1st Class Moving and Storage

When moving to another nearby state or a locality on the opposite coast, the whole process tends to be overwhelming. You have to make a list of all the things you wish to carry and visit a nearby store to purchase packing supplies. At the same time, you have to inform the service providers that you will no longer be using their facilities.

There is a lot that you must do within a short period so that you don’t face any problems during relocation. As homeowners understand all the challenges they will face, they always hire the services of a professional moving company. Should you be doing the same when you have to relocate to or from Orange County, Florida? Here are four reasons why you should contact a professional moving company:

Easy to deal with delays

One of the best advantages of getting assistance from movers is that you get access to their storage solutions. When moving, you can never predict what is going to happen.

Sometimes unpredictable situations such as a sudden change in weather can lead to delays. Thanks to their storage solutions, you don’t have to worry about your goods, as they are in safe hands.

Make the most of their expertise

While you can save money by moving everything by yourself, you should consider the following of why not to: For starters, you are putting your goods at risk of suffering from extensive damage while relocating. On the other hand, the moving company will know how to pack your products safely and they are insured to be able to fix, replace or reimburse for any damages.

They will use the best standards in the industry so that your items get utmost care during relocation. On top of that, they will fit the boxes for maximum capacity, while taping and labeling them simultaneously.

Save time and money

Wait, if you are hiring professional movers, how are you saving money when you have to pay them? A moving company will ensure that your goods and packed, loaded and reach the destination in one piece. As a result, you won’t have to think about replacing damaged goods. They will relocate your items via the quickest route which helps cut down on the relocation time. On top of that, the movers will unload the items in your new home. All these benefits translate into money and time saved.

Stress-free experience

When you have to relocate, it is a stressful experience because you have to get all your furniture and misc items ready to move. With a professional moving company, the entire process of getting your items to your new house is a piece of cake. They will come to your property and assess the situation. On moving day, they will come with all the equipment to pack your goods safely.

The advantages of hiring professional movers when you want to relocate will make the whole experience smooth. If you are looking to move to or from Orange County, Florida or surrounding areas, you should get in touch with 1^st Moving and Storage. Whether you want to relocate from coast to coast or interstate, commercial or residential, you will have the experience for you!

Moving to or out of the Central Florida | Orlando area? Get a FREE Moving Quote! Call 800-297-6683. Moving services locally and across the United States.

Things to Consider when Moving with Babies and Young Children

When you were young and single, and didn’t really have all that much “stuff”, moving was pretty straightforward and easy. Collect a few good (and strong) friends, find someone with a pick-up truck, and buy some pizza and maybe some post-move beer—often, that’s all it took. But as you grow older and the amount of “stuff” you own accumulates, moving can get pretty complicated. But the most complicated of all is moving an entire family, especially if babies and/or young children are involved.

Moving an entire family including infants and young children presents a number of additional complications into the moving process, both physical and emotional. As with so much in life, however, a lot of the stress normally associated with moving a family can be reduced with careful advanced planning, good organization, patience, and flexibility. And while having your friends over for a pizza-and-moving party might still sound like a good idea, hiring a professional moving service to help you organize, pack, and move will make your move both more efficient and less stressful.

1^st Class Moving and Storage is not a national franchise: we are a family-owned and –operated business, so we understand first-hand the challenges associated with relocating a young family! Whether you are moving across town or across the country, we offer personalized white-glove service designed to make your move as easy on your family as possible. Our moving consultants will work closely with you throughout each phase of the process, from planning your timeline, to providing appropriate packing materials to protect your valuables safely, to getting your belongings safely to your new home, precisely when you need them! So contact us today to speak with one of our first-class customer service providers, and to get a free quote.

Moving with babies

The tough part about moving with infants is that they need a lot of stuff: car seats, special beds, bottles and food, diapers and cleaning supplies, and lots and lots of changes of clothes! And don’t forget all those small toys to keep them amused. Yet in some ways, babies are the easiest part of the family to move, because as long as they are with you, babies don’t really care that they are moving. The key to moving with babies is to minimize disruption to their routine as much as possible, and ensure that they get plenty of sleep as always. If you are moving across town, this should be fairly simple; if you are moving across the country, you will need to plan your travel carefully to minimize disruptions to your baby’s routine as much as possible.

