How to Avoid Fraud in the Moving Industry

Moving is one of the most stressful life events that people experience. It's not simple to consider moving all of your household goods across town, much less across state or national borders. The beginning of the move process can be just as stressful for many people as they start to consider the number of companies offering moving services, all with varying levels of service and reputation.

Here are some things to consider as you begin searching companies:

1. Check the company's reputation with the Better Business Bureau.

2. Check your city's Chamber of Commerce and see if the moving company has a rating from the local chamber.

3. When you contact a company for a firm estimate, they should schedule an appointment to come to your home for a survey or estimate. Although they may provide an over the phone ball-park quote, when you are seriously considering your move, be sure to have an in-home estimate completed. When the estimate has been completed, you should always receive a written estimate. Do not accept a firm estimate if it is not in writing.

If you live in the Tulsa area and are ready to schedule an estimate for your upcoming move, please call Accent Moving & Storage at 918-251-5594. If you need information about scheduling estimates outside of Oklahoma, please go to www.mayflower.com where you can fill out the bright green box entitled "planning a move?"

Moving Tip #514: Stage Your House to Sell it!

Everyone knows the saying, “You never have a second chance to make a first impression.” Well, in this economy, this saying includes selling your house!


Recently, I have talked about ridding yourself of old, unwanted paperwork so you are ready for your big move day and that will also help when staging your home. People need to see that you have plenty of room for storage. Once all your trash is gone, your home and storage spaces will appear larger.

Of course, you could make your space seem even larger by selling or donating anything you haven’t touched in 3 moths or more. And you should get jump on your move by “de-personalizing” your home. This means taking down all the family pictures so that prospective buyers can picture themselves living in your home.

A big step in staging your home is removing some unneeded furniture and other big items. I’m not suggesting you get rid of them completely. These are things that you may like and make your life comfortable but they just make your house appear smaller to a future buyer making a sale harder. Get suggestions on how to stage furniture here: http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/13-home-staging-secrets/pictures/index.html

For clean, dry, storage of those personal and overflow furniture items, contact Accent Moving & Storage, Inc. at 918-251-5594 or 800-331-3378. Then, when your house sells, we will have a majority of things ready so you can move fast!

Help Your Neighbors While Cutting Moving Costs!

It's Spring. School will be out for Summer break in approximately three weeks. It's time to move. But you (along with everyone else) need to watch your moving costs. What do you do?

Well, everything you move will weigh something and, if your house is anything like mine, there are things you can donate to make your move cost less. Did you ever think about all those canned goods you've been stock piling in the pantry? Those are going to add up fast!

Here's the answer: Saturday, May 8th the United States Post Office is sponsoring the "Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive." All you have to do is place non-perishable food items in a bag. Place the bag of food at your mailbox. And your letter carrier will pick it up when they deliver your mail. How awesome is that?! You are helping your local food bank and you don't have to leave your home! All along, you are reducing your potential moving expenses!

Of course, you don't have to be moving to help out. Unfortunately, our food banks are in greater need than ever and most people donate during the holidays. This is a great opportunity to purge your pantry and help others at the same time. Go to www.helpstampouthunger.com to get more information.

As always, for all your moving needs (such as: boxes, storage, estimates, labor, etc.) contact Accent Moving & Storage at 918-251-5594.

De-Clutter: Shred-Fest Saturday!!!!

Paper is such a HUGE factor in adding weight and, therefore, expense to a move. This weekend you can rid yourself of much of that expense by taking advantage Shred Fest in Tulsa. Grab your old statements, bills, and other documents and run down to 635 West 41st Street in Tulsa between 1pm and 3pm this Saturday to get them shredded in less time and with less effort. Now, your records that aren't old enough to be shredded can be securely stored at Accent Moving & Storage. Please call 918-251-5594 for a storage quote

De-Clutter: Shred-Fest Saturday!!!!

