4 Reputable Moving Companies

4 Reputable Moving Companies

Relocating is a once-in-a-lifetime event for some while a yearly thing for others. You could be making an intercity, interstate, or cross-country move. Regardless of the distance, a moving company helps with a seamless transition. They’re experts in transporting furniture and other stuff, making sure everything reaches your new home without a scratch. However, finding the best mover is necessary. Researching and comparing options can help you find a good deal.

Atlas Van Lines
In business since 1948, Atlas Van Lines has over 5,000 employees today and about 430 agents. They’re among the best cross-country movers offering residential, corporate, and government moves, besides other logistics services for different distances. The company has a mobile app that helps easily schedule a pick-up while ensuring customers get an email on confirmation. Atlas Van Lines has excellent service and customer ratings, available for viewing on their website. The best benefit is that their van operators go through an extensive background check before showing up at your doorstep, so safety is assured.

Allied Van Lines
They’re among the best cross-country movers with high customer satisfaction ratings.  Allied Van Lines  uses versatile tools that enable customization, making the transition process a breeze. You enjoy upfront online quotes, zero deposits, full-service packing, and other services like moving supplies, container moving, and vehicle shipping. Another positive aspect is versatile insurance coverage and a generous cancellation policy, making them one of the country’s best movers. But note that  Allied Van Lines’  local and intercity moving services are priced slightly higher than average.

United Van Lines
Established in 1928, United Van Lines is among the oldest in the business. So, count on this brand any time you need to relocate locally, across the country, or even internationally. They have performed thousands of moves for military personal, making them among the best for the purpose. The top features include inclusive insurance policies, instant online price quotes, full-service packing, storage, vehicle transportation, and trash pick-up. Their website is easy to use with an online tracking option. Check out their resources page for moving and packing videos if you’re a first-time mover.

Mayflower Transit
Mayflower Transit is another reputed option to consider regardless of whether you’re changing towns or countries. Apart from the regular services like full-service packing and storage, this company offers attractive benefits like moving protection, instant price quotes, free cancellations, insurance, etc. An exciting advantage is that you can customize the deal by choosing only the required services. They also help customers buy new homes and sell old ones, making them stand apart from competitors. If you’re looking for container moving services or vehicle delivery, Mayflower Transit takes care of that too!

Why are moving companies helpful?
You can carry out the entire moving process independently. But, not everyone can manage heavy lifting and packaging. If done incorrectly, items can get damaged, leading to loss of time and money. Cross-country movers allow you to enjoy the transition instead of making it a stressful chore. They complete tasks like packaging, labeling, and transporting without delay, ensuring schedules aren’t affected.

If unsure about hiring a professional, try to determine how complicated the move is, the distance, and the budget. The answers will help determine if you need a moving company.

How to choose a moving company?
The countless options available can confuse anybody, so follow these basic rules:

Hire an experienced service
A firm that’s been doing the job for years may know how to tackle unexpected situations better than someone just starting. The prices may differ exponentially, but it’s not worth taking the risk. The best movers also have good insurance claims and generous cancellation policies, so check these points before hiring someone.

Get a walk-through of the process
Don’t just let them say you can track the transit. Get a thorough understanding of how they plan to move the stuff, the preferred route, and the kind of packaging. It helps understand what you’re paying for and keeps you logistically informed.

List the things to be packed
When preparing a quote or an estimate, the moving company will inquire about the number and type of things to be carried. Giving a rough description may not help. Make a list of every item on your mind for the most realistic quote.

Don’t agree to heavy deposits
Reliable moving companies generally don’t ask for cash or large deposits. Making an advance payment, in a way, means losing control over your belongings, and the company may not act as responsibly after that. So, consider paying upon delivery. Also, wire the transaction for proof.

You have the option to pack
Movers can let customers pack their belongings and only take charge of the logistics. But, when opting for self-packing, most companies refuse to take responsibility for damage. When hired for packing, they charge extra for the materials, resources, and time.

Discuss the potential extra fees
If you live in an apartment building where movers cannot use the elevator for heavy stuff, they will charge more for the effort and time. This may also happen if the van doesn’t get through a narrow street. Moving from the first floor to a higher level can also cost extra. Discuss all possible logistics and potential problems with the contractor to avoid last-minute surcharges.

Get multiple quotes
While speaking to agents of different companies, get an estimate or a rough quote. It helps find the best deal, and you will discover a lot about moving companies. Take references from friends, colleagues, and relatives for honest feedback.

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Essential Points and Services to Consider for Gutter Protection

Renovation and upgrades are not just limited to the aesthetic changes around the house. It also includes the necessary repairs and maintenance to ensure there are no unnoticed damages that could worsen with time. Rain gutters collect all the water and provide a proper outlet flow to prevent leaks during a heavy pour. And gutter protection systems ensure these drainage outlets operate efficiently. Here are essential points to consider before installing these systems. Gutter guards function as a primary filter Protective covers prevent leaves, mud, sticks, and even smaller rodents or pests from washing into the small opening designed for water collection. This helps lower the cost of maintenance significantly, as you do not have to frequently clean these outlets. Most guards have a crisscross mesh pattern that allows only liquids to flow into the drainage system. With protective covers installed, you spend no more than a couple of hundred dollars to have the entire system serviced twice a year. Long-term utility benefits When water flows freely within the drainage system, it reduces the risk of pooling or overflowing and ultimately leaking. Water pooling, if left unchecked, can also damage the structural integrity of the home. Moreover, dirty, backed-up rainwater becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other parasites, increasing the risk of infection. A proper gutter guard prevents any accumulation of debris, especially in the downspout, minimizing damage to the surrounding wood and insulation. Proper drainage downflow even lowers the risk of mold and mildew. Gutter protection reduces the risk of roof fires by preventing leaves and debris from stacking over and catching fire during the sweltering summer months. Types of gutter protection for home  Gutter guards vary in terms of overall durability, installation, and structure. For example, screen protection systems help filter out debris in areas with heavy rainfall. Its unique design allows smaller particles and debris to flow freely while blocking out larger particles. Mesh and micro mesh guards are similar in design but manufactured with smaller holes to further block out micro size debris more effectively.  Reverse curve gutter guards are directly installed against the flow of the water to collect and divert all trash. Most of these guards are designed for outdoor roof use only. Brush guards have a simpler design that blocks everything except the water flowing through the system. It is inexpensive to install but needs to be changed more frequently than screen or mesh guards. Common types of materials used Gutter guards are manufactured using stainless steel, copper, aluminum, plastic, and foam. Its mesh gutters are the most affordable. On the other hand, copper guards are more durable but quite expensive to install. Also, only a select few manufacturers sell copper guards. Aluminum is lightweight and more affordable, suitable for installing micro-mesh screens to collect the smallest of debris. And plastic is used to make a solid frame for holding the mesh in place. The most common plastic, polypropylene, is used in the design of the brush guards for easy modification and installation around gutter systems. Foam is another cheap and durable material that is easily cut, modified, and installed along with the open plumbing system. Materials are adjusted depending on the roofing installment and vary in size and utility. Visual appeal and installation DIY rain gutter protection covers are easy to install. But most commercial mesh and screen guards need to be secured to the outlet with screws and a frame to work effectively. But even with DIY projects for gutter, you will need to have basic equipment, like ladders and a toolset. So, consider the difficulty of installation before investing in gutter guards. Some installations even require the expertise of a handyman. Professional installation services install gutter guards where the product is purposeful and visually appealing. Gutter protection can be installed discreetly as possible without disrupting the visual appeal. Popular gutter protection and guards available  The following services have earned a reputable name in the current market scenario: LeafShield Gutter Protection  LeafShield is one of the popular services in the Pacific Northwest, providing exclusive gutter cleaning, repairs, and replacement for home and commercial units. The company is bonded, insured, and licensed to operate in a few select cities. You can request estimates by contacting the vendor directly for all types of outdoor gutter protection and services. The company employs qualified technicians and works with safety protocols to provide a quick and hassle-free installation. LeafFilter Gutter Guard Check out LeafFilter for a complete professional installation of mesh gutter systems. This micro-mesh installation is made with stainless steel and uPVC frame and effectively filters all types of debris. The product is super rustproof and comes with a lifetime warranty offered. LeafFilter Mesh Guard is also available in custom sizes and can be modified to fit any home or commercial roof gutter system. Homecraft Gutter Protection Homecraft Gutter Guards are visually more appealing, made with durable stainless steel, featuring their patented Diamond Raised Technology design. The protective cover can be installed directly over the front lip to filter out microscopic debris. Homecraft offers a lifetime warranty for this product. Moreover, installation is hassle-free, and the company also allows easy transfer of warranty among homeowners. Note that the quality of services and estimates will vary depending on the type of product and time taken to install. It is advisable to ask for a quote and compare top services before investing in gutter protection. Also, check warranty terms and conditions thoroughly. Not all products or services may be covered for perpetuity in the clause.