For a complete list of items that you will need to keep with you throughout the move, please visit our website at https://maryland.movingwithclass.com/moving-with-children-and-babies/.

Moving with young children

Moving with young children presents a number of special emotional challenges that may change depending on the age of the child and how far you are moving. For instance, young children may not fully understand what a “move” is and may be concerned that they—or their things—will be left behind. School-aged children, on the other hand, may be concerned about integrating into a new school, leaving behind friends, making new friends, etc. Yet regardless of your children’s age, being clear about why you are moving (in an age appropriate way) and keeping them involved in the moving process—from start to finish—will go a long way towards helping them weather the move successfully.

• Talk to your children about where they are moving, and why. If possible, show them pictures of their new home and their new neighborhood, and if it’s close, take them on a tour so it won’t feel as strange on move-in day.
• Get everyone involved in the packing process. Even young children can help pack and unpack their toys and belongings! This will give children a feeling of control during the move, and help young children, especially, understand that neither they nor their “things” will be left behind.
• On moving day, remember safety first! It’s important to keep toddlers and young children out from underfoot while the moving team is packing boxes and loading furniture, for everyone’s safety. If possible, hire a babysitter who can keep the children occupied during the move-in/move-out process; if not possible, designate a room in both locations that is “theirs” for the day, complete with toys, books, water, and snacks.
• Once the essentials are unpacked, focus on getting young children settled into their new rooms first. Let them unpack and choose spaces for their belongings and keep them involved in the process.

And above all, don’t forget to celebrate when the hard work is done!

Contact 1^st Class Moving and Storage for All Your Moving and Storage Needs

1^st Class Moving and Storage is a family-owned and -operated, white-glove moving and storage service with offices in Baltimore, MD and Orlando, FL. Our goal is to help you get wherever and whenever you need your life to be, with class! We ship locally or coast-to-coast, and offer both commercial and residential services. 

Moving to or out of the Central Florida | Orlando area? Get a FREE Moving Quote! Call 800-297-6683. Moving services locally and across the United States.

Married and Moving: Some Tips for Newlyweds!

Planning your move into your shared future home doesn’t have to be stressful, however, with a little advanced planning and forethought. Even if it takes some time away from the fun stuff—like planning a wedding—taking the time to really think about what you need, and what you want, in your new home in advance can make the whole process go much more quickly with a lot less stress.  So whether you are planning to make the move before the wedding so you can settle into your new home immediately or whether you are going to move once the excitement of the wedding is over, thinking through these simple to-dos will ensure that you start off your new life on the right foot!

1. Plan for space and budget

Starting off your marriage on the right foot means being honest about important—but sometimes difficult—topics like money and space. It’s critical that you discuss how much money you want to devote to housing and how both parties will be contributing. But it’s also important to think about how much space you need. A cozy one-bedroom might sound romantic and fun, but at the same time, everyone needs a place where they can get away for a while. Make sure your new home has enough space for both shared comfort and—if possible—a little privacy!

2. Make an inventory

You both have stuff, probably more than you really need and probably a lot that overlaps! Several weeks before your intended move, both of you should itemize all of your belongings and then compare the lists. When it comes to multiples of the same item, you will need to decide which to keep and which to discard, especially if space in your new home is limited. However, it’s important to think of this as an opportunity: if you can’t agree which couch or dining room table to keep, maybe sell them both and buy something new that you both really love!

3. Don’t move what you don’t really need

This can also be an opportunity for you both to organize your belongings and clean out what you don’t really need or want anymore. After all, there’s no sense in moving potentially heavy boxes of things that will just end up stuck in a back corner of the attic or basement. So save yourself some effort—and probably some money—and donate, sell, or throw away anything that you won’t use in your new home. And this is especially important if your new, shared space is small or has only a limited amount of storage.

