Six Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Moving & Storage Company

Posted by sierrane on in Hiring Moving Company

Moving can be very stressful. However, there are ways that you can try and make sure that you get the right moving company for you that can help reduce the stress related to your move. When you are researching and looking for different movers, there are certain questions that you should probably ask them. Here are six of those questions.

1. Are you insured and licensed?

It is important that you have someone who is licensed and insured so that you can know that your valuables are covered in case of damage or accident. The mover should be able to give you a copy of their license and be able to show you proof that they are insured for moving your personal belongings. To find movers you can be certain are licensed, click here.

2. How do you determine the price you are going to charge?

Various companies use different methods to determine how much they are going to charge you for your move.

Many times, it depends on the distance, the size of your house, or other factors. You may need special services, or you might even have a long-distance move. All of these factors will determine how a moving company is going to figure out the quote for your move.

Additionally, some movers will want to keep your items overnight if it is a long-term move.

3. Can you specially pack some of my belongings?

You may have some things that need special attention and packaging. For instance, you may have artwork that needs to be crated, so it does not get damaged. Other things that need special packing include electronics, like televisions and home appliances. You need to find out if the moving company has the ability to package these and ensure their safe transport.

4. Can you store my belongings?

When you are moving, it may be necessary for you to store some of your items. You need to find out if the moving company can store your belongings, where they will be stored, and how long they can be stored.

Finding out where your items will be stored is important because you may need them stored in a temperature-controlled environment, especially if it is for more than just overnight.

You need to find out what kind of safety the company has and how your belongings will be secured.

5. Do you offer packing and unpacking services?

If you do not want to pack and unpack your belongings, some companies will offer this service. If this is something you need, you must find out if the company can accommodate your needs. This means that they will take responsibility for carefully packing all of your items to make sure nothing gets damaged.

Then, when they get to your new home, they will unpack everything for you. This will cost more to do, but it can greatly reduce your stress while moving.

6. Can you do a long-distance move?

You might not just be moving a few towns away. You might be moving across the country. If this is the case, not every moving company will be able to accommodate your needs.

It is important that when you call the company, you find out if they do long-distance moving before you have them come to your home to give you an estimate. Otherwise, you will just be wasting your time and their time.

San Francisco Movers Plan Weekend Getaway to Yosemite National Park

Posted by sierrane on in Yosemite

Needing to take a break from the city? Yosemite National Park, in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is the perfect getaway. Grab your friends and your gear and get ready to have fun, get in touch with nature, enjoy the scenery, and unwind. We’ve teamed up with Cheap Movers San Francisco (cheapmoverssanfrancisco.net) to bring you everything you need to know for a perfect long weekend getaway. Nothing says “team building” like a trekking with your coworkers into the depths of a National Park. That’s exactly what these movers do during the off-season to build camaraderie and escape the woes of the busy moving season. In October, after the mad summer rush has slowed, they park the moving trucks, halt the packing, and set out to Yosemite to get a little R&R. Here’s their take on this breathtaking experience:

Why Yosemite?

Yosemite National Park has been a protected area since 1864. It is known for its vast valleys, grand meadows, waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees. Visitors must stop at Tunnel View as well. The stunning scenic overlook allows visitors to take in Bridalveil Fall, the granite cliffs of El Capitan, and Half Dome. Plan to stop at Yosemite Village too and take in the restaurants, shopping, museums, galleries, and more.

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How to Get There

Yosemite is just over three hours east of San Francisco. The fastest route is via Interstate 580 East and CA-120 East. There are tolls along this route. The entire trip is 165 miles.

Where to Hike

The entire park spans nearly 1,200 square miles and has more than 800 miles of hiking trails. Arguably the most notable adventure is seeing the Half Dome via Mist Trail. It’s just over 14 miles round-trip and can be considered a difficult hike. The hike also allows you to see Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. It ends with the nearly 9,000-foot summit to Half Dome. Cables are needed for the finish because of its steepness.

The almost ten-mile round-trip hike along Four Mile Trail takes you along Yosemite Valley from the valley floor to the Glacier Point visitor center, where you can stop for refreshments. This hike is considered difficult. If it’s too much, you can take the Glacier Point shuttle bus back to the valley.

Need a more moderate hike? Consider trying out Glen Aulin Trail to the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. This eleven-mile round-trip hike keeps you at a decent elevation and takes you along several stunning waterfalls. There’s also a popular swimming destination at White Cascade four miles into the hike.

