10 Cheerful Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Your New Home

Christmas is one of those celebrations that's filled with wonder and cheer... even if you've just moved into a new house! These tips will surely help your holiday season worth remembering:

Image Courtesy of Out and About in Paris

Spread holiday cheer - Play your favorite Christmas songs or go caroling. Music never fails to set a festive mood!

Enjoy the snow - Go out in your backyard with the kids and create your own winter wonderland. Build your first snowman, have a snowball fight, go sledding, or make snow angels.

Moving During the Holidays

Most people think Christmas is supposed to be a time to relax and celebrate. But sometimes, life will surprise you and you just have to go with the flow. We're talking about moving to a new home.

Although it's not the ideal time to move, it can be a blessing in disguise. Perhaps you have been promoted at work and it requires you to relocate, or you've just found a new job, or there's an unforeseen event wherein it demands a necessary move.

Whatever reason you have for the sudden change of path, you might not have a choice but you can plan ahead so you can pack and execute the move smoothly. Find a moving company you can trust and get in contact with them as soon as possible. Ask for a written quote and on-site estimation. Do background checks to avoid scams, read reviews online, and most importantly, find out about the movers from the Better Business Bureau, U.S Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.

Things To Do Before Moving Into A New House

If you just bought a new house, we bet you're spending some of your time getting it ready to live in. As a new homeowner, you should prioritize tasks such as cleaning, touching up the paint, fixing up the yard, and more. Since it's getting close to winter, you can get only the most basic outside things done. What you need to prepare is the inside so you can live there comfortably throughout this season.

Here's a list of tasks that you consider doing first:

Change the exterior door locks. As soon as you got the keys, have new locks installed. This will give you a peace of mind.

Install window treatments. You can buy inexpensive and temporary shades for both privacy and decorative purposes. Change this later on for a more personalized option once you have a certain design in your mind.

Winter Home Maintenance for Your New Home

Winter is here before you know it. You might notice a drop in temperature and are now enjoying your warm, cozy home. Make sure you follow a maintenance schedule throughout the year to avoid the threats of winter weather. Here are some guidelines for a well-maintained home:

Be energy efficient

Your heating system will be constantly running during winter. Remember to change out your HVAC filters monthly. Inspect the insulation in your attic and crawlspace as warm air leaves the house through the roof. .

Don’t have double-paned windows? No problem. You can install storm windows to ensure that the heat stays in and the cold stays out. Select a plastic film sheet kit that suits your budget. 

Another way to save on energy costs is burning firewood. You can reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox or slightly open the nearest window. As a safety precaution, store your firewood in a dry place.

Protect your pipes

Pipes are at risk to freezing in extreme temperatures. Let water drip from hot and cold faucets and allow warm air to circulate; for exposed pipes, add extra insulation. 

Different Types of Moving

Different rules and regulations apply to the type of move you will be making. It is most important that you understand the different terminology between these types of moves. NJWMA is comprised of NJ licensed public movers that perform all aspects of moving within the State of New Jersey. Many of these companies may also represent other van lines as an agent for their long distance or international moving or may be licensed to perform long distance moves under their own authority, however, unless stated otherwise, any information regarding rules and regulations that is presented with-in this web site deals mostly with Intrastate moving (moving with-in the State of New Jersey). We have also provided links to the related sites where needed and a glossary of terms.

Local Moving, also called Intrastate moving, means that your new residence will be with-in the same state, regardless of the number of miles that you are moving. This site will provide valuable information for the regulations when moving with-in the State of New Jersey.

8 Ways to Spot Movers You Can Trust

1. Verify his license If you are moving within NJ (called intrastate moving) Make sure the mover you are considering is licensed by the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, as required by law for local moving; be sure that his license number is current. You call call 973-504-6512 or 6442 to speak to the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs if you can get through: Remember that A responsible mover might have a few complaints lodged against him but should not have any unresolved complaints. A DOT or ICC number does not mean he is licensed for NJ moving; all movers are required to have them for interstate moving (out of NJ). If you are moving from one state to another (Called interstate moving) you can check the size of the company and their DOT number at the FMCSA website; see if it is current and check the company name and address is correct; When you are find the mover, click on the name of the company and look at the number of trucks registered to see if they really are a large mover, or they just say they are. 2. Make sure his place of business really does exists Paying a visit tells you something about the mover's integrity and professionalism, you can confirm that his place of business is really there. Some movers operate legitimately from a residential address. The important thing is that he actually is located there and not using a fictitious address to make you think he is. 3. Be wary of low price tactics from telemarketers This could be a ploy simply to get a sales person into your home to give you an estimate. If they tell you you don't need an estimator, find another company. Be careful, do research and you decide whom to invite into your home, based on references, not low prices given on the phone or internet before they even see what work needs to be done.

