Author Archives: BB&D Editor

Not Your Average Move

When people think about moving, most often they envision a pretty straight line from here to there: You sell or vacate one place, pack it up, and move into another, right?

But sometimes that’s not the case. Sometimes, in the fluid, flexible, and open society we live in, people have more individualized needs, special circumstances, or more complicated relocations than just going directly from point A to point B. For example, sometimes moves are only temporary. Sometimes moves happen so quickly that there’s a need to sell or disburse belongings in a hurry. Sometimes people aren’t sure of where they’re going to end up yet, and sometimes they are indeed going from here to there, but “there” is a looooong ways away, and they’re wary of managing an overseas transport.

In cases like these—temporary moves, sudden life changes, downsizing, merging homes—a full-service professional moving company like BB&D Moving Services can actually take care of a lot more than just moving for you. We can service you from soup to nuts, no matter your personal situation or challenges.

Some of the Specialty Services We Offer

Cleaning & Handyman Services: When time is tight, when repairs are needed before you can depart, or when you just don’t want to take care of the finishing touches yourself, we can arrange for housecleaning and minor home repairs to give you peace of mind and take some of the weight off your shoulders.
Junk Removal: Not bringing all of the things in one place to the next place, but want to get rid of them without any hassle? We can haul away loads, small or large, and make sure they’re properly disposed of.
Furniture Sales: Have some sellable items that you just don’t use anymore or won’t fit where you’re going? If you don’t want to list them online, we’ll do that for you—easing your load, literally and figuratively!
Packing/Unpacking & Packing Materials: Movers don’t just move—we can do the lion’s share of packing and unpacking too, greatly decreasing your effort and shortening your timeline. And if you’d rather not scrape together or have to shop for boxes and tape and liners and fillers, we can also provide all the packing materials you’ll need at a very reasonable added cost, delivered right to your door.
Storage Options: It’s not uncommon anymore for people to be “in transit” as job placements, relationship statuses, family circumstances, and wanderlust preclude us from immediately putting down anchor somewhere new. We offer both short-term and long-term storage options in lighted, temperature-controlled facilities with around-the-clock monitored security cameras.
International Moving Services: Moving across foreign borders requires not just specialty expertise in international transit and regulations assistance, but someone you trust to manage your transport professionally and efficiently, getting everything to you safely and intact in your destination country.
Additional Services: Need something else? Just ask and we’ll see what we can do! For example, we can digitally scan documents so you don’t have to haul boxes of hard copies with you. And we can make sure your boxes are properly labelled so they’re delivered right to the room in which you want them.

Call BB&D Moving Services today to learn more about how we can make your move and take care of your moving needs—however simple or complicated—as stress-free as possible:

301-573-5447 (MD) | 571-375-2826 (VA) | 786-390-4040 (FL) | bbdmoving.com/

Insured Movers: Why It’s Important to Hire an Insured Moving Company

There’s moving insurance and there’s movers who are insured—they’re two different things, and when you’re choosing a company to trust with all your worldly possessions, you should understand the importance of hiring a moving company that you know carries adequate and appropriate insurance for themselves, apart from the separate insurance consumers can buy to protect their goods in transit.

In other words, it’s about the legitimacy of the company, not the value of your goods. So what does it mean when a moving company is insured—what’s the value of using that company over one that might have more open dates on the calendar or quote a lower price?

Insured companies are real companies. First and foremost, you want a legit, by-the-books company that operates efficiently and transparently. A moving company that can confirm their certificate of insurance for you is the “real deal,” as opposed to an outfit that, at best, does not have the experience and expertise to conduct your move smoothly and skillfully or, at worst, is trying to play you or running a scam.
Insured movers protect your assets. Movers with proper insurance coverage are safer—it’s as simple as that. A company that protects its own interests with, for example, auto liability, cargo coverage, and workers compensation, automatically protects your interests in kind. When there’s less risk to the company, this clearly translates to less risk to you.
Insurance equates to professionalism and dependability. A company that has the foresight and know-how to secure business insurance shows that they mean business. Generally speaking, it’s a safe bet to assume that a moving company that is competent and conscientious enough to attend to the process of becoming licensed and insured will also be better at planning, coordinating, and organizing for their clients to deliver the best service possible.

