Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Moving this summer? Here are some helpful tips


Moving can be stressful, and moving during the summer when all you want to do is lay by the beach can be worse. Here are a few things to think about six to eight weeks before you move:

1. Determine the services with which you would like the moving company to help.

2. Do you want to do all of the packing or have professionals help?

3. Do you want to use a moving trailer or would you like a portable moving container in case you need to store your items while you find a home in your new city? Note: If your company is paying for your move, refer to their moving policy to determine the services the mover will be authorized to perform.

4. Call three moving companies to set dates for representatives to visually survey your home and prepare an estimate based on the services you would like. If you cannot decide, take advantage of the sales representative’s expertise on available services and the costs involved.

5. Show the agent everything that is going to be moved. Any items you fail to disclose or that are added later to the shipment increases the cost, even if given a binding estimate.

6. Know your rights. Ask your mover for a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities Manual” (for full-service moves) to make certain that you fully understand the extent of the carrier’s liability.

7. Sign the Estimate/Order for Service after you are sure you have a clear understanding of each section. If you have questions, ask your agent to explain.

8. Keep the phone number and name of your salesperson or move coordinator handy in case you have questions later.


9. If you're a landlord, call your Property Management Firm to talk about moving options for your tenants. 

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Sunday, March 4, 2012

Peak Moving Season 2012: Are you prepared?


Peak moving season runs from May through August each year, with the busiest portion being from Memorial Day through July 4. This peak season creates a capacity challenge for Landlords and Property Management Firmsin Chicago to accommodate moving dates. But with planning and active involvement, everybody can have a successful move even during the busiest moving season.

This summer is busier than normal because of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure law directing many organizations and units to move by the end of September. This adds an additional 17,000 service members and family members to the normal peak season, stretching the capacity even further.

Making a successful and timely move during an already challenging peak moving season will require added vigilance from both the Landlord, Chicago Property Management Firms and the tenants to move generate a successful move.

To help ease the pressure of peak moving season – call MK Asset Management for a consultation on your property management, moving, and tenant needs before May so you can enjoy your summer and rest at ease knowing your tenants and moving schedules are taken care of.