2 Simple Money Saving Packing Tips

Everyone wants to save money especially when they move. The problem is: you have a fixed amount of items. No matter which moving company you choose, your items remain the same and so does the time it takes to move them. So how does one save money? These two simple tips well make your move go smoother and more efficient therefore saving you money!

1.) Color Code:

Most people will label their boxes by the name of the room the box goes in. Examples include: Kitchen, Family Room, Bedroom 1, Bedroom 2, Bedroom 3,.... the list goes on. At the new house they will post a sign on each room where each box goes. Instead of writing on each box, try using the color coded method. Assign each room a color, then mark two sides of the box with the same color sticker (not the top, movers often stack boxes). This not only saves you time by not having to write so much but it is much easier and faster for the movers.

2.) Box Area:

At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® we will place all your boxes into each of your rooms. Understand that this does take extra time and therefore money. If you are capable of moving the boxes into the room yourself, let us do the heavy lifting. Designate a “box room” upstairs and downstairs. This way our movers will do all the heavy lifting getting the boxes up the steps, then you will be able to easily move the boxes into their designated rooms. If you decide to go this route, you can further simplify the color code method to two colors: Upstairs and downstairs.

These two simple tips will help simplify your move and save you money.

As always, if you have any feedback or moving advice please let me know.  

Stop Stressing: 7 Red Flags on Rouge Movers

Now that we are in the full swing of the moving busy season, I am seeing more and more stories about moving scams. Moving is stressful enough without having to worry about your belongings actually arriving at your new place! Here are seven red flags to watch out for before hiring a moving company. All these are taken from protectyourmove.gov. Some I agree with, some I don’t.

• No inspection: This is one I disagree on. We do on-site inspections on any house over 2400 sq/ft, Interstate moves or any move a customers wants us to come out there. Phone estimates are most successful when you block off at least 10-15 mins to talk with the estimator (this is not something to do while you are driving to work). Also make sure to be as specific as possible when describing what is being moved. If you leave off items it will make the estimate lower but when the movers get their, you will be disappointed on what they have to say.
• Payment First: Any moving company that requires a payment or deposit before they actually move your belongings should be a red flag. At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® we do take a credit card when booking a move but nothing is charged to it. It is strictly for reservation and cancellation purposes.
• No local address, license or insurance: At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® we are licensed, bonded and insured. Its important to ask the company this especially if you are moving out of a apartment building. Some places require that your movers are license and insured.
• Mover Claims: Moving is not an exact science. If they estimator says “I guarantee”, “I promise” or “you will not pay more then $XXX amount” and it is not in writing: that should be a red flag. If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. Trustworthy companies will be upfront with you from the start.
• No company name: Does this on really need explaining?
• Office conditions: I think this should be “Truck conditions”. If they cannot maintain regular maintenance on their trucks, how are they supposed to take care of your belongings? Before they start the move, look in the back of the truck. Do they have moving pads? Enough? 10 moving pads will not be sufficient, we carry 80-90 on each of our trucks. Do they have dollies, straps and bands? All are necessary in order to secure your belongings.  
• Generic Rental Truck: Another one I disagree with. I think it would be better to say, “no rental truck”. We are growing, sometimes we use rental trucks. It should be a red flag if the company ask for you to rent a truck and drive it between locations. See rule #3 for why they do this.

Moving will always be stressful. If you follow these seven simple steps you can make sure the company you hire will not add to the stress.

Cameron Schron

Marketing Coordinator

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

If you did not know, May is National Move Month. May kicks off the busy season that continues until September. With the number of jobs increasing we are always searching for hard working individuals to help us "Move People Forward®". Anyway you pack it, moving is a hard job. It has long hours in hot temperatures, heavy furniture and dust. If you know someone, a college student or yourself, who needs a summer job, this article is for you.

Top 3 Reasons to become a Mover:

1.) Its a Great Work out. Gym memberships are expensive. Why not get paid to work out? Sound to good to be true? Well.... somewhat. You are getting paid and you are working out but your moving peoples' heavy furniture. Really really heavy furniture, ask anyone in Anthem. The work is very hard but it is one of the best workouts you will ever get!

2.) Out-And-About. As a mover I got to see parts of Las Vegas that I could have never seen on my own. I have gone into triple guard gated communities with multimillion dollar houses. I also got to go on long hauls across Nevada, California, Colorado and Utah. You will get to see some amazing places from behind the window of a Two Men And A Truck® Truck.

3.) Tips. Its company policy that our men do not solicit tips. That being said this is Vegas and Vegas is a tipping town. During my career as a Driver I would make enough money in tips to support my day-to-day spending and I would just direct deposit my check. This is a great way for someone to save up money for anything!

