Welcome to Meta Mapping
Welcome to Meta Mapping – America’s newest source for real estate information and news. Did you know that according to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 1 in 9 people move in a given year? That means over 36 million people will be packing up and moving to a new city […]
What to Know About Getting Quotes For An Interstate Move
The fact is that moving across the country is a very stressful event for most consumers. If you are involved with moving a long distance, you are probably fully aware of this fact. Certainly, moving is more than just looking in the yellow pages or going online and selecting the first interstate mover that you come across. Of course, it’s important to make sure that they are licensed to perform interstate moves. Interstate moving companies are regulated by a governing organization that requires the company to have a license from the FMCSA or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This license number should be displayed in all their advertising.
1. Cutting Moving Costs
There are several ways to cut moving cost considerably before you even start contacting a moving company about your interstate move. Getting organized, tossing trash, and getting rid of unnecessary items is a way to cut moving costs simply. The fewer items that you include in the move, the less likely that you’ll get scammed or receive hidden costs that drive the cost of your interstate move sky high. Another key to cutting moving costs and hidden fees is to select a moving company that is licensed and regulated by the FMCSA.
2. Selecting Movers
Select competent, experienced, and licensed interstate movers. Get started by asking friends, relatives, and neighbors for referrals. Find other movers online by using reputable sites like Moving Companies Long Distance. Visit their websites and write down as much information as possible about the movers. For example, how long have they been in business? Are they licensed? Do they subcontract to other companies? Are the workers trained to pack and load items carefully? Do they offer insurance? Look over the information and narrow your list down to two or three movers that you are going to contact for estimates or quotes.
3. Binding Estimates and Non-Binding Estimates
Now, you are going to gather estimates and quotes, to make sure that you hire the right mover. First, decide if you prefer a non-binding or binding estimate. Next, ask for an estimate in person, never over the phone. Over the phone, estimates are usually very sketchy along with the company that offers the estimate. In-home estimates are more accurate. The mover will come to your location and probably provide a binding estimate or a non-binding estimate. A binding estimate is an assurance that the cost for the move will stay the same whether the items are heavier or lighter than estimated. However, this only covers items on the list. Non-Binding estimates are merely projected cost, but the actual cost might be quite different.
Final Notes
It is important for you to realize that most interstate movers offer their customers’ non-binding estimates. Still, there is no reason for you to panic about extra fees or hidden costs. Simply make sure that you only include the items that were on the estimated list to stay on track.
San Antonio Independent School District
A city that boasts old Spanish fortifications alongside contemporary skyscrapers, San Antonio Texas represents the best of past, present and future. Beginning with cattle and sheep, the city has—as time progressed—prospered from textiles and railroads to theme parks and high-tech firms. It is no wonder, then, that San Antonio puts […]
The 7 Most Critical Moving Tips from the Pros
We’ve teamed up with our friends at Great Guys Moving to bring you a list of the 7 most critical tips for a successful move. Starting in the Atlanta area, Great Guys has expanded to include multiple locations nationwide that cater to both local and long distance moving needs across the country. In the thousands of moving jobs they’ve completed, Great Guys has learned what it takes for a great moving experience. Here are the tops things these moving professionals have taught us:
1. Declutter BEFORE Your Move
“One of the biggest things I’ve noticed in my 5 years of moving is how unorganized people are about the moving process,” notes Brian of Great Guys Atlanta. “Often, when we show up, people are still haphazardly trying to clean out closets and throw stuff into whatever boxes haven’t yet reached capacity. It would be so much more effective to take an organized approach to moving. Use it as a time to get rid of unnecessary clutter that’s clogging up your closets and drawers instead of trying to move everything.” Brian makes a great observation. It’s so easy to let your move get the best of you and just start tossing things in boxes. Use moving as an opportunity to get rid of stuff like all those sweaters you haven’t worn since college or those ugly dishes collecting dust. Moving less means you’ll have less to organize when you get to your new home!
2. Keep Kids and Pets Out of the Way
As cute and cuddly as kids and pets are, they aren’t of much help when it comes to moving day. Great Guys mover Patrick comments “I can’t tell you how many times we have to dodge kids and pets when trying to move bulky furniture. It can be a safety hazard to both the movers and the family we are moving. Last year I had a guy throw out his back because he tripped trying to avoid stepping on a client’s terrier.” On moving day, take your pups to doggy daycare and get relative or close friend to watch the kids (at their house). This way, the movers can get their job done quickly, and you can be completely focused on the job at hand.
3. Label Your Boxes
In speaking with the guys, many of them were shocked at how many people forget to clearly label their moving boxes. The average 3-bedroom house move requires nearly 100 boxes. You can imagine how confusing it can be if you get to your new house and the boxes aren’t labeled clearly. You could be opening box after box in search of something you’re looking for. Some creative packers recommend labeling both the top and one side of the box using different colors of duck tape depending on which room it goes to. This makes it easy to put boxes in the correct room in your new home. Additionally, take the time to label exactly what’s in the boxes. Does that box of kitchen stuff contain dishes? or is that the one with pots and pans?