At BB&D, we’re proud to make it clear that we are insured. Our branding doesn’t incorporate this feature to give a false sense of professionalism; rather, we want to cement the fact that we are as professional and reliable as they come so that we can bring you the very best in friendly, clear, and exceptional service that surpasses expectations.

Contact us today to learn more about our company policies or for a free estimate:
BB&D Moving Services
301-573-5447 (MD) | 571-375-2826 (VA) | 786-390-4040 bbdmoving.com/

How to Prepare for Packers and Movers

Moving can be one of the greatest events in your life — the prospect of starting afresh in a brand-new home, possibly in a brand-new town, with all new things to do and sites to see. But it can also be very stressful, which is why so many people opt to engage a full-service professional moving company to both simplify and expedite the process. But planning accordingly is crucial to a smooth operation: prepping the environment for the packers and movers to arrive on the scene will benefit all concerned parties. Here’s a list of top-ten tips to help you optimally get ready for the big day:

Clear your schedule. A homeowner who is late, distracted, or even absent on packing and/or moving day can lead to a lot of headaches and misunderstandings, so it’s best to clear your schedule for the entire time the moving company will be present.
Gather trip essentials. Items you plan on taking with you personally should be set aside in an area that the movers will not have access to. Make sure you clearly separate what the company is transporting from what you want to stay with you throughout the move.
Reduce crowd traffic. If possible, arrange to have your pets out of the way and engage your kids elsewhere while the movers are on-site, to keep the moving space safer and less chaotic.
Assign roles. Let everyone involved know the game plan before things are set in motion — this will drastically reduce confusion and keep people on task.
Take measurements. Measuring furniture and entranceways will keep the plan intact and will allow for any necessary arrangements to be made ahead of time. If a piece was constructed in-room, for example, it might need to be deconstructed to get it out the door. This applies at both the departure home and the arrival home.
Pack fragile items separately. Breakables should receive their own dedicated packing, whether you do it yourself or whether the moving company will be responsible for properly encasing your valuables. There are special packing materials used to protect fragile belongings, so either procure them yourself or have your movers supply them.
Dispose of perishables. Defrost your freezer and empty your refrigerator, throwing away any perishable items. The last thing you want is a nasty surprise in the fridge once it’s delivered to your new home!
Eliminate dangers. Drain or remove all fuel sources from pertinent equipment, like gas from your landscaping tools and kerosene from heaters and lanterns. Take batteries out of all electronics and store them somewhere you can easily retrieve them later; back up your computer files; and empty entertainment devices of CDs, DVDs, and cartridges.
Take inventory. Have a list of all the items in your home. Or, if you just want to use the mover’s inventory as your guide, at the very least, take stock of all your valuables, such as jewelry, expensive technology, and heirlooms.
Confirm. Always confirm your scheduled dates and times with your moving company well in advance.

Following these steps can lead to a much better experience, ensuring that you can move forward without any obstacles blocking your path to your new home.

BB&D Moving Services
301-573-5447 (MD) | 571-375-2826 (VA) | 786-409-4799 (FL) | bbdmoving.com/

Picking the Right Moving Company Is Key

Life is full of big decisions. What school to attend. What job to take. What city to live in and what home in your chosen location. Selecting a mover to get you there might not be a life-altering decision, but it’s important nonetheless: If all goes well, your move turns into a one-day event that proceeds smoothly, according to plan; but if things don’t go well, your move can turn into a stress-fueled, frustration-filled nightmare from which you just want to escape.

