you will feel more at home after setting these areas up.
  • Unpack the necessities: This should include items such as toilet paper, hand and body soap, shower curtains, bath towels, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, paper towels, trash bags, scissors, a change of clothes, vacuum, broom, dustpan, pillows, bed sheets, pet food, etc.

 

In short, packing is just one step in the daunting task that will lie ahead of you. However, by using these tips to organize the unpacking process, you will make the transition to your new home easier on you and your family. And at Russell’s Moving and Storage we will do everything on our end to make the process painless and simple.

How to verify that Your Moving Company has the Proper PUC number and Insurance

by | Jul 20, 2017 | Moving Tips, Uncategorized

Engaging a company to help you move is a completely unique life experience. It is the only time that you will entrust all of your possessions to people who are essentially strangers. Therefore, we suggest that before you hire a moving and storage company, that you check its insurance status and PUC number.

What is the PUC Number?

The California Public Utilities Commissions is an entity that regulates electric power, telecommunications, natural gas and water companies as well as moving companies. Any legitimate moving company will have a PUC number assigned to it by this body. Consumers can check with The California Public Utilities Commissions (CPUC), to see a company’s PUC number. An inspection of a company’s PUC number will reveal that company’s Workers’ Compensation Certificate. The CPUC’s headquarters are located in the Civic Center district of San Francisco. It also has field offices in Los Angeles and Sacramento. Here is their contact information.

San Francisco Office (HQ)

505 Van Ness Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94102

(Corner of Van Ness & McAllister)

PH: 415.703.2782

FAX: 415.703.1758

800.848.5580 (Toll Free)

 

Consumers can also learn more about a company’s PUC number by contacting http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/transportationlicensing.

 

Moving Companies and Insurance

The laws governing how much and what type of insurance moving companies must have originate from both federal and state regulations. Moving companies must carry general liability, cargo coverage and worker’s compensation insurance in order to cover the safety of persons and damage to property. Moving companies must also comply with regulations from The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which operates under the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

As a provider of the best moving and storage in Los Angeles, Russell’s is proud to guarantee you that we are 100% licensed and insured!