Should You Hire A Mover?

No matter how excited you are in moving to a new place, you may start to cringe at the thought of packing, loading, organizing, moving, and re-packing again. You might think of doing it all but to save you from all the hassle, seeking help from professional movers is the best option.

Consider these factors to help you determine if you should stick to your DIY prowess or just hire a full-service mover:

Distance

You might think that hiring a mover isn't necessary if you will move just a few miles down the road. But think again. If you don't have a large vehicle, taking multiple trips can be pricey in terms of gas. Not to mention it will take much of your time. To avoid wasting your time and the stress it could make, hire the best moving company.

Protecting Yourself While Loading Items

There are a lot of things you can do to ensure that you and your belongings travel safely to your new home. Here are some quick tips for an injury-free moving when loading or unloading your items. 

• Ask someone to help you lift heavy items. But don't overdo it and avoid lifting loads that are too heavy. 
• Use a dolly for heavy items and boxes.  Make sure the blades are centered and completely under the load. Keep the load balanced and always walk with the dolly in front of you, with heavier items on the bottom. Avoid loading items onto the dolly higher than chest-level.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing that may get snagged while carrying furniture out of doorways and into the moving truck.
• Consider wearing leather gloves when dealing with large, heavy objects with sharp edges.
• Wear durable, supportive footwear with a good grip. As much as possible, avoid sandals or open-toed shoes.
• Take small breaks throughout the loading process especially when you have a lot of stuff to move. 
• Make sure you can see where you're walking.
• Never walk on slippery, uneven surfaces.

10 Important Questions to Ask Before You Move

1. How do I know I selected the right mover?

Limit your choice of movers to one that came to your house to perform an estimate.Beware of internet movers that offer prices on-line or over the phone, they can be highly inaccurate and deceptive (It's called Bait & Switch). A reputable licensed mover will come to your home and perform a visual survey of the items to be packed and moved and give you a written estimate or a binding price as required by law. Be sure his license number and his address are included in his advertising and visit a prospective mover's facility if possible. Do not be attracted by a low price. He should also give you copies of legally required brochures which vary depending on whether you are moving local or long distance.

2. How can I be sure I have an accurate estimate?

Show the estimator everything you want moved, have a written list of items to move, not being moved or other special requests. Show all the items that you expect them to pack and what you will pack. Discuss delivery dates, access and stairs at your new destination, any extra pick-ups or deliveries and if you want any boxes unpacked. Don’t select the lowest estimate since final prices for non-binding estimates will be determined by the actual time involved in the move plus the actual number of boxes that the mover packs, as well as any other requested services. An accurate survey, including a count of the boxes that you intend to pack is the first step in receiving an accurate estimate. 

3. What can change the price of a Binding Estimate?

Any mover is allowed to change the price if any circumstances change that was not included in the original price. Moving includes normal delivery with one-time placement of furniture. Additional charges may be incurred if unanticipated problems arise during your move, especially if known problems were not written on your estimate, such as hoisting or flights of stairs.  These are some of the common reasons that cause increased cost:

•  You did not get all of your packing completed, or added packing not shown to the estimator.
•  Your shipment is delivered into an elevator building, apartment or townhouse with one or more flights of stairs.
• Access to your residence is more that 75 feet from where the mover's truck must park to your front door.
• You have added or changed the items to be moved, changed dates or destination or add an extra stop.
•  Delays beyond the mover’s control; such as waiting time for closing or delivery delays, rearranging furniture or restacking in a storage area, basement, attic or garage.