The difference between scenario A and scenario B? Choosing a qualified, reputable, and experienced full-service moving company you can rely on. Here are some steps you can take to pave the way for a problem-free move:

Seek out recommendations and referrals. Take advantage of your own personal network as an invaluable source of dependable and useful information. Just like you’d trust your family and friends to set you up on a blind date or help you find just the right restaurant for that special anniversary dinner, leverage the collective knowledge of the people around you to help you zero in on a good fit. A new colleague at work or a new family at your kid’s school? Ask them what mover they used and if they were happy with their choice. Word of mouth is almost always worth listening to.
Research online information and reviews. Typing “moving companies” into your Google search bar will result in a long list of options in your area, but geography and availability shouldn’t necessarily be the deciding factors. Instead, you’ll want to look at what information a company shares online, what their reputation is in the industry, and what reviews have been posted about them. Sure, no one receives 100% satisfaction ratings 100% of the time, but when the general consensus shows the company to be professional, reliable, well-received, and well-reviewed, that’s a great start to narrowing down your options.
Get multiple on-site estimates. An established moving company will have a streamlined, systematic process in place to provide you with a detailed estimated cost for your entire move. In writing. To do so, they should offer a timely visit to your home, where the estimator can conduct an in-person inventory of all your belongings to accurately assess weight, volume, and approximate move time. Securing several estimates will allow you to compare and contrast.
Check credentials. A legitimate company will be licensed, bonded, and insured. Without these credentials, the company isn’t responsible if something unfortunate happens to your possessions en route, nor are they liable for injuries that could happen to their workers, your family members, or your property. For interstate moves, movers are also required to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and have a DOT number. Ask for proof of credentials if this information isn’t already provided in the company’s paperwork and/or on their website.
Read the fine print. Consumers have responsibilities in moves as well. Make sure you read through the company’s policies and procedures before you sign on the dotted line and ask for clarification on anything you don’t understand. Which leads us to our final suggestion.
Ask questions. Experienced movers are used to inexperienced customers who may have lots of questions and concerns, such as:

How long will your move take?
Will you be able to contact the company and the driver during the move?
Does the company subcontract the move or the delivery, or will they be in possession of your belongings from start to finish?
What is the cancellation policy?
What forms of payment are accepted, and when is payment made?
Are there any packing restrictions or limitations you should be aware of?
Any extra or hidden fees for special services, supplies, or labor not readily apparent in the estimate?
Which items will the moving company take care of themselves and how (e.g., electronics, furniture, large or odd-shaped items, items that don’t fit in boxes, like bicycles and rugs)?
How are the movers trained, and can you expect them to show up on moving day in uniform?

There are lots of online sources to help you pick the right moving company, among them:

BB&D Moving can help you as much or as little as you want throughout the entire process, from planning, budgeting, and packing to storage, delivery, and setup. Call us today to learn about how we can get you from “here” to “there” as swiftly and efficiently as possible!

BB&D Moving Services
301-573-5447 (MD) | 571-375-2826 (VA) | 786-409-4799 (FL) | https://bbdmoving.com/

Why October Is an Optimal Time for Renovating

If you’re planning on moving and know your home could use some renovations to prep it for resale and greatly increase your chances of getting top dollar for it, now might be a very good time to start thinking more seriously about your plans. That’s because October is National Kitchen and Bath Month, when lots of remodeling businesses offer special offers and lots of retailers have big sales on kitchen and bath supplies.

Why October? Well, it conveniently falls right between the hot, humid days of summer, when you don’t really want all your doors and windows open while workers come and go, and the frigid, icy days of winter, when you want everything in your home to be buttoned up and unexposed to the elements. More importantly, however, October is perfect ramp-up time to the holidays—especially to all the high traffic your kitchen and bathrooms are subject to with holiday entertaining and holiday guests.

Maybe you’re thinking about some minor updates and upgrades, or maybe you’re in the market for a complete remodel of one or more rooms before you put your home on the market. Either way, here are some things to consider:

Go “window shopping.” Today’s home buyers are savvy and sophisticated, having grown up amid the DIY industry spurred on by such home improvement giants as The Home Depot and Lowe’s and having been groomed by countless episodes of Fixer Upper and Flip or Flop on HGTV. They want granite countertops, they expect double sinks, and they’re drawn to clean lines and open spaces. So go to open houses in your area to start getting a look at and a feel for today’s modern, marketable interiors. Talk to your friends about their own remodels—their list of do’s and don’ts, their recommended vendors. Stroll the aisles of decorating stores to learn more about available features and finishes, costs and space considerations.
Appeal to the masses. Remember, you’re redoing your home for resale, not for yourself, so you’ll want to take into account colors, textures, materials, and products that will attract the greatest number of potential buyers. Trendy can work, but timeless is your best bet. Vibrant can be eye-catching, but you can’t go wrong with neutrals. Easy to clean and easy to maintain, long-lasting and highly functional, cost-effective and energy-efficient … these are the elements that will appeal to anyone’s taste and will make house hunters feel comfortable and assured in their next home.
Research resale value. This step is crucial, because only by knowing the “comps” in your neighborhood can you make informed decisions about how much to renovate, how much to spend, how much you can ask for your house. Bottom line: you need to have a solid idea of how much value your reno will add to your current home before you decide how much valuable time and resources to invest in it. A real estate agent can help you research comparable home prices; you can also do a lot of this research yourself online, on sites like Zillow, which not only specify list and sold prices, but which show lots and lots of pictures of the homes for sale in your market, so you can compare yours to theirs.
Make a budget. Planning for your expenses before you begin the renovation will save you a lot of headaches afterward. And make no mistake—renovations can be very costly. So while you’re shopping and researching, map out an expense sheet that prioritizes necessities over wish-list indulgences, and choose wisely when it comes to options for things like appliances, cabinetry, lighting, tiles, backsplashes, faucets, mirrors, and everything in between. It doesn’t have to be high-end to be high style or top-of-the-line to get your house in top form!

When you’re ready for your move, BB&D will be there for all your relocation and storage needs.

BB&D Moving Services
301-573-5447 (MD) | 571-375-2826 (VA) | 786-409-4799 (FL) | https://bbdmoving.com/

Optimizing Your Move by Zeroing in on the Calendar

Moving is nobody’s idea of a good time, right? All the prioritizing and the packing, the checklists and the supplies, the organizing and reorganizing, updating addresses and changing utilities—the list goes on from there, and it can get more than a little overwhelming for anyone.

But there are some things you can do to not only prepare for the smoothest move possible, but to make it more cost-effective too, by picking a precise date for your move that can save you time and money.

Start by thinking “off”—off-peak, off-season, when moving companies are least busy, so the greatest amount of resources will be available to you. Then drill down from there:

WHAT MONTH? Certainly, you must take into account your own personal circumstances and required timelines, but if you can avoid scheduling your move from the middle of May through September—typically, the busiest months for residential moves—you’ll likely you be glad you did. Scheduling your move during the fall or winter will allow less of a time crunch and more affordable pricing (not to mention cooler weather!).

WHAT WEEK? Just like summertime is predictably the peak season for moves, the first week of the month (the 1st day of the month, to be exact) is routinely booked the most. So mid-month is the where you want to fall—on or around the 15th, when there’ll be fewer fellow clients on the roster.

WHAT DAY OF THE WEEK? Most people prefer to schedule their move for the weekend, when they’re off work and their kids are off school. This is especially true for do-it-yourself movers, meaning rental trucks might be in short supply and come at a premium. Monday to Thursday offers you the prime window for a more open, less stressful moving experience.

If your schedule allows for flexibility, think about using these tips to map out an ideal time frame for your move.

Contact BB&D Moving Services today to learn more or to schedule your move:

301-573-5447 (MD) | 571-375-2826 (VA) | 786-409-4799 (FL) | https://bbdmoving.com/

Supply Checklist for Your Upcoming Move

Preparing for a move can be one of life’s more overwhelming events for most people. With so much to do and juggle—not just planning and packing and organizing in the home you’re vacating, but also planning and unpacking and organizing in your new home—it’s easy to get so stressed out that you start forgetting things, that details start falling through the cracks.

The most efficient way to tackle the planning process is to write everything down—make a checklist of all that you need to do, all that you need to get, and you’ll be thanking yourself later on when things get even busier as your move date approaches.

