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.