Paper is such a HUGE factor in adding weight and, therefore, expense to a move. This weekend you can rid yourself of much of that expense and old paperwork by taking advantage of Shred Fest in Tulsa. Grab your old statements, bills, and other documents and run down to 635 West 41st St in Tulsa between 1pm and 3pm this Saturday to get them shredded in less time and with less effort. Now, your records that are not old enough to be shredded can be stored at Accent Moving & Storage. Please call 918-251-5594 for a storage quote.

MOVING TIP #224: MAKING YOUR BED

So...HERE'S THE THING: When you move professionally (at least with Accent Moving & Storage or Mayflower Transit) , you are allowed to leave soft goods like linens and clothing in your dressers during transit.
Therefore... TODAY'S HELPFUL HINT: Designate a drawer or two of your dresser to hold clean sheets and towels for you to use immediately upon arriving in your new home. This way you won't have to frantically dig through boxes searching for something to sleep on when you are dead tired! Move-in day is crazy enough...you have worked hard and have earned a good night's rest in your new home. Ahhh... clean sheets!

CAREFULLY PLAN YOUR MOVE

CREATE A TIMELINE:
Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for your move. Map a timeline so details aren't lost in the shuffle. One of the biggest mistakes we see is that people try to do too much in too short a time frame. You should never put unnecessary stress on you or your movers. For instance: if you must be completely out of your home by 5pm on Friday, then your last day to schedule your move should be Thursday. This will give you ample time to get your old house clean before turning it over to the new buyers.

HAVE A FAMILY DISCUSSION:
A new start can be terrifying. As a matter of fact, professionals will tell you it is tops on the stress scale with death and divorce. Take some time to address the emotional stresses a move may have on each family member, and try to foster positive feelings.

BUDGET YOUR MOVE:
A move carries a lot of hidden expenses. Try to account for every detail before you begin. Be sure to include cleaning, decluttering, packing, storage and transportation. Most professional moves will be COD and you will be expected to pay your mover when he arrives at your new home. Although credit cards are often accepted, most home buyers choose not to use them as they want to stop all activity on accounts through out the closing process on their new home.

GET YOUR PAPERS IN ORDER:
Transfer medical, dental and school records. (don't forget Fido) If you have special needs, you may want to find a new doctor before you move. Be sure you take copies of important financial and legal documents with you.

ANNOUNCE YOUR MOVE:
Give your family and friends notice. Alert colleagues so your professional network stays intact when everything else is disassembled. Remember to allow extra time for "good bye luncheons" or the time you intended to run those final errands will be eaten up. Literally!

ALLOW A FEW HOURS EACH DAY TO DEAL WITH THE UNEXPECTED.

Finally, give Accent Moving & Storage a call. With more than 70 years moving families around the nation and across the street, we have the tools to make this move a good one! 918-258-5594 or 800-331-3378

Mayflower Adds Maid Services!

Did you see the latest press release? How awesome is it that, when you are under so much time pressure, you can actually work with your mover to arrange cleaning services both at your old house as well as at your new house!

As if packing up everything from your toothbrush to your baby memorabilia, bedroom set and big-screen TV weren't enough work, moving also requires a massive housecleaning effort at the old house as well as the new. Now Mayflower Transit is lightening the load with new move-out and move-in cleaning options available with the company's residential moving services.

See the entire press release to find out about all the services that are now offered. Needless to say, we are pretty excited about this alliance with The Maids and Mayflower Transit. If you want to know more about how this service works, you can contact Accent Moving & Storage, an agent for Mayflower Transit since 1939.

Winter Proof Your Car

Who wants to deal with a car that looks like a Popsicle when your running late for work?

Keep your headlights clear with car wax: wipe ordinary car wax on your headlights to keep them clear of that wintry mix of salt, slush and snow. The special water repellents in the car wax will prevent such things from sticking. Thus, helping improve your visibility and safety!