Five Spooktacular Halloween Activities for Your New Home

So you just moved into a new neighborhood and Halloween is coming up. This is a great time to add extra excitement into your community. Here are fun-filled activities to start your new life and your Halloween with a scream:

Haunted House
Once your moving company has left, try this creepy idea: Host a fright night by turning your house into a haunted house. Make dark corridors throughout your living room and garage. Get creepy decorations and make dark corridors throughout your garage or living room. Mood lighting is a must so dim the lights and use a strobe. You'll also need cobwebs and some faux "gross" things. Now that your house looks scary, make it sound scary, too! Create spooky Halloween noises and eerie music that will get the blood pumping and set the tone for suspense. End the tour with a bowl of candy.

Tips for a Successful Interstate Move

Image courtesy of Ambro via freedigitalphotos.net

Moving to a new place can be an overwhelming task. Aside from the preparations you have to deal with, you will soon face the uncertainty of adjusting to a new environment. To give you peace of mind during the move, here's some information you need to know:

Be informed of your rights and responsibilities before selecting a mover
Knowing your rights and responsibilities is very important before moving your household goods. At Uber Movers, we discuss basic information that will help you understand the required documents that you have to sign.

Read and understand all information provided by the mover
When you finally decided to choose our moving services, we will give you these basic documents as part of your move:

Going the Extra Mile: Customer Service Week 2013

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Customer Service Week is the first full week of October. It is started by the International Customer Service Association in 1988 and was proclaimed by the U.S. Congress as a national event. This year, it will be celebrated on October 7 – 11th.

Each year, thousands of businesses around the world participate in this event. Here at Uber Movers, we proudly support Customer Service Week and would like to raise company-wide awareness of the importance of customer service, recognize our dedicated team for their efforts, and remind you of our commitment to customer satisfaction.

Moving to New Jersey: What You Need To Know

Moving into a new home can be stressful sometimes. But when it's in New Jersey, you are in for excitement! There are already nearly 9 million people who call NJ home. To make you feel great about choosing the state of liberty and prosperity on your next move, read along.

We're perfectly happy living in New Jersey and here are some facts you should know:

Cities and Metro Areas

Liberty Park | Image courtesy of Trip Advisor

There are numerous cities and towns to choose from when moving to New Jersey. There’s Trenton, the state capital; Newark, the largest city in the state and a shipping and transportation port; West Orange, a Newark suburb; Elizabeth, adjacent to Newark and a busy transportation and commercial center; and Jersey City, with its thriving financial district. Other cities to consider are Paterson, where tourism is becoming increasingly more important, the rapidly expanding town of Edison, and the wealthy seaside resort towns of Atlantic City, Ocean City and Cape May.

7 Helpful Tips When Moving During Autumn

Image courtesy of porbital via freedigitalphotos.net

 
We love New Jersey in the autumn! It's actually one of our favorite seasons. The temperature drops to a comfortable dew point, the leaves turn into beautiful bright colors, and you'll definitely feel the hot summer days are over.

Moving to New Jersey at this time of the year can be a little less hectic than the busy summer months. Here are some things you should be prepared for: 

• Clean your gutters - Not all leaves from your giant Maple tree go straight to the ground. You'll notice your gutters filled with some which might clog them. Make sure to clean them so when the day comes there's a potential buyer, your roof will be in good condition. When you arrive to your new home, check the gutters there too if drains are plugged preventing rot in the wood areas.

• Yard Maintenance - Before moving out, keep your backyard clean by raking the leaves and pulling out the weeds. This goes to moving into your new house too. If it needs yard work done, do it as soon as you can.

• Don't overdo fall and Halloween decorations - If you've decorated your old house for fall or Halloween, remove them before you leave. When trying to sell your home, you may want the buyer to picture the house as their own, without unnecessary decors. For an instance, you may want to keep it nice and simple.

Moving Day Guide and Checklist

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Planning a move can be a difficult and stressful process, but the actual day of your move can be downright overwhelming. Knowing what you need to get done -- and in what order -- will help to put your mind at ease when the big moving day arrives.

To keep moving chaos at bay, here is a moving day checklist to guide you through the process. Many of the items can be done ahead, so do yourself a favor and get organized in advance. Come moving day, you will be ready to handle the whole ordeal, without worry or distraction.

