American Van Lines - West Palm Beach Movers

The Dangers of Long Distance Moving Alone

2010-08-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

Moving is a difficult task no matter who you ask but people moving long distances without the help of professionals like our West Palm Beach movers, may find that it is a lot harder than they could have imagined. Moving already has its share of concerns but there are also things to be concerned about that you may not have even considered being a problem. American Van Lines West Palm Beach moving companies would like to inform you of some of the more common dangers of long distance travel with all your household items.

Traveling is always an enjoyable experience but if you are traveling with all of your possessions you have to constantly worry about where you leave the truck containing everything you own. Families with kids will find it even more difficult to keep up with everything. One thing that people do not consider when moving over long distances is how often you need to stop to refuel. If you are in a town that you are familiar with this should not pose much of a problem, but if you are in unknown territory, stopping at just any refueling station is not a very good idea. Not all gas stations are open 24hrs and the ones that are may be poorly lit or in rural areas, making you and all of your possessions susceptible to crime.

Most people drive under the worst conditions and handling a moving truck while sleepy or under the influence of a controlled substance can really put you and other drivers at risk. When using the moving services of our movers in West Palm Beach, you can trust that our experienced drivers are well equipped and trained to handle the journey.

Finding an acceptable place to rest is not an easy task even if you made a reservation. You may have made a reservation with a quality hotel only to find that it is nothing like you thought when you get there. Some hotels have poorly lit parking lots which would put your moving truck at risk of being stolen while you rest. Parents may not want to endanger their children by bringing them to these types of places.

Rental trucks require skilled driving. Most people are not able to effectively maneuver large-sized vehicles, but our movers are expert drivers trained to drive moving trucks. When people see a moving truck they can only assume that you’re transporting a household worth of items. Criminals see the same thing especially if your truck is left in a parking lot overnight. There are many ways to save money during a move, but nothing that makes you go against your better judgment ever turns out good. Consider using professional movers like our West Palm Beach movers so you can focus on other, more important details of the move.

Protecting Your Home from Water Damage

2010-08-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of things to consider when moving into a new home, maintaining your home is one of the most common concerns among homeowners. If you are new to West Palm Beach you may not be accustomed to the severe rain seasons that could potentially damage your property. American Van Lines West Palm Beach moving companies would like to offer new residents some simple and useful tips on protecting your home from water damage.

The best place to start protecting your home is at the top. Because your roof is above your head it may be easy to pay little to no attention to it until you have a leak or an obvious stain. Preventing a leak is a lot more affordable and could actually extend the life span of your roof. You should routinely check your roof for signs of damage. Inspect the vents in your home if you have exhaust vents or a chimney to ensure that there are no cracks or spaces at the point of contact with the roof.

Air-Conditioning units and condensers can also contribute to water damage. You should inspect the integrity of rain gutters and shingles yearly. Clear any debris that may cause pooling or puddles on your roof. Inspect the screws and nails in the roof for any raised or unscrewed fasteners. Outer doors and windows should be inspected each spring for any unusual wear or stains. These openings are prone to water damage. Window caulk and weather stripping seals should be inspected and replaced immediately if any damage is found.

The foundation of your home could also show signs of water damage so you should check for any sagging in your insulation. Internal moisture is another common issue that will cause severe water damage to your home. Internal moisture can present itself in many ways. At times a musty smell can be a good indication of moisture collecting in your home. Rust stains and mildew along walls and floors are also signs that water may be collecting in your home. Condensation around window edges can also produce unwanted moisture.

Because today’s homes are designed to keep weather out, moisture that begins inside the home can get trapped inside and never evaporate. By keeping your home well ventilated you can prevent any moisture from ever building up. You can also prevent water damage by taking a few precautions throughout your home. Running exhaust fans while showering can greatly reduce mold build up, installing exhaust fans in your laundry room, and venting your dryer outside can also prevent moisture buildup. By taking the time to prevent water damage you can enjoy your home for years to come and will not have to call your West Palm Beach movers until you are ready.

Moving With Your Utilities Intact

2010-08-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

Moving can be a real difficult process if you don’t take care of the details. Imagine spending the whole day moving across the country only to find that none of your utilities have been activated. The frustration of not having any power, communication or the ability to take care of even your most basic needs can be overwhelming. Before our West Palm Beach movers pack up your things and you get ready to enjoy your life in the sunshine state, American Van Lines (the movers West Palm Beach trusts most) would like to share some great tips for transferring your services in a timely fashion so you never skip a beat, even if you move across the country.

