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Planning a Vegetable Garden: Crop Rotation Techniques

Published on October 20, 2022

Planning a vegetable garden is something that most avid gardeners begin right after Christmas and continue until the ground can finally be broken in late spring. Many will begin planting seeds indoors to speed the harvest, and others will pore over seed catalogs to find the perfect carrot hybrid.

Another aspect of planning a vegetable garden that is very important in ensuring that all of your plants get the proper nutrients is crop rotation. By rotating your crops every year, you will ensure that the micronutrients remain intact in the soil, and you will greatly reduce the occurrence of soil diseases. It is not hard to work crop rotation into planning a vegetable garden as long as you start early and follow a few basic principles.

Perennials should Stay Put

Most of your vegetable garden crops are annuals, which means that they are replanted every year. These are the plants that you will consider for placement and rotation when planning a vegetable garden. Other crops will come back year after year, and these are known as perennials. Some common vegetable garden perennials include artichokes, asparagus and rhubarb. These plants will not shift position, and this should also be taken into consideration when it comes to planning a vegetable garden. In most cases, it is best to plant perennials along the side or out of the way of the rest of the crops to make crop rotation of your annuals an easier task.

Understanding the Vegetable Families

When it comes to crop rotation and planning a vegetable garden, the first step is to understand the different vegetable families. It is these families that should be rotated each year, so that each group will be in a different spot for four consecutive seasons. The Allium family includes crops like onions, garlic and leeks. Brassicus are plants like broccoli, kale and brussel sprouts. Crucifers include many root vegetables such as turnips and radishes, and the cucurbits family encompasses cucumbers, squash and melons. Legumes basically consist of peas and beans and solanaceae includes tomatoes, eggplant and peppers.

By rotating these vegetable families every year when planning a vegetable garden, you can rest assured that you crops will receive the best soil and conditions to thrive throughout the season. Rotate your crops in these groupings, keeping your garlic and onions growing together and your tomatoes and peppers in a single spot. This simple process will offer the greatest harvest for your planting efforts by providing the maximum nutrients and greatly reducing your risk of disease.

Click here if you are looking for more tips about diy gardens.






Choose Rattan Cube Garden Furniture For A Unique Look

Published on September 10, 2022

Outdoor furniture can make an interesting statement regarding the homeowner. It can say warm and inviting or it can exude a cold, utilitarian feel. Rattan cube garden furniture combines the warm look of rattan with a sleek, modern styling not found in many backyards or patios.

Plastic and wood patio furniture used to be the only two styles that could hold up under outdoor weather conditions. Wood ones looked bulky and heavy while the plastic ones simply were not very comfortable for any length of time. The rattan furniture sets that can be found are so well designed that they can be used outdoors or even inside if necessary.

For years, rattan that furniture was made from was a natural material and these are still widely available, but they have their own issues with the weather and direct sunlight. Manufacturers saw these issues, took matters into their own hands, and created synthetic materials that resemble rattan but stand up to the weather much better. These synthetic materials look exactly like natural rattan but will last much longer under constant use.

Storage is always an issue when it comes to outdoor furniture and leaving it out for the winter is usually not an option. The cube design of these sets allow it to take up very little room by the chairs fitting completely under the table and if there are footstools with the set, the same can be said of them. This means it takes up less room, whether it is still on the patio or tucked neatly in the garage for the winter.

The sets will perfectly accent any area of the yard or patio they are placed in. Many of these will seat between four to six people, depending on the style purchased. The cushions are designed to provide hours of seating pleasure and are sure to be a big hit with people who want simply to stick around and visit for a while.

The outdoor designer will find these sets in a wide range of colors and styles to match any scheme they may have in mind. While the cushions are designed to accent the chairs and table, custom ones can be ordered if desired. The manufacturer’s website will have a section that outlines the procedure for this.

These rattan cube garden furniture sets are likely to be the best investment an outdoor entertainer can find. They are designed to be the most comfortable and practical outdoor seating and dining furniture around. The ability to store all the chairs under the table makes them great for smaller areas with little extra storage room.

For more further tips about interior design, check out Fundamental Siteworks now!






An Overview Of Solar Garden And Patio Lights

Published on September 03, 2022

One of the great benefits of the advancements in solar technology has been the introduction of solar garden and patio lights to the market. When they first were introduced, the lights were very basic units with limited capability. However, the growing research and development done to adapt the systems to the needs of a diverse group of customers has resulted in the ability to create beautiful garden design plans easily.

A large garden area often does not have the necessary wiring to support garden lighting. When the garden is wired for electricity, moving the lights and lamps is very difficult and changing the design or layout of the garden can become very expensive and time consuming. One of the great benefits of solar lighting is the ability to move the lighting at any time with minimal effort.

Depending on the size of the garden, an individual may want to utilize a full range of lighting options to create or enhance focal points in the garden. Using up and down lights in far corners of the yard will make a small garden seem larger and a large garden seem more organized.

Path lighting now is designed with a diverse range of encasements and system controls that allow a person to use the lights independently or as part of an overall design plan. Many individuals who wish to create a traditional garden maze using unique pathway lights find that including post lamps and other lighting enhancements in an overall system that is powered by a central solar panel is very effective.

Among the options available for solar lighting are lamps that are individually powered by solar energy or entire systems powered by a single solar energy panel with wiring running to each of the lamps and lights in the yard. When using a system that will require wiring, there are more details that must be addressed in the layout and design of the garden.

The solar systems are very cost effective and make it possible for an individual to develop garden design plans for seasonal presentations. Garden lights can be moved to highlight areas of the garden that are seasonally beautiful, then moved again when the season changes.

Talking to professionals who have experience in the layout and design of solar systems in yards will be very helpful. They will be able to give you information and details on the solar garden and patio lights that will be most effective and functional in the space you are designing. In addition, there will be some issues that may be unique to your garden area that will need to be addressed prior to installing the lighting.

Solar garden lights add to the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. Patio lights extend the opportunities for entertaining and outdoor living to the evening hours.

Looking for more tips about driveway? Check out Fundamental Siteworks now!






Concrete - How Concrete is Made and the History of Concrete

Published on August 24, 2022

Concrete is the most widely used man made product in the world. It powers a $35 billion industry, one of the largest on Earth. Concrete is used to make a variety of structures which you use everyday.

Concrete is a construction material that consists of, in its most common form, cement, gravel and sand, and water. Concrete is the most highly used man made product on Earth. It is used to make pavements, building structures, foundations, motorways/roads, overpasses, parking structures, brick/block walls and footings for gates, fences and poles. Approximately six billion cubic meters of concrete are produced every year, which is one cubic meter per person on Earth! Concrete commands a $35 billion worldwide industry and employs, in the United States alone, 2 million people.

The origins of concrete can be traced back to the Babylonians, who used a clay-mix similar to concrete. However, the modern-day form of concrete was not invented till 1756, when British engineer John Smeaton pioneered the use of cement in concrete. His ingredients included pebbles and powdered brick as aggregate. Nowadays, recycled materials are becoming increasingly more popular as ingredients in concrete due to higher public awareness about ecological sustainability and environmental damage.

The composition of concrete is traditionally relatively simple. However, modern concrete is often a complicated mix, ensuring durability and longevity. Cement is the main ingredient in concrete. Portland cement is the most common cement in circulation, which is just a basic mix of mortar and plaster.

Water is another ingredient in the manufacture of concrete. The w/c ratio (mass ratio of water to cement) is the key factor that determines the strength of Concrete. A lower w/c ratio will yield a concrete which is stronger, while a higher w/c ratio yields a concrete with a lower strength. Water also affects the workability and consistency of a concrete.This water and cement paste hardens over time, and both fine and coarse aggregates are added to provide bulk. Widely used aggregates include sand, gravel and crushed stone. Decorative stones such as small river stones or crushed glass are sometimes added to the surface of concrete for a decorative "exposed aggregate" finish, popular among landscape designers.

Ad mixtures are also added to a concrete mix to give it certain characteristics not obtainable by basic production. Admixtures come in powder or paste form and generally consist of no more than 5% of the entire mixture.Concrete has many characteristics including:

  • Workability – ability to mold to certain shapes
  • Curing – keeping concrete under certain conditions till it hydrates
  • Strength – high compressive strength, low tensile strength
  • Elasticity – relatively low
  • Expansion and shrinkage – provisions must be made for both
  • Cracking – abnormal drying rate will result in cracks
  • Creep – the permanent movement of a slab of concrete

Concrete is used for many structures. Mass concrete structures are structures built with one, giant concrete slab so that there are no weak points, such as dams or shelters. Reinforced concrete structures have bars of steel running through the concrete to ensure strength and stability. Prestressed concrete structures have a predetermined stress level which will never be exceeded, as they will only carry their own weight. Concrete is an amazingly versatile material. Whether you are building some of the largest structures in the world or a small pathway, the evolution and discovery of concrete has changed our world.

If you are looking for more driveway tips, check out Fundamental Siteworks now!






Find a paving expert for patio and driveway work

Published on July 27, 2022

Experience is everything when it comes to paving. Anyone can learn the basics to laying a patio or driveway. Things like how much fall to leave and how to lay a correct foundation can be learned. However with experience comes the ability to go beyond being a decent paver, to be a paving expert someone needs to have the ability to deal with a massive array of situations to get the best results.

It isn’t a age thing! Don’t just assume that an older paver will be a better one. Some men start as an apprentice at 16, by the time they are 30 they can be a paving expert with vast experience. Someone that is already 60 could of been doing something else his whole life.

So how do you find a real paving expert?

The trick is to ask people in the industry, this is something people rarely do. You are more likely to get a good answer in person. Visit builders merchants and builders yards where there are paving products for sale. The best people to speak to are the ones that use the phones and you are more likely to meet these in the office.

Go in ask for a catalogue and strike up a conversation. Steer the topic to who they would recommend, and take the advice. These guys are in contact with the public (customers), the workers (when they come in to buy materials), and everyone else in the industry. If you have already been thinking about specific companies, drop the names and you might get some valuble information. Once you have been given a name of a paving expert, you can then request that his team makes your patio or driveway.

You can also ask friends and family that have had work done. If they recommend a company, make sure you get the name of the worker in charge of the team. Just because one company has a top quality paver, it doesn’t mean that all the staff will have similar qualities. If you see a driveway being constructed, be nosy. Getting personal recommendations is invaluble.

Of course the paving company reputation is very important too, but use the above technique to find the highest quality workers. Some of the most popular pavers are in high demand so be prepared to wait longer for your work to start. It is worth waiting an extra month if it means you have better surface that lasts years longer in the future.

For more driveway tips, check out Fundamental Siteworks now!






What are Moving Brokers?

Starting the moving process begins with getting a moving quote from qualified moving companies in your area. The most popular way of getting quotes today is by the internet. It’s quick, easy, and requires moving companies to reach out to you and compete for your business. The biggest problem is how do you know you are speaking with a mover or a broker.

What is a moving broker?

A broker is a middleman between you and the moving company performing the move. A broker typically owns no moving truck, a professional moving staff, or moving equipment to help with your move. Brokers operate as sales teams that arrange household moves and accept deposits for a moving company. Brokers can quote on behalf of movers based on the rates in the household movers tariff.

Going through a broker can cause a ton of issues on the day of the move. Brokers may hire an unlicensed mover, not find a mover for your move, or low ball your estimate that the moving company hired may not agree with. Brokers sometimes are not located in your area and have no experience answering questions about your move. Brokers will accept payment and avoid any liability for the move. Movers may not be able to sell your move for several unforeseeable reasons. Availability for your move may be limited.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) suggests that if you do decide to use a household goods mover, follow these eight simple rules to ensure the protection of you and your items. All household goods brokers must:

  • Be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA);
  • Provide you with the FMCSA "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet and the "Ready to Move" brochure;
  • Provide you with a list of the moving companies they use;
  • Use only movers that are registered with FMCSA;
  • Have a written agreement with movers they used;
  • Base binding or non-binding estimates on the tariff of the mover that will transport your shipment;
  • Reference in their advertisements their physical business location, MC number, and their status as a broker that does not transport household goods but arranges for this service; and
  • Have the mover that is transporting your shipment perform a physical survey of your household goods if they are within a 50 mile radius of the mover or its agent's location, whichever is closer. It is your option to waive this requirement.