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Dos and Don’ts of Exiting a Timeshare Group

Signing up for a timeshare is a popular alternative to owning a holiday home. Many families have taken a shared property in a resort by paying an annual fee for the house. This contractual obligation is between you and other members who wish to use that home with you. But if you've asked yourself, "should I exit my timeshare group?" we've compiled a few dos and don'ts for getting out of the deal. Steps to take Consider the following tips for exiting a timeshare: Check the rescission period This time frame is a short open window after signing a contract. At this time, you can reconsider your commitment and exit the timeshare without any due process and charges. The average time of a rescission period is a week. Review your documents properly to understand when this window ends, so you can exit the timeshare in an orderly manner. Some rescission periods start when putting up the fee, while others start when you receive a disclosure statement. Issue a cancellation letter This option works well if your contract is still within the rescission period. But just sending a letter will not suffice; the proprietor must acknowledge receiving this document. Some resorts may also try to dissuade you from exiting the timeshare by adding obstacles to the process. For example, you may be charged a cancellation penalty or fee that is usually not legally binding. Make sure you use a postal service like the USPS, so the resort signs a receipt as proof of acknowledgment. Speak to the resort If the rescission period for your timeshare is already up, but you still want to exit the contract, approaching the resort with an offer is a viable option. Before you do so, ensure there is a timeshare deed-back mentioned in the contracts. This legal method is helpful when it comes to selling your timeshare back to the resort and getting out of the deal. Having this option in your contract before signing is something you need to make sure of before signing. However, this step will sometimes involve a few rounds of negotiations with the resort sales manager, so be prepared to offer some incentive on the table. Consider selling the timeshare Another strategy to exit your timeshare is to sell it off, provided the loan on the property has been fully paid for. The timeshare is categorized as "encumbered" if the loan is not paid off, thus prohibiting you from selling to anyone else. Once you are sure that your timeshare is available for sale in the market, you can evaluate its value and find the right buyer. You can either speak to a real estate agent or check the value through online listings. Unless the property's value is exceptionally high, you should be able to sell without hassle. Many people under contract resort to this option when they need to save money while exiting the timeshare. Consult a timeshare exit company If the abovementioned tips aren't helpful for getting out of your timeshare, it's time to hire a third party. The biggest benefit of hiring a timeshare exit company is that all the paperwork, negotiations, and back and forth are handled for you. These companies have a team of experts in matters of exiting a timeshare contract and know exactly how to deal with the nitty-gritty of the situation. Do keep in mind that the entire process of getting out of the deal can take 12 to 18 months and can cost anywhere between $5000 and $6000, if not more. The price you need to pay the exit company depends on factors like the number of contracts in the ownership, the stipulated timeline, and the number of members involved. Resorts usually tie in new contracts every time additional services are asked for, or if any new changes are required. But in the long run, you're better off spending this money to exit the timeshare rather than paying exorbitant fees that keep increasing every year. Steps to avoid Here are a few steps your need to be careful about when exiting a timeshare: Stopping payments While this option seems like an easy step to take, it's too big a hassle to deal with. Defaulting on the annual payments will result in the pileup of unpaid dues. The resort may hire collection agencies to harass you with incessant phone calls until you pay the amount that is owed. If that doesn't work, you may even be issued a subpoena and further legal action, which also involves court visits, legal fees, and all the headaches of paperwork. To avoid this issue, you can look at one of the many timeshare exit strategies mentioned above. Transferring the deed You can try to give away your timeshare to friends or family who might be interested, but the exorbitant fees won't be everyone's cup of tea. Some family or friends might even accept this "gift" but ask you to continue paying the expenses while they vacation in expensive resorts. So unless you're fine with covering the costs, this is an option to avoid and be wary of. Renting out If you're not giving your timeshare to family or friends, you may think of renting it out to anyone interested. You can find potential "tenants" online, but the problem is that most of them cannot be trusted by a mere verbal agreement. Moreover, quite a few resorts do not allow this kind of arrangement. They only let the timeshare owner use the services of the contract. But if the resort agrees to this deal and the renter causes any harm to the property, the repair cost is humongous and frankly just not worth it.

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