4. Consider hiring professional movers

Having big moving parties with friends was fun in college, but as you get older, as you accumulate more things, and those things become more valuable, it may be worth it to hire a professional moving company instead. A full-service moving company—like 1^st Class Moving and Storage—does more than simply load and unload your boxes into a truck. Instead, a moving service will help you through each stage of the moving process, including packing and unpacking. This is especially important if you are moving fragile and expensive valuables such as large TVs and electronics or wedding gifts such as china and crystal. A professional mover assumes responsibility for these items and has special equipment and techniques designed specifically to safeguard these important items.

Contact 1^st Class Moving and Storage for All Your Moving and Storage Needs

1^st Class Moving and Storage is a family-owned and -operated, white-glove moving and storage service with offices in Baltimore, MD and Orlando, FL. Our goal is to help you get wherever and whenever you need your life to be, with class! We ship locally or coast-to-coast, and offer both commercial and residential services.

Moving to or out of the Central Florida | Orlando area? Get a FREE Moving Quote! Call 800-297-6683. Moving services locally and across the United States.

First-Time Home Buyers

The hard work is complete: you’ve done the research and found the perfect first home; you’ve met with the realtors…and the lawyers…and the bankers…and signed the mountains of paperwork. Maybe you’ve started—or even completed—some much-needed updates, repairs, and redecorating. And now that the hard word is done, that beautiful home is all yours and ready for you to move in!

As a first-time home buyer, moving is an exciting time, the final step in a long and stressful process. Luckily, with a little forethought and some advance planning, the move itself doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. As a family-owned and –operated moving company, we have years of experience helping first-time home-owners get settled comfortably into their new homes. Based on this wealth of experience, we would like to share our answers to some of the most common questions we frequently get asked.

I’m buying some new items for my house. When should I have those new items delivered?

It’s pretty common for new home-buyers to make some major purchases for their new homes, especially appliances such as a washer and dryer and even some kitchen appliances. Furniture purchases are also common, either because you now have more space and/or you simply want to start off fresh. We always recommend waiting on these items until after you have moved in, saving yourself both the energy and the money needed to move these large-items. If you must make the purchase before you move, ask your retailer if they will hold off on delivery until after your move.

What should I do with all my old stuff that I’m not sure I’ll want in my new home?

As a first-time home-owner getting ready for the big move, you have an excellent opportunity to sort through all your belongings and decide what you really want and what you really need. In all the excitement, it’s tempting to just box everything up and plan to sort it out when you unpack. However, in addition to moving a lot of extraneous (and potentially heavy) boxes, we promise that most of those boxes will just go into forgotten areas of the attic or basement, never to be looked at again! So, take the time now to throw away or donate those items you really don’t want or never really use before you move. 

What should I box up and what should I keep out?

The answer to this question really depends on where you are moving and how long it’s going to take. If you are moving between cities or across the country, you should pack all the essentials that you will need during the time that your belongings are being shipped between locations; if you are simply making a move across town, you may be able to include all your belongings in the moving boxes. However, regardless of the move duration, we recommend keeping aside your personal documentation and key information relating to your new home, so it’s always accessible. We also recommend boxing and labeling some items you will want right away in your new home, such as bedsheets and towels, so you can be comfortable in your new home even before the full unpacking!

 

Contact 1^st Class Moving and Storage for All Your Moving and Storage Needs

1^st Class Moving and Storage is a family-owned and -operated, white-glove moving and storage service with offices in Baltimore, MD and Orlando, FL. Our goal is to help you get wherever and whenever you need your life to be, with class! We ship locally or coast-to-coast, and offer both commercial and residential services.

Moving to or out of the Central Florida | Orlando area? Get a FREE Moving Quote! Call 800-297-6683. Moving services locally and across the United States.

5 Tips for Making Your City Move Easy and Worry-Free!

• Thinking of moving into the city to be closer to that exciting new job?
• Seeking a new neighborhood with a more exciting, more vibrant atmosphere?
• Looking to upgrade to a spacious loft or beautiful new high-rise?
• Interested in experiencing city life for the very first time?

Whether you are moving from the suburbs to the city, moving from one city to another, or simply trying out a new neighborhood within your local urban area, city life offers plenty of exciting opportunities both for employment and an active social life. Up and coming restaurants, theaters and museums, bars and hotspots, and diverse ethnic and cultural neighborhoods: downtown metropolitan areas across the United States offer so much to experience all within a walk or ride-share away. So whatever your reason, city life is certainly something everyone should experience at some point in their lives!  