One list you don’t have to make is an inventory of your belongings—once you have your professional moving company of choice on board, they’ll take care of that for you. The inventory list will give both your movers and you a very good idea of the number and types of boxes you’ll need. Your moving company can supply those for an extra charge—in every conceivable shape and size—or you can procure them yourself. Regardless of which option you choose, here’s a typical list of what you should have on hand to get the packing off to a great start and under control.

TYPICAL PACKING SUPPLY LIST:

Large moving boxes
Medium moving boxes
Small moving boxes
Extra-large moving boxes
Wardrobe boxes
Heavy-duty boxes
Large roll(s) of bubble wrap
Multiple rolls of tissue paper
Permanent black marker
Rolls of sealing tape
White labels to paste on boxes

Now, when it comes to specialty boxes and wooden crates for fragile items such as large mirrors, marble tops, glass tops, valuable artwork, computers, printers, electronics, and other bulky, hard-to-move items, we recommend consulting with your professional movers. But all of the other contents of your home can be safely and securely packed up with the above materials, at a pace that’s comfortable for you and works with your schedule.

Then it’s time to proceed to the crucial step of labeling the boxes. Trust us, your move will go a lot smoother and settling in to your new home will be a lot easier when boxes are delivered to the rooms they belong in.

BB&D Moving Services can do all of the above (and more!) for you, but we’re also here to help you do it yourself. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your move:
301-573-5447 (MD) | 571-375-2826 (VA) | 786-409-4799 (FL) | https://bbdmoving.com/

What to Pack Yourself When You Move

Packing to move

So you’ve set your move date, you’ve hired professional movers, and now comes the often-overwhelming task of packing up your entire household. What should you pack up all by yourself? What should you leave to your movers? And what might fall somewhere in between?

Well, sorting through your household is the first step in efficient and productive packing. If you’ve already compiled an inventory of all your belongings with your mover, use that as a starting point. If not, you can proceed through your house one room at a time, making an inventory list of your own to determine which items you know you want to be responsible for yourself (like jewelry), which items require proper packing materials and special handling and should therefore be taken care of by your movers (like your grandmother’s antique chest), and which items shouldn’t be packed at all but should be left to the movers’ discretion (like bicycles). For any items that you’re leaving to the movers’ care, prep them as necessary and practical—for example, empty your grandmother’s chest and carefully box up the contents inside so that only the piece of furniture itself is left for the movers to handle.

Here are some tips on deciding who should move what:

Private and confidential material: Paperwork and information that is sensitive in nature and is important to your identity and privacy should be handled on your own—things like financial files and statements, bonds and deeds, passports and certificates, banking information. If items are for your eyes only, then it will give you peace of mind to pack them up yourself.
Irreplaceable items: You’ll also rest easier knowing you took care of precious belongings yourself, such as heirloom jewelry, your teacup collection, family photo albums, collector items, first-edition books. If it can’t be replaced, that’s your cue to place and pack these things yourself.
Everyday household items: As prepared as you want to be ahead of time, you don’t want to pack up things you use in your home on a daily basis and will want on hand even on moving day: house and car keys, remote controls, address books, flash drives, the coffee machine, your pillows and a set of sheets. Remember that you still need to live comfortably and effectively a few days before your move and a few days after.
Personal items: The same goes for any and all personal items that you use on a daily basis that you’ll want to keep within easy reach: clothes, shoes, medications, eyeglasses, toiletries, and cosmetics. You can pack up the bulk of your bedroom and bathroom contents well ahead of the move, but remember to save a bag for packing up what you’ll need during the actual transition period of the move.
Fragile contents: When it comes to items that require special packing and handling, however, it’s recommended that you let the professionals take care of them for you. No matter how sentimental or valuable these items are to you—furniture, artwork, TVs and other electronic equipment, computers, appliances, large household items, pool tables and pinball machines and stereo systems—these items are fragile and difficult to move and so will be safer in the hands of your professional movers.

Relocating is stressful enough without the added concern of not knowing when, how, and what to pack. Take advantage of the expertise and experience of your professional movers by letting them help you inventory, organize, and sort through everything. And if you really don’t want to pack up anything yourself other than your toothbrush, your wallet, and your car keys, well then, for an additional fee, your movers can take care of (literally) everything but the kitchen sink!

Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your move: 301-573-5447 (MD) | 571-375-2826 (VA) | 786-409-4799 (FL) | https://bbdmoving.com/

The Advantages of Hiring Your Movers to Do Your Packing

Moving can be one of the most stressful experiences in life. Just the thought of it can fill you with a curious blend of mixed emotions: dread, excitement, anxiety, anticipation. And yet moving doesn’t have to be quite so overwhelming and nerve-racking—especially once you get a professional moving company on board to walk you through the process and offer options along the way.

One of those options is letting your movers do your packing too. Yes, there’s an added cost for this service, but if you think of how much money you’ll spend on packing tape, labels or markers, tissue and bubble wrap, and boxes of all shapes and sizes, that cost is quickly neutralized. Not only that, but it’s important to consider that packing plays a critical role in a successful move: If your house contents are packed professionally and correctly, you alleviate all worry that your possessions will be broken or damaged in transit.

You can hire a mover to pack as little or as much of your inventory as you want, so as you decide how you want to proceed, keep in mind these benefits of a combined moving + packing package:

Your household items and valuables will be packed safely and securely in the proper boxes and packing materials provided by the moving company.
Your movers will label each and every box—its contents as well as the room in which it belongs—which expedites your move and eliminates any possible confusion during the unloading and delivery phase.
Your movers can also safely unpack all your items in your new residence, if you wish, and haul away all the packing materials for you. Instead of breaking down boxes and making trips to the dump, you can just start enjoying your new home.
Your movers can do virtually all of the work—they’ll arrange an on-site visit well in advance of your move, they’ll compile an accurate inventory list of your belongings, and they’ll compose a map of your new home that specifies in which room your boxes and furnishings belong.

How do you pack a lamp? Large artwork? China and other fragile items? Computer and electronic equipment? Let your movers decide how to best take care of your valuables that require special handling.

BB&D Moving Services does it all! Call us or visit us today to learn more about how we can meet all your moving and packing needs: 301-573-5447 (MD) | 571-375-2826 (VA) | 786-409-4799 (FL) | https://bbdmoving.com/

A Checklist to Avoid Moving Scams

You’ve probably heard the many versions of horror stories regarding disreputable moving companies. Movers load up your things one day and the hold it hostage while demanding more money, or disappear altogether with your things and resell them later. Not only can they demand more money, but sometimes when your things are finally returned to you they may not be in their original condition. They might be damaged, scratched, or broken. How can you avoid all of this hassle and heartache? It’s simple: Do your homework and check out your moving company first.

FOLLOW THIS SIMPLE CHECKLIST TO AVOID SCAMS:

Always get 3 estimates: When shopping around for movers, it’s always a good idea to get at least 3 estimates for comparison so you can compare prices. The most common scam is overcharging for a move.
Investigate the company: Check with your area’s BBB (Better Business Bureau) for any complaints filed. Additionally, you can check websites solely dedicated to moving scams, such as movingscam.com. These contain a “blacklist” of companies which contain both bad and good experiences.
The moving company should visit your home: A representative should always come to the client’s residence and physically look at the logistics and contents of what has to be moved. Reputable moving companies will spend time with their clients to answer questions and provid guidance for packing tips. Beware of internet companies that do not have their own facility or warehouse and do not own their own moving trucks.
Insist on a contract that covers everything: A good contract should spell out all details of a move. There should be no “hidden charges”, for example, a “drivers fee”. The contract should consist of several pages of information explaining details of the move. Scam companies tend to make it sound too easy; something like: “Moving from Point A to Point B… Here’s the price”.
Real estate agent recommendations: General consensus among moving professionals is usually word of mouth. Friends and family are fine but real estate agents have more information and know the ins and outs of the housing industry and can be the most reliable sources.

Doing your homework and investigating the company first will ensure that you are hiring a professional moving company that has DOT# and MC numbers along with Insurance for protection and claims. Please call us at BB&D with any questions. We’re more than happy to help make your move as smooth and stress-free as can be!