What is an Expat & Expat Moving?

December 16, 2019

When it comes to international traveling, there is one type that is not so well known but widely used in the business world. The type in question is that of an expat and the moving that comes with an expat employee. When it comes to that term, not many people know what it means or entails and that is where we come in to help as we have years of experience helping expat employees move and store their items while away.

What is an Expat?

An expat, or expatriate, is someone who lives in a different location or country other than the location they were born and raised in. These people usually are residing in their new host country temporarily, with the intention of returning home at some point. While most have the intention of returning home, there are some people who have figured out that they will have a better means of living if they stayed in their host country and is why some never return home. When it comes to this term, it is usually used more often in the business world as companies will have employees become expat employees so they can work in different countries in their remote offices for periods of time, usually two to three years.

How MacDonald Helps With Expat Moving

When it comes to moving in the event of an expat experience, the movers at MacDonald Moving Services understand the hassle of shipping up everything you will need for this extended stay, finding a place, and moving everything into the new home. This is why we offer extensive international moving services along with our expertise expat storage services. This way each employee going oversees knows that all of their belongings are safely secured during the move as well as knowing they have a place to put unwanted items while you settle into your new home.

4 Benefits of Winter Moving

December 3, 2019

Moving to a new home isn’t fun at any time of year, but winter is a time that most people especially dread and try to avoid. Rather your moving for interstate, international or local moving in the winter has more benefits than you’d think. Let’s take a look at the four major reasons for hiring your moving company in the winter!

4 Reasons To Move In The Winter

1. Cheaper Rates

Winter is a slower season for moving companies which means lower rates for the customers they do get. Hiring professional movers is a cost some people are afraid to take on, but the convenience truly makes it worth it. If you thought a professional moving company was out of your budget, you may realize you were wrong thanks to lower winter rates!

2. Available Scheduling

Since it’s a slower season, you’re almost guaranteed to find movers available on your desired moving dates. During peak seasons you are often left having to move on a day you didn’t choose because it’s the only day the moving company you want to use is available. Winter also allows you to book movers last minute, rather than scheduling months in advance. Whether you need a residential move or a commercial move, with the winter schedule you will have more dates available at your disposal.

3. Higher Quality Service from Movers

When movers have a schedule that’s packed with one move after another, it’s natural for them to be in a rush. That rushed attitude can often lead to lower quality customer service and overall not-so-great experience with your moving company. In the winter, your movers will have more than enough time in their day to take their time with your move. As long as you help keep them warm, they’re sure to be friendly and courteous!

4. Time to Get Adjusted

Summer is a hectic time of year and your list of things to go do never seem to end. In the winter, life moves a little slower with more time spent indoors. This is perfect if you’re in need of time to unpack and adjust to your new space! Rather you’re moving locally or long-distance, you’ll need an adjustment period. Scheduling your moving service during the winter will actually lead to a less stressful unpacking process!

If you’ve been looking for the right time to move, this is it! Don’t let the winter weather intimidate you from moving into your new dream home. Instead, utilize the time of year to help you save a little extra cash and be sure to contact MacDonald Moving Services today!

5 Tips to Spot A Moving Scam

August 12, 2019

Scammers look to take advantage of people when they are vulnerable. There are few things in life that are more stressful than a move, and so scammers latch on to people they know that are in this position. A quick search of “moving scam” will pull up horror stories of stolen or lost belongings. Use these tips to steer clear of any potential moving scams, whether you are making a long-distance move or a local move.

How To Avoid Moving Scams In 5 Tips

1. Be Wary of Unusual Requests

Typically, moving companies will require a deposit, and then the full payment for services will be due after the move is complete. If a company is asking for the full amount (or an unusually high deposit) upfront, it may be a warning that you’re talking to a scammer. Also – a moving company may be able to provide an estimate over the phone, but an actual quote will need to be done in person.

2. Do Your Research

Is this company well-established? Some indications that this may be a scam company is if an address is not listed on the company website, the company does not have any website, or there is no information about the movers’ insurance. You should also be sure to ask the moving company questions to verify any information.