Yet as exciting as urban life is, it’s true that moving residences within an urban downtown area presents some…well, let’s just call them “unique”…challenges! If you’ve previously moved into or within a major metropolitan area, you are probably already aware of some of the hassles; if you are moving into a city for the first time, some of the challenges might take you by surprise. As with so much in life—especially city life—a little advance planning can go a long way towards making your move a smooth one. 

So with that hint in mind, here are five important tips for making your move in the city smooth and successful.  

1. Plan for parking

Potentially the biggest hassle associated with urban moving is legally parking that giant truck with all your stuff in it! It’s important to know the rules and regulations regarding loading and unloading in your specific neighborhood (and don’t assume they are the same across the entire city, as they may differ from neighborhood to neighborhood). You may need to synch your move with specific “move in/move out” times dictated by city ordinance and/or you may need to get a permit that will enable you to legally load/unload a vehicle. Once the move is planned, you may be allowed to mark out a space for a specific time with orange parking cones.  

2. Coordinate with building superintendent(s)

Get to know the superintendent or manager and/or doorman of your new building before your move, as you will likely need his/her assistance and cooperation on move-in day. He or she may be able to arrange access to a rear parking area and entrance for the duration of your move. In the best case scenario, he or she may provide a quick tour any areas designated for moving and help you understand and meet building regulations regarding move-ins. And if you are moving out of an urban building, don’t forget to coordinate the move-out the same way!

3. Utilize a freight elevator if possible

While coordinating with the building manager, be sure to ask if the building has a freight elevator that you could utilize during your move, or find out if one elevator can be designated or reserved solely for your use; many loft and high-rise buildings, especially new ones, will have a specific elevator set aside to accommodate residents moving in and moving out. You will need to coordinate your move-in time in advance to be sure that you have access to a pass key. And don’t abuse the privilege: arrive promptly at your move-in time, know how long you will have access, and complete the move (as much as possible) within that designated time!

4. Time your move carefully

When moving into a new neighborhood and building, the last thing you want to do is antagonize your neighbors on your very first day! Utilizing a freight elevator or restricting your use of the common elevators will help—everyone understands the demands of a move—as long as you are respectful. But also be sure to time your move carefully: it’s best to avoid busy times in the morning and evening when other residents are rushing out to work or coming home after a long day, yet moving too early on weekends or at night can disrupt your neighbor’s sleep. Also be sure to check any municipal regulations regarding specific moving times.

5. Safety and security

Urban moving involves two specific safety concerns that must be accounted for in your plan for the move. First, belongings left in an open, unsupervised truck make a tempting target for a would-be thief. A good moving plan should ensure that at no point are your “things” left unattended, in the truck, on the street, or in the building. Second, unsecured doors are a security threat to the entire building, not just to you. Your move-in plan should ensure that doors are not left propped open at any time, even if you have only one pass key.

Contact 1^st Class Moving and Storage for All Your Moving and Storage Needs

1^st Class Moving and Storage is a family-owned and -operated, white-glove moving and storage service with offices in Baltimore, MD and Orlando, FL. Our goal is to help you get wherever and whenever you need your life to be, with class! We ship locally or coast-to-coast, and offer both commercial and residential services.

Moving to or out of the Central Florida | Orlando area? Get a FREE Moving Quote! Call 800-297-6683. Moving services locally and across the United States.

From Small Office Moves to Large-Scale Commercial/Industrial Relocations:

Save Time and Money with a Full-Service Moving Company!

On the one hand, relocating your business is an exciting prospect, signaling positive growth and success! On the other hand, the prospect of a move or relocation, no matter how much it signals success, is challenging and stressful. Regardless of whether you are moving into a larger space or to position your company in a strong location, regardless of whether you are moving a small office or a large commercial or industrial warehouse, regardless of whether you are moving across town or across the country, the key to a successful move is figuring out how to do so as efficiently as possible, while minimizing downtime and disruption.