See a complete list of trails throughout Yosemite to see which one you’ll like best.

Where to Camp

There are thirteen campgrounds in Yosemite National Park. Where you want to camp mostly depends on what kind of set up you need and want. There are RV campsites or places that take you a little more back to nature. Showers are only available at Half Dome Village and Housekeeping Camp.

Beware, the campsites in Yosemite are in high demand. They will fill up quickly. Not all campgrounds require a reservation, but it will help to reserve a spot, or at least plan your stay of time. Five campgrounds are first-come, first-serve basis if you can’t find a spot.

Ready to see it for yourself? Plan your trip to Yosemite National Park now. Then, all you have to worry about during your getaway is having fun.

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What It’s Like to Move from L.A. to Lake Tahoe, CA

Posted by sierrane on in Lake Tahoe

I moved to L.A. after college like many other 20-somethings to pursue a career in acting. In five years, I managed to land a few small roles while working full time waiting tables. In Los Angeles, rent is expensive and with my meager earnings from waiting, I was barely scraping by, not to mention I had practically nothing in savings. One day, sitting in epic traffic on the 101, I decided I’d had enough. I had given my best shot at acting, and I was tired of struggling to pay rent, poor treatment from wealthy restaurant patrons, and spending hours upon hours in traffic every week. In college, I spent winter breaks working as a ski instructor, so I began contemplating moving to a mountain town with white winters and gorgeous summers. When I saw an ad for Lake Tahoe, I knew it was the place for me. Two weeks later, I said adios to L.A., called these movers, and hit the road bound for Lake Tahoe. I found a nice apartment (for a fraction of my L.A. rent), moved in, and started looking for a job. Now I’ve been here for six months and couldn’t be happier. I spent the summer months hiking local trails, and I’m looking forward to strapping on skis and hitting the runs this winter.

Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places in California. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, its boundaries cover both California and Nevada. Many people have summer homes in the area while others live there year round. If you are also considering a move here, here are some things you should know:

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1. Recreation and Entertainment Abound

This area offers its residents winter snowing and skiing, summer outdoor recreation and is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Nearby Nevada offers gambling casinos for those who enjoy this sport. Restaurants and bars are scattered around the lake, water equipment rentals are available, and there are constant events, such as fireworks and special gatherings that are open to the public.

2. It’s Easy to Get Here

Excellent highways provide easy transportation in and out of the region year round. The area can also be reached indirectly by air, landing at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, or by Amtrak, which stops at Truckee.

3. The Snow is Unbeatable

For the snow enthusiast, this is a wonderful location. There are a large number of skiing resorts in the area, including the well-known Heavenly Mountain Resort, which is located near the California-Nevada State line. Additional snow sports available are snowshoeing, snowmobile riding, snow tubing, and other similar activities.

4. Summer Fun is Limitless

In the summer, the lake offers endless opportunities for those who like things such as beach walking, scuba diving, swimming, sailboat racing and other water sports. The adjoining Sierra Nevada mountains contain countless biking and hiking trails as well as wilderness camping locations. Golfing courses are also available for those who enjoy this sport.

5. Homes Range from Reasonable to Pricey

There are some private cabins, apartments, and lakeside homes for rent around the lake. These vary from one to ten rooms. Some people also maintain summer or winter homes in the area. However, it is the true adventurer who makes their permanent home at this location. Permanent homes in the area range from a median price of $280,000 for a one bedroom, one bath, in South Tahoe, to a three bed, three baths, new construction, for $1,500,000. A gated home, directly on the lake, is listed at $4,350,000. However, it is possible to purchase a lot for $89,000 and build your own.

Tahoe City is quieter than many other lake locations, and it is possible to find employment in the many businesses located there. Also, there are opportunities to find reasonable housing. For the sports minded, this area of the lake provides countless activities such as fishing, boating, golfing, hiking trails, skiing, and snowboarding. Restaurants, bars, and convenient shopping are also available. However, it is a popular location, so you may find it too ‘citified’ if you are seeking a location that is more remote. When deciding to purchase a lot and build your own home, you can choose a location that is surrounded by beautiful trees. This makes possible to realize your dream of special construction and living where it is quiet.

You can listen to the birds and observe the deer and other wild animals. At the same time, it is not far from a golf course, the beach or other desirable activities. This is a wonderful part of the world where you have a choice of location and living the life style you desire.

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