Overall, being a mover is not an easy job. Our customers expect a lot from our movers. Every day I went to work with a positive mental attitude knowing that it was my job to move peoples' things. Using that mindset I came up with the Top 3 Reasons to become a mover. At Two Men And A Truck® our drivers are all over the age of 21 with a clean driving record. All drivers must be able to pass a D.O.T. Physical, Non-D.O.T. drug test and background check.

If this sounds like you or someone you might know, share our career link with them:

Cameron Schron

Marketing Coordinator

Two Men And A Truck®

We have all seen ads on Craigslist advertising movers at a rate that is too good to be true. We often have customers calling in the day of their move complaining that their movers did not show up and they need to try to schedule at the last second. So how does one go about finding their perfect Las Vegas Movers?

First, make sure you do research on the moving companies that you are looking to hire. This may sound elementary but you would be surprised how many customers choose price as the deciding factor. One of the best places to start your research is your local Better Business Bureau. See how many complaints they have filled against them and also how they resolve the complaints. Also be sure to check out social media sites and see what the Las Vegas community is saying about the companies you are looking at. If everyone is complaining about hidden charges and you still decide to use that company, don’t be surprised when you get charged hidden fees.

Second, shop around. It’s best to get quotes from four to five different moving companies. Are they asking questions? Do they sound knowledgeable? Red flags should go off if they try giving you a quote without going through the items you need moved. Would a mechanic give you a price without first diagnosing your cars problem? Be sure to ask if their quote includes everything. A low hourly rate sounds great until the moving company adds on extra charges for stretch wrap or going up/down stairs.

Third, decide what is most important to you. For some, the only thing that matters is price per hour. Others might only choose to use a company that is licensed, bonded and insured. At Two Men And A Truck® all our employees are full-time, licensed, bonded and insured. We also do background checks and drug tests on our employees. Do we cost more than other companies? Of course we do, but it costs us more to do business the right way.

Finally, trust your gut. If the moving company is asking for you to rent and drive the moving truck it’s probably because they are not licensed with the state of Nevada. Do they use misleading tactics to make you think they are something they are not? Companies use variations of the Two Men And A Truck® name all the time on Craigslist. Make sure you know who you are dealing with.

Overall moving is stressful and hiring the wrong movers can turn the experience into a nightmare. Choosing the right moving company will not make your move “stress-free”. No matter how good the company, accidents can happen, but choosing the right company will ensure that if anything happens they will take care of you. At Two Men And A Truck® Las Vegas, we truly are the “ Movers who Care®”.   

 Movers for Moms® 2013 - Make your Mother Proud!

Collecting Now to May 10th

As we near the end of March we will be starting our annual Movers for Moms® event. Movers for Moms® is a donation drive collecting items and gifts in honor of Mother's Day for women and children currently staying at local women's and family shelters.  This year we will be partnering up with:

Safe Nest is Nevada's largest and most comprehensive charity devoted solely to domestic violence issues. Programs are concentrated in four areas of service: shelter, counseling, advocacy and prevention. Their goal is to assist families from crisis to healing, while empowering victims toward self-sufficiency in violence-free lives. Safe Nest provides services for victims, batterers and their children. Prevention programs focus on children, teens and young adults.

Items needed for donation include:

• Women's and children's new and/or gently-used clothing and shoes
• Personal products, including soap, deodorant and lotions
• New and gently used toys and games
• Books and Magazines
• DVDs and CDs
• Any appropriate Mother's Day gifts

2013's Collection Partners Include: Walter Bracken STEAM Academy, Cozine Elementary, Faiss Empowerment Middle School and multiple KinderCare Locations.

For more information on how to get involved in Movers for Moms®, contact Cameron Schron at 702.877.6683 or Cameron.schron@twomen.com

We have always prided ourselves on being the Movers Who Care®--caring about your belongings, keeping moves as stress-free as possible, and giving back to the community.  Now we are taking that one step further by making a revolving commitment to helping to solve the problem of pet overpopulation in the Las Vegas area.

How are we helping?  By moving, of course!  We are donating our professional services and manpower to help collect items for a monthly garage sale in Las Vegas.  The proceeds of the sale go directly to Heaven Can Wait's efforts, mainly spay and neuter.  The result is less pets being born in the area that are unwanted or feral, thus less animals being put to death when they overcrowd the shelters.  

 

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Las Vegas® offers a full range of packing and unpacking services. Local, trained professional packers are able to help you with as much or as little of the packing and unpacking as you need. If you are looking to move in or out of Greater Las Vegas or Henderson, get a hold of your Las Vegas movers.

We are so very excited to announce our commitment to Move for Hunger!  We have committed to collect a minimum of 300 pounds of food for our local food bank, Three Square Food Bank.

So what exactly is this Move for Hunger program?  Often as people move out of one place and into another, they find food they'd rather get rid of than transport--especially if it is a long distance or their belongings need to go into storage.  Remember that strange soup that your husband bought and you still haven't eaten?  That's where we come in.  For no extra charge we will take the bag or box of food a customer wants to donate and donate it to our local food bank.  We make it easy for our customers to donate the food by eliminating the need for them to make a trip to the food bank during the busy and stressful moving time.