Ice proof your windows with vinegar: fill a spray bottle with 3 parts vinegar to 1 part water and spritz it on your car windows at night. The vinegar will raise the melting point of water - preventing it from freezing. If you wake up to a frozen car, just spray the mixture on the windows and watch it melt!

Prevent car doors from freezing shut: spritz cooking spray on the rubber seals around car doors and rub it in with a paper towel. The oils in the cooking spray keep the water from seeping into the rubber when the snow melts and then freezing again!

Fog-Proof Your Windshield:spray some shaving cream on the inside of your windshield and wipe it off with paper towels. Shaving cream has many of the same ingredients found in commercial defoggers and it creates a protective film on the glass that prevents fogging.

Squeak-Proof Your Wipers: saturate a cloth with rubbing alcohol or amonia and wipe down your blades. The solvent will cut through the dirt and grime and make your wipers work like new!

De-Ice Your Lock: put some hand sanitizer gel on your key and the lock... problem solved! The alcohol (found in most de-icers) does the job. Just be sure your hand sanitizer is at least 60% alcohol (or it won't work for your locks or sanitizing!).

Get Un-Stuck: turn off your car, stick the rubber side of one of your floor mats under the spinning tire, turn on your car, and give it some gas. The rubber will give you the grip you need to get out of a sticky situation!

FINALLY.... don't deal with all of these issues AND a move too. DIY moves are overrated! Call Accent Moving & Storage / Mayflower Transit for all your moving needs.... WE KNOW ALL THE TRICKS! 918-251-5594 or 800-331-3378

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Prepare to Move (Even if You're Not Planning to Move)

I have a bag that is always packed with the basic toiletries just in case I get a chance to go on a weekend get-away. I am ready to go at a moment's notice. It's that much easier to say, "yes!" when I get an offer to go with friends to their lake house or maybe I will win that dream vacation to Greece!


The same idea holds true with your household goods. As we near the holidays, you will receive many cards and gifts. You will pull out all your old Christmas decorations. Some decorations you will use. Other decorations will stay in the box and go back into storage. When was the last time you used those items? Chances are, if you aren't using them this year, you probably won't use them in the future. DON'T PUT THEM BACK IN THE ATTIC!!! Donate those old decorations.


There is always a retirement facility or a children's home that could use the holiday cheer and you will be that much closer to being "move ready."


I know... you probably aren't planning a move right now. But don't you want to be ready to move at a moment's notice if someone shows up with an offer you can't refuse!?!

Baby-Boomers:Planning Your Move

More than 12 percent of the American population is over the age of 65 and an estimated 1.5 million of these Americans will move into new residences this year. Whether you are moving to a retirement community or assisted living facility, or down-sizing to a space that is more appropriate for your new lifestyle, moving can be stressful and emotionally draining. The following suggestions can help you execute a smooth move:

1. Take Inventory: as soon as you know you are going to be moving begin going through your home room by room and making an inventory of EVERYTHING.
2. Will It Fit?: visualize and compare the size of your current space with your new space then decide what you will do with items that willnot fit in your new home.
3. Rid Yourself of Possessions You Don't Need: check with family to see who wants the more sentimental items and then decide if you will sell or donate the remaining items.
4. Round Two: take a week off after deciding what you "absolutely must keep" and then go back to see if there is anything else you can part with. This will be easier the second and third time around.

For more moving tips, go to www.accentmoving.com.

Clean Out That Old Paperwork!

Paper is such a HUGE factor in adding weight and, therefore, expense to a move. This weekend you can rid yourself of much of that expense by taking advantage of ShredFest in Tulsa. Grab your old statements, bills, and other documents and run down to 635 West 41st Street in Tulsa between 1pm and 3pm this Saturday to get them shredded in less time and with less effort. Now, your records that are not old enough to be shredded can be stored at Accent Moving & Sotrage. Please call 918-251-5594 for a storage quote.