To check whether your broker or mover is registered with FMCSA and/or check its complaint history, go back to the homepage on this website at www.protectyourmove.gov.

Have questions or need a moving estimate? Let us know! We'll be happy to help. Click here to know more!






Moving to New Jersey

Moving to New Jersey can pose so many questions that seem to either go unanswered or provide very little insight to helping you move. Questions such as where should I stay? How far am I from the city? Or what’s the best neighborhood for my children are just a few that actually need valuable answers. While all of these are good questions, it’s important to not overwhelm yourself and forget that you need to make sure the actual move needs to go smoothly first.

With so many thoughts going through your head, it’s easy to overlook or rush into the decision making process trying to check tasks off of your to-do list. If you feel like this is a road you may be headed down, don’t worry.

Protect Yourself Moving to or from New Jersey

Whether you are moving to or from New Jersey, protecting yourself and your items are important to having a victorious move. A few simple tasks can avoid your bank account taking a hit and a major migraine from occurring. Here are quick tips to help:

  1. Read moving company reviews
  2. Verifying that they are a licensed long distance moving company
  3. Getting a in person written estimate signed by the moving company

Avoid relying on phone estimates or the internet when it comes to selecting a moving company in New Jersey. Every day, customers run into movers that have switch prices because they have elected not to get an in home estimate. Make the moving company come out to your home and give you a signed in person estimate.

Verifying Movers License

Anyone can say they are licensed to do moves but proving it can be another story. Check with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs to verify licenses of all members. Another resource to verify mover’s licenses include the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. If you can’t find the listed moving company, move on to the next.

All long distance movers are requested to have a DOT number and an MC number. Check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration site to see if your New Jersey Mover is properly registered with the US Department of Transportation. Long distance moving companies in New Jersey should also maintain the required level of insurance.

How to Know When You Are Being Scammed

  • Moving company won’t do an in-house estimate
  • The price is too good to be true
  • Movers ask what your budget is
  • Movers are asking for cost/deposit upfront
  • Final price was more than double of the original estimate
  • Moving company refuses to unload the truck until you pay the additional charges

Rogue movers are everywhere and you need to take precaution before you end up getting scammed out of thousands of dollars or even worse; your items being stolen.

Switching to a New Jersey License

If you are finally settled into your new home, now it’s time to switch your old license over to New Jersey. In order to get the process started, make sure to have handy your 6 Points of ID and Address Verification before visiting a local DMV in New Jersey. If you are concerned about taking the road test again, it’s waived as long as you have a valid, non provisional license issued by the District of Columbia or any of the 50 states. New residents of New Jersey have within 60 days to transfer their out-of-state license.

Commuting in New Jersey

Looking for transportation in New Jersey? Not to worry because transportation to and from your destination is highly accessible. Whether you need to go to New York City or not, the convenience of traveling is within minutes of your home.

If you need additional information on fares, arrival and departure times, look into the below transit systems: NJ Transit

  • PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation)
  • MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority)
  • PATCO (Port Authority Transit Corporation)
  • SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority)
  • Amtrak

The convenience of the transit system in New Jersey allows residents to work in New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Finding the Right Neighborhood

When it comes to finding the right neighborhood in New Jersey, there are a few important things to look for. Like many, you are probably moving because of a job so it’s key to find a home within commuting range. If you have kids, you also want to make sure you find a neighborhood with a great school in the area.

There are a ton of other factors that play in to the decision of finding a neighborhood but if you aren’t sure where to look, we’ve compiled a list to help you get started:

State Resources – New Jersey has housing resources that are great starting points. You can visit the New Jersey Housing Resource Center. The NJHRC provides assistance in finding affordable homes for purchase and rent. Another great state resource is the Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA). The agency helps promote and build homes that are affordable and low cost.

Classified Ads –What’s now considered old fashioned, the classified ads of the local newspaper still post ads for home and apartment rentals. You can also check craiglist.org for recent listings that you can sort through based on how much you are willing to spend.

Online Resources – There are several online resources to find a home. Resources like ForRent.com or Trulia.com provide an abundance of homes for you to rent or buy. Get all the information you need on a home right from your computer.

Brokers – Don’t feel like doing the search? Brokers typically handle the leg work by researching neighborhoods, providing pictures, and detailed descriptions on homes that meet your criteria.

Word-of-Mouth – The cheapest way of finding a home is through word of mouth. Reach out to friends and family and ask if they can recommend some areas that fit your criteria.

New Jersey is very similar to New York City; it’s very challenging and time consuming when it comes to searching for a home. It’s key to stay patient and prepared to make a decision when you’ve found something that you like. Be prepared to have two month’s rent, security deposit, broker’s fee, and other fees associated with moving.

If you want a cost-effective way of moving your belongings, have a professional moving company like US Border Movers do the job.






Moving in the Summer

Summer. It is a season for sunshine, BBQs, trips to the beach, and shorts. It is also the most popular season for moving. Keep cool during your next summer move with these useful pointers:

Drink water

When your body loses more water than it is receiving, dehydration occurs. Dehydration can not only happen while being in the sweltering heat (sweating=losing water) but also while moving. The combination of sweating, lifting, and packing heavy items can really put you at risk. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of ice cold water and/or athletic beverages that contain hydrating electrolytes. If you are not the one packing and moving your items, be sure to supply your movers with water and snacks to keep them hydrated and energized.

Dress right

Flip flops, bathing suits, sunhats, and accessories (sunglasses, necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc) are probably not the best items to wear during your next move. These can cause injuries while moving or just be uncomfortable after a couple of hours of working. Play it safe by wearing a simple light-colored cotton tee-shirt or tank top, a pair of comfortable jeans or shorts, and comfortable sneakers with socks.

Keep perishables cool

Cleaning out the fridge before the day of your move is smart, but what are you going to do with those items during your move? You can either bring the cold items separately over to your new home and put them into the fridge/freezer immediately or pack them in a cooler filled with ice. Either way, just be sure to not refreeze frozen items that have defrosted since these items may cause illnesses if consumed.

Keep fans and A/C units out and running

Don't pack the cooling air conditioners and fans until you are absolutely ready to leave your home. Try to keep them running in your home throughout the day so you can have a cool place to relax after putting each box into the moving company's truck. These items should also be the first things installed and turned on in your new home so you can cool your new place down before moving your boxes in.

Be careful

Accidents can happen if you are careless and rush through your move. Lugging a couple of boxes at a time to make less trips may sound good in theory but can result in a major injury. Lift only what you are confident in handling, walk slowly, and don't be afraid to take a break. Remember that moving takes awhile to get done, so be patient and work at a manageable pace.

If you need help moving into your new house, then the US Border Movers company is here to help.






How much does car transport cost?

If you are planning to move long distance, the biggest question you are probably asking yourself is "where do I begin?" Long Distance Moving Companies are easy to find, but finding a licensed long distance moving company can pose a problem if you are not sure where to look. Everyone wants to find a moving company that can handle the job without the headache of hidden cost and more importantly, ending with damaged or lost goods.

Moving out of state the right way.

What is considered an interstate move? It means you are transporting goods across one state line into the next state. Different from international moves, interstate moves are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

How do you know if it's a long distance move? If your goods cross the state line, it is considered an interstate move whether the moving company has performed the move or not. This includes moving by plane and also by railroad.

Avoid hiring a local mover to perform out of state moves. Only speak with qualified moving companies who are able to perform interstate moves.

Find the right interstate moving company.

Your move is important to us. We have partnered with the right long distance moving companies to provide you with the optimum chance for a successful move. No matter the direction you are heading, there is a moving company ready to help you move.

Protect your move.

Understanding the details of an interstate move can save you from a whirlwind of problems. From knowing state laws to understanding your rights as a mover can mean dollars and cents to your move. With so many interstate moving companies around, it can be overwhelming trying to find one that you can depend on to provide you with honest and trustworthy service. ProtectYourMove.gov suggests that when requesting an estimate from interstate moving companies, it is mandatory for movers to provide you with the following documents:

  • In-home Moving Estimate - Estimates should clearly describe, in writing, all charges for services the mover will perform.
  • Order for Service - A list of all the services the mover will perform and shows the dates your household goods will be picked up and delivered.
  • Bill of Lading - A contract between you and the mover and a receipt of your belongings.
  • Inventory List - The inventory is the receipt showing each item you shipped and its condition.
  • License Information - USDOT numbers should be visible on all moving trucks. While not all states require USDOT numbers, you can still research licenses by visiting the FMCSA site.

If you are preparing for a long distance move across the country or a few states over, you will need to be in touch with the right long distance mover. Get in contact with long distance moving companies that are prepared to get the job done.

Hire a moving company you can trust, like US Border Movers.






How much does car transport cost?

Car transport costs can sometimes be less expensive than driving a car for the long-haul.

Car transport costs can be high, and it's difficult to know which company provides the best car transport service. But soaring gas prices and other expenses associated with cross-country driving, as well as the convenience of dependable shipping, may make auto transport the right option for you. Keep reading to learn how much car transport costs.

Car transport costs vary according to the size and condition of your car, the shipping season and your shipping preferences. For a cross-country transport, expect to pay a minimum of around $1,000, all fees included. This cost will rise quickly if you have time restrictions, prefer a closed carrying container or wish to ship a high-end car. Transit time depends on many factors, including pickup and drop off location, distance, and how many cars are on the carrier, but you can expect a regular cross-country move to take anywhere from one to two weeks. Most car transport Web sites provide free price quotes tailored to your needs, but beware of hidden costs, as these can take a hefty, unexpected toll on your wallet.

Car Transport Insurance

Though car transport costs can seem expensive, they are a small price to pay to have your car arrive safely. To this end, make sure that your car is properly insured for its cross-country jaunt. As mandated by law, reputable auto transport companies include basic insurance in the price of car shipment. This insurance should cover your car for the Blue Book value and protect you in the event of damage or theft. Be sure to verify that your auto transport company has an up-to-date insurance certificate, and make sure you receive written confirmation of your coverage. Your own insurance policy may also cover auto transport, or your insurance company may be able to offer you a short-term policy, so check those options as well.

Exotic Car Transport Costs

If you have an exotic or classic car, you'll want to choose a company that specializes in transporting those types of cars for your car transport needs. Alternatively, you can also choose premium services offered by general auto transport companies to ship your exotic, high-end or classic car. These companies will use closed containers and employ experienced drivers to transport your exotic car. You can expect to pay significantly more than the average transport costs for these services, however.

Hire a moving company you can trust, like US Border Movers.






Storage Unit Security: The Basics

Working in the storage industry as I do, I’ve had a Google Alert set up to email me any mentions of self-storage in the media. While I’ve been able to keep abreast of industry news this way, I’ve also been shocked to discover how many storage unit break-ins happen nationwide. Now, when viewed against the total size of this massive industry, only a miniscule fraction of storage facilities ever experience crime—and as we all know, bad news sells papers, so when something does happen it’s bound to be hyped by the press. But the fact remains that storage unit robberies do happen—despite how easy they are to prevent. The problem is a lack of customer awareness.

If you’re going to pay upwards of $50 a month for a storage unit, you probably place a lot of value on the things you store. And if you value those things so highly, you’ll want to make sure they’re safe. Here are some easy, basic tips that will make your storage unit virtually impregnable.

Choose the right facility: go for a facility that offers 24/7 video surveillance. Cameras deter criminals and help capture them after they’ve committed the crime. Ask the facility manager if they employ security guards at night. Some facilities feature units where the lock is built into the door—these are extra sturdy and safer from the elements as well. Any facility should be surrounded by a security fence over 8 feet high as well as a gate that closes at night. Climate controlled units are almost always housed inside one large building, meaning that there’s an extra door for a thief to get through. These extra amenities will often cost extra, but if you’re storing anything of high value then the expense is certainly worth it.

Get the right lock: we highly recommend disc locks. These are much harder to break than padlocks as the shackle is much less exposed to thieves and their bolt cutters. If you can’t go with a disc lock, find a padlock of the highest quality materials—nothing but boron or stainless steel will do.

Make your valuables hard to find: hide valuable items in the back, behind and underneath less valuable items like furniture. While labeling your boxes is a good idea for staying organized, you might want to make up a code for what’s really inside—thieves will go for a box labeled ‘jewelry’ right away. This is especially important as thieves will often target units they know to contain valuable contents—if someone sees you moving that box of jewelry into the unit, they might decide to come back and take it. Just don’t forget your codenames.

Change your codes if they get out: if someone else learns your access codes, you’ll need to change them right away. Divorce is a common cause of storage crime: a jaded ex-spouse might not agree with the judge’s division of belongings and could attempt to reclaim their property. If you’ve recently gone through a divorce, change your codes and keys to prevent this from happening to you.

Click here to read more useful tips about moving.






Moving During the Winter

If you ever had to move or had to help someone else move, you know how much of a pain and hassle the entire process is. Getting your belongings organized, packing possessions correctly, renting a truck, packing the truck correctly, driving the moving truck…the list goes on and on. The moving process is long, stressful and tiresome even in the best weather conditions.

The busy moving season is typically April – September during warmer weather months. As much as you plan to move during these months it may not always work out. What do you do if you are stuck moving during the cold, winter months? Below are some helpful tips.

  • Be Aware of the Forecast – Weathermen are not always correct in forecasting the coming weather but they should give you a good idea of temperature and chance of precipitation. Getting a jump on a move early in the winter will most likely keep you away from major storms.
  • Have Help on Hand – Have friends, family and neighbors on hand to lend help. The more people you have helping, the less time everyone is stuck out in the cold moving.
  • Clear a Path – Make sure you clear a path from your door to the moving truck so you can get in and out quickly. A clear path should also reduce the risk of slipping and falling if there is snow or ice.
  • Don’t Ruin your Floors – If it has snowed or is wet, you should cover the floors of your old and new homes so they don’t get ruined. Put plastic sheets or old bed sheets down to reduce the amount of snow, water and mud on the floors.
  • Wear Warm Clothes – Don’t pack your winter clothes if you are moving in winter. Moving around and carrying all of your stuff will keep your blood flowing but it will still be cold. A hat and gloves are also a good idea to keep your hands from freezing.
  • Heat Working? – Make sure the heat in your new home is on and working before you move in. Unpacking will be easier and less stressful.
  • Keep the little stuff handy – Shovels, scrapers and fully charged cell phones should be within reach in case you need them for emergency reasons. You shouldn’t have to unpack anything in order to use them when you need them.
  • Drive Cautiously – You or your driver should drive cautiously when navigating a large moving truck. Drive even more cautiously if the weather isn’t favorable. Be sure the vehicle was serviced before the move so you don’t have a breakdown on the highway in a blizzard.
  • Use Self Storage – Consider using a self storage unit if your new place is smaller than your old home. Self storage facilities are an affordable, easy option when moving especially when you are first getting settled.

Moving is rarely easy or fun but moving in the winter presents other challenges to people. If you plan ahead and follow these simple steps you may find it less stressful. Remember there are plenty of options to aid your move and make it easier.

If you are looking for moving services, visit us now!






Hired Hand in Moving Overseas

If you have ever experienced moving to a new home, or have seen or heard other people do so, you might have an idea on how difficult it is. Imagine how hard it would be then if it's from one country to another? With all the other personal issues to contend with, the least you can do is eliminate the worries of moving your things with you and getting the proper requirements for the task. This is where choosing a good international moving service comes in.

First, a basic background on these types of services. Most of them usually offer to help you in dealing with your baggage, namely your belongings that go with a new home such as furniture and electronic equipments. No doubt transferring them overseas will require a lot more means, and these companies will provide it for you.

One of their services is helping you pack your things. Basically, they will lend a helping hand in making the most out of the space allotted in the transportation vehicle. They will organize your things in the most practical way possible so moving them in packages will be more efficient. You also do not have to worry about your private possessions, as you will have the option of choosing the items for them to pack. You can also expect these services to be finished on time, as they operate on a set schedule.

Another service they have is actually moving your things to your new home. Most of these companies have special arrangements with delivery and shipping services. They in turn would provide you with choices as to how you want your possessions moved. Do you want it to arrive first in your new house before you? What are the valuables that need extra care? These and other shipping problems will be dealt with by their service.

If you are unsure of the exact place you will be moving in, you may want to hire international moving services that focus on relocation. Usually, these types have connections with real estate companies, and this means they can suggest you a good location according to what you are looking for. Plus, they will also help in the negotiations so you can be assured of the best transactions without worrying too much.

These are just some examples of overseas moving services that you can hire to ease your burden of going to a new home in a different country. Do not hesitate to look for them, as you will definitely need all the help you can get in this affair.

If you're looking for international moving services, visit US Border Movers.






Looking for Cheap Airfares?

If you're tired of paying too much for an airline ticket, we'll show you how to find cheap airfares and save money every time you fly!

The price of an airline ticket depends on where you want to travel, when you want to go, and how long you want to stay. Airlines do not want to fly empty seats. They monitor their sales carefully. If seats aren't selling, cheaper seats will become available. Keep in mind you may have to sacrifice some convenience in exchange for cheap airfares. Layovers, connections, and odd departure times may or may not come with the price of cheap airfares. Factor this into your search for cheap airfares.

Tips for finding cheap airfares:

  1. Plan at least 14-21 days ahead. Although it could happen, don’t rely on a cheaper fare. You may be surprised to see how much money you can save.
  2. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are low-demand days for flying, and airfares tend to be cheaper, as are late evening flights. Sundays and Fridays are high-demand days.
  3. Stay over on a Saturday night. You'll probably get cheap airfares. This is the airlines’ way of sorting out business travelers and tourists. Business travelers are more likely to pay premium airfares in order to be home on the weekends.
  4. Cheap airfares for overseas travel are generally offered in November and December, with the exception of the holidays.
  5. If there are multiple airports in the cities of your departure and destination, compare airfares at all of them. Often cheap airfares can be found by flying to a different airport.
  6. Save airline discount coupons. These normally show up in credit card bills or junk mail. You never know when the opportunity to travel will present itself!
  7. Don’t call the airline and book directly. An airline’s job is to persuade you to pay as much as possible for your ticket. Do visit airline web sites where you can often sign up for newsletters. Sometimes airlines make last-minute discounts available by e-mail or on their web site. If seats aren’t selling, they may “dump” them at the last minute.
  8. Travel agents can be a wealth of information, but they will not always find you cheap airfares. They will be able to tell you which airlines fly to your destination and will be able to suggest flights to fit your schedule. Ask them if they are aware of any promotions and specials. Keep notes on flight prices so you can compare your options.
  9. Check the Sunday paper of a major metropolitan newspaper for super saver and promotional fares. Some of these are really cheap airfares and possibly inconvenient, so make sure you know what restrictions apply.
  10. Check back even after you have bought your ticket. Cheaper airfares may have been released. Airlines have different policies and some will refund the difference. Some charge a fee, so check to see if paying the fee is worth the savings.
  11. Most airlines offer what are called “compassion fares”. These are available for deaths in the family and sometimes for serious family illnesses, also. These fares are usually 50-70% off the usual fares. Ask what kind of documentation is needed.
  12. Enroll in a frequent flyer program. Pick one or two airlines that you normally fly. Often you can pick up frequent flyer miles by using credit cards or patronizing airline “partners” such as hotels, rental car agencies, and credit card and phone companies. Read the enrollment agreement carefully. Airline policies for frequent flyer programs vary. To avoid disappointment be sure you understand the agreement. A word of caution: don’t get caught up in earning frequent flyer miles at the expense of forfeiting cheap airfares. The miles you earn may not be as valuable as the money you save.

Have you fallen in love with another country? Instead of flying there, why not move there? With US Border Movers, it’s easier than ever before to relocate across borders and begin a new and more exciting life.






Moving Tips - Easy Moving

Moving from one country to another is never easy, but when we are talking about moving from Mexico to the US or from the US to Mexico, things can get a little easier than overseas, a lot of companies can help you during your moving, but only a few are truly specialized on border moving. US Border Movers is one of those specialized moving companies that will help you with your international moving, click here to get more information about it. When you ready to move, and got your moving company set up already, it is time for boxing and getting ready to get on the truck, here are a few tips that may help you.

Supplies

  1. Rent an appliance dolly to load appliances and other heavy objects.
  2. Boxes - Try to box everything. The better you package your belongings the better they will travel. Boxed/square items usually stack better than those not boxed so please take your time and package everything properly. The more boxes you have the better your move should go. Make sure they have tops. We like free boxes the best and you can get them from liquor stores, supermarkets or your office. Our favorite boxes have handles like copy paper boxes, record boxes, and banana boxes. You also can buy boxes from a truck rental agency or moving company. Wardrobe boxes are the only boxes we recommend purchasing. These are great for transporting suits and dresses. You should also consider purchasing plastic footlockers from K-Mart or Wal-Mart for extremely fragile belongings. This will prevent items from getting crushed by the weight of other objects you load in the truck.
  3. Tape - We suggest purchasing 2 large rolls of 2-inch wide packing tape and possibly even a tape gun/dispenser if it is a big job.
  4. Clothesline, twine, or rope (Clothesline is our favorite)
  5. Scissors or a pocket knife to cut the rope
  6. Magic Markers or other marking pens. You will need these to label your boxes.
  7. Large plastic bags or shrink-wrap to protect your belongings.
  8. Newspaper, crushed cardboard, and towels or rags for padding.
  9. Blankets, quilts, and moving pads

Other Moving Tips

  1. Consider selling your unwanted items at a yard sale or donating them to charity.
  2. Disassemble all items you can.
  3. Do not ship flammable items or things that will spoil or leak. Empty the propane tank from the barbecue grill and properly purge the hose or discard and buy a new one when you arrive at your new home.
  4. Label each box with the room it came from and its contents. Color-coded stickers work great for easily sorting boxes.
  5. Load heavy appliances securely against the front wall of the trailer and secure them.
  6. Loose cushions, pillows, and blankets should be placed in plastic bags and used as pads between furniture to prevent rubbing.
  7. Mark boxes containing fragile items in large easy to read letters "FRAGILE"
  8. Pad all furniture with blankets or bubble wrap. Secure padding to furniture. When possible, remove the legs from the furniture and place all bolts/screws in a plastic bag, and tape it to the bottom of the furniture. If you need blankets most charitable organizations sell regular quilts and blankets for a very reasonable price. Home Depot sells moving quilts, and some truck rental places will rent them to you. Crushed cardboard also helps pad furniture.
  9. Secure drawers of furniture from opening during transit.
  10. Try to keep boxes to 50 pounds or less and always lift with your legs. Tape the bottom of all boxes to make certain they will hold your belongings. It is also recommended that the top of the boxes be taped shut to ensure that it will not open while being loaded, unloaded, or while in transit.
  11. Whenever possible, use the original shipping boxes for televisions, computers, stereo equipment, and other electronics. Boxed items travel much better.
  12. Wrap sofas in plastic and stand them on end to reduce the space used.
  13. Cover paintings with cardboard to protect them in transit.
  14. Pianos - We suggest hiring a piano mover to properly pack and load it onto and out the truck.
  15. It is dangerous and illegal to transport flammable and hazardous materials. If you have any flammable or combustible materials please dispose of them properly. This includes propane, kerosene, gasoline, motor oil, paint, turpentine, etc.

