tip

Make a note of your shipment registration number found in the upper right hand corner of your Bill of Lading and keep it with you in case you need to call your mover with questions about your shipment

Budgets, Time-saving Tips, Road Trips and Pets

DID YOU FORGET SOMETHING?

Moving is a long and complicated process that has a lot of steps to ensure that the move goes correctly. That is why it is very easy to forget some things that you should do when you move. Unfortunately, that little thing that you forgot to take care of before you left can end up being very inconvenient if you move a good distance and need to return to take care of it. Here are some important things to make sure not to forget during your next move.

Cancel That Membership

Think about all those monthly recurring charges that you have for services around your town. Gyms, libraries, clubs or anything else that is tied locally to your current home need to be canceled.
If you forget to cancel, you may go a month or two as the membership charge racks up on your bank account or credit card for a service that you can no longer use. Even worse, you may not be able to get those charges back.

 Get Your Mail in Order

Along with local subscription services, what about mail order ones? You don’t want your medications or Amazon orders being sent to the new residents of your old home. If you have mail order medications or anything else that sends regularly to your address, you need to make sure to change all of them on each service’s website or service center. Make sure to get the timing of the address change right.

 Take a Trip to the Bank

You need to ensure that all your finances are in order for the move. If you use a local bank that has no branches in your new town then you will need to close out your accounts so you can transfer your money to a new bank.

You should also make sure that your bills for both your old and new homes are paid and on time. Papers can be lost during a move, so for a month or two you may want to consider setting up an auto pay through your new bank. That way you know you won’t miss any of your payments.

Take Lots of Pictures

Things get lost in a move. Having pictures of your things can help you locate the right box that what you are looking for may have ended up in. Pictures are helpful if you are having a company like Pioneer Moving and Storage help with your move.

If something gets accidently damaged or lost having a picture of that item can make insurance claims go through quickly and easily.
Pictures can also help with setting things up in your new home. Take a snap of your electronics setups so you know which plugs go where!

 Looking for Movers in Kamloops? Trust Pioneer Moving and Storage

If you need the help of professional movers in Kamloops, contact Pioneer Moving and Storage today!

CREATING A MOVING DAY BUDGETdeclutter

If you are looking to relocate to a new home, you are probably excited about the prospects of your future. Before you get there, you are going to need to work through your move. Moving from one home to another can be rather costly, which means taking time to plan out the budget of your move. Here are some things to take into account when you are planning the budget for your next move.

Think About the First Month

The first month after a move can put some serious strain on a budget. Things like security deposits for an apartment, service deposits for utilities and general things that you are going to need for your new home can add up quickly.

Make sure to account for these extra costs in your budget and put money aside accordingly. You don’t want to be left having to decide between turning on the electricity or the internet for the first month.

Also, try not to rely on what you think you may be getting back from any security deposits on your own home. Oftentimes, landlords return little of the security deposit for a wide range of reasons. Best to only account for money that you know you have.

Set Your Max Budget

Now that you know what the first month of living in your new home is going to cost, set a maximum budget for your move. Take into account all of the money that you will have available from whatever sources that might be. Try not to rely too heavily on credit if you can, as expenses can mount quickly, and you likely don’t want to put yourself in debt too heavily.

Leave Yourself Some Margin

Now that you know how much you are going to have on hand, take a small percentage of that and set it aside. You can go as high as 10 or 12 percent for this emergency fund. Why do you need it?

Because there are always extra costs associated with a move. Whether it is a larger than planned deposit on a rental vehicle or money to replace something that got broken during the move, you are going to need a little extra cash to see you through. So, don’t plan on using every last dime for your moving budget alone.

Check Out Professional Moving Companies

You may have your mind set on renting a truck and doing the move yourself with the help of friends and family. You may be surprised to find that hiring professional movers is not as expensive as you think. Take some time to look at all of your options and shop around to see what services may be available.

Trust Pioneer Moving for Your Movers in Kamloops

If you are looking for a reputable company of movers in Kamloops then look no further than Pioneer Moving and Storage. We have years of experience in moving and can handle any move big or small. Contact us today.

REDUCE YOUR TIME MOVINGhappy couple packing glasses together in the living-room

Moving is a time consuming process. There are a lot of moving parts to a successful move and they all need to be considered carefully. The more time you spend thinking about the parts of your move, the less time you will spend moving overall. A little organization and planning can go a long way. Here are some time saving tips for your next Kamloops move.

Make a Task List

Start planning your move by making a comprehensive list of things that you are going to need to get done. Once you have your list created, prioritize it by time. What needs to be done first and what needs to be done last. Try and estimate how much time you are going to need to spend on each of these tasks in order to complete them and cross them off your list.

Now that you have a rough timeline, you can organize your activities backwards, starting at the date of your move and ending with the things that need to be done last. When you get to the beginning of your list, it is always good to add a few extra days, or even weeks if you can spare the time, to account for unforeseen things like bad weather or emergencies.

Set Up Phone Reminders

Once you have your task list and schedule all made up, you can leverage technology to help you. Most smart phones come with a calendar app that you can use to set up reminders. Put each of your tasks on your list onto your phone’s calendar and set up reminders for yourself for when the job should begin and when it should end. You can use these reminders to keep yourself on track.

Make a Floor Plan

You have a new home picked out. When you did that, you most likely had a floor plan in your head of what rooms were going to have what functions. Now take a minute to jot down a little floor plan of your new home. You can use this to organize the unloading of your boxes when they arrive at your new home.

Code Your Boxes to Your Floor Plan

As you are packing boxes, label them as to what is inside of each one. Once they are properly labeled you can add floor plan details to them. Use color coding, numbering or some system to identify each box so that as it comes off of the moving truck you can take it straight to the room that is going to contain all of the things inside the box.

Have Plenty of Help

Whether you are planning on doing the move yourself or hiring professional Kamloops movers, you are going to have to have someone help you on your move. Identify who that is going to be up front and get them involved.

DOWNSIZING?  Tips for decluttering your space.movers in Kamloops

Sometimes a move means moving to a smaller home than the one you have. Whether it is because of wanting less space or a necessity because of a move to an area with a higher cost of living, you will need to make some decisions about what it is you are going to take with you and what just won’t fit. Here are some tips on how to downsize from your current home to a smaller one.

Start with Removing Clutter

The first thing you should do is remove all the clutter from your home. You might be surprised just how much of it there is when you actually start to look for it. Anything that is a broken project you were “planning on fixing” should go first. No sense in taking broken items with you.

The move into things you know you are never going to use again. That spare food processor? Those old jeans that you wore in high school? Probably time for both of them to go.

Attic, Basement and Garage

Now head down into the basement, up into the attic, and out into the garage. Ask yourself questions about the things that you have stored in each of these places. Do you need all of those holiday decorations? How about the lawn mower or snow blower? These places in your home also tend to collect broken things or projects. Since space is at a premium, it is probably time to get rid of anything that you won’t need.

Let the Downsizing Begin

Okay, now all of the clutter and garbage is gone, and it is time to start asking yourself some serious questions. You are going to need to go into each of the rooms in your current home and think long and hard about the following questions:

  • Is it useable? You want to make sure that everything you are taking has a use to you. If something is broken or doesn’t work quite right, is it really worth saving or should you leave it behind?
  • Does it hold any emotional value? Is the object an heirloom or something that has emotional meaning to you? It doesn’t need to be anything particularly valuable or special, but you want to make sure that you actually want the things you are taking with you for some reason.
  • Do you really need it? Some things you need. Clothing, tools, kitchenware and (some) living room furniture are all examples of things that you need. If you don’t need it, and it is just taking up space, why are you going to bring it with you? Remember, space is now at a premium.
  • Will it fit? You are downsizing, which means some things you have may not fit into your new space.

Trust Pioneer Moving to Be Your Professional Movers in Kamloops

Now that you are ready to move, it is time to call in the professionals. Contact Pioneer Moving today for an estimate.

PLANNING A ROAD TRIP ACROSS COUNTY

Relocating across the country for a job or promotion is a significant move that requires planning and insight.  Not only do you need to find the right movers, pack up your belongings and meet the deadlines associated with moving, you also need to get you and your family across the country.  As the premier Kamloops movers, we would like to share the following tips on how to plan your road trip when moving long distances – and enjoy every kilometer of it.

Set a Budget

Moving can be costly, and on top of that you are going to need to cover your own travel costs.  It is important to factor these costs into your overall relocation or long-distance moving cost.  Some of the often overlooked costs that are part of a road trip include:

  • Gas for your vehicle.
  • Food and snacks.
  • Accommodations (hotel, camping).
  • Miscellaneous expenses such as parking, vehicle repairs etc.

Create an Itinerary

Chances are you are going to be on a deadline and may not be all that excited about adding extra distances and time onto an already long trip.  Do some research to find the fastest and most direct route from your old home to your new one.  It is a good idea to use Google Maps or another app to gain a full appreciation of actual times, so you can plan each day of your trip accordingly.

Make Reservations

When you are creating your itinerary, make sure that part of it includes where you will be staying each night.  Once you have a detailed schedule of your days and where you will be spending the night, be sure to reserve your hotels.  There is nothing more frustrating than arriving at your nightly destination only to find out that the hotel is booked and you have to try to find another one.

Here’s the Deal:

Try to book a hotel with a kitchenette, so you can prepare your own meals and save money on eating out.

Enjoy the Journey

Remember, it’s not all about the destination.  If you do not have a hard deadline, you may want to consider trying to build a mini holiday into the road trip.  If there is a part of the province or country that you really want to see, a slight detour may be a great idea.  Try to keep it light and enjoy the journey, it may be the last time you get to see that part of our great country.

By creating an itinerary, setting a budget and reserving your lodgings, you will be able to enjoy a smooth cross-country expedition.  If you would like other tips for planning your relocation road trip or are interested in our long-distance moving services, please contact us today.  We would love to be a part of your next move and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Moving with Pets

A long-distance move can be an interesting time for the best of us.  One of the most overlooked members of the family that can feel the effects of a long-distance move is the family pet.  If you are looking to relocate your pet, then there are precautions that you should take to ensure that the move is a positive one.  As your premier Kamloops movers, we would like to share the following tips for moving long-distances with pets.

Practice

Once you know that you are moving, make sure to put in the extra time with your pet and get acclimated to the various steps of moving. These should include:

  • Take your pet for car rides to get them used to car travel. This will reduce any anxiety associated with travel.
  • Practice using a harness or a leash. As you move across the country you are going to need to walk your dog or cat so make sure they are used to this process.

Get a Carrier

You will want to keep your pet safe during the move, so it is a wise idea to invest in a good pet carrier.  The carrier should be large enough so that your pet can move and stretch, and it should be made of a durable material.

Use a Collar

Use a collar when moving your pet and be sure that the following information is attached:

  • Your pet’s name.
  • Your new address including the province.
  • Your name and phone number.

This information is invaluable in the case that your pet becomes lost during the long-distance move.

Book Pet Friendly

Depending on the length of your long-distance move, you will need places to sleep along your journey.  When booking hotels, make sure that you are booking pet-friendly ones so that your family pet has somewhere other than the car to sleep.

Pack Health Documents

Your pet’s health documents should be stored and packed in the same place as your other important documents such as passports and insurance papers.  These papers will be especially important if you are crossing any borders when moving.

Start a Routine

Once you have moved in, you will want to establish a routine for your pet as soon as possible.  This routine should be implemented even before the unpacking phase is complete.  You will want to get out your pets’ water and food dishes as well as their toys and blankets to help them feel more at home in their new surroundings.

These essential tips will make sure that your pet is at ease on your next long-distance move.  If you would like other tips on how to help your pet move or would like more information on our moving services, please contact us today.  We would love to be a part of your experience and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Movers Kamloops
We all love our pets. No matter if it’s a cat or a dog, we like to think of them as part of our family. However, moving them with us can sometimes get complicated. For that reason, according to a 1999 report from National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, moving is viewed as the most common reason for giving dogs to shelters and the third-most reason for cats.

Of course, taking your pets with you to your next destination isn’t difficult with the right preparation. For people looking for Kamloops movers, read below to explore some of the steps to take with regards to your animals before moving.

What to Do Before

Typically, moving pets involves transporting cats and dogs, and each animal responds to relocation differently. Cats, for example, are known to not be quick to adapt to a change of surroundings as dogs are. Cats love consistency, and stress-related behavioural changes can arise as a result of a sudden change in environment. For felines, the best approach is to introduce a sense of familiarity to them. This includes leaving a carrier out for them to examine on a daily basis and even adding a favourite toy inside.

With dogs, while they are more sociable, it still helps to have them riding in a car for a few weeks before the move, especially if they haven’t been in one often. When on the road, they should be restrained either with a safety harness which attaches to most seat belts or by using a mesh or metal safety gate.

Many of us have other kinds of animals, including fish and reptiles. These types of pets often require special handling and research is needed to find the right service for your needs. With fish, the best option can be overnight shipping from an animal moving company, especially for trips taking longer than one day.

During and After the Move

Now that your pets are secure, it’s time to take into consideration how long it will take to move to your new location. If your trip is multiple days and you need to stop for the night, verify with the hotel that is it pet-friendly. In most cases, hotels have a small number of these rooms, and can vary depending on the size of the pet. In addition, check the room for any open holes or windows you pet can get loose in.

Once you arrive at your new home, move your pet to a single room while you examine the house. Look around to make sure there is nothing that could hurt your animal like drapery cords and holes. After everything is moved in, allow the pet to explore their new place.

Another tip is to give the animal a sense of familiarity. If your cat was used to having a litter box located in the bathroom at your old home, have it in the same place in the new one. Allowing for changes to happen incrementally can help the pet acclimate, a process which can take days or even a few weeks.

How Kamloops Movers Help with Pet Moving

When it comes to your pets, great care must be taken to ensure that relocation is a smooth process. By keeping constancy and safety, the move can be perfect for both animal and human alike. The Kamloops movers at Pioneer Moving have the experience to assist you in moving your items all while keeping the best interests of your pets in mind. To schedule service with us, call 250-573-6083 today or visit us online.

More Information

If you would like to see other packing tips please see our Moving Tips page or stop by today. We would love to be a positive part of your moving experience.

Hire Pioneer Kamloops Movers for Your Next Move

Pioneer Moving is a great choice for your next move. Contact us today.


We sell a complete line of packing and moving supplies, as well as providing professional Packing and Unpacking services.

Pioneer Moving and Storage

231 Andover Crescent Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada V2C 6X2
Tel: 250-573-6083
Cell: 778-220-3720
Toll Free: 1-877-746-5423

Member

  • Long time and active member of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce and past President

Proud Agent of...

gcvl logo

Weekly Departures to:

Calgary, Edmonton
Saskatoon, Winnipeg
Toronto, London
Ottawa, Montreal
Fredericton, Halifax

image
Kamloops Mover

Kamloops Mover