The first thing you need to do is determine the exact day that you plan to move so you can ensure that you still have the basic utilities active on moving day. The next thing to do is make a list of all the utilities that need to be addressed and be sure to include contact and account numbers. You should contact your current service providers to inform them of your move and be sure to let them know not to turn off your services until at least two days past your moving day, because you never know what kind of set backs you may experience while trying to move.

There is a chance that your utilities will not get turned off on the day you requested. Before something like this happens you should protect yourself by making a note of the last reading on your electrical and gas meters. Take pictures to be sure, that way you have proof of the reading for the last time you were actually there. Note the time and date when the readings were taken so there’s no confusion as to when you last used your services so you’re not held accountable for any usage after the recorded date.

The next step would be to contact the companies in charge of the utilities for the place that you are moving to. Try to contact them at least two weeks prior to moving to give them time to transfer or activate your services. Be sure to find out if you have to pay any deposits and have funds set aside to take care of it if your do. Schedule a reasonable time to meet with service workers.

Most companies need the home owner present to activate services like gas or electricity because they need to check for any appliances that may have been left on. You usually cannot schedule an exact time for your service providers to show up, so these moments are great opportunities to plan activities like unpacking or exploring the neighborhood to help you kill time while you wait, just be sure to remain within sight of your house so you don’t miss your appointment. If you plan correctly you should be able to make a smooth transition.

Chromo (Color) Therapy

2010-07-31T09:29:00.000-07:00

Chromo therapy, also known as color therapy is often practiced by alternative healers but has proven to be effective in many other areas. American Van Lines West Palm Beach movers would like to help you create a more relaxing aura in your home with some simple yet useful tips that will brighten up every room in your home.

Moving into a new home can be considerably stressful for the first few months of living there. A lot of this stress is brought on by elements out side of the home but may still make it difficult to relax when you are at home. Unknown to most people there are various factors that could lead to stress in the home. One of the most common among these factors is the color surrounding you the majority of the time spent at home.

Before you go out in search of the right color arrangement to create a stress free environment you must first understand how color affects people. Color is a form of light energy that gives off its own unique properties. The colors you wear can reflect your emotional state. Every color has its own frequency and vibration. Some healers believe that our tissues and organs feed off of the same energy as these frequencies. According to eastern medical practices certain colors may help release these energies. Light entering our eyes may cause our bodies to produce certain hormones that control the biochemical system of our bodies that can influence our emotions and well being.

By supplying our bodies with these frequencies we can keep our mind and body in balance and allow our bodies to heal on its own. Some of the basic colors are said to cause the most drastic effects. Red is considered a hot color and can cause excitement and the color most connected to our physical self.

Red is used in color therapy to help overcome negative thoughts, improve self confidence and stimulate the appetite. But as with most things too much exposure can have negative effects like an increased feeling of impatience, increased aggressiveness and irritation. Yellow is believed have connections to our mental self. The benefits are memory, concentration and increased energy. Too much exposure can cause hyperactivity. The color green is said to connect with unconditional love and can produce calmness and help you rest but too much exposure can produce laziness.

There are setbacks and benefits to every color so further investigation is recommended. When you decide to paint your home keep in mind that the colors you choose could heal or hurt you.

Visit your preferred movers in West Palm Beach regularly for more interesting facts for your decorating ventures.

Dealing With Depression When Moving

2010-07-31T07:20:00.000-07:00

People go through various emotions when moving to a new home or town. There is the excitement of new possibility, the joy of having your own home, and the nostalgia of leaving a place that you called home. It is also possible to become depressed and lonely while trying to adjust to a new environment. American Van Lines Charlotte movers would like to offer some helpful advice on dealing with depression when moving.

One of the main reasons people become depressed when moving is because they find it hard to leave friends or family behind. If this is the case you should keep in mind that you are moving away from your home but that does not mean that you have to stop communicating with your friends or family members. By constantly communicating with your loved ones back home you can make your relocation an adventure. Talking about the changes in your life can be fun, just as hearing about all of the changes that are happening back home.

Another great way to deal with the sad feeling of being in an unfamiliar environment is to get active. Exercise may not seem like the ideal way to spend time when you are feeling sad but it is exactly what is needed to help you feel better. By keeping active you will feel more confident and it also helps keep your mind off of your worries. Developing a good exercise routine may also provide a great opportunity to socialize, which will greatly improve your mood.

You can also combat the depression of moving by making your house feel as much like home as possible. Personal items that have a sentimental value should be used to decorate your home. Things like a childhood toy in your bedroom or a family member’s cooking accessory will remind you of good times as you go about your day.

Make plans to do something and you will start to feel better. As the saying goes, idle hands are the devils playthings. Having too much free time can give you enough time to dwell on the worst parts of your move, instead of considering the possibilities ahead. By making plans to go to a movie or shopping for home decorations you feel more at home in your new environment. At times it may seem like it would be best to just give up and leave, but before you call your Charlotte movers again remember, you can always visit your old neighborhood.

The Benefits of Installing a Ceiling Fan

2010-07-28T15:39:00.000-07:00

If you are new to West Palm Beach you may notice that most of the residents here have installed ceiling fans in their homes. This is not just some fad that homeowners are trying to keep up with; there are actually many benefits to having a ceiling fan all year long. American Van Lines West Palm Beach moving companies would like to list the benefits of installing a ceiling fan in your new home.

Convenience is one thing that makes a ceiling fan great to have. Unlike the conventional standing fans, ceiling fans take up less floor space and most ceiling fans double as light fixtures. Ceiling fans provide better air circulation than standing fans, which is perfect for the humid temperatures of West Palm Beach. Installing a ceiling fan over a dining room table can help prevent flying pests from hovering over the immediate area.

Air conditioners can take a while to cool your house and most of the air is concentrated directly in the path of the air vent but if you add a ceiling fan to any room in your home, you can circulate the cool air faster and farther into your house. Having a ceiling fan also means that you can run your air-conditioner a lot less which adds up to big saving on your power bill.

Running your ceiling fan in reverse during the winter time will draw colder air upwards and away from you, this also helps distribute warm air from space heaters throughout the room. Having a ceiling fan can prove to be very useful and with today’s designs they even improve the look of your home. When our West Palm Beach movers are unpacking your household items it would be a good time to call and find out about getting ceiling fans installed in your home. Once you have one, you will wonder how you ever got along without one.

Visit your preferred movers in West Palm Beach regularly for more interesting facts and moving tips!

How to Keep Cool in the Summer

2010-07-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

Some people wait all year long for the summer time and try to take in everything that the summer has to offer. The one thing you may not be prepared for is how hot the summer actually is. If you want to get the most out of the summer months, it may be a good idea to try and remain as cool as possible. These great tips from American Van Lines West Palm Beach moving companies will help you remain cool throughout the entire summer.

One of the best things that you can do to keep cool during the summer is to dress for the season. This means short sleeve, light colors, and loose fitting clothes. Clothing made of cotton material may also help you keep cool. By refrigerating a spray bottle, you will always have a quick burst of refreshing water available when you need it.

Shower often, sometimes dirt and grime collected throughout the day will block your pores and prevent circulation, so washing up will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed. Keeping hydrated goes without saying. Keep plenty of water and other beverages that restore electrolytes refrigerated so you always stay hydrated. You should invest in a small portable fan and plenty of batteries to take along with you wherever you go.

Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks as they can raise your body temperature. Try to eat ready-made or easy to make meals to reduce the amount of time that you spend in front of the stove. Spend time at the mall, library, movie theatre or book store as these places are bound to be air-conditioned in the summertime. Keep a keen eye on elder people and children to make sure that they are keeping hydrated and out of the sun. These few tips from the movers West Palm Beach trusts the most can ensure you remain cool through the entire summer.

Dealing with the Stress of Moving

2010-07-09T16:20:00.000-07:00

People have been moving for years. We move for many reasons, some move for work some move for school but almost all people who move have one thing in common, stress! There are a lot of things that can cause stress but no other household chore makes you constantly worry about every detail like moving. American Van Lines West Palm Beach moving companies are well familiar with the stress associated with moving and as a courtesy we would like to offer some useful tips to help you deal with the strains.

Moving on short notice can make every other aspect of your move a pain to deal with. If possible, you should allow yourself at least three to four weeks to plan and arrange things and so you are already prepared when moving day finally comes around. Moving is already a hard job without having to deal with the stress of meeting a deadline.

Don’t be afraid to write things down. If you list the main things that need to be done and check them off as you do them in the weeks leading to moving day, it can make things seem a lot more simple and organized.

Plan some sort of activity to give you a chance to say good bye to your family and friends in one sitting. A barbecue or a going away party is the most common and easiest to get done. This can also be a great time to find out if you can get help from any of your friends.

Give yourself time to say good bye to your favorite places by taking an hour every day leading up to the move to visit each one. Doing so will help you make the transition and accept the reality that you are actually leaving. Once you are done celebrating, use the clean up process as an opportunity to get rid of all the clutter that may be in your home.

Even if you are going to use one of our qualified West Palm Beach movers who will pack everything for you, getting rid of the items you no longer need can help you let go of the past and embrace the future. Less clutter makes it a lot easier to keep track of the items you need for your move.

Don’t forget to do something for yourself during your move. For most people it may seem like a good idea to just eat junk food and wake up early just to pack everything but you should at least go out to eat with a friend or go see a movie if you have the time. This will help relieve some of the stress during your move.

Don’t be afraid to call a professional. People tend to think it takes a lot of money to hire a moving company but our movers in West Palm Beach, Florida will handle your move quickly, efficiently and at the most affordable prices. If you follow these moving tips you should be able to reduce some of the stress of moving.

Landscaping Improvements to Increase Property Value

2010-06-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

Our West Palm Beach movers have facilitated many home moving projects. We’ve moved families into various types of houses; the newly built, the reconstructed and those in need of a little TLC.

The impact that minor landscaping improvements have had the value of homes and neighborhoods is quite apparent to our West Palm Beach movers. We have provided some easy do-it-yourself tips that will increase curb appeal, positively impact re-sale value, enhance the look of your home and likely inspire your neighbors to do the same.

A nice garden with low maintenance plants can give your home a vivacious presence. Trailing Lantana, Blue Daze, Liriopes, Milkweed, and Hibiscus are all plants that thrive in the tropical South Florida climate and require little maintenance. If you are moving to West Palm Beach these are things to keep in mind

If your yard does not have space for gardening, import potted plants for the same affect in half the time.

Composting is a great way to fertilize your garden for less. There’s no need to waste money on expense fertilizers when you can create your own. To start a compost pile, choose a secluded area of your yard that is out of sight and has plenty of sunlight. Leaves, grass clippings, shrub trimmings, banana peels, apple cores, orange peels and any other natural food matter can make great compost.

One of the most noticeable features that our West Palm Beach movers mention when performing a house move is the driveway. Front and center for everyone to see, the condition of your driveway can drastically affect the look of your home. Try to keep the driveway clean. If repaving is not a feasible option, a fresh coat of paint is a great alternative.

To remove fresh oil stains form the driveway, pour cat litter over the stain and let it settle over night. In the morning, you will be able to scrap the litter away along with the stain. For older oil stains, use cat litter and add laundry detergent. Some scrubbing may be required, but there are solvents available on the commercial market as well.

Decorating the edge of your driveway is another way to increase curb appeal. Depending on the style of your yard you may choose to install light fixtures along the borders of the driveway or perhaps stone or pebble arrangements.

Awnings are great features that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Adding a decorative awning has a dual purpose that will give your home a completely different look.

A fresh coat of paint goes a long way. Painting your patio walls and floors will make the entry way more inviting. You may choose to use neutral or pastel colors and paint your door with a bright color that pops. This contrast will draw eyes directly to the front of your home, while giving passers bye a glimpse at the beautiful landscape along the way.

Our West Palm Beach movers take joy in moving families across the country. Our West Palm Beach moving and storage services are available whenever necessary – while moving and during your home improvements projects, both big and small. Visit our West Palm Beach movers often for more money-saving moving tips.

Family Bonding Activities for your New Home

2010-06-18T15:34:00.001-07:00

What better way to make a house feel like a home than with family bonding activities? Your premier West Palm Beach Movers has compiled a list of fun family activities for you. A new home is an opportunity for new beginnings. Although school and work will continue as usual, life does not necessarily have to. Incorporating a game night into your weekly routine will help bond your family with joy and laughter and give everyone something to look forward to every week.

Board Games – there are many different board games out there. Some take a long time to complete (Life, Monopoly) and others are short and competitive (Uno cards, dominos, scrabble).