"The food bank serves as a central collection and distribution center for donated, rescued and solicited food and grocery product. We provide bakery, produce, dairy, non-perishable products and ready-to-eat meals to non-profit and faith based organizations who serve those in need in our community. We also facilitate childhood and senior nutrition programs as well as supplemental nutrition assistance outreach and advocacy efforts. We are a place for members of the community to meet, serve and collaborate as part of the food solution."  -TSFB

Together we can do great things!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Las Vegas® offers a full range of packing and unpacking services. Local, trained professional packers are able to help you with as much or as little of the packing and unpacking as you need. If you are looking to move in or out of Greater Las Vegas or Henderson, get a hold of your Las Vegas movers.

Moving, Again!?

Despite the fact that the housing market, and for that matter the economy, is not what it once was, people everywhere are still doing more moving than ever before. According to the US Census Bureau, 1 in 6 (~17%) Americans move each year, and these lifestyle changes are the primary reason: marriage, better job, graduation, job transfer, new baby and retirement.

Change of residency can be an exciting or traumatic time for any person or family. There is not doubt that various emotions will be generated, depending on your specific circumstances. If you are thinking about calling some new place home for any of the above (or other) reasons, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that things go as smooth as possible.

First things first

What most people don’t know is that renting a Las Vegas storage unit should be the very first thing on your moving agenda. Despite the stereotype associated with self-storage, these facilities are not only for hoarders with too much junk. Renting storage units are actually an incredibly convenient way to keep your belongings safe and organized while you search for and/or move into a new home. 

How to find the right unit

Thankfully, most storage facilities will allow you to rent month-to-month, eliminating the need for you to rush through this already stressful process. However, you do want to make sure that you select the perfect unit to fit your needs, so here are a few pointers on how to do just that.

·     If you already know the general area or neighborhood of where you would like to move, start by looking at units near there.

·     Do however, weigh cost versus convenience; the cheapest unit may not be anywhere close to where you want to live. If you plan on making multiple trips to your unit, it may be worth the extra cost of convenience to save all that money on gas.

·     Compare self-storage units online. Instead of calling facility owners one by one or driving around searching for them, use a service like SpareFoot to find great deals online.

·     Know what you plan on storing so you know what size unit you are going to need. It doesn’t do any good looking for unit prices if you don’t know what size you will need.

·     Look for security amenities. Most facilities should offer high-tech security systems, but make sure you check with them to ensure that your items are safe.

Pack the right way

Now that you have found the right storage area for your belongings, it is time to think about how you are going to properly pack all of those items. Below are some packing tips that should help you stay organized throughout this change of lifestyle.

·     Buy top quality moving supplies designed specifically for moving. Some items you should consider are boxes or plastic storage containers, bubble wrap, and even blankets (to cover furniture with). Check to see if your moving/storage company provides any of these things, most will at a discounted price.

·     Make sure everything is clean and in good condition before moving it. For example, one thing you don’t want is after you are all settled in, pulling out your gardening tools only to find that a permanent layer of mud/dirt has accumulated all over them.

·      Investigate your storage size. Picture your belongings as they will be once they are disassembled and stored, not as they are in your home, that way you have a better idea of what will be able to fit.

·     Finally, think about temperature. There are things that need to be kept at a certain temperature, so keep that in mind while in transit and especially in the storage unit (consider renting a climate-controlled unit if this is an issue).

This article was written by Matt Schexnayder. Matt is on the SpareFoot marketing team and writes for the SpareFoot blog. SpareFoot is the largest online marketplace for self-storage that offers consumers the most complete comparison shopping experience in the storage industry.

Blitz Build is underway!  We are pleased to highlight the progress of the Blitz Build home on 910 Miller Ave., Las Vegas, and acknowledge the volunteers and other sponsors' efforts.  We are very anxious for the big reveal Friday evening, in which the home will be dedicated to the hard working family.  

Be sure to check out our Facebook page for more updates.

Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas & Restore is commited to building simple, decent, and affordable homes for working families in Clark County.  Habitat for Humanity has been partnering with the Las Vegas community since 1991.  Currently Habitat for Humanity is the sixth largest homebuilder in the United States.  For more information, please call Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas at 702-638-6477 or email at blitzbuild@habitatlasvegas.org

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Las Vegas® offers a full range of packing and unpacking services. Local, trained professional packers are able to help you with as much or as little of the packing and unpacking as you need. If you are looking to move in or out of Greater Las Vegas or Henderson, get a hold of your Las Vegas movers.

Meet Kurt.  Kurt recently earned the title of General Manager here at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Las Vegas.  Initially hired as a mover, he worked his way up to the position of Move Manager, and in no time at all found himself promoted to managing the franchise.  Kurