Every year, about 40 million Americans pack their belongings and move to new residences. Some move for work; others new adventures, or to upgrade or downgrade homes, or to be with their loved ones… the list is long.

But however exciting the reason for a move is, the process of moving is never fun. In fact, moving is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life.

The good news is you can significantly reduce the stress by hiring a mover. And not just any a mover, but a competent mover.

Here are tips for hiring a moving company that will do the job right.

Identify Your Moving Needs

The first step to finding the best moving company is to establish your moving needs.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• How quickly do I need to move?
• Am I moving to another state or country?
• Do I already have a new place that’s move-in ready?

With this information, it’s far easier to settle on a mover whose services will cater to your specific circumstances.

If you’re moving to another country, for example, one of the first questions you should ask a mover is whether they offer international or cross-border relocations. If your new place -in ready, you need a mover who also offers storage solutions, because you might have to put your belongings in storage till the new residence is ready.

Licensed and Insured?

If you’re not diligent in your search for a moving company, you can easily end up with a fake mover. These are movers who’re not licensed and adequately insured to conduct relocations.

As such, it’s crucial to ask the movers on your shortlist about their licensure and insurance information. And don’t just take their word for it. Verify the information they give you with the relevant authorities or organizations.

With an insured mover, you’ll have greater peace of mind, knowing that your valuables will be replaced in case they get lost or arrive damaged.

Reputation Matters

Cases of moving companies holding clients’ belongings hostage or taking ages to deliver are not uncommon. Evaluating the reputation of a moving company is a good way to ensure you don’t become a victim of such cases.

Go online and dig up the reviews of a moving company before hiring. What past clients saying about their experiences? Does the company have negative press?

Be wary of companies with lots of negative reviews, even if they are properly licensed and adequately insured. As the old adage goes “a customer is never wrong.”

Cost of Moving

Moving can be pricey, especially if you've got a big home and your new residence is hundreds or thousands of miles away. However, this doesn’t mean you pay over the top.

Before settling on a mover, know the average cost of moving to your new destination. If you’re looking for a reliable source of information on the cost of moving, try this company.

Lastly, ask for quotes and compare. Be suspicious of companies that charge way below the average cost, as there’s always a catch. Also, don’t be put off by higher quotes. You can negotiate a better deal.

Put These Tips for Hiring a Moving Company to Good Use

When your time to move has come, don’t let excitement get in the way. Your primary objective should be to find the best mover. And with these tips for hiring a moving company, we’re certain you’ll find your ideal mover.

All the best and keep coming back to our blog for more lifestyle tips and hacks.

Have you been mailing a lot of packages lately? Be sure to check out these helpful tips to optimize your post office experience.

When trying to get an important letter or package to someone, the US Postal Service has always been a reliable and economical option.

Today, there are even more reasons to utilize this service as there are so many online tools to help you with important things like deciding the best packaging material, which service to use, and of course, how much postage you need.

If you are already using the post office for most of your mailing needs and want to make the whole process easier, read on for five helpful tips on how to ship a package.

Correct Packaging of Boxes

Knowing the correct way to package your shipment is vital to ensure that it arrives in the same condition as it left. You should always use a sturdy box that is as close to the size of the shipment as possible.

You do not want the contents to have room to slide or flip inside during transit. If you need padding, use bubble wrap, Styrofoam or tissue paper.

You may repurpose a box, but make sure any labels, markings or stickers have been completely covered or removed so only the information for the current shipment can be seen.

The overall cost of the shipment will be less if it can pass through the standard mail-processing equipment. Make sure the box is able to close completely and all sides are flat, with no bulging or gaps.

It is not a good idea to wrap the box in paper. Paper can get torn when going through the equipment and damage the box and potentially the contents.

The weight limit per piece is 70 pounds, and in most cases, should be under 108” in total length. There are some exceptions for retail shipments.

Be sure to use packaging tape specifically designed for shipping. You should not use plain cellophane tape, masking, or duct tape. You should also not use cord to tie the box closed as it will get caught in the mail processing equipment.

There are also free boxes available at the post office and online for Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express.

There are some items that cannot be shipped by the Post Office, including alcohol and perfume. Here is a complete list for review.

Shipping Methods

Each shipment must have a designated service. The options are Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service-Retail, USPS Retail Ground and Media Mail.

Choosing the right service depends on how quickly it needs to arrive, special handling instructions, tracking information and the contents. Priority Mail Express comes with $100 worth of insurance, but you can purchase additional insurance for any option. You can also choose to be notified when the package has been delivered and signed for.

There are even options available for Sundays, holidays and early morning delivery.

