So you want to pack your apartment and prepare for a move in New York City without going insane? It’s tricky but doable and we’re here to help you out with that. But before we explore some tips, you need to take two things to heart: First is accepting that you live in the Big […]
Nov, 2020
8 Things to Know About Texas Before Moving From New Jersey
As you relocate from New Jersey all the way to Texas, you might think you’re crazy to make such a move such a great distance. Well, we’re here to tell you that you are not alone. As a matter of fact, more people move to the Lone Star State than any other state in the U.S. This is totally unsurprising as Texas boasts great food, stunning natural landscapes, warm and friendly people and has a low cost of living. Also, living in Texas means you’ll enjoy pleasant weather all year long and a robust job market, making it one heck of a place to call home.
As you prepare to make the big move, here are eight things you must know if you’re thinking about moving to Texas from NJ:
1) Pack for warm weather
Texas is a massive state and conditions can differ depending on where you live. Some places are humid and dry while others can experience moderate to extreme temperatures. Regardless of where in Texas you decide to settle, you should always prepare yourself for hot summers that will see average temperatures in the mid to upper 90s. Temperatures during the winter in Texas hover around the mid-60s. Another thing you should be wary of when moving to Texas are tornadoes as the state is hit by more of these every year than any other state in the entire country.
2) Relish the low tax rate
Texas holds the distinction of being just one of seven states where residents don’t have to pay state income tax. The state’s sales tax is low as well, which means you get to keep more of your salary. If you have a business, Texas is one of the best places to grow, as the state has a number of tax incentives for businesses.
3) Real estate is reasonably priced
The median value for homes that are for sale in Texas is estimated to be $184,000. While home values for Texas residences have gone up by 6.7% over the last year, it is still below the national average.
4) You’ll save money on electricity bills
Texas features a deregulated electricity market, which means you can pick which company will supply your property with power (in most cities). This is crucial as it gives you the freedom to go with the company that best suits your needs. You’re also free to switch power providers in Texas without fear of experiencing service interruptions.
5) Texas has a flourishing job market
The oil and gas boom in Texas has helped transform it into an economic giant. Although the population has risen by 12.6% since the 2010 census, the thriving job market has been able to keep up with the sudden influx of people. Texas’ most successful sectors are petroleum, healthcare, education and technology. Some of the most prominent companies that call Texas home include Shell, ExxonMobil, and the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company.
6) Best bring your appetite to Texas
If you’re a foodie looking for that mind-blowing culinary experience, Texas is right for you. Texas brings to the table all kinds of culinary delights, ranging from Tex-Mex cuisine, steaks, barbeque, and beer! And that’s just a small sample of what you can expect to dine and drink on if you’re in Texas. There are plenty of other food destinations to satisfy your palate; all you really have to do is look.
7) Get used to heavy traffic
As mentioned, Texas is a huge state and a lot of places are spread out geographically. And with the lack of a sophisticated public transportation system, this means you will have to do a fair bit of driving to get from one destination to another. And since a lot of roads have not been upgraded to accommodate the ever-rising population, you can expect to get stuck in traffic more often than not.
8) Everything is bigger in Texas
Texas’ geography is not the only thing that is huge around these parts. Everything is! From food portions to houses, to houses and shopping centers, everything is literally bigger in Texas.
Nov, 2020
How to Confidently Hire a Residential Moving Company in the Tri-State Area
So you’ve finally decided to live somewhere else. If you’re opting to hire movers, then you’re making the right call. Moving on your own can be challenging even with the help of family members and some friends.
There are hundreds of moving companies operating in Tri-State. Each one claims to offer the best services and flawless moving experience. With a wide array of options, picking one isn’t hard but can be confusing. Of course, you want an outstanding company to handle your move.
Relax. Take it easy. At the end of this article, you’ll be more than confident about the choice you make.
What Difference Does a Good Moving Company Make?
Choosing a quality company goes beyond experiencing a smooth move. Elite movers will handle your move professionally right, from requesting a quote to unloading the last piece of your furniture from the truck. They’ll treat your belongings with care as if moving something that they own. More importantly, they’re transparent with their rates and won’t scam you with hidden charges at the end of the move.
How to Hire a Good Moving Company
It’s not difficult to find well-disciplined companies that bring joy and satisfaction to customers. Although they may differ in services, every good mover exhibits particular traits and operates in the same professional manner. Here are some essential things to do when hiring one.
1. Get Quotes From At Least 5 Movers
Just like how you want to have multiple dishes to choose from when eating at a restaurant, you’d also want to explore your moving alternatives. Request quotes from at least five different companies. More options mean you can compare their services and choose one that suits your needs best. It also allows you to compare customer reviews. This might seem tiresome, but it can potentially save you from a horrible relocation experience.
2. Don’t Make a Decision Based on Price Alone
Low moving prices doesn’t mean it’s the best way to save money. In fact, it might do you more harm than good. Why? It could be a sloppy service, and your belongings might end up damaged or missing.
On the contrary, reputable companies set their rates for valid reasons. They have years of experience under their belts backed up by an excellent track record. Not to mention the plethora of satisfied customers they’ve served.
That’s why you shouldn’t shy away from a company just because it seems too pricey for you. But it doesn’t mean you should go far beyond your budget either. You can still find plenty of competitive movers that offer a great experience at an affordable price.
3. Check a Moving Company’s Legitimacy
Once you’ve finally picked one, it’s time to determine if the company is authorized to perform moves. You can do this by:
- Visiting their website and assess their online presence.
- Read customer reviews and recommendations
- Checking their USDOT (United States Department of Transportation) number
- Asking if they can show you an official certification like the ProMover title from AMSA (American Moving and Storage Association)
- Contacting the Better Business Bureau to see if the company’s registered in the BBB database.
4. Ask the Mover to Evaluate your Home
Always have the mover to come and visit your residence (or ask to do a virtual walkthrough). Doing so enables them to review the details of your home in person and provide you with an accurate estimate. You can discuss packing unique furniture like pianos or grandfather clocks. Plus, it also allows them to show their eagerness and commitment about helping you relocate.
Conclusion
A professional company will always prioritize your demands and satisfaction. If a mover fails to show up on time when getting an estimate or is quite vague regarding rates and services, that’s usually a red flag waving at you. Remember, it’s not often that you need to move. Perhaps only a handful of times in your lifetime. So make the experience worthwhile. Be diligent enough to do your research.
Oct, 2020
9 Things to Know About Moving to New Jersey on a Budget
So you are finally moving to New Jersey, huh? You’re excited to move to the Garden State but are dreading the process since you have to find ways to cut on costs since resources are scarce at the moment. Fortunately, you have come to the right place as we have lined up nine useful tips […]