3. Ask for It In Writing

If a company is unable or unwilling to provide written proof of their insurance, you can immediately tell that the company is questionable, at best. You should also request a written contract with pick-up and delivery dates, as well as the amount you’re expected to pay. If a company is unwilling to create a contract, or the contract they do provide seems too generic or full of errors, choose another company to work with instead.

4. If It Sounds Too Good To Be True, It Probably Is

Some scammers will submit a low-ball bid in order to become the most attractive option but then will require a huge payment for the return of your belongings. If one quote comes in well below all of the others, pay extra special attention to that company before agreeing to work with them.

5. Too Much Anonymity

Scam companies will often use multiple company names to avoid being caught. When you call the company, if they respond generically, such as “movers”, this can be an indicator that this is a fraudulent company. Along those lines, if a moving company rents their vehicles or using unbranded vehicles, that is another red flag.

If you do get in the situation where your movers say they won’t release your items without additional payment, call law enforcement for help and report the business to the BBB. Knowing what to look for can help you identify potential scams early and avoid losing any money.

Tips For Moving Into A New Office

July 24, 2019

Moving on a whole can be both exciting and tedious at the same time. The truth is that no one wants to be stressed out with a move. That is why preparation is key to a successful move. Moving to a new office space comes with many of the same factors as moving to a new home. The furniture is large and bulky, some items are difficult to pack, and there are several rooms with items that need to be packed away. Needless to say, moving requires a lot of hard work, but there are some ways to make the process a lot smoother. Here are some useful tips that you could find useful when making your office move.

Early Planning is Key
When doing commercial moving, such as moving to new office space, “winging it” is just not going to cut it. You are setting yourself up for disaster. Start the planning process early, delegating tasks, establishing how it should be done and create a deadline as well. Simply establish how you’ll get everything ready for the move. This should include planning what happens on arrival day after you have made it to your new location. Create a checklist to help guide you and keep you on track.
Appoint a Move Manager
If you have a medium-sized business and doing long distance moving, you may need some assistance. Dividing up the work could lighten your workload and make the process less stressful. Having a designated move manager will enable a step by step handling of each aspect of the moving process. You will know exactly how things are progressing from start to finish. Get someone who has solid experience in commercial moving.
Do Your Research
When it comes to finding a moving company to work with, it’s best to do your research before committing to any moving company. Get several different quotes from the local moving companies to get an idea of the best deal since an office move can be pretty costly. Get a minimum of three quotes if you are on a tight budget. Get recommendations and ratings for the moving services that you are interested in, to have an idea of the quality service they provide.
Keep I.T in Mind
Moving to a new office space requires disconnecting and reconnecting everything tech. This can lead to major complications, and that is why it is important from day one to have your I.T. department create a plan for transferring all technical equipment necessary for the office, from computers to phones.
Know the Building Rules
If the building you’re moving into is not owned by your company, you should get a complete breakdown of the building rules around relocation space. There may be rules around the time allowed for moving, or a formal request has to be made to use the service elevator. Building management can provide you with this important information.

Get Change of Address Order Taken Care of
Updating your address in every area that it’s needed is important. Begin by updating your address on documents and place an order for new business cards, envelopes, and letterhead, etc. as soon as you know your new office address. Also, give clients a heads-up as well.

You office move don’t have to be a huge headache if you plan well and stay ahead of things. Start early and make sure you choose a reliable local moving company that you can trust to do the job right. Contact Macdonald Moving Services to assist you with your next office move!

Things Movers Won’t Move Part 2

July 9, 2019

In our last blog, we talked about a few items that movers tend not to take during a move whether a local or long distance move. We are back with the second part to our series with five additional common items that movers typically tend to not take.

5 Items Moving Companies Won’t Take

Flammable Items

With the rising temperatures the inside of moving trucks tend to have, it is safer for moving companies to not take any flammable items. This will prevent any catastrophic accidents from happening that could harm your other belongings during transit. Your best bet is to either use or dispose of any kerosene, charcoal, lighter fluid, paint removers and any other flammable items before the day of your move.

Corrosives

Just like with flammable items, moving companies tend to not move corrosive items as well for the same safety reasons. They want to ensure nothing happens to your belongings during transit so limiting potentially harmful items in the truck as possible is the way to go. Any items such as muriatic acid, nitric acid, and batteries with acid in them are items movers won’t move. If you do have batteries to move just make sure they are the non-spillable gel type batteries.

Valuables

When it comes to items movers will take, valuables are an item that definitely can be boxed up and put on the truck but probably shouldn’t. Whether it is cash, important documents, jewelry, certificates, etc they shouldn’t be transported in the moving van. Consider taking these items with you in your own personal vehicle to prevent them from being lost during the move, as it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Power Equipment

If you have items that require fuel to be used in order to operate, you will want to make sure the tank is empty before the movers arrive. Items such as motorcycles, lawn mowers, weed eaters, etc should all have an empty tank to prevent anything bad from happening during the transport of these items in the move.

Special Items

There are some special items that some moving companies may not take based on the services they provide, if they need a certificate to move certain items, etc. These items include grand pianos, pool tables, and hot tables.

Things Movers Won’t Move Part 1

June 24, 2019

While hiring a moving company to handle your local or long distance move is your best bet for a successful and stress-free move, you need to be aware of what they will or will not take. The ideal situation is that they will pack up everything you own and have it shipped to your new location but the reality is that there are certain items a company will not take. By finding out what movers won’t take, you can prepare these items by disposing of them if they need to be or have them boxed up properly on your own for you to move during the actual move.

5 Items Movers Won’t Move

Plants

If you are moving interstate or internationally, the moving company will probably not take your plants in the moving truck. This is because it is illegal to transport plants more than 150 miles without a special license. The reasoning behind this is because pests such as the emerald ash borer can be on your plants and during a move can get into other items of your home. Once you get to your new location these pests can infiltrate your new home as they will now be on the plant and the boxes it was next to.

Hazardous Materials

With most moving companies, the transport of hazardous materials is something they will not move during a move for safety reasons. When booking your moving company be sure to discuss with them what they deem is hazardous so you know what not to put with the items that will be packed up for the move. Some items that are deemed hazardous include:

Paint
Aerosol Cans
Paint Thinner
Batteries
Fire Extinguishers

If you can’t dispose of it in a regular trash can then consider that item as hazardous as moving companies will probably not move them. If you do have hazardous materials with you then be sure to use them up or find ways of disposing of them properly before your move.

Perishable Food

This one is more of a given as its common sense that movers and even yourself wouldn’t move anything that will spoil. No matter the expiration, the temperatures during the actual transport could effect perishable food items to spoil sooner than later. It is best to consume these food items or dispose of them before you move so there is one less thing to worry about for your move.

Explosives

If you have any ammunition, black powder, primers, propellants, or anything that could explode then you can bet a mover won’t be able to move them. With temperature changes in the moving truck let alone these items just being dangerous in general, don’t expect a moving company to take them in the moving truck the day of your move.

Pets

When it comes to pets, the best thing to do is to have your pet’s belongings in a box to go in the moving truck. Then you will want to take your pet and overnight bag for your pet, so they are comfortable in the new house, and take them both with you in your own personal vehicle.

If you need assistance moving then be sure to contact MacDonald Moving Services for more information!

4 Tips To Move Your Wine Collection

June 18, 2019

When it comes to moving, you want to make sure all of your belongings reach your new home without damage. This is especially so with fragile and high-value items that you want to be transported. The best way to do this is by hiring a moving company to assist you with your move as they know the best methods on how to move items. If you love wine and have a personal collection then this is a scenario when you would need to hire a specialist to help move these special pieces. A wine collection needs special handling and if you would like to have your collection follow you to your new home in one piece then try these tips to help you out. Whether you are moving locally or to a different state, let

4 Steps To Moving Your Wine Collection

Size It Up

The first step is to get a decent estimate of the size of your wine collection so you can see if you will need to either transport it through the air or on the ground. No matter which method you end up choosing, you will need to factor in the number of cases that will be shipped along with the distance they will be traveling. You will want to do this as air-shipping is usually less expensive compared to the ground moving with wine collections.

Choose a Method

Whether you either choose ground or air transport, you will want to go with a moving company that specializes in wine transportation. This is because there is a number of different factors during a move that could affect the wine. Temperature changes can spoil wine and vibrations can stir sediments on red wine that could alter the taste of the wine. The heat will essentially “cook” the wine while cooler temperatures could force the cork to pop out if the bottle freezes. This is why going with a specialist will ensure that your wine will be properly transported and kept safe until it reaches your new home.

Take Pictures

Before you start the process of moving your wine, including packing, be sure to take pictures. Take pictures of every bottle and label and be sure to document everything that you have. This way, in the event something gets damage you can know exactly what it was so you can look for a replacement.

Hire A Specialist

As mentioned earlier, your best bet is to hire a company that specializes in wine moving. This is because they have the knowledge and experience of how to properly handle these types of items for moves. When you are looking for a wine mover, be sure to look for the following:

Knowledgeable Staff – As with any specialist service, you want to make sure those that will be handling your fragile items have the proper knowledge on how to care for them.
Proper Packing – The specialists you intend to hire should know how to properly package each bottle of wine for safe traveling. They will carefully take your wine from your racks to insulated and protective boxes that come with custom-shaped interiors to hold the necks securely. If you choose ground transport, your movers will then properly wrap up the boxes to prevent any damages during the drive.
Climate-Controlled Transport – As mentioned above with how temperature changes can affect wine, you will want to make sure your mover of choice has climate-controlled or refrigerated trucks to transport your wine.

If you are looking for a moving company to move your wine or other types of move be sure to contact MacDonald Moving Services today!

How to Prepare for Your Summer Move

June 10, 2019

If you’re like many people, moving during the cold winter months is something you’d probably like to avoid. Planning a move is essential to make moving day run as smoothly as possible. Follow these simple steps to ensure your summer move is a simple and successful process.

4 Ways To Prepare For a Summer Move

Book Movers in Advance

Summer is the best time to move which means the moving companies in your area will be very busy. Don’t wait until the last second to book your moving crew, instead, give them a call as soon as you know your moving date. Be sure to include a few details about the size and distance of your move so they’re able to schedule accordingly.

Have a Yard Sale

Two to three weeks before your moving date is the prime time to declutter unwanted belongings. Have a yard sale on a warm and sunny weekend with an “all things must go” sales approach. Whatever doesn’t sell can be donated or given to friends and family. This will make for fewer items to be moved into your new home and fewer boxes to unpack!

Pack Efficiently

Packing should be done before moving day arrives. Double check all of your drawers, closets, and hidden basement corners before the movers arrive. Be sure to pack boxes to the point of being full, but not too heavy to carry. Pack similar items together and label the boxes so you know what room they belong to in the new house. To reduce the risk of inefficient packing, begin the packing process a couple of weeks before the moving day.

Stay Cool and Hydrated

It’s no secret that summer is hot but moving makes it even hotter. Try to find a space that can be kept cool and shaded for yourself and the movers to take a break in. Drinking plenty of water or an electrolyte-filled sports drink will help to replenish the fluids you lose as you sweat too. If you think you’re becoming overheated or dehydrated, don’t be afraid to take a break!

The final thing to remember when you plan your summer move is not to stress too much. The moving process can quickly become overwhelming but being stressed won’t help things get done any quicker! Now that you know how to prepare for your summer move, it’s time to get started! If you have any questions about how to pack or get ready for moving day, give our team of experienced movers a call today.

How To Properly Wrap Furniture For A Move

May 30, 2019

Moving is always a process that can be stressful and overwhelming and one of the most common issues with moving is that belongings and furniture get damaged during the move. While the easiest solution would be to disassemble the furniture and reassemble once you arrive at your new destination, not all furniture is made that way. For furniture pieces that can’t be taken apart, you will need to cover them to ensure full protection of not only the piece but the walls and floors of your new destination.