Last letter of my word – A very easy game you can play is a little game where everyone takes turns and says a word that starts with the last letter of the word the previous player said. For example, if I say “elephant” the next player must say a word that starts with the t (the last letter of my word), like “telephone”. Words cannot be repeated. This is a lively game that is sure to crack a few smiles.

First thought – Write down random words on pieces of paper. Fold the pieces of paper and place them all in a bowl or hat. Mix the words together and take turns drawing words from the pile. Everyone has to say the first thought that comes to mind when they hear the word. This is a fun game that is unpredictable and makes for energetic banter.

Baking – It’s no secret that food brings people together. You can bond as a family by baking cookies or other tasty treats. Cooking together allows conversation to flow easily while you work together as a family.

Telling jokes – Not everyone is a good joke teller, but if someone gets the ball rolling it may inspire another. When the attention is on you, you may be surprised at your ingenuity.

Talking – You may be surprised to see “talking” on this list, but this is a very underestimated activity. We tend to get so connected to TV, Ipods, cell phones and the internet that we lose a connection with each other. Talking about random, lightweight topics of interest can help you learn a lot about each other and give family members a chance to express themselves as freely as they’d like. Everyone has a need to be heard, this is your chance to talk and to listen.

Visit your Movers in West Palm Beach for other useful moving tips!

Current Real Estate Market Trends

2010-06-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

"When will the real estate market regain consciousness?" This is a question that many are asking. A depressed economy has helped to keep the housing market in the slums but there are signs of slow and steady progress.

Government incentives from President Obama’s stimulus package like the $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers and loan modification programs have encouraged people to make home purchases and help others hold on to their properties. While these efforts have helped give the market a boost, there are still many pending foreclosures and people at risk of losing their homes. A bleak economy with high unemployment rates is a formidable opponent in this battle to revive the economy and more specifically the real estate market.

As someone who’s made a recent home purchase and in the process of moving, I can tell you that it is truly a buyer’s market. The values of homes have drastically declined. While low sale prices makes it a great time to get into the door of a new home it is bad news for homeowners who bought their property at the peek of the market and are now stuck paying for a home that is no longer worth the price. Potential sellers and contractors are also apprehensive fearing that they will not have a high return on their investments and they are probably right.

Although we are making tiny steps toward economic recovery, it will likely be at least 3-5 years before homes begin to increase in value.

Visit your premiere West Palm Beach Movers frequently for more on this topic and other relevant issues that affect our community.

Artistic Expression or Indecent Exposure?

2010-04-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

Our West Palm Beach Movers want to get your opinion on an issue that has recently made headlines.

Erykah Badu has always been known to incite a reaction. Her music is soulful, truthful and has an eclectic mix of R&B, Hip Hop, Jazz and Funk. After a two year hiatus, she has recently released her newest album, New Amerykah Part II. In true Badu form, the video of her single made a bold and controversial statement.

In the video, “Window Seat”, Badu strips naked as she walks through busy streets. Erykah was fined for indecency.

The neo-soul artist recently held a concert in Miami at the American Airlines Arena. I was privileged to go to the concert and had the honor of going back stage after the concert for a meet and greet. Ms. Badu spoke about the controversy surrounding her video and had this to say:

It was an experiment in group thinking…If everyone has an opinion about something and it differs your own, will you stand up for what you believe in, or will you follow the crowd and change your mind?...You have a right to your opinion, someone else has a right to react to your opinion, but your rights stop when you try to hinder someone from expressing their views.

This is day 10 of the experiment and today I actually questioned whether or not I was wrong for what I did. We’ll see what day 11 brings…If nothing else, I know I made someone feel liberated and I made them think.

What do you think?

10 Moving Tips to Ease Your Relocation

2010-04-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

There is so much to keep in mind when moving. Our West Palm Beach Movers have compiled a list of 10 helpful tips to ease the process.

Plan at least 10 weeks ahead.
Create a moving checklist.
Talk to young children about the transition that is taking place.
Search for schools in the area.
Book your moving company in advanced.
If you are doing a self-service move and need moving trucks, moving during the week will save you money.
6 weeks before you move - prepare a mailing list of people and companies who will need your new address.
Keep important documents, such as school records and medical information close by.
Separate your children's favorite toys.
Use this opportunity to discard all of your unwanted items – make charitable donations of your unwanted clothes.