1. Clearly Mark and Set Aside Items You Don't Want Loaded
This will remind you to tell the driver what not to load as you conduct your preload walk-through. Make sure your important paperwork pertaining to the move doesn't get packed and shipped with your household goods.

2. Prepare with Children
Have the kids pack a box of their "special" items, things they'll want to have nearby as soon as you arrive at your new home. You might also consider allowing your child to help fill the box of special items to make them feel like they are part of the move. Point this box out to the driver so that it's one of the first to be unloaded.

3. Dump Trash and Flammable Items
Eliminate as much trash as you can before moving day. Last-minute garbage will inevitably build up the day prior to and the day of loading. Try making a deal with a neighbor to use their trash container for your last-minute debris.

Your Guide to Finding the Best Apartment Rentals & Homes for Sale

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Moving to a new home can be overwhelming - from searching for your ideal place and packing your stuff, to hiring reliable movers and relocating. HuffingtonPost outlined the best resources out there to make your move nice and smooth.

Finding A Rental Apartment:

Apartments.com: This one's a snap. Just type in the maximum rent you want to pay, and you're on your way to finding your next home.

ForRent: This site does it all and has special sections for those who are living off campus or relocating.

Rent Jungle: You can choose features you can't live without, like a fireplace or hardwood floors, from thousands of listings in the area of your choice.

Packing for College: 3 Essential Tips You Should Know

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Summer is almost over and you're moving back to college. As you pack for your move, planning ahead of time will make the whole process much easier.

Whether you are an incoming freshman or upperclassmen, packing for college can be stressful. But don't let it add to your anxiety. These tips will help you get back on campus filled with excitement while keeping in mind all the essentials you have to bring:

Create a packing list
To get started with your list, think of your typical day and write down everything you use from your laptop and headphones to your favorite pillow. Sort it by category: school supplies, kitchen supplies, toiletries, medicine, desk accessories, electronics, bathroom, clothing, and so on.

If you are a compulsive packer, you can use College Packing List, a webapp that generates a checklist for you so you won’t forget anything important.

Moving Tips and Tricks - Secrets to Packing and Moving Like a Pro

You can learn about the basics of moving in our guide to Insurance Tools and Tips When You're Moving, including a Moving Checklist, People to Contact Reminder, and Household Inventory Worksheet, but read on for our top 9 moving/relocation tips and tricks that are less commonly known.

TIP-1: PACKING YOUR PLACE

There's more to packing than hunting down used boxes online or at the grocery store. Packing moving boxes is a special art. The trick is to get specialized boxes for fragile or oddly shaped items. You can purchase these boxes from moving or storage companies. You may have to shell out a few extra dollars($$$$), but it will be worth it when your items arrive in one piece.

• For kitchen breakables, purchase "dish barrel" boxes to hold your dishes in place.
• Wall art & mirrors are better protected in long, flat boxes.
• They're not exactly boxes, but vacuum-sealing bags for coats and other clothing can help you save a lot of space.
• Cylindrical poster tubes are an ideal container for art that can be rolled up.
• Wardrobe boxes with a bar for hanging your clothes may seem decadent, but they're huge timesavers when it's time to unpack.

So how do you find the right agent for you? Here are some helpful tips.

TIP-2: DON'T RESIST LABELS

You really can't over-label when it comes to moving. Consider numbering your boxes and keeping a reference list. That way, if you need to find something, you'll know which box number to look for. Some movers will even color code each box to its appropriate room. Make your labels highly visible. Mark boxes on their tops and sides so you can read them even if they're vertically stacked.

Ten most forgotten items When you move

With more than 43 million Americans planning to move this year, odds are even the most organized may not remember every detail of a move -- or every item. Remembering the “out of sight, out of mind” objects increases your success in moving all of your belongings. Mayflower suggests adding the following 10 points to the top of your preparation list:      

1. For the record -- Obtain copies of your and your family's medical records, including any dental and vaccine/immunization information, as well as any veterinary records for the family pet. In some cases, a notarized letter is required to receive official documentation; you may need to contact the American Medical Records Association to determine your new state's needs. You might also consider transferring current prescriptions to a drugstore in your new town.
   