TV's: Plasma vs. LCD

I am by no means an expert on electronics. However, if you are considering a new TV and have been debating between a Plasma and an LCD TV, I suggest LCD. Why? Because they are easier to move. They don't have as many issues as a result of being move from one location to another.

Obviously, as with any purchase, you should get what pleases you most and fits with your family's lifestyle. However, if your lifestyle is to move every 3-5 years, then you should consider my choice.

In the moving industry, all flat screen TV's are to be boxed either in their original box or in a specialty box for flat screen TV's or, in some cases, even crated.

Of course, everyone is encouraged to live the lifestyle they choose. Just remember that your choices (and mine) come with special needs when being moved from one home to the next.

Thank You KVOO!

How cool was it to hear KVOO talk about Mayflower Moving on the radio, yesterday morning! I know they were just kidding about the Mayflower truck delivering Taylor Swift tickets to the station but that's just one more situation to confirm that Mayflower is THE MOST RECOGNIZED van line in the world.

Of course, you can always get a FREE estimate on your move by contacting Accent Moving & Storage, an agent for Mayflower Transit since 1939. Simply call 918-251-5594 or request an estimate online at www.accentmoving.com.

Moving Can Count as Part of Your Workout Routine

Packing up and moving an entire house is a time consuming process. People often feel pressured to put their other hobbies and interests on hold in order to dedicate more time to the move. However, cutting out a few trips to the gym shouldn't hurt because the good news is that the activities associated with relocation burn a significant number of calories.

Click Here for more information on number of calories burned per activity. Moving is stressful enough. It's good to now know that you don't have to stress about getting to the gym in the midst of trying to relocate!

Call Accent Moving & Storage, an agent for Mayflower Transit since 1939, to get a FREE Estimate on your next move. 918-251-5594.

De-Clutter Now! (Before You Have To)

Often times we only look at de-cluttering when we are putting our home on the market or when we are having a large gathering at our house. Realistically, this should be done about twice a year to avoid becoming too over whelmed.


However, I'll address this issue as it relates to moving (because I work for a moving company.)


First you need to go through everything once to see what you want to keep, what you want to trash, and what is in good enough shape it can be donated. (Three piles.)

• Put the "keep" items back where they belong.
• Take the "donate" items to your car or call your local agency to come get them. You need to get these out of your way immediately.
• Bag up the "trash" items for your next trash pick up.

Do this for every room in your house. This is going to take a while the first time through but it is well worth your time! Once you have done this, take about a week to work on other projects. Then go back and try it again for each room. You will be amazed how much easier it is to do this the second time. Your mind is more clear and you're less emotional about what items are really important and worth keeping.

Of course, if you do this twice a year you will find there are so many things in your possession that would be of much more use to a less fortunate family.

There are many more moving tips available if you are in the process of relocating within Tulsa, within Oklahoma, across the country or around the world. Just contact Accent Moving & Storage your local Mayflower agent!

Did You See That?

Recently, the Mayflower Hot Air Balloon participated in the annual Gatesway Balloon Festival. Unfortunately, the wind was SO bad during the festival that the ballon never left the ground. However, the balloon pilot did allow festival attendees to get in the basket for picture opportunitites and to see just how big a balloon basket is! (It's not very big!)

Saturday evening, the Mayflower Hot Air Balloon was the only one that attempted to inflate for the balloon glow. The wind didn't allow the balloon to get fully upright but you can see in the picture that it was still impressive! Several of the staff from Accent Moving & Storage brought their friends and family to enjoy the event. What fun!

CONGRATULATIONS!

We would like to congratulate the President of Accent Moving & Storage, Joann Bergman, for receiving the 2009 Executive of the Year award from EWI (Executive Women International).

Joann is the third generation owner of Accent Moving & Storage an agent for Mayflower Transit. She gives of her time, talent and money to many charitable organizations. She is a VERY DESERVING recipient of this highly coveted award!

Congratulations Ms. Bergman!

We Have a New Website!!!!

Check us out at http://www.accentmoving.com/!!!