Also, did you know certified mail can be sent to a PO box? Check out this useful resource for more information.

Each shipment should have a clearly written or printed ship to address along with a return address. It is also recommended to put a card inside the box or envelope with both addresses in the event of a damaged shipment where the addresses are no longer legible.

Here is a breakdown of the various shipping options for more information.

Postage

The amount of postage required depends on several factors; weight, travel distance, and shipping method. Using the correct postage guarantees it arrives on time. Packages without enough postage will either be returned to you, or the receiver will have to pay the balance.

Calculations can also be done by the clerk at the Post Office at the time of drop off, or online. There are also other options available.

Postage meters are available for use at your home or business to make shipping easier and faster. Many postage products also offer precise scales for accurate calculations and accounting software to track expenses.

Flat Rate boxes are available in a variety of sizes for with Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express. Using these boxes guarantees an affordable flat rate for shipping.

Package Drop Off or Pick Up

We all know we can drop off mail or packages at a post office. There are also blue collection boxes at various locations for easy drop off on the go.

Packages can also be picked up at no charge during the regular delivery of mail at your home or business. You can even schedule a pickup up to three months in advance.

The post office now also offers PickUp On Demand. If you have a specific time you need a package to be shipped, you can schedule a pick up for a small fee with the post office. They will guarantee the pick up within a two-hour window. The correct postage must already be attached to all packages. The number to call to arrange pickup is 1-800-222-1811.

Mailing Supplies

There are a lot of supplies needed for the various shipping options, and many of them are free and all of them can be ordered through the online store of the postal service.

The Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail envelopes and boxes are free and can be ordered and stocked to be available when you need them.

Customs envelopes and declarations pouch for international shipments are available free of charge as well as a variety of labels. You can order address labels, tracking labels, certified mail receipts, priority mail stickers as well as special handling or fragile stickers.

You can order commercial invoices as well as COD forms and registered and certified mail tags.

For purchased items, you can buy pre-inked stamps that read “Confidential” or “Special Handling – Fragile”. You can also purchase a tape gun, along with the tape, and bubble packaging material. Cushion mailers in a variety of sizes are available in packs of 24.

The postage meters and scales are also available to order online.

Quick and Easy

When you are looking for how to mail a package, the US Postal Service has all the answers you need.

Whether you are mailing a birthday card across town or shipping a fragile package across the country, they have a solution for you.

For more information, visit the official site of the USPS.

Have you been going through some tough times lately? If so, check out this guide to learn how to stay strong in tough times.

Sometimes life comes with hurdles that seem too great to overcome. When tough times arrive it's common to have moments when you feel like taking a break from everything and everybody. Often, these are the times when you should reach out to others.

Feeling lost and hopeless is never good. Understanding why you feel that way is the first step to mental and emotional healing. Going through a difficult situation also affects your physical wellbeing.

Are you experiencing a rough patch in your life? Keep reading for tips on how you can stay strong during trying times.

Acknowledge When You're Experiencing Tough Times

Most of us know when there is a shift in our mental state. When the feelings arise we should acknowledge it so the moment doesn't get the best of us.

Dealing with life's problems is trying. People tend to keep quiet when they don't know how to deal with a failing relationship. Or when there isn't enough money to pay the bills.

Sickness is another issue that people try to deal with internally.

Talk to others about what is going on. You never know who will be able to give you a helping hand.

Get Out the House

Locking yourself in a room and isolating yourself from others is not always the best response to tough times. The longer you shut others out the easier it is to fall into depression.

Get out of the house and take in some sunshine. Sunlight is crucial to your wellbeing. Plus, getting out and enjoying the company of others is another remedy for the blues.

With a clear mind, you can start to look for solutions instead of focusing your attention on the problem.

Seek Spiritual Understanding

Many people turn to their faith during trying times. There are many scriptures that provide encouragement and help us better deal with unpleasant situations.

In this article, the writer touches on finding clarity in difficult times and uncertain situations. There is no guarantee that we won't have hard times. The goal is to learn how to cope when adversity knocks on our door.

Join a Support Group

Having a circle of people that get where you're coming from is a great help. When people are going through tough times they may feel like a burden on family and friends. With group therapy, you have people who are both empathic but also can provide solutions.

Don't tough it out by yourself. There are plenty of support groups help you cope with whatever you are going through.

You're Never Alone

It's important to remember that when you're going through tough times you are never alone. There are other people experiencing the same thing you are. Stay positive and know that this too shall pass.

Writing is a great way to better understand our journey. Sharing our experiences is not only therapeutic but it is also a great way to connect with others.

Consider creating your own space in the universe with a reflective blog. Look through our blog for some inspiration.