Whether you are a college student, a newlywed, or in another transitional period that requires moving to a new home, you have probably found yourself asking some portable storage common questions. There are a lot of questions to consider when moving, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expert.

Some portable storage common questions you may have include:

What is portable storage?

Portable storage is a way to keep your personal belongings while you move, usually in a large moving truck or large, portable locker.

How safe are my valuables?

Your valuables are very safe in today’s portable storage. Most companies have a weather-proof guarantee, meaning that your belongings will not be affected by the weather when inside of the storage unit. They are also safe from thievery. Portable storage trucks and trailers come with heavy duty locks and thick metal walls to protect your items.

Am I allowed to keep my portable storage unit at my home or office?

Typically, the answer is yes, but you need to make sure you reach out to the proper authorities in your area. Depending on the size of your unit, you may need more than just one standard parking space to store it. Your supervisor, home owner’s association or local law enforcement may want to make sure that your storage unit does not disrupt traffic flow or cause any visibility or safety issues.

How do I go about renting a portable storage unit?

Usually, this depends on the unit itself or the professionals renting you the unit. Your options are typically to pick it up or have it dropped off at your home. If you opt to have it dropped off, you usually do not need to be present to receive it.

How long do I have with the unit?

This also usually depends on the professionals renting you the unit. Like with a moving company, you will pay a flat fee for each day you use the service. Sometimes, this is divided into half days. This means you can take as long as you need with the unit as long as the time frame is approved by the renters. Portable storage unit renters often offer deals for certain blocks of time, such as one flat fee for a week of usage instead of adding up each day.

Get A Hold Of Moving And Storage Experts

Since a lot of this does depend on the professionals from whom you rent your unit, you want to make sure you rent from a professional who can meet all of your needs. TalkLocal can help you with that. We can connect you to the professionals you need and take the work out of that process so you can focus on packing up your belongings.

The stress of moving from one place to another can sometimes be overwhelming.  You may not want to have to deal with all the different aspects of moving on your own.  If you think that you cannot handle the stress of moving by yourself, you should look into getting help with the moving process.  But before you do that, it may be helpful to weigh the pros and cons of professional movers.

The Pros

1. Not all of the weight (literally and figuratively) is on you: Professional movers are there to help you. They will do most of the physical moving, saving you from lifting heavy furniture on your own, or making 37 separate trips up and down 3 flights of stairs.

2. It will take less time: Since none of your friends came through for you, you will have a hired team of people to help you move. That means that a move that would take you an entire day (or more) on your own could only take 2 or 3 with professional movers.

3. They have the know-how: Not sure how you can fit a couch, recliner, desk, dresser, bookshelf, and a mattress into a medium-sized moving van – before all of your boxes go in? Professional movers will. They will pack a van or truck in the most efficient possible way, so that you can move as many items as possible in as few trips as possible. They will also know how to properly lift and carry bulky, heavy furniture.

The Cons

1. Potential limits: A professional moving service may have restrictions on how far they will travel, how much they can carry, or even what they can carry. If you are moving an entire 4-bedroom house’s worth of stuff 250 miles away, a local moving service may not be able to help you. There may also be weight limits on their vans, as well as items that they are prohibited from carrying, such as alcohol or pets.

2. Pre-determined packages: Many moving services have set packages and pricing, so you could end up with a rented van or truck that is either too big or too small. This will need to be considered when you hire a professional mover.

3. Cost: When you hire professional movers, you will need to consider the following cost-benefit factors: how long you need them, how much equipment you need, how they charge you (per hour, day, or rental van?), and how far you are moving.

So, Are Professional Movers Worth It?

That depends completely on your situation, and the pros and cons of professional movers. Professional movers can be very helpful, but hiring them just may be too expensive and not worth the cost. If you want to know more about your options when hiring professional movers, just use TalkLocal. We will connect you with up to three, reputable moving services in your area. You will be able to speak with and compare various, local professional in a matter of minutes.

Moving is a stressful time for anybody.  Having to pick up and leave the place you are living requires a lot of work.  Hiring professional movers can be a huge relief for you, but you may be asking, “are there items movers can’t transport?” It is important for you to be aware of any prohibited items that your moving company will not transport.

Items Movers Can’t Transport

– Plants

– Valuables

– Pets

– Hazardous materials

– Combustible materials

– Food/perishables

– Irreplaceable items

Hazardous and combustible items include the following: Ammonia, cleaning supplies, darkroom chemicals, fire extinguishers, fireworks, batteries, matches, fuels, oil, fertilizer, poison, charcoal, lighters, bleach, paint, propane, ammunition, aerosol, pesticides, nail polish, weed killer, pool chemicals, gasoline, chemistry sets, kerosene, paint thinner, etc.

Why Are These Items Prohibited?

Moving companies claim no responsibility for the items that they are moving for you. This is the reason they will not move valuables or items deemed irreplaceable. Moving companies also will not recognize the death of a plant or a pet, the theft or loss of valuables or if your food goes bad.  You should look into getting moving insurance just to protect yourself when working with professional movers.