The key to planning a smooth, stress-LESS, and successful move is developing a detailed plan that takes into account every aspect of the relocation, from the logistics required to move the heaviest equipment right down to the small details like office supplies. This is why so many companies—large and small—choose to hire a full-service moving company. A personalized, full-service moving service has the experience to help you develop, and execute, a detailed plan that incorporates every detail and leaves nothing to chance. Moreover, a full-service office and industrial moving company removes much of the burden of the move from your employees, enabling them to continue to promote the success of your business despite the relocation. Thus, while it may seem expensive at first, a full-service moving company such as 1^st Class Moving and Storage will save you time and stress, and that, of course, will translate into money saved as well!

What Services Will A Full-Service Office and Industrial Moving Company Provide?

• A personalized moving consultant who is dedicated 100% to the success of your move.

Your moving consultant will work directly with you throughout the entire process, from developing the initial plan to the final walk-throughs of both the old and the new spaces. Working with one vendor, with one personalized point-of-contact, will ensure that your questions are answered in a timely fashion and any concerns or issues that may arise are addressed promptly and effectively.

• A detailed, written move plan that takes into account every single aspect of your move.

It cannot be stressed enough: the key to a successful move is a detailed, transparent move plan that outlines every element of the move, from packing to transportation to installation. A well-thought-out move plan will include packing checklists, regularly-scheduled planning meetings with your move team, and written guidelines for your supervisors and employees, to ensure that everyone is on the same page and no details are omitted.

• A single full-service vendor responsible for every stage of the move.

Moving an office or industrial facility has many steps and many moving parts, all of which must be carefully coordinated and timed. Hiring one full-service vendor to handle every aspect of the move will ensure that all of these steps are carried out at the right time and without confusion. This includes disassembling and packing everything from computers to office furniture, providing adequate and safe shipping and transport mechanisms for the size of the move, unpacking, and finally reinstalling equipment, furniture, and supplies in the correct spot, so your employees can get back to work as quickly as possible.

And of course, when selecting a full-service moving company, it’s critical to look for some of the “basics” that are routine at 1^st Class Moving and Storage, such as:

• Dedication to excellent customer service!
• Timeliness: completing the move when it is most convenient for you!
• Asset management control: complete, real-time tracking 24/7!
• White-glove service!

Contact 1^st Class Moving and Storage for All Your Moving and Storage Needs

1^st Class Moving and Storage is a family-owned and -operated, white-glove moving and storage service with offices in Baltimore, MD and Orlando, FL. Our goal is to help you get wherever and whenever you need your life to be, with class! We ship locally or coast-to-coast, and offer both commercial and residential services. 

Moving to or out of the Central Florida | Orlando area? Get a FREE Moving Quote! Call 800-297-6683. Moving services locally and across the United States.

Trade shows and professional exhibitions offer an ideal way to showcase your products and equipment and connect with potential clients and industry professionals. In other words, they are a great way to grow and expand your business. But let’s face it, whether you participate once a year or once a month, getting your equipment, displays, and products to and from each trade show safely and securely can be challenging and sometimes downright nerve-wracking.

As in so many elements of your business, working with the right specialists is key to getting to each and every trade show on time and intact, while minimizing your stress and worry. Establishing a relationship with a qualified, professional, and experienced moving and storage company, one that understands the unique requirements in moving and shipping displays and equipment, can take a lot of the stress out of the whole process. This is especially true for any company whose product displays include large, delicate, and/or expensive equipment.    

What To Look For in a Moving Specialist for Trade Shows

Here are a few things you should look for when choosing a moving specialist to get your displays and equipment to the next big show:

• Site-to-site service: full-service pick-up, shipping, and delivery
• On-site support on the show floor and marshalling yards during move-in and move-out periods
• Relationships with local drayage companies as needed
• Expert packaging, including custom crating, boxing, and wrapping
• Flexible shipping options, from local move to coast-to-coast shipping
• Air-ride vans with climate control and cargo control systems
• 24-hour inventory tracking system
• A solid record of experience transporting priceless equipment and delicate displays