   Another record you'll want to be sure to have in hand is your child's permanent school record. School records are usually required when registering your child at his/her new school. Often, copies are not sufficient and require a raised seal
    
2. Buried treasure -- If you've hidden any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving. You should carry valuable items such as jewelry with you or keep them in a safe deposit box instead of packing them on the moving van.
       
    

Useful Packing tips for Musical Instruments

Here are some additional tips for assuring musical instruments, music and equipment are stored in optimal conditions:

Tips for Storing Musical Instruments :

• Properly prepare instruments for storage, cleaning and conditioning them with paste wax for wood, resin, etc. Never use an oil-based polish or alcohol on wood instruments. Disassemble parts, remove reeds, mouthpieces, mutes and straps, and relax strings
• Whenever possible, store instruments in cases designed for them. Cases should be in good condition – clean, with no fraying or powdering. If a case is not in great condition, line it with buffered acid-free paper (available for purchase at music stores). Inside the case, drape a clean cloth over strings. For additional protection against humidity, after placing the instrument in the case, place the case in a polyethylene bag.
• Cover a piano with a sheet or tarp to protect it from dust
• After storing musical instruments for a lengthy period, be sure to clean and tune them before playing
• In the storage unit, keep instruments away from vents and doors. Make sure they are stored off the floor, on a pallets or shelves
• If you're storing upholstered products such as mattresses and sofas, consider investing in covers, bags or sheeting for additional protection. Storage and moving facilities often sell large heavy-duty bags for this purpose.

Five tips for relocating for your job

1. Do less:  Anything that didn't get done before you were moving can wait until after you've arrived. Don’t stuff your time full of non-pressing overdue tasks that will surely stress you out. For me this means buying a car.  I will buy it after I get settled when my mind is clear and will rent in the meantime.

2. Ask for help: Reach out to anyone who may know your new area. The more sets of eyes looking for apartments, moving deals or even upcoming fun events, the better. I emailed over a dozen new people I met at the conference I went to in April and have gotten great website referrals and offers to meet up.

3. Estimate a budget: Deposits, gas, scouting trips, meals on the go…add up quick. Think ahead about what you want to spend during your transition and how you need to pay for things (credit card vs cash).

5 Best Packing Tips

We're at the halfway point of the summer and it's almost time for me to shake off the dust of this town and fly off to parts unknown. Here are my 5 best tips on how to pack lightly and still look good when you get there.

(1) You don't need to wear something different everyday, you do need to be comfortable & appropriate: With that in mind, I use a packing formula: 3 bottoms for 1 week, 3 tops per bottom, 5 bottoms for 2 weeks, deduct 1 top and 1 bottom for each dress. True, that is not a lot of clothes but unless I am attending fashion week in Paris (hasn't happened yet), I can wear the same thing a few times.

(2) If you are going sightseeing or to a city, always, even in the heat of the summer, bring a cardigan (women) or a dinner jacket (men). I too vividly remember, as a child, my mother being asked to leave the Duomo in Milan because her arms were bare. Plus it comes in handy on a chilly plane. On that same trip, my brother had to borrow a dinner jacket at a restaurant. Not every place in the world is as informal as the States. On that same note, I always pack one thing I can dress up.

7 Relocation/Moving Tips For Across Town Or Around The World

Relocation is stressful because you change more than your address. You will begin to navigate a new way to be a friend, coworker, and more.

Here are seven tips to a help you tune in to your inner compass when your world is spinning.

1) Ask, "Who am I? What do I need to be happy?"

The secret to a successful move depends on how you answer the question, "Can I still be me?

To answer this question, write ten "I am" statements about yourself -- anything from "I am a dog-owner" to "I am friendly and outgoing."

Before you move, ask yourself, "How will this list change after I move?" You may still be a dog-owner...but will you create that role the same way?

2) Take a test drive.

When you buy a car, you don't just go around the block. You try the freeways and the rough roads.

Considering a move to Seattle or Syracuse? Study the culture as if you were an anthropologist. What do people do? How do they dress? How do they talk to each other?

Most important, how do you feel? Did you develop new allergies, headaches or back pain during your visit? Or did you find yourself wishing you cold stay forever?