Loading The Moving Truck

  1. Load heavy items on the bottom, lighter items on top.
  2. Load items as tight as possible to prevent shifting, rubbing, or puncturing during transit; no spaces between boxes and/or furnishings. Space between items will cause movement, which may damage your belongings.
  3. Use your space well, pack everything high and tight.
  4. Tie everything off! Movement causes damage. Some trailers have wooden floorboards which allow you to secure your belongings and tie things off.
  5. Bulkheading - The bulkhead is designed to secure your shipment from shifting or falling over. The contract we will send you has detailed, easy to follow directions. Basically this is a wall that separates your goods from the rest of the trailer.





  6. Forgiving Infidelity: Can Couples Become Stronger After Infidelity? Yes.

    Forgiving infidelity is one of the most emotionally challenging decisions a spouse or partner can face. As a couples therapist, I spend time helping couples overcome the emotional aftermath of affairs.

    In fact, infidelity is one of the most emotionally painful and traumatic experiences that affect marriages or relationships.

    In my clinical experience, however, most affairs do not end a marriage.

    Is it possible to forgive infidelity and move on? Yes, but only if the causes of infidelity are examined, the couple can learn to communicate and resolve conflicts, each partner can recognize their role in the circular pattern of conflict, and each partner makes an effort to improve the relationship.

    Understanding The Causes Of Infidelity

    Forgiving infidelity becomes easier when both partners understand that affairs are typically caused by unmet needs, poor communication, and are a symptom that something needs to be improved in the relationship.

    An affair is simply an indication that some intrapersonal and/or interpersonal conflicts exist in the relationship and need to be resolved. Infidelity should be a time to reassess and reevaluate. For more information, read Why People Have Affairs.

    Understand That Forgiving Infidelity Is A Process

    Relief will not occur overnight. Upon discovering that your partner is having an affair, you may feel that your whole world has been shaken irrevocably. You may be devastated. During this time, it may be helpful to remove yourself in order to regroup and reassess. Come back when you are thinking more clearly.

    During this initial phase, refrain from making any drastic or irreversible decisions. Take this time to step back, regroup, and re-assess your situation. Do not tell the children, especially young ones, who are unable to fully comprehend the situation.

    After the initial shock and hurt, the next phase is likely anger and resentment. This is normal. Take this time to communicate your hurt feelings to your partner.

    The anger phase may last a few weeks but no more than a few months, as it is unproductive to continually bring up past indiscretions which makes forgiving infidelity impossible and prevents the relationship from evolving.

    By reassessing what happened, why it happened, and what you want out of your relationship, you can move forward both stronger and wiser.

    Has Your Partner Admitted And Taken Responsibility For Their Behavior?

    In order for the relationship to continue, the unfaithful partner must take responsibility for their behavior and accept the consequences of their actions. They need to understand the faithful partner’s hurt feelings and concerns moving forward. If the unfaithful partner is unable to admit and take responsibility for their affair, it is generally a bad sign with respect to future reconciliation.

    Improve Communication

    This is the only way to learn how to communicate and negotiate each partner's needs. Healthy communication resolves the conflicts that resulted from the affair.

    Poor communication is often a symptom and cause of marital affairs. Infidelity often occurs in couples that do not communicate well, and this disconnect leaves partners vulnerable to affairs.

    Communication within a marriage or relationship is often circular. For example, a husband may try to avoid conflict or express anger/dissatisfaction by distancing, which leads his wife to think he doesn’t care about her, which leads her to become distant.

    The relationship deteriorates, and this negative dynamic becomes self-reinforcing and takes a life of its own. Obviously, this is a recipe for misery, not a happy marriage.

    Two helpful questions that each spouse or partner can ask that will help resolve any conflict are “What am I doing to contribute to the problem and how can I change my behavior?” and “Is my current behavior creating closeness or distance in the relationship?”

    Does The Faithful Partner Understand Their Role In The Affair?

    A relationship takes two people. Marriage conflicts and communication are often circular, whereby both parties serve to exacerbate conflicts. The intention is not to place blame on the faithful partner, just a reminder that each partner contributes to the end result of any interpersonal interaction. Each partner must take responsibility for the relationship.

    Seek A Professional If You Are Stuck

    Forgiving infidelity is possible to do on your own, but professional marriage therapists are skilled at helping couples work through the aftermath of an affair. They can help improve communication skills, resolve conflicts, and help couples become “unstuck.” For it to work both partners must want to work things out and must put forth the effort to enable change in themselves and the relationship.

    You can also use professional services such as the kind offered by Are You Cheating to catch an unfaithful partner.

    When It Is Time To Move On

    If you have taken some time to reassess and reevaluate (a few weeks to a few months), took the time to try to work on yourself and your relationship, and still can’t get past the anger, hurt, and resentment, then you may decide it is time to move on. For some people, the resentment continues to eat away at them which makes forgiving infidelity impossible.

    Before ending the marriage, consider all of the implications regarding finances, children, family, etc. The bottom line, however, is that your personal happiness and self-respect must trump all of these other conditions if you are to eventually find peace and closure.

    In addition, if your partner or spouse has a history of infidelity, you need to understand that such pattern behavior is difficult to change.






    Who's the Best Sax Player in Vallarta?

    Four Contenders Blow Up A Storm

    It may not be the most pressing question in the region, but it is worthy of several nights of research: Just who is the best saxophone player in Vallarta? The answer is up to you, but here's a guide to help you.

    Tere Navarro

    Ladies first: Tere Navarro, the youngest of Vallarta's most outstanding reed players. Born in Mazatlan in 1977, Tere's family moved to Vallarta soon after, making her the only Vallarta-reared musician in this roundup. Tere began music studies at age 15 and the next year was given a saxophone and introductory lessons by a friend. Tere played for three years with Vallarta's municipal band. Her musical horizons really broadened when she started studying harmony, reading and improvisation with local latin-jazz bass player Julio Murillo. The big city of Guadalajara beckoned her for awhile, and she continued her studies there with a professional saxophone player and played Glenn Miller style dance music with Orquesta de Chanaco Guerrero.

    In 2001 she was back in Vallarta, playing with latin jazz group Montuno at the invitation of her former teacher Julio Murillo. Her stint with this group at Chef Roger's and Cuates & Cuetes brought Tere to the attention of Vallarta music aficianados. Night after night of improvisation developed her self-assurance; she emerged as a very competent jazz player. In 2002 Tere really broke through, establishing her credentials in the challenging jazz jam atmosphere at the regular Saturday sessions at Blanco y Negro. Jazz bassist Tito, who has very demanding musical standards, subsequently brought her into his trio. More recently, Tere has been studying and playing in New York City, but the cold weather encourages her to return to her Banderas Bay home during the winter season.

    Oscar Terrazas

    Oscar Terrazas was Vallarta's most widely roaming sax player: his principal job was playing with Fernandez, whose Guadalajara-based mariachi band plays a very busy schedule all over Mexico. Oscar finally tired of life on the road. Now you can catch him playing latin jazz at La Palapa, with either owner Alberto Perez or guitarist/singer Raul Simental.

    Oscar is best known for his soprano sax, although he plays alto sax as well. The soprano sax is a very, very difficult instrument to play well -- just ask any sax player who's tried one. They tend to screech and squeal. Oscar has tamed the instrument and has the most beautiful tone on the instrument I've heard anywhere. Ginger Tindall, one of his admirers, points to his "effortless, pure sweet sound, so effortless that I guess many people would overlook him."

    Oscar should not be overlooked. He's an excellent player. Born near Mexico City with a professional drummer as a father, Oscar started his musical studies at age 10. He went on to graduate from the prestigious National School of Music in Mexico City. Oscar's wife grew up in a village near Puerto Vallarta, and the couple moved to Vallarta in 1996 to be near her family. Oscar's work is featured on Raul Simental's album Rio a Mar, which is available at La Palapa, as well as on many other albums recorded in the top studios in Mexico City.

    Martin Montenegro

    Tenor sax player Martin Montenegro is a mainstay at Cuates & Cuetes on Los Muertos Beach, where he is part of the management team. Born in Durango, Montenegro arrived in Puerto Vallarta in 1994. He was attracted to music very early in life, figuring out the melody of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony on the piano when he was only four years old. He played piano and guitar pretty much on his own until age 20, as well as playing some flute during high school. At 20, he began formal music studies at the Escuela de Musicale Noroeste in Tijuana, with the usual courses in solfeo, harmony and counterpoint, along with three years study of orchestra composition.

    During those years in TJ, he played piano in a jazz quartet and eventually took up tenor sax in the early 1990's. His band played at private parties in Rosarito during the filming of the movie "Titanic", and he was soon commuting up to Los Angeles a few days each week to play parties in Hollywood Hills, a routine that lasted about eight months. In 1994, he travelled through several Mexican cities, ending up in Vallarta. A stolen passport prevented his scheduled return to the US, and Vallarta has benefitted from his musical presence ever since.

    Martin began playing saxophone at Club Roxy, which in those days was a hotbed of blues and jazz that attracted many musicians to sit in. Soon his experience in the restaurant business, which he entered at age 17, led him to full-time employment here. Besides now helping to run Cuates and Cuetes, Montenegro hauls out his tenor sax during the tourist season and displays his melodic style of jazz improvisation. You will definitely detect the influences of his favorite players, Stan Getz, Paul Desmond and Charlie Parker.

    Marcos Petrina

    The only sax player in Vallarta who's recorded a jazz album under his own name, Marcos Petrina came to Vallarta and even the saxophone through a very circuitous route. Born in Buenos Aires, Marcos studied classical piano for a few years even before he entered his teens, but he soon turned away from formal study. His love of music however remained strong. His younger brother, a rock guitarist by that time, eventually began to pressure Marcos. "He really influenced me," Marcos reveals. "He pushed me: 'You have to be a musician.'"

    When Marcos was 28, he went through a period of self-evaluation which led him to turn back to his real passion for music. By that time he had become enamored with jazz by listening to the large CD collection of his trumpet-player roommate. Marcos bought a second-hand tenor sax and soon found himself enrolled in the brand-new jazz program at a music conservatory in Argentina. Events took him to Los Angeles in the early 90's for a few years where he studied in a music school and with a private teacher. After a couple years each in Santa Fe and back in Buenos Aires, Petrina arrived in Puerto Vallarta at the invitation of a friend. Originally hoping to find a job in tourism here, Marcos found himself spending his nights at Club Roxy with his sax. Before long he was playing with Vallarta's demanding jazz leader, Tito Rodriguez. Marcos observes, "Good musicians here gave me a chance to play in a jazz situation, so I had to get better and better."

    I've personally observed Petrina's remarkable and inspiring progress as a player since his arrival here. Marcos' jazz phrasing is now rock-solid and he's playing with comfort and confidence -- an inspiration to any of us who might turn to music later in life. You can often catch Petrina playing with guitarist Ron Doering and with blues duo Don & Rhonda.

    Want to immerse yourself in the unederrated jazz scene of Mexico? Why not take it a step further and become a Vallarta local so you can experience it every night? Visit US Border Movers to learn how relocating to Mexico can be easy, convenient, and worry-free.






    How to Lower Moving Expenses

    Lower moving expenses with a little preparation

    One of the biggest contributors to costly moving expenses is lack of planning. The good news is there’s something you can do about it. These tips should work great for helping you get ready for the big day. The result? Less unexpected moving expenses and less stress (and it doesn’t hurt that you’ll likely save a little money in the process.)

