Moving Tip of the Week: Scheduling Your Move

One of the most important steps of the moving process is knowing when to schedule your move, but from time to time we have been forced to turn down a moving request simply because we are already booked. We know that finding that particular day to move is key in any moving situation. As your Cincinnati Moving Company, we are normally available to handle last minute requests, but we've noticed the customer has often not had enough time to prepare to move on these occasions. Here are some tips our experience has taught us to help schedule your move, and assure that our services are not already booked.

• The first five days and the last five days of each month will always book up the fastest. This is generally the time when leases are up on apartments and those residences are moving. If you're planning to move on one of these days, it is ALWAYS a good idea to give Move Cheap Cincinnati Movers a month to a month and a half notice to guarantee a reservation.
• Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are the next set of days that book up quickly. These are often the days when our customers are off of work and/or have the time to move. We find that two weeks is usually sufficient time if you'd like a weekend spot.
• The Summer months of June , July , and August are the busiest season for Move Cheap. This is when kids are out of school and many families use their vacations to move. If you are planning to move during these months, two to three weeks advance notice is a good time to schedule outside of the exceptions listed above.

Keep in mind that these same guidelines can also be considered when setting up a reservation for your rental moving truck (Uhaul, Penske, Budget), trailer (ABF), or mobile storage unit (PODS, Units, GetaSam, Packrat). The sooner you book your move and your moving transport, the smoother your move will be.

From all of us at Move Cheap Cincinnati Movers, we hope your move is a great one!

Moving Tip of the Week: Rental Trucks

As Cincinnati movers, our customers often ask us who they should select as their provider for a rental truck. As there are only three large competitors in the Cincinnati Area (Penske, Uhaul, Budget), here are a few tips to put you in the right direction.

1. The first thing we feel you should always look for is customer service. If a company is incapable of treating you right or making you feel comfortable, odds are they treat their truck inventory the same way.
   
2. Price is always a factor, but how far will that price get you? When renting locally, most companies charge you a base price in addition to a mileage charge. Each company is different, so be sure to compare all companies. When moving one way, or long distance, each company will give you a flat rate for the truck. What you need to watch out for here is how many days they give you to use the truck and how many miles are included in that price. Uhaul gives you a set allowance of miles and charges for each additional mile over, while both Penske and Budget give you unlimited miles. Make sure you can complete your move with the provisions given from each company.
   
3. What is the condition of the truck? Which ever dealer you decide to rent your moving truck from, be sure to take a good look at the trucks they keep on their lot and the condition they're in. Is the tire tread good? Are there a lot of visible dings and dents? Is the cargo area swept out and clean? Do all the lights work? If you can answer no to any of these questions, it is probably a good idea to select a different dealer.
4. How old is the truck? If a truck is rented to you that has well over 200,000 miles on it, it is definitely worth asking for a lower mileage truck. Always ask your dealer how often they service their trucks to be sure your receiving a road worthy vehicle.
   
5. Ramp height can also be a determining factor when selecting a truck rental company. Uhaul is universally known for having the lowest ramps and therefore easier to load, while Budget's are a medium height, and Penske's are the highest in the industry. Some companies also offer a lift gate, but they normally slow the moving process down.
6. Be sure to compare the different types of insurances that are offered by the respective companies and also check with your insurance company to determine if they cover you driving the truck and/or its contents.
   
7. Our last suggestion to help you select a truck rental company is to read their customer reviews. There are places all over the internet, and even on the company's sites themselves where customers have written reviews about their experiences. When in doubt, google the company, and look for their reviews in the local business section.

From all of us at Move Cheap Cincinnati Movers, we hope your move is a great one!

Moving Tip of the Week: Flat Screen TVs

As a Cincinnati Moving Company, customers often call us and ask how they should prepare their flat screen television for transport. As the cost of these televisions have fallen, nearly every household in America now has one. Here at Move Cheap Cincinnati Movers, we want everyone's television to make it through the moving process so it can be enjoyed in their new home. Here are a few tips that we recommend when moving your flat screen.

• If at all possible, always keep the original container the TV was packaged in. This will be the best box to transport your TV as it was designed for it.
• If you don't have the original box, Uhaul now offers a box for flat screens. Keep in mind, however, that this box is costly and will not work for every television.
• If you do not have the original, and cannot find a box that will fit, your next best option will be to craft one. You'll want to protect the screen with a non-abrasive blanket, and then wrap the television with plastic wrap. Once that has been completed, you'll need to fashion corrugated cardboard on the outside of the wrapped TV, and tape it securely. It is now ready for transport!
• While being prepared and positioned into your moving truck, your flat screen television should NEVER be laid down flat. All flat screens whether they're LCD, LED, or Plasma, should ALWAYS remain vertical. Laying them flat could cause the technology to malfunction, and it creates a larger surface area to sustain damage.
• Once your TV has arrived at your new home, it's always a good idea to remove it from its packaging and plug it in to be sure it wasn't damaged during your move.

From all of us at Move Cheap Cincinnati Movers, we hope your move is a great one!