8 Great moving tips for you

While the prospect of a new Home can be very exciting, actually making the big move can also be extremely stressful. To get all your stuff from one place to the next in one piece is no easy task, especially if you decide to do the move yourself. However, if you plan ahead and prepare carefully, moving isn't nearly so daunting. To ensure that your moving day goes off without a hitch, here are a few important tips to have you moving like a pro.
1)Label, Labels & More Labels:  Mark your boxes with clear descriptions so that you can remember which boxes are fragile, which ones are headed for the kitchen and which get left in the garage. Trying to divine the contents of mystery boxes is a waste of time and you already have enough to do on moving day.
2)Inventory : While it is important to mark boxes, you’ll also want a complete inventory that travels with you on moving day so that you can be sure that all your stuff has arrived. If you’ve hired a moving company, they should work with you to put together an inventory. If you’re moving your own stuff, however, or just want an extra layer of insurance, get an app like Moving day for the iphone which allows you build a complete inventory, create barcodes for your boxes that you can scan with your phone & document damaged items. 

Our Reviews

Thank you for considering Uber Movers - your one and only stop in your search for a reliable and experienced moving company, where you will always be provided with a "Guaranteed Not to Exceed"* .Have a look on some reviews of us so that you can ensure Uber Movers Reputation. 

1. http://www.movers.com/moving-company/uber-movers.html

2. http://www.trustlink.org/Reviews/Uber-Movers-206574552
3. http://www.moverreviews.com/company/UBER-MOVERS.asp
4. http://www.mymovingreviews.com/movers/uber-movers-2421

Few general suggestions that will make Packing easier

Here are a few general suggestions from Uber Movers that will make Packing easier:

Plan how you will pack. Pack items first that you don’t use often. Start packing as soon as you find out you are moving. Use generous amounts of paper inside the carton on the top and bottom to provide good cushion. Never pack flammable items or non-allowable items. List contents and room on the outside of the carton. Clearly mark “Fragile” on the outside of cartons. Use clean newsprint paper. Old newspapers may work, but use them carefully because the ink may rub off onto your items. Clean “newsprint” paper is available from your local agent. Write “Open First” on cartons containing essential items such as cooking utensils, toiletries, etc. Separate breakables and non-breakables. Pack all cartons tightly. Use professional packing tape. Masking tape isn’t strong enough to support fully packed cartons. Packing tape is available from your local agent.

10 Tips for Moving With Pets

Moving to a new home can be stressful on your pets, but there are many things you can do to make the process as painless as possible. Contact Uber-Movers about these service.

1. Update your pet’s tag. Make sure your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with an identification tag that is labeled with your current contact information. The tag should include your destination location, telephone number, and cell phone number so that you can be reached immediately during the move.
2. Ask for veterinary records. If you’re moving far enough away that you’ll need a new vet, you should ask for a current copy of your pet’s vaccinations. You also can ask for your pet’s medical history to give to your new vet, although that can normally be faxed directly to the new medical-care provider upon request. Depending on your destination, your pet may need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates. Have your current vet's phone number handy in case of an emergency, or in case your new vet would like more information about your pet.
3. Keep medications and food on hand. Keep at least one week’s worth of food and medication with you in case of an emergency. Vets can’t write a prescription without a prior doctor/patient relationship, which can cause delays if you need medication right away. You may want to ask for an extra prescription refill before you move. The same preparation should be taken with special therapeutic foods — purchase an extra supply in case you can't find the food right away in your new area.

Houston News Conference on Moving Scams Latest Sign of Growing Joint Public - Private Efforts to Fight Fraud

A Houston news conference today warning consumers about moving scams is the latest example of growing public-private partnerships between professional movers and state regulators, according to the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA).

May is National Moving Month, which kicks off the busiest season of the year for relocations, but also often means a proliferation of unlicensed, untrained, rogues out to rip off unsuspecting customers.

"We're seeing more regional moving associations working together with their state regulators to get the word out that consumers should always look for movers who are in full compliance with applicable laws," said Linda Bauer Darr, AMSA president and CEO, who appeared at today's event at a Houston branch of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).