4. Think Through the Lay Out Ahead of Time
Take time to figure out where you want your belongings in the new house. It’s a lot easier to arrange furniture when you have professionals doing the heavy lifting. Bed placement is especially critical. “We always offer to help clients reassemble their beds. We take apart and put together hundreds of beds a year, so we’ve really got it down. If you know where you want all of the beds to go when we get to your new house, it makes it a faster process for us and will save you the time and headache of having to reassemble the beds yourself.”
5. Pack an Essentials Box
You’ll likely be completely exhausted by the time the moving truck finishes unloading and rolls away. That first night in your new home will likely be utter chaos as you examine the sea of moving boxes and try to figure out where everything is. For your first night pack a box or two of essential items that will get you through until you have a chance to really unpack and organize everything. Here are some recommendations:
- Toilet paper: Everybody’s got to go at some point and nothing’s worse than not having a square when you need it most!
- Paper towels: So multi-functional – paper towels can be used for napkins, disposable plates, wiping down surfaces and so much more. Having a roll will definitely come in handy.
- Linens: After an tiring day of moving, nothing is more relaxing than taking a hot shower and slipping into freshly laundered sheets. Make sure to pack clean linens for all your beds, as well as fresh towels, soap and shampoo in an easily accessible box. Get a relaxing night of sleep and wake up ready to conquer all of those boxes.
- Disposable cups and plates: Instead of trying to get all your dishes unpacked, have some disposables on hand to make those first few meal times easier. Whether it’s pizza delivery or Chinese take-out, you’ll be glad you have something to eat on.
- Trash bags: You’ll undoubtedly accumulate trash when you move, so be prepared with some jumbo sized trash bags.
- Toiletries: In addition to shampoo and soap, make other essentials like medicine, contacts, glasses, etc. easy to find.
6. Don’t Forget the Utilities
Be sure you set up utilities at the new house, and don’t disconnect at the old house too early. Sean of Great Guys Wilmington laughs, “I’ve shown up on a couple of jobs where the customer had the power turned off a day too early or forgot to connect utilities at the new place. Trying to move things in a dimly lit area even with all the blinds open definitely made our job trickier”.
7. Schedule a Cleaning Service
Most real estate contracts and lease agreements make you responsible for cleaning your old house or apartment. Do yourself a favor and hire a professional cleaning service to come after the movers have carried off your belongings to your new home. You’ll want to be focused on getting your new home in order rather than trying to clean up a mess at your old place.
We hope these helpful recommendations from our friends at Great Guys help make your upcoming move a lot smoother.
Housing Trends in San Antonio
While much of the country has spent the last few years gradually recovering from the housing collapse and recession, Texas as a whole has experienced record home prices, high demand for housing, and a strong jobs market. Despite rising prices, Texas is one of the few states in which homes […]
Local Moving Company on the Top 5 Neighborhoods in San Antonio
There is so much to consider when moving to a new area, such as where you’re going to live, where you’ll be working, and where your kids will attend school. Whether you’re single and looking for an area with great nightlife, or have a family and want something a little quieter, if you are considering the San Antonio area, you’re sure to find a neighborhood that will work for you. Here’s our list of some of the best neighborhoods in San Antonio:
1. Alamo Heights
One of the most historic areas of the city is Alamo Heights. The neighborhood is mature, with older, but well-maintained homes. Many families live in this area because of the outstanding schools and overall safety of the neighborhood. While the median home price at $841,540 is relatively expensive, you may find housing here as low as $150,000 or as high as $1 million. Comparatively, the average price in the city of San Antonio runs $140,000 for a 3,000 square-foot home, so residents do pay a premium to live in the Alamo Heights area.
2. Stone Oak
With a great public schools, including several with strong magnet programs, in the Northeast School District, parents will find Stone Oak a happy medium between the inner city and high-end suburbs like Alamo Heights. This neighborhood comes with cookie-cutter lots and an abundance of strip malls that are typical of master-planned suburban neighborhoods. With average homes costing around $350,000 in this area, most owners come from dual-income, working middle class households.
3. King William
Labeled as the historic district, the King William neighborhood in San Antonio has undergone much revival by eager, young home owners who saw the lost potential and made the homes shine with their former luster once again. Tree-lined streets and generously sized lots entice parents to raise their young families here. The public schools warrant further improvement, so many of the children in this neighborhood attend to private prep schools. The median price of a home is roughly $650,000.
4. Mahncke Park
This area is currently undergoing transformation as young, hard-working professionals settle down and fix up these charming homes that date back to the 1930s and 40s. At a median home price of $200,000, the houses in this neighborhood are still relatively affordable, but values are expected to appreciate drastically as the neighborhood takes off. For many young couples and families, this neighborhood is a great alternative to pricier neighborhoods like King William and Alamo Heights.
5. Helotes
Helotes is a great option if you want land but still need to be in close proximity to the city. Lots here provide ample room for families looking for space, and with a median list price of $315,000, the prices are quite reasonable for even young, growing families. The original 1946 General Store adds a quaint touch to this unhurried town, which feels far removed from the hustle and hectic life of the big city.
While the aforementioned neighborhoods are fantastic options for those interested in moving to San Antonio, there are dozens of neighborhoods to choose from. When it comes time to move, make sure you hire great movers, to make your transition to the Alamo City as easy as possible! Come and discover everything San Antonio has to offer!