    Get organized

    Create a “moving folder” with pockets and dividers. Place your moving checklist, FAQ’s, moving estimates, receipts (for tax purposes) and moving company correspondence inside this folder for easy access. Keeping everything in one place is ideal for avoiding forgetting or misplacing the important stuff—which can lead to additional expenses.

    Create a moving budget

    Base your moving budget on what you’re willing and able to spend, then determine what type of move you can make within that budget (i.e. self-move, ‘you pack, they drive’ move or a full service move). You can get a quote from US Border Movers to avail of the services you need the most while staying within budget.

    Downsize

    Deciding beforehand what you need and what you don’t can be a huge money saver. More stuff = higher moving expenses, whether your moving company charges based on weight or space. So, consider having a garage sale—not only will you make extra cash, you’ll save money too. If a garage sale doesn’t sound fun, donate the items and claim the donations on your income taxes.

    Lower moving expenses by staying ahead of the game

    Normally, the earlier you reserve your move, the lower your moving cost. Last minute reservations can sometimes result in additional fees. One to two weeks in advance is preferable with MoveBuilder (although we can normally do it with shorter notice). Planning ahead also includes planning for safe and legal parking—this could help avoid any last minute fees or parking fines.

    Allow time for your move

    While expedited and guaranteed transit moving services are available, flexibility with your transit time helps keep moving expenses down—since estimated transit times cost less than guaranteed.

    Review your reservation summary in advance

    Double check to make sure your origin and destination addresses, phone numbers and email address is correct. Then make sure all of the moving services you selected are included on your move summary. If you see any discrepancies, call your move manager to make the correction.

    Before you leave town

    Make sure to return anything rented or borrowed —like movies and library books. Not only will you avoid fines, you’ll avoid the nuisance of shipping the items back to their original owner.

    Contact your local clubs and organizations

    You’ll find that most will allow you to end your membership since you’re moving—but advance notice is often required to avoid extra fees.

    Cancel utilities

    Much like club memberships, utilities often require advance notice to shut off for pro-rated charges. Also, planning in advance for turning on your new utilities helps you avoid rush fees.

    Service your vehicle

    Car repairs while you’re moving cross country can get pricey. Before you start out, have a mechanic you know and trust check your vehicle out thoroughly to make sure it’s ready for a long road trip.

    Use up anything that can’t be moved

    Things like perishable food, cleaning supplies and propane can’t be moved in a moving truck. So instead of wasting food, supplies and money, plan a barbeque, use up the propane, eat all the food, and then clean up afterwards.

    Be present on moving day

    You, or someone signing on your behalf, will need to be present when the moving truck and movers arrive. If not, additional moving expenses will occur if the driver and movers have to make an additional trip.

    Prepare for the first few days in your new home

    Pack a suitcase with essentials like a few outfits, toiletries and anything else you may need while your belongings are in transit. Buying duplicates to get you through can get expensive.

    Although choosing the right moving company likely is the largest contributor to lowering your moving expenses, doing these small things can make a big difference. Have more suggestions? Let us know!






    Affordable Small Move

    Tips for an Affordable Small Move

    It might seem easier to find affordable ways to do a small move than a large one, right? Not necessarily. You may discover that it's more difficult to find ways to ship a small number of items. And by "small", I'm talking about moves that are less than a studio-sized apartment— normally "just a few boxes".

    The issue with these moves is often related to minimum weight or space requirements— where the minimum exceeds the small shipment's size.

    So let's say you have a 200 lb. shipment, but the movers have a 500 lb. minimum. Regardless of how much weight/space you use, you pay the 500 lb. minimum. Or let's say you stack your boxes up in the corner of your garage and know that you're only going to need two linear feet in the moving truck. If the minimum is five linear feet, you pay for five feet, regardless of how much space is used. When this is the case, you may find that the cost to move a small amount of items (especially when it's a long-distance or cross-country move, like Mexico relocation) can cost more than the actual monetary value of the item(s). Though sometimes sentimental value outweighs monetary value.

    So if you're shipping just a few boxes of household goods, and you don't have the ability to palletize them, your best option is probably parcel shipping. One of the more popular ways to do this is through the United States Postal Service (USPS). If you have the ability to palletize your items, shipping with ABF Freight System, Inc. is a great, affordable solution.

    Now, let's talk about small moves where affordable options are more widely available:

    *Tip: If you're flexible, choose an off-peak moving day; this helps lower moving costs too! Try to avoid the last week of the month and any holiday week.

    Moving one room of furnishings. When I say one room of furnishings, I'm talking about something around the size of a studio apartment or a dorm room. So usually this is like a small couch, bed frame and mattress, bed-side table, chest of drawers, small kitchen table with chairs and 20-30 small/medium-sized boxes. My best advice for a long-distance move this size is to use a ReloCube or the minimum space in a moving trailer. If your main objective is saving money, and loading/unloading help isn't necessary, you can lower your price significantly by choosing a U-Pack terminal to terminal move. That means you load all of your belongings into the ReloCube or trailer at the closest service center and you unload your belongings at the destination service center.

    Moving a one-bedroom apartment. Similar to a studio apartment, a good option for moving a one-bedroom apartment affordably is to use ReloCubes or trailer space. In a move this size, you'll likely need two ReloCubes or 6-7 linear feet of the trailer. Of course, this all depends on what's actually inside your home. If it's a sparsely furnished one-bedroom apartment you may be able to fit into less space.

    Like I mentioned previously, keep in mind that if you're shipping commercially, if you're shipping new items, or if your items are palletized, there are affordable shipping options available through ABF Freight System, Inc.

    Have questions or need a moving estimate? Let us know! We'll be happy to help. Click here to know more!






    Quality is all about people

    Stamp quality

    High-tech is in chaos. Something similar is happening in hospitals (health care in general), manufacturing, education and the list goes on. While each has focused on saving money, the financial problems have magnified. What happens to quality in the midst of this? Marvin Weisbord, author of Productive Workplaces, has an interesting perspective. "If you focus on saving money as a way of improving quality, expenses go up and quality goes down. If you focus on your people as a way of improving quality, quality goes up and costs go down.”

    There has to be a better way. How leaders manage is far more significant than the work that they do. How a leader builds support for change or direction, how he handles a cutback, how he inspires and how he values his workforce are transparent to the entire population in the organization. His attitude about what is important is the very thing that drives quality. If he doesn't value his people they in turn won't value their work. From the bottom looking up, what people see is that they really are dispensable and therefore not important. Quality work is a result of how they feel about themselves in the context of the organization that they work in. If they perceive themselves to be valued less, they put less effort into the quality of their work.

    You already know that quality is critical to customer satisfaction. The result of poor quality in product or service is fewer sales. Fewer sales mean reorganization. Reorganization means layoffs and fewer people managing the day-to-day operations. Consider what you have without your employees – a structure without life – no product, no sales, no profit, no growth and no viable economy. How do we create productive workplaces in the midst of a downturn? How do we turn it around? Where does a leader begin?

    Following are a few thoughts that came from one of my mentors, the late W. Edwards Deming, well known for the 14 principles of quality management.

    When a leader is bringing about a major, or even moderate change he needs to take into account what Deming calls "Profound Knowledge” – success depends on four things. He needs to understand how his employees think, how they learn, and the system in which they work. There also is a need for a process of measurement. Operational managers across North America adopted the ‘quick fix' method to bring about change and focused on measurement only. With Profound Knowledge in mind I have listed some steps to help leaders maintain high levels of quality in the midst of what seems like chaos.

    Pay attention to your people. Find ways to ask them directly about what they are dealing with. Identify their real beliefs. Don't assume you know their situation as a result of speaking with their managers. Let them know when talking with them that you don't have all the answers. They will then be more willing to tell you what's really happening at the front line. Leaders need to know this first-hand to make good decisions about moving the company forward.

    Look beyond your organization. Dr. Deming often noted, "Systems can't see themselves. They need people from inside and from outside their system to help them stay focused and in integrity. To help your workforce commit to change, consider using an outside facilitator that doesn't know your political situation. Make sure this person is skilled in managing the people side of change.

    Recognize the dependency on quantitative measurement. If you're focusing on numbers alone or discrediting anything without numerical proof you're missing a major piece. Expand measurement to include both quantitative and qualitative measurements. Qualitative measurements are inherent in people's stories about what they believe to be true in their organization. Remember that perception is their reality. If they think you don't care then they are going to give less.

    Examine the real costs. People respond according to what is going on inside them – worry, fear, anger and distorted perceptions that result from downsizing. Develop a method of tallying these qualitative items that always impact the bottom line. Go back to the first item so you can take into account the human side of change.

    Management's role is to create an environment where quality can flourish. When a piece of equipment breaks there is a plethora of people that appear to correct it. When a team is dealing with turf issues or role responsibilities as a result of downsizing, expansion, takeover or a merger, a similar process is rarely available. In response to employee attitudes and people problems on a team, leaders often react without full awareness of the financial impact on their actions. You have an opportunity here. Shift can happen depending on how you manage it. Take one step at a time with the direction intact. Just do it.

    One good idea to get your whole team in the right direction and pass your message clearly to all of them while you socialize and improve your relationships is to make an event with a motivational speaker. If you are looking for a good professional to help you with this, try checking Richard Jadick.





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    Relocation Of Your Business

    Many factors enter into the decision to relocate a business. A business can be thought of in terms of three components:

    1. the production of a product and/or service
    2. the marketing of that product/service
    3. the customers who consume it

    Each of these components will impact the decision to move. (Note: the distinction between product and service is irrelevant in this general context -- whether a business sells a product or a service, it is in any case producing something.)

    On the production side, one must look at the availability of resources, both human and otherwise, the legal and regulatory climate as it relates to one's industry, the facilities necessary to accomplish production, and the resultant cost. The resources and regulatory climates of various locales will be dealt with at length in another section of this site. But it is relevant here to consider a few key points with respect to facility planning.

    On the production side, one must look at the availability of resources, both human and otherwise, the legal and regulatory climate as it relates to one's industry, the facilities necessary to accomplish production, and the resultant cost. The resources and regulatory climates of various locales will be dealt with at length in another section of this site. But it is relevant here to consider a few key points with respect to facility planning.

    • Location
    • Size
    • Parking
    • Transportation
    • Availability of power, communications and supplies that include personnel, production materials, and miscellaneous vendor services, e.g., security systems, waste removal, office vending, insurance, plants/art/landscaping, etc.
    • Zoning
    • Layout and Design (i.e., architectural issues, including selection of an architect)
    • Telephone and Network infrastructure
    • Furniture and Equipment (lease versus purchase)

    On the marketing side, growth objectives must be examined in the light of market conditions and competition. Of course, the availability of marketing personnel will be a consideration and, as with production, various legal, regulatory and facilities issues must be addressed (again, the "production" of a marketing effort is not essentially different from the production of an end product or service, so the facilities issues are in general the same).

    In addition, the geographic relationship to one's market will enter the equation - involving maybe a cross border moving company. Consider two extremes...In the case of a mail-order business, the location of one's market is the nearest post office. In the case of a gas station, the situation is different. And, once again, this relationship to one's market will greatly affect facilities planning.

    If you need a professional company to relocate your business to your new shiny office, you’ll never go wrong by contacting US Border Movers.





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    Moving Resources - The honey moving period

    As soon as you move in, identify and post local emergency numbers in a place where everyone can find them. Plan your fire escape route and review it with your children. Introduce your children to your neighbors; neighbors can be helpful in making sure your children are safe in your new neighborhood. You must make an expert moving process.