Trade Show and Exhibition Services from 1^st Class Moving and Storage

So, why choose 1^st Class Moving and Storage to get you to your next trade show or exhibition? Of course we fulfill all the requirements listed above. But we also offer something more: a personal relationship that you just won’t get from a national company. Our goal is to understand the unique demands of your business and customize our services to meet those demands. We ensure:

• Timeliness: our top priority is getting your trade show displays where you need them, when you need them, every time.
• Customized white-glove service: to ensure that all of your expensive and delicate equipment and displays arrive at each trade show ready to go.
• Detailed itemization: to ensure that nothing—from the largest equipment to the smallest part—gets lost or misplaced along the way.
• Personalized account coordinator: so you don’t waste valuable time trying to navigate a lengthy and annoying automated phone system when you need immediate help!

 

Every trade show and every exhibition is your opportunity to make a great impression and expand your business. So it’s critical to work with a moving company—like 1^st Class Moving and Storage—that is as dedicated to the success of your business as you are. So next time you need to get to a trade show, give us a call and let us do the heavy lifting for you!

 

Contact 1^st Class Moving and Storage for All Your Moving and Storage Needs

1^st Class Moving and Storage is a family-owned and -operated, white-glove moving and storage service with offices in Baltimore, MD and Orlando, FL. Our goal is to help you get wherever and whenever you need your life to be, with class! We ship locally or coast-to-coast, and offer both commercial and residential services.

Moving to or out of the Central Florida | Orlando area? Get a FREE Moving Quote! Call 800-297-6683. Moving services locally and across the United States.

What documents do you need to ship your car?

If you are shipping your car by using an auto transport company, you must provide documents for the company to verify the vehicle actually belongs to you and that you have insurance.

Shipping within the Continental United States

If you are having an auto shipping company transport your car, truck, motorcycle, ATV or RV within the continental United States, you will need to provide several pieces of information; including documents such as Original Title and Registration, proof of Insurance and Photo Identification.

Original Title and Registration: You must possess the original title and registration for shipping a vehicle. If there is a current lien on the title, you must provide a letter of permission from the Lien Holder.

Insurance: You must provide proof of insurance for the vehicle being shipped. This proof of insurance must not be expired; the dates must be unexpired.

Photo Identification: You must provide a photo identification of yourself. You may either provide an unexpired state driver’s license or ID, or an unexpired Passport of the country where you are a legal resident.

Special Considerations: If you are not the owner, you must provide a notarized letter with specific information. Examples of information needed include the actual auto transport company, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your vehicle and the full name of person acting on your behalf.

How much does it cost to ship a vehicle?

Auto transport quotes and rates in the industry are calculated using several factors that vary with each customer. The distance, the car make and model, and its condition are just a few variables that affect the price.

Distance
Distance is the main component in calculating how much it costs to ship a car. Longer distances generally lead to a higher overall price but lower cost per mile.

Vehicle make & model
We ask for the exact vehicle specifications because the truck driver has to know how much space will be needed. Longer and taller cars require additional adjustment and are more expensive to transport. Modifications like large tires and racks on the roof can also increase the cost to ship a car.

Transport type
Most customers go with open car transport. It is the standard in the industry and is the cheapest way to move your vehicle. For extra protection, we recommend using enclosed transport that shields vehicles from weather and debris.

Vehicle condition
If your car is running, you will get better car shipment price for the allotted distance. If your car is inoperable but maintains the ability to roll, steer, and brake, it will require a winch and other accommodations to be loaded onto the carrier trailer increasing the cost of shipment.

Location
Metropolitan areas usually have plenty of trucks available to carry out automobile shipments, which makes prices lower when you’re shipping from or to these locations. However, we strive to find the best deal for residents of small towns. If you live far from a major highway, you can opt to meet the trucker at a designated location for a better price and faster service.

What can you ship?

Economy cars, SUVs, boats, motorcycles, exotic sports cars or your belongings—we haul it all! No matter your vehicle shipping or relocating needs, we’ll help create a solution to get you there worry free with instant competitive rates from bonded and insured companies.

Moving to or out of the Central Florida | Orlando area? Get a FREE Moving Quote! Call 800-297-6683. Moving services locally and across the United States.