5 Tips on Properly Wrapping Furniture For a Move

Cover Furniture With Blankets

When picking up supplies for your move, consider grabbing furniture pads and blankets as these are the best protection for your furniture. While any blanket in your home should work, if it covers the furniture, there are also special moving blankets you can rent or purchase from a moving supply company. When wrapping, start at one end and wrap the entire circumference of the piece, then work on covering the top and bottom of the item. Just like with a holiday gift, you will want to ensure every part of the piece is covered. With larger pieces, you may need to use more than one blanket or pad so rent/purchase accordingly and don’t worry about overbuying as the excess blankets can be used for extra protection when loading the moving truck.

Wrap Furniture Legs

While the most ideal situation, as mentioned earlier, is to simply remove the legs of tables, chairs, and other pieces that have them, not all legs can be disassembled. If you can’t remove them, then be sure to wrap them just as you would the other parts of the furniture. Tightly secure the material by going around each leg with padding or blankets, and then plastic wrap. You will want to do these as they are the most common culprits to getting damaged or hitting walls while being moved.

Secure Covers With Plastic Wrap

Once your furniture is wrapped in blankets or pads, you will want to secure the cover so they don’t fall during transport. The best way to do that is by getting a plastic wrap and covering the entire piece of furniture. Not only will the tightly secure the protection, but it will also prevent dirt and dust from settling on your furniture while it is in the moving truck during interstate or international moves.

Use Cardboard To Cover Corners

While blankets and pads are great for most furniture, you will want to have added protection to pieces that have sharp corners. This includes desks, dressers, and square tables. Once you wrap the furniture in blankets and plastic wrap, you should add cardboard to the corners of items that have these sharp corners. This way, if they make content with walls or anything it is the cardboard being rubbed against the wall and not a sharp corner. If you are worried about extra protection to for the bottom of some of your furniture you can apply the same task with the cardboard to the bottom of the piece. This is usually good for dressers.

Use Bubble Wrap

If you have fragile furniture you want to be careful of or want to go the extra mile in protecting your precious furniture then consider using bubble wrap as the final layer. Once the furniture is covered in plastic wrap, take bubble wrap and go around the entire piece and securing it with tape. Do keep in mind that the bubble wrap could hinder the grip of the furniture when it comes to moving it to and from the truck, so decide which pieces you would want that to apply the bubble wrap too.

If you are looking for professional movers to assist with your next move, whether residential or commercial moving, contact MacDonald Movers today!

Tips for Successfully Moving with Pets

May 3, 2019

If you’re an animal lover then you understand that your pets truly are a part of the family. Of course, that means that when you move, the go with you! Moving is a stressful experience for the human members of your family, but your pets are likely even more stressed out then you are. Check out these steps you can take to ensure the moving experience is as easy as possible on both you and your pets.

6 Tips On Moving With Pets

Contact Your Vet

Before moving day arrives you should be sure to consult with your vet. They can give you your pet’s records, as well as refills for any medications they may need. If you’re moving to an unfamiliar area, be sure to ask for new vet recommendations!

Prepare an Overnight Kit

After completing your move you’ll be left with mountains of unpacked boxes and unorganized rooms. To ensure you have access to the essentials your pets need on a day to day basis, pack an overnight kit. Put the kit in a location that is easy to find and try to stick to the routine that your pets are used to.

Keep Your Pets Away from the Action

We recommend keeping your pets away from the chaos on moving day. Ideally, you should leave them at a kennel or with a close friend for the day. If that isn’t an option, try to clear out an area of the house that they can stay in to avoid getting overwhelmed.

Take Your Pet in a Vehicle

To physically move your pet from the old home to the new home you should take them in your personal vehicle. Put them in a kennel first if need be, but don’t allow them to ride in a moving vehicle or another unfamiliar car.

Keep Your Pet Secluded

Rather than showing your pet their new home right after moving, try to keep them secluded until you can make space feel more familiar for them. Set up one room of the new home and then keep your pet in that area until the rest of the home is ready for them.

Update Their Info

Of course, a new home comes with a new address. Take some time to update their tags and microchip information in case they find a way to escape their new home. Above all else, remember that moving is a big event for your pet. Try to find the time to give them the extra attention and patience they want while they adjust to the new space.