    Make sure smoke detectors have new batteries, and place a fire extinguisher on each floor of your new home. Finally, consider adding a carbon monoxide detector to your home; doing so can save lives. Your home has many systems that keep it running for you. Make sure you know where the following are located:

    • Main electrical switch
    • Main cutoff valve for water and gas
    • Circuit breakers
    • Hot water heater thermostat

    There is sure to be a time when you will need some basic tools to fix, hang, or assemble something. Organize a small toolbox so that you will be prepared. With the following tools you should be able to handle all the small problems that may arise:

    • Batteries
    • Screwdrivers
    • Level
    • Plunger
    • Pliers
    • Sandpaper
    • Power drill (handheld)
    • Utility knife
    • Tape measure
    • Crescent wrench
    • Claw hammer
    • Ladder
    • Flashlight
    • Nails and screws

    If you need help moving into your new house, then the US Border Movers company is here to help.





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    A Closer Look: What Is Strategic Human Resource Management

    What is strategic human resource management? Great hr companies like Solvo Global know all about it. Human Resource Management is the part of the organization that is concerned with the ‘people’. Its role is to provide assistance in HRM matters to line employees, or those directly involved in producing organization’s goods and services.

    Every organization is comprised of people. Acquiring their services, developing their skills, motivating them to high levels of performance, and ensuring that they continue to maintain their commitment to the organization are essential to achieving organizational objectives. This is true regardless of the type of organization – government, business,, education, health, recreation, or social action. Getting and keeping good people is critical to the success of every organization.

    HRM consists of four main functions:

    • Staffing
    • Training and development
    • Motivation
    • Maintenance

In less academic terms, one can say that HRM is made up of four activities:

  • Getting people
  • Preparing them
  • Stimulating them
  • Keeping them

HRM Skills

What skills and competencies are necessary for successful performance in HRM? It is extremely difficult to pinpoint exactly what competencies will serve best when dealing with the uncertainties of human behavior. But one can turn to the certifying body in HRM for answers.

Specifically, the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) suggests that certified HR practitioners must have exposure and an understanding in six specific areas of the field. These include:

  • Management practices
  • Selection and placement
  • Training and development
  • Compensation and benefits
  • Employee and labor relations
  • Health, safety, and security

Let's briefly look at each one.

Management Practices

As a subset of management, HRM practitioners are required to have a general understanding of the field of management, its history and theories, and the trends and their implications that exist today. This is especially true for those relating to the behavioral component.

Selection and Placement

HRM practitioners require an understanding of how jobs are filled, the various methods of recruiting candidates, and the selection process. Emphasis in this area is on making good decisions about job candidates that use valid and reliable measures.

Training and Development

For employees to be successful in an organization, they must be trained in the latest technologies and skills relevant to their current job. This means an understanding of adult learning methodologies, relating training efforts to organizational goals, and evaluating the effort.

Compensation and Benefits

One of the chief reasons people work is to fulfill needs. Intrinsic or extrinsic aside, one major need is compensation and benefits. Yet these offerings are probably the most expensive offerings with respect to the employment relationship. As such, the HRM practitioner must understand the intricacies involved in establishing an effective, yet cost-effective compensation and benefits package.

Employee and Labor Relations

Working with employees requires an understanding of what makes employees function. Satisfying monetary needs alone will not have a lasting impact. Employees need to be kept informed and have an avenue in which to raise suggestions or complaints. When the case involves unionized workers, the HRM/Labor Relations practitioner must understand the various laws that affect the labor and management work relationship.

Health, Safety and Security

So what is strategic human resource management’s role in health and safety? A basic need of individuals is the safety one must feel at the workplace. This means the freedom from physical and emotional harm. Mechanisms must be in place to provide a safe work environment for employees. The program must permit the employee to seek assistance for those things affecting their happiness. This is important for successful human resource management.





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Moving Resources - Make Safety Priority As Soon As You Move In

You've been through the rigors of mortgage applications, stressful negotiations, what felt like the never-ending closing process, and the physical and emotional demands of moving into your new house, which an expert moving company may help to ease your moving hassle. While you look forward to the fun part of getting your house together, it's important to make the safety of your family a priority by protecting against potential fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and break-ins.

Fire is the second leading cause of unintentional death in the home, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Nearly 3,200 people die in residential fires each year, and there are more than 390,000 residential fires reported to fire departments.

Once you move into your new house, replace the batteries in the smoke alarms and make sure they're working properly.

Although 90 percent of homes in the United States have smoke alarms installed, the CPCS says that typically about 20 percent of those are not working because the battery is dead or missing.

"Smoke alarms can save lives, but they won't work if they are not maintained," CPSC Chairwoman Ann Brown said last year during the daylight-saving time campaign urging Americans to change their batteries. "They should be tested monthly, and the batteries should be replaced at least once a year or when they make a "chirping" sound."

Once you determine your smoke detector is operating properly, carefully study the floor plan of your house and devise an emergency escape plan.

Meanwhile, it's also important to install a carbon monoxide detector if your new house doesn't have one. Every year more than 200 Americans die from carbon monoxide produced by fuel-burning appliances, including furnace, ranges, water heaters, and room heaters.

Carbon monoxide poisoning triggers flu-like symptoms -- headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness.

The CPSC recommends you install appliances according to the manufacturer's instructions and local building codes. You should also have your heating system -- including chimneys and vents -- inspected and serviced annually. Be sure the inspector checks your chimney and flue for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections.

The second thing you should do is install a carbon monoxide detector/alarm that meets the requirements of the current UL standard 2034 or the IAS 6-96 standard. Install the alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home.

Meanwhile, the FBI says that three out of four houses will be burglarized in the next four years, and that the average property loss is more than $1,000.

Some 28 percent of burglaries are made without force, meaning through an open door or window, which underscores the importance of locking your doors and windows, even if you're only away for five minutes.

Of the 1.2 million burglaries that occur each year, many are avoidable. In fact, nine out of 10 home break-ins could have been prevented if homeowners knew how to burglar proof their homes, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

So as you unpack, you should also do everything you can to thwart would-be burglars, including:

Think about the layout of your front room. Avoid placing valuables in front of a window -- they can probably be seen from the street and entice burglars.

Make sure all doors and windows have locks. If they don't, go to your local hardware store and purchase locks. Your doors should have deadbolt locks with a one-inch throw and reinforced strike plate.

If you have sliding glass doors, place a metal rod or piece of plywood in the track to prevent an intruder from forcing the door open.

Always lock the door to your attached garage.

Examine your outdoor lighting system. If your house isn't well lighted, you can install low-voltage outdoor lighting.

If needed, trim the shrubbery near your home's entrance and walkway. This prevents a would-be burglar from hiding in tall, bushy foliage.

Find out if your neighborhood has a community watch program. If it does, join it; if it doesn't, think about starting your own. Visit usaonwatch.org for more information.

Consider a security alarm. If your house already has an alarm system, ask a professional to examine it to make sure it's working properly. If you don't have one, think about getting one. The International Association of Police Chiefs says a professionally installed, monitored alarm system is useful in deterring crime and providing peace of mind to homeowners.

Learn more about how you can move your equipment with the help of a professional moving company across the US.






Five Steps for Sealing Your Concrete Driveway

We are not going to beat around the bush about sealing your concrete driveway. That’s not what you are here for. With that here are our 5 steps to seal your concrete driveway.

Step 1. Let the Concrete Cure

In most cases, freshly poured concrete cannot be sealed. It must cure for 21-30 days prior to application of a penetrating sealer. There are newer products on the market today that will allow you to seal concrete as soon as it is set up enough to walk on.

Step 2. Clean the Driveway

Sweep off any loose debris such as dirt, mud and leaves from the driveway. If there are any oil or grease stains, these should be removed to the best of your ability with a pressure washer and a quality degreaser.

Step 3. Allow the Concrete to Dry

Most water-based sealers need to have the concrete dry for 24 hours prior to application. No rain should fall within this 24-hour time period. This will prevent the dilution of the sealer and ensure that the maximum amount gets into the concrete substrate itself.

Step 4. Spray, Roll or Brush on the Sealer

It doesn’t really matter which method of application is used, but of course, a roller is faster than a brush and a pump-up garden sprayer is faster than a roller. No other special equipment is needed. You do not need to worry about getting it onto plants or grass. If any gets onto metal or windows, wash it off immediately with soapy water and a sponge.

Apply only enough concrete sealer that a slight whitish color is seen. Any ponding of material should be spread evenly prior to drying with the above-mentioned brush or roller.

Step 5. Keep Rain and Traffic off of it for 24 hours

The sealer will dry in 1-4 hours but it is a good idea to keep cars and traffic off of the driveway for 24 hours. The application should occur when rain is not in the forecast for 24 hours after application to give the sealer plenty of time to penetrate and seal.

Once cured the sealer becomes an integral component of the concrete driveway. A properly sealed concrete driveway will give years of protection from damage. If your concrete is old and ugly, there are sealers available that allow us to colour the driveway and seal it at the same time.

Are you looking for more tips about the driveway? Check out Fundamental Siteworks now!






Bring A Feeling Of Space And Tranquility In Your Home With Paint Color

There are certain perks to having a small home. They are easier to maintain, there’s less cleaning up to do, and the bills for lighting and heating are much friendlier, not to mention that priceless feeling of cozy intimacy. Yet, it can also feel suffocating and uncomfortable. The good news is that there are some simple tricks which can bring a sense of tranquility and space to a small home.

In a nutshell, it's all about carefully organizing your space, getting rid of the clutter and using multi-purpose furniture, like a chest that also works as a coffee table. And, most importantly, it's about creating optical illusions through the intelligent use of lights and colors. All this is common sense, but when it comes to putting it into practice, things get a little more complicated. So here are a few tips and tricks for applying these wonderfully effective and convenient solutions. Once again, color makes a world of difference. The basic principle is to stick to one color scheme and just play with tone-on-tone layerings, since a multitude of colors, though potentially spectacular in larger spaces, will only make a smaller home seem fragmented and cluttered.

In order to get the maximum out of this trick, your furniture should also align to the same colour scheme, as it will seem to blend with the walls and add to the illusion of size. But changing your furniture for this purpose might be too costly. The more sensible thing to do is to just paint the walls in a color that matches the furniture. Also, painting the walls of all adjacent rooms in the exact same shade is a very good idea, as it gives the sensation that distinct rooms flow into each other. And identical flooring would be the perfect last touch.

Albedo is the different reflective power of various colours. This is just a fancy way of saying that dark colours absorb light, while light colours reflect it. Subsequently, the sunbeams that bounce off of light colored surfaces make a room seem larger and brighter, as opposed to dark surfaces that will make your space look smaller than it actually is. And there are many other factors that make a medium sized room look small. The imbalance created by a very high ceiling, to name just one. Though it seems improbable, colors can help fix that too. All you need to do is paint the ceiling in a warm, dark color and the walls in a light hue from the same chromatic scheme. This will make the ceiling look closer to the ground, especially if the floor is in the same dark color. One last touch that can enhance this effect is to prolong the ceiling color somewhere on one of the walls. On the trims, for instance.

Here’s one more trick fresh out of the oven. Use stripes. You already know that, when used wisely, thin vertical stripes tend to elongate and give a more slender feel to your figure. They work just as well in interior design. And horizontal stripes are a different way of solving the previous problem, that of ceilings that are too high. A word of caution: if you go for striped walls, keep a lower profile in the color department. And you can put stripes on just one wall in the room, if you think it’s too much.

Last, but not least. Colors don't only look great, they can feel great. They can literally improve your frame of mind. Color therapists claim that red works miracles for people who need an energy boost, as long as they dont abuse it, in which case it can be quite agitating, green seems to be the color of well balanced people, blue is the ultimate color for serenity and yellow is supposed to be the color for brain, as it is said to encourage intellectual activity

For more tips about driveways, visit Fundamental Siteworks now!