Find the Right Movers

If you have more questions about what you can and cannot move you could talk to a professional moving company in your area.  The easiest, fastest way to get in contact with reliable, local moving companies is to use TalkLocal. Within minutes, we will connect you with up to three moving companies in your area, so you can choose the right one for you!

Moving can be a very stressful process. You have to pack up all of your belongings, find somewhere new to live, clean up behind yourself, and make sure everything is in order.  But don’t freak out! Stay calm and collected if you want to be able to pull off the entire process without everything going crazy.  We have put together a detailed apartment moving checklist to help you stay organized and stress-free!

The Month Before You Move:

– Fill out a change of address at the post office, and notify your friends and family that you are moving.

– Decide what you don’t want to take with you, and then and donate or sell it.

– Create a list of what items you want to move.

– Look into getting movers or get the supplies (such as boxes, packing tape, etc,) you will need.

– Mark boxes clearly by room or type of item (such as “clothes,” “kitchen,” or “dishes,”).

– You can also start gathering items into a designated area to prepare for packing.

The Week Before You Move:

– Pack all of your important documents. It is better to have these packed safely away than to lose them in the clutter of the moving process.

– Arrange to have all of your utilities canceled.

– Make sure there are utilities at your new residence.

– Start cleaning and packing. Pack items into their appropriate boxes.

– Make decisive travel plans for moving. Who is helping you? How are you getting to your new place?

– Notify your landlord on the specific date you plan to move. Also arrange to drop off your keys, or have them be picked up by your landlord.

The Day Before You Move:

– Defrost and clean out your refrigerator.

– Clean your house completely. Vacuum, sweep, mop, wash, and wipe down any remaining furniture, windows, appliances, and flooring.

– Get a good night’s sleep. You’ll need a lot of energy for the moving process!

The Day You Move:

– Pack up the very last items (ideally only the bare essentials, like toiletries and a couple days’ worth of clothes).

– Load the moving truck or car.

– Go through your apartment one last time, looking for any leftover items or last minute cleaning needs.

Need A Helping Hand?

While it is not impossible to move out of an apartment by yourself, it can be stressful. Why go at it alone when you could hire professionals to help you (or at least rent a moving van)? TalkLocal will help you find reputable, professional movers. We will connect you with up to three professionals in your area, within minutes!

Are you in the process of moving to a new home or apartment? Do you happen to have a stash of aged whiskey or imported rum that you don’t want to move by yourself? Will moving companies move liquor for you? Well, moving liquor is not an item specifically listed on most moving company’s service descriptions. But you may be able to find a moving company that is willing to move alcoholic beverages.

Federal Law states that moving companies are prohibited from transporting alcoholic beverages. This is partly due to the fact that alcoholic liquids are highly flammable and can cause excessive damage.

Will Moving Companies Move Liquor?

However, after speaking to several moving companies in the area, the majority said that they would move alcoholic beverages as long as they are already boxed up. Moving companies are not allowed to open up boxes. Make sure the bottles are packed securely and safely though. If the bottles happen to break, the moving company may or may not report you to the authorities depending on how strict they are. In more extreme cases, the liquids from the broken bottles can cause a fire. Furthermore, another company that I contacted stated that if the bottles were not packed they would simply pack the bottles for an additional charge.

After getting in touch with several moving companies in my area, I highly recommend getting in contact with the moving company you are using to find out if they will move alcoholic beverages for you, as company policy may vary from company to company.

Additional Help

If you are still unsure about whether or not your alcoholic beverages can be moved, or if you would like to speak with a professional moving company in your area, use TalkLocal. We will connect you with up to three professionals in your area in just minutes, who will be available when you need them.

Are you wondering if moving companies can help you move stuff from the US to Mexico? The majority of moving services normally won’t do international moves as there are immigration complications that often times makes it too much of a hassle. Fortunately, there are some specialized moving companies that do international moves to Mexico and will take care of the legalities involved in moving to Mexico. Read on to learn more about moving companies from US to Mexico.

Why should I hire a professional mover company?

Moving to Mexico is not as simple as just arriving at the border in a rented truck with all your belongings and driving on through. You’ll need to actually first pack up all your belongings in a truck, drive to the border, and then meet with a customs broker to check your items. You’ll also then need to rent a truck in Mexico to transport your goods to your final destination. A professional moving company will help you streamline this entire process, so you don’t have to worry about the hassle at all.

What do I need to do before moving?

You’ll need to apply for a FM3, which is a legal permit that allows you to import your household goods without paying a duty at the border. This application needs to go through the Mexican consulate so make sure this is all completed before you begin moving.

You’ll also need a Menaje de Casa, which essentially is a laundry list of everything you’ll be bringing into Mexico. The customs broker will use this to check off your list of items before crossing so make sure it is accurate, as inaccurate listings may lead to severe financial penalties and potential incarceration. Ensure that you also have the appropriate forms of picture ID and passports necessary to actually cross into Mexico.

If you’re worried about finding a high quality specialized moving service that can help you complete the international move to Mexico, you should use TalkLocal.  TalkLocal will do all the searching for you, allowing you to talk to three highly rated moving services in just minutes!

Figuring out how much money a move is going to cost you is a crucial step in the moving process.  It can be very confusing to make an estimate on how much a move will cost because of all the different factors that moving companies use to determine how much they charge. How much do moving companies charge? You can use this guide to give you an idea of these factors and how moving companies use them in different moving situations to come up with their prices.

There are two main categories of moves: local moves and long distance moves, which are each priced in different ways.  Local moves are traditionally charged by the hour.  This means paying an hourly wage for the workers as well as the truck they are driving.  Depending on your specific location, the average hourly rate for two workers and a truck should be between $90 and $120.  Remember that this hourly rate does not include packing materials or any extra fees that your specific company might charge.  Long distance moves are priced very differently, generally by weight, cubic foot, or a combination of both.  Determining a price estimate for a long distance move is much trickier and will depend on your specific needs, but a rough estimate based on a 200-mile move costs about $0.50 per lb.  If you want to get a more precise estimate on your move you can use this calculator; just plug in all of your details and location and it will work out an estimate based on your information.

Once you have an idea of what you should expect to be paying for your move, you need to find moving companies and get some quotes on the job from them.  There is no easier way to do this than with TalkLocal, which you can use to get in contact with a reliable local moving service within minutes.  Just enter a description of your needs, availability, and location and TalkLocal will connect you directly to someone who can help.

Many people nowadays own multiple cars, which may be very useful on a day-to-day basis, but is a complete pain when moving long distances. Many people wonder if moving companies move cars. To answer that, most moving companies do not move cars themselves, they prefer to subcontract another company to move vehicles instead. However, there do exist moving companies that move cars as well as your other personal items; these companies put the car on the bottom of the truck while the rest of your things go in a “shelf” up on top. The downside to these companies is that prices tend to be hefty as many also charge according to the total weight.

You may also find a separate company that transports your vehicles. If you do, make sure you follow these tips:

– Always ask what the total cost of shipping your car. Vehicle transport companies will generally need: the origin/destination, departure date, type of vehicle, and your preferred shipping options.

– Determine your shipping options, such as door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal, open or enclosed, and operable or inoperable.

– Take all your personal items out of the car because they increase the total weight.

– Find out the estimated time in transit. Most companies will not give you a specific date of arrival, but a time range. If they do give a specific date, and ask what the remedy is if they don’t deliver the car on time.

– Read your contract carefully. Have all dates, fees, and liabilities in a written contract. If you have any problems, the contract is what the company will refer to.

– Make sure your vehicle is insured against damage and theft, and also check the insurance contract for a damage deductible.

– Check online and with the Better Business Bureau to ask about a company’s service record.

– Before transporting your car, wash it thoroughly so there are no disagreements over damage later on.

– When you pick up your car, always thoroughly inspect every part of the car and check it against the Original Inspection Report to make sure everything is exactly the same. NEVER accept the vehicle when you haven’t inspected the entire car, or are unable to for whatever reason.

– Most moving companies require a deposit in advance; the final payment is usually in either cash or check.

Need a reliable and trustworthy moving company? Finding one to suit your needs exactly can be quite tough, and that’s why TalkLocal searches for a company for you! This free service will find you the perfect company that is available when you are.

Shipping furniture across the country can be a difficult process. Furniture is usually bulky and can’t be shipped through your typical shipping services like the United States Postal Service or FedEx. Instead, cross country furniture shipping requires freight companies.

There are many different freight or trucking companies that ship furniture and other large items across the country. Freight shipments can be costly because of the weight of the package and because the freight company will have to send a large truck to you in order to pick up the furniture. You can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to over $500 to ship large pieces of furniture cross country. To find the right one, you will have to shop around to find the best price.

To prepare the furniture for cross country shipping, you will want to stock up on shipping supplies – namely bubble wrap, shrink wrap, edge protectors, and tape. Its important to wrap the furniture completely and effectively to ensure it remains undamaged during transit. The edge protectors are vital, as edges and corners get damaged relatively easy, so make sure to use plenty of edge protectors and cover every corner. Once you are satisfied with the furniture’s shipping preparations, the next step is to prepare for the pickup.

The freight company will give you a time frame for when they will pickup the item. You will want to have someone present during this time to meet the driver. To prepare for the truck pickup, have the furniture ready to be shipped at the foot of your driveway, if possible, or somewhere else that would be convenient for the driver for quicker loading.

If you need help with packaging your furniture or if you have any questions, consider using TalkLocal. TalkLocal is a free service that will connect you with top-quality, reputable shipping and moving and storage companies in your neighborhood within minutes. Just enter in your specific problem, location and availability, and up to three companies will call YOU directly, saving you the time and stress of finding one yourself.