Festa de Inauguracao - 01/06/2001
Festa co-produzida com uma das editoras mais consagradas a ni­vel mundial do Trance Psicadelico, SpiralTrax - Suecia que apresenta duas actuacoes, ao vivo e a presenca de 3 DJs.
Local: Herdade do Carvalhal - Marateca
LIVE-ACTS:
   Human Blue (sw) - SpiralTrax/Plastik Park/Flow
   NOMA          (sw) - SpiralTrax/Dragonfly
DJs:
   Bakke          (sw) - SpiralTrax
   Morg            (sw) - SpiralTrax/Voov2000/Katayama
   NOMA vs Bakke
   Tiago           (p) - Dogma/Pandemonium
   Pena            (p) - Flow Records
   Franco         (p) - Digital Society/Pandemonium

Using the Right Moving Boxes and Packing Supplies

Using the Right Moving Boxes and Packing Supplies

When people try to cut corners on their moves, they often do so with the moving boxes: they collect them from behind grocery stores, ask liquor stores for unused boxes, or take them from the company supply room.

While they might seem like good boxes, they might not be appropriate for your move.

Many consumers incorrectly assume that any type of box and supplies will work for their move. In fact, moving boxes are specifically manufactured for household moving and the packing supplies used by professional moving companies provide the best protection for your items.

Also, professional movers use standard-sized boxes designed specifically for loading and transporting items onto a moving truck with effective use of truck space. Experienced movers can determine the type and number of boxes that will be needed to complete your move. They can also figure out how to best pack these boxes in the truck. If you use non standard box sizes, the movers will have to do their best to try to make things fit properly, but it won't be as efficient if you use boxes that have industry standard sizes.

Moving boxes are manufactured using single- or double-wall corrugated cardboard. The thicker the wall of the box, the higher the Edge Crush Test (ECT) rating the moving box will have. The higher the ECT rating (shown on the flap of the box), the stronger the construction and the more items the box will be able to safely hold. The higher the ECT rating, the more expensive the box will be due to the greater density of materials used to produce the box.

Professional movers normally use moving boxes that have a minimum rating of 32 ECT (or capable of passing a 200 pound test). These ratings are industry standards and give you the assurance that boxes holding your household items are strong enough to survive the move. Boxes that have an ECT of less than 32 are not designed for moving and should be avoided.

One other quick packing tip -- if you pack your own boxes, you might not be covered by your insurance in case the contents of the box are damaged. Be sure to ask your moving company.

Standard Moving Boxes

When you're purchasing moving boxes, you will see them presented with three inside dimensions in the following order: length, width and height or depth. For example, a typical moving box with dimensions of 18x14x12 inches indicates the box’s length, width and height, from the top down into the box.

There are several types of boxes specially designed for moving household items. Normal moving box types and sizes include:

      • Medium (18x14x12 inches). These are industry-standard boxes that are versatile and can be used for a number of common household items. Use these boxes to store books, collectibles, kitchenware and most of your other household items.

      • Large (20x20x15 inches). These are all-purpose moving boxes that can be packed with heavy items, but can still be carried easily. Medium-size moving boxes are best suited for packing some heavy household goods along with lighter items.

      • Extra-large (23x23x16 inches). Extra-large boxes are best suited for light goods such as bedding, drapes, towels and clothing that you do not place in a separate wardrobe box. Don’t place too many items in a large moving box, because it can become unwieldy to lift and carry.

Specialty Boxes

      • Wardrobe (24x24x40 inches). Wardrobe boxes are a valuable time saver, because they allow you to move your clothes directly from your closets right into the wardrobe box. These sturdy boxes can protect your clothes from wrinkling or damage. When you arrive at your new home, you can easily remove the clothes from the wardrobe boxes and place them in your new closet.

      • Kitchen (8x18x22 inches). These are heavy duty boxes with a 44 ECT rating and are designed for packing dishes, glasses, china and cookware.

      • Frame (41x6x26 inches). Frame boxes are made to store and ship large picture frames, mirrors and any large thin items. You should always wrap the corners of these items with Bubble Wrap. Depending on the value of each item, you may be able to place multiple items inside a single frame box.

      • File (16x12.5x10 inches). Use these boxes to keep your legal- and letter-size files organized. File boxes are ideal for all of your paperwork, important documents, manuals, receipts and even coin collections. They have an attached lid and do not require tape.

Other Standard Packing Supplies

These items will also come in handy on moving day:

      • Packing tape

      • Labels

      • Box markers

      • Packing paper

      • Bubble Wrap

      • Sofa covers

      • Furniture pads

Shopping for moving boxes

As with all aspects of moving, planning is the important first step. After you have made a detailed inventory of the items you’ll be packing, purchase ready-made moving kits that provide the right amount of supplies for the equivalent number of boxes.

Looking for transportation for your furniture and household goods? Click here for more details.

The Complete Beginners Guide to Packing

The Complete Beginners Guide to Packing

How to Pack the Right Way

Over the next several days, we’ll focus on giving you step-by-step instructions on how to pack and move some common items like electronics, appliances, books, bicycles, and furniture. But we’re going to go a step further and take a look at some uncommon things – like pianos, arcade games, collectibles, pool tables and sewing machines.

Today, let’s start with some basic packing tips, just to get you moving in the right direction. Then, check back throughout the week because we’ll go into a lot more detail on specific types of items. And if we haven’t covered an item you need to move, please let us know!

These are items you’ll need to start packing for your move

      • Boxes in a variety of sizes (primarily small- and medium-size boxes)

      • Packing Paper

      • Bubble Wrap®

      • Packing Tape

      • Tape Dispenser

      • Black Marker

      • Utility knife

      • Sandwich bags

      • Small tool kit

And these are things to keep in mind while you’re packing

      • Use boxes made for moving – not grocery store boxes. They’re typically not sturdy enough and they sometimes carry bugs and/or odors.

      • Avoid packing in plastic totes. Because they can’t be stacked edge-to-edge they’re more susceptible to being crushed under the weight of other items.

      • 40 lbs. is the ideal max weight for packed boxes. Heavier boxes can be very difficult to carry.

      • Pack in layers by placing the heaviest items on the bottom and lightest on top.

      • Pack boxes tightly; the cover should close easily without bulging outward or bending inward.

      • Pack heavy items into smaller boxes (i.e. books, canned food, etc.).

      • Put a 2” to 3” layer of crushed packing paper in the bottom and top of each box for extra cushioning.

      • Add extra protection by wrapping items in packing paper or bubble wrap before placing it in the box.

      • Fragile items should be wrapped individually (in packing paper) and placed in small boxes. If you want to go all out and add extra protection, you could also place the small boxes into a large box and fill spaces with crushed paper.

      • Put small pieces like screws, bolts, remote controls, etc., in small sandwich bags and label them so you’ll know what they are and where they belong.

      • Before you put the final strip of tape on the box, give it a gentle shake – if you hear a rattle, use more crushed packing paper.

      • When it’s ready to be sealed, tape each seam for extra stability.

Now you’re ready to start packing! Doing your own packing, loading and unloading is a great way to save money when you’re moving long distance. And as you can see, packing can be easy!

Check Dumpster Wagon for more information.

Piano Movers

Piano Movers

Pianos make a wonderful addition to any home. However, when moving to a new home, transporting these instruments can be a hassle. Since all pianos are large, fragile, and expensive, the best option is to have professionals handle the move rather than doing it yourself. While many moving companies have experience moving pianos, you might feel more comfortable using a company that specializes only in moving the instruments.

Finding a Piano Mover

To find a piano mover, you can search online for piano movers in your area. Alternatively, you can ask the retailer who you bought your piano from to recommend a company.

After finding a few piano movers in your area, contact them to find out their prices and the services they provide. Though they should ask you about what your move will entail, be sure to let them know if there are any stairs or elevators at the origin and destination.

You should inquire about their procedures involving disassembly and reassembly, as well as creating and uncrating. As with any move, you should only use a company that is registered with the Department of Transportation. Also, you will want to know about their insurance policies, in case your piano is damaged during the move.

Moving a Grand Piano

In order to pack and ship a grand piano, the movers will first remove the lid of the piano and carefully package it with cardboard, pads, and moving blankets. Next, the apparatus containing the pedals, called the lyre, will be removed and packaged. The following step is to put the piano on its side on top of a skid board, which is a long piece of wood covered in carpet that allows the piano to be moved more easily.

Once the piano is on the skid board, the movers will remove the three legs and wrap them up. Then, the body of the piano will be covered in moving blankets and strapped onto the skid board. At this point, the piano and skid board will be placed onto a dolly and rolled out of your home.

If you have a hardwood floor and don't want a dolly's wheels going across it, the piano can be pushed across on the skid board. If the piano has to be moved up or down some stairs, this will also be done with the skid board, rather than being lifted or rolled on the dolly. Once the piano and all of its parts are wrapped up, it will be ready for shipping.

Moving an Upright Piano

Transporting an upright piano presents a different challenge. Though more compact than grand pianos, the internal mechanisms of upright pianos are more complex and easier to damage. Combine this with the sheer weight and size of these pianos, and moving them becomes an even bigger challenge.

However, as most pianos are uprights, your movers should have plenty of experience moving them. Unlike grand pianos, upright pianos are moved as is, since they don't have removable legs and lyres. Your movers will first protect the exterior of the piano by wrapping it in moving blankets. They will then lift the piano onto a skid board or a piano dolly and strap it into place. Once secured onto the skid board or dolly, the piano can be easily moved onto the truck and brought into your new home.

Setting Up the Piano in the New Home

When the piano arrives at its new home, the movers will remove its wrapping and reassemble it. Make sure the movers know where you want them to put it. When choosing a spot for your piano, keep in mind that they need plenty of space surrounding them. Also, as extreme temperature changes can cause warping to the piano's wood, don't put it too close to any windows, doors, or heating vents. Once in place, carefully inspect your piano for any damages incurred during the move. Of course, you will probably want to have your piano tuned shortly after it is placed in your new home.

Looking for transportation for your furniture and household goods? Click here for more details.

Style Your Flooring With Bamboo

Style Your Flooring With Bamboo

All of us wanted to have our home a presentable and stylish look all the time. In this regard, we do constant home improvements or renovation to achieve the beauty that we want for our home and one of it is the flooring. We have variety of choices when it comes to improving our flooring. We can opt to have it installed with a granite tiles, ceramic tiles, wood planks, or bamboo. If you have the bamboo in mind to be installed in your floor, below are some of the easy to follow steps in installing your sustainable bamboo flooring.

If you are about to install a bamboo flooring on a concrete subfloor, extra precaution must be practiced. Installing your bamboo flooring is closely similar to installing some other hardwood materials. You will be taking the same principles and processes with minimal variations.

First thing first, preparing your subflooring can be done first before anything else. Be particular enough with your subflooring’s condition when installing your bamboo flooring. Always make sure to have your subflooring free from any dirt, if it has any, take some time to remove all the dirt and debris and let the subflooring dry. Using a moisture meter can be better in order to make sure that your subflooring meets the moisture lever required by your bamboo flooring manufacturer.

After you have checked and allow your subflooring to let dry and made sure the moisture requirement was met, it is now time for you to prepare all the things needed in gluing your bamboo flooring. Make sure that the glue you have will work well or suitable for your bamboo flooring. Make sure that, not all kinds of wood glue will work out fine or suitable for your bamboo flooring installation. In order to save time and money, it is important to make sure that the glue you have in hand is the one’s recommended by your bamboo flooring manufacturer. Now that you already have the recommended glue, it is now time for you start gluing your bamboo floors. Always make sure that your application has the right sized trowel.

Gluing your bamboo floors in small intervals is advisable. Keep in mind not to apply small amount of glue at a time in order to avoid the glue to get all over the bamboo floor.

After following all the simple steps above, you will already have the stylish, long lasting, and eco-friendly bamboo flooring. If you are one of those who are aware of the current situation of our environment, then you will probably love to have some bamboo flooring for your home. It is not only elegant looking and long lasting, but also it will allow you to help save the environment in your own little way by using bamboo as your material for your home improvement projects like flooring, cabinets, decors, and more. We all know that bamboo is a sustainable source of material, as it grows fast and easily multiplies.

Click here for more home remodelling tips.

Remodeling a Mobile Home

Remodeling a Mobile Home

Some of us have chose to live in a mobile home for the simplicity of it. A mobile home, whether single or double wide, often does not look like it needs a lot of work. But, it can be startling to know how much work our homes actually want to keep us safe. This is why remodeling a mobile home is not something to look at nonchalantly.

Here are some options to think about before remodeling a mobile home:

Interior Remodeling

If you want to focus on the inside, then remodeling a mobile home from the interior depends on what needs to be done in your individual home. If you discover that your bathroom needs work, think about replacing both the tub and the toilet. In most mobile homes, the bathroom holds moisture in, thus creating dampness and causing water damage to the walls. You can go to any mobile home supply store and locate a toilet or shower/tub that will fit into the bathroom. Make sure that you take measurement, clean the area fully before installation and have the required instructions before you start.

Exterior Remodeling

If remodeling a mobile home means taking down the outside contents. This could mean the old vinyl or metal that the home was originally built with and replacing it with sheeting for insulation, then new vinyl for the outside and the roof. You can find rollable roof covers to replace the old ones. Make sure they are lightweight yet long-lasting. Replacing old vinyl will mean getting rid of damp or damage sheeting and providing new material that will not only keep dry but hold the heat in more efficiently.

Financing

With any project, it is significant to make sure that you have sufficient capital to fund your mobile home project the whole way through. Map out the costs and expenses for the venture. If you can’t do it yourself, in addition consider how much it may cost to employ a contractor.

The completed product for remodeling a mobile home ought to look very good.

Home remodeling software may help in the remodeling process. As with any other home, it will take work, money and time. But, your house is your haven, and you should make sure it looks as good as it feels. Particularly when it comes to your family’s comfort, making sure that the temperature is right and that dampness is not causing a problem.

If you are looking for a service that disposing waste from your remodelling, check out Dumpster Wagon for dumpster rental services.

Why recycle good moving boxes back into good moving boxes

Why recycle good moving boxes back into good moving boxes

It cannot be avoided, to move house you will need cardboard boxes. According to land registry figures 123,293 properties where sold in June 2007 and with the average house using over 30 boxes in a move, that's over 3.5 million boxes in one month, over 3.5 thousand tonne's of cardboard.

Approx 17 trees are needed to produce one tonne of cardboard, although most cardboard today is made from recycled paper/cardboard this has its own environmental impact. A large proportion of the paper and cardboard we send to be recycled is actually shipped abroad most notably to China to be recycled into boxes that are generally shipped back to the west.

But a solution to reduce the environmental impact of moving house is the brain child of Dumpster Wagon an internet based moving box supplier to the moving public and removal companies alike. "We have always asked customers to pass the boxes on after using them." says Andrew Scholey of eco-boxes "We became aware that so often this just wasn't possible. Boxes that could be used again ended up at the local recycling depot to be turned back into boxes. This is a bizarre scenario, recycling for recycling sake."

What eco-boxes have put in place is a system where by you can purchase any number of eco moving packs. Each one contains a selection of boxes 16 in total oxo bio-degradable bubble wrap and the latest in non toxic parcel tape. A marker pen which is made from recycled products is to be added shortly. If you require other items not included in the eco moving packs, each customer will also receive a 10% off voucher for www.helpineedboxes.co.uk when the order is placed. Each pack of which you can buy any number includes delivery to your home or work and this is the special bit. When you have finished with the boxes they will collect them from you* all you have to do is place the boxes back into the protective bag they arrived in.

What about the boxes I don't unpack or store in the loft or garage? "We don't need all the boxes back." explains Andrew "As long as they bundled together similar to how they arrived we don't mind". So if you bought 3 eco moving packs you can send back one, two or all three it's not a problem. The bubble wrap can be composted and the marker pen used elsewhere, just flatten the boxes, bag them up and eco-boxes will collect.

What happens to my used moving boxes? When the arrive back to eco-boxes depot they are checked and sorted. If they are reusable then they will be used in another eco moving pack otherwise they will be shredded to be made into packaging.

"We have always taken our responsibility as a company seriously, planting trees to offset carbon emissions for over 3 years now and sourcing products as locally as possible. This is a another way we can make a small difference but if it results in less industrial processes, saving water, electricity and landfill we feel that it is an opportunity that we cannot pass up."

So if you are moving house and worried about the environment or even what you are going to do with all the empty boxes after the move then have a look at Dumpster Wagon and give yourself one less thing to worry about.

Low cost remodel tips

Low cost remodel tips

Many people would love to remodel all or parts of their home, but feel they just can't afford to do so. With labor, parts and materials, and planning, the costs of remodeling can add up, making some people feel like remodeling is out of reach.

However, remodeling doesn't have to break the bank or your budget. There are many improvements you can make to your home inexpensively. The following are some low cost remodel tips:

When you can, do it yourself.

Many times, remodeling jobs aren't as complicated as they seem and can be done with a little practice and studying a remodeling book or two. While it's best to leave some things, such as plumbing and electrical work, to professionals, many remodeling jobs can be done by the do-it-yourselfer. To get an idea of whether you can realistically do a project or not, make sure you know exactly what it entails. Also, many hardware stores will offer free or low-cost workshops for certain projects, and these are very useful.

Make sure, however, that you also know the costs of doing it yourself. For example, if the expense of costly tools and how-to books ends up being just as much or nearly as much as a professional job, it might be a better idea to hire the professional.

Enlist the help of a friend.

If you have friends who know how to hang drywall, lay tile, frame a basement, or refinish floors, don't be shy about calling them up and asking them if they have some free time to help you with your remodeling project. This can cut your costs tremendously.

You may also consider bartering services; say, if a friend will help you with your remodeling project, you will do something for them in return, whether it's help them with their next project or something else.

Be on the lookout for bargains.

You can save a lot of money if you don't have to have brand new everything. Many times, people will sell practically new plumbing, cabinets, or other things you could use for a remodel for very inexpensively. Keep an eye out for classified ads; they are a great way to save money on nearly new things you can use for a remodel.

Consider small changes

If you don't have the money for a major home remodel, consider making small, low cost changes that can actually have a great effect over the look of the house as a whole. For example, repainting or refinishing cabinets and adding new knobs and drawer pulls in the kitchen is one way you can update the look of your home for cheap without having to spend a lot of money. Or, you can add new lighting or update the look of your bathroom with a new mirror or faucet.

Consider alternatives

You don't always have to go with the real deal; sometimes, you can get alternative products that look like the real thing and end up saving a lot of money. For example, you can save a lot of money on your remodels if you use granite tiles instead of solid granite countertops. Or, if you want wood flooring, you can save a fortune getting laminate floors that look exactly like wood.

The costs of remodeling your home, whether it's an entire floor or just a room, can add up. These are just a few low-cost remodel tips for saving money on the remodel of your home.

At Dumpster Wagon, they are designed to work with your schedule and offer flexible delivery options for your remodeling needs, home clean out, and disposing of your construction debris.

Sticking with a tight schedule, tips for getting back on track

Sticking with a tight schedule, tips for getting back on track

There are a lot of different things that you have to worry about when you are building. One thing that is very crucial is the building schedule. To make sure that everything gets done and that you don't end up taking more time then necessary you need to make sure that you stick with a tight schedule. Here are some information on sticking with a tight schedule and tips for getting back on track.

The first thing you will want to know is that when you make up your building schedule you want to make sure that you make a tight schedule but also realistic at the same time. You don't want to cut time because you want to get done sooner if cutting time isn't possible. For example when some one is sheet rocking and mud and taping if they tell you it is going to take two weeks that probably know what they are talking about and depending on what type of square footage your house is and what type of texture you are putting on the walls will also depend on how much time it takes them. If you only give them a week and then schedule the painter you might be in trouble because the sheet rocker isn't done and the painter is mad that you put him back a week. This is why it is important to listen to your subcontractors and make sure that you give them adequate time.

The first tip is to make sure that you schedule more than one subcontractor at a time. For example you can schedule the HVAC guys and the cement guys at the same time. Or if you are sheet rocking inside you can have your exterior guys doing the outside. Don't be afraid to overlap things like that to help your tight schedule stay tight.

The second tip is to make sure that if one of your subs says that they are running behind and they put you off a week that you still let the other subs come in that are scheduled. You can also see if you can get subs that are scheduled for the next week to come a week earlier if it is something that can be done before some one else goes. For example say that the railing guy is the one that has called and said that he is going to have to move you out a week. You have the painter schedule for the week after him. See if the painter will come in a week earlier and do his thing and then the railing guy can come back the week after and install the railing. If your painter is going to be the one staining the railing see if he can come back the week after to stain the railing after it is painted. There are a lot of other things like this that you can juggle to make sure that if you et of track you can move sub contractors around to try to get back on track.

Theses are just some of the things you can do to make sure you stick to a tight schedule and if you get a little bit off your schedule some tips to getting back on track. You will want to sit down and make a schedule first and see where your sub contractors are going to be best to come in. This will help you to get an idea of a time frame and help you to see if there is anywhere you can improve and make your schedule tighter.

Let Dumpster Wagon help you to stick with your schedule, we are offering you dumpster rental services which will dispose of your house waste.

Types Of Cabinets You Can Have

Types of Cabinets

In all home or office, cabinets should be one of the staple furnishings. Cabinets can be made of plastic, aluminum, vinyl and most ordinarily, wood. Beside the numerous materials that the cabinet is built up of, you can also appoint a cabinet based on its category. Here are some types of cabinets that you can obtain from a cabinet maker or a manufacturer.

First are the RTAs or the ready-to-be-assembled cabinets. Most of these RTAs come in low-cost prices. They are ideal for people who oftentimes move from one place to another. This is since they can be dismantled and reassembled rather easily. It is also fantastic for homes and offices that have constricted room space. In taking advantage of RTAs you must remember that the parts need to be fitted together decently or they will straightforwardly separate and split. Styles, designs and colors of RTAs are also moderately limited.

The finest of all the types of cabinets is the custom cabinet. With this category, you can genuinely design a cabinet by yourself. This means you will be the one to define how it would look and what materials you will be taking advantage of. You can also define its size depending on the size of the area where it will be placed.

Another variety of cabinets is the Semi-custom types. These types of cabinets are just built after you have ordered and chosen a design. With this variety, you can define your desired shape, size, materials, color, style and other data before the cabinet is created. Unlike RTAs and stock cabinets, semi-custom types provide you more personalized options for an affordable price. Additionally, when ordering your cabinet you can also solicit for other accessories and storage units to come with with the cabinet drawers. Semi-custom types frequently take about a month before it can be delivered to your place.

Another is a low-priced variety of cabinet which is the stock cabinet. The stock cabinet is likely the least pricey of all the cabinet kinds. This may be as Stock cabinets are bulkily manufactured. Similar to RTAs, stock cabinets are ready to install and use after pay money for. furthermore, they have specific dimensions, sizes and styles to appoint from.

How long it will take for your cabinet to be finished will rely on how detailed you created your cabinet. Having straight forward styles or designs will take a shorter time while thorough and more complex features and decorations will apparently take longer. Another fantastic thing about custom cabinets is that even though they may cost more compared to the other varieties is that you can really see through the whole process. And while it is being made, you can make changes with anything that you may see bad or unneeded.

If you are looking for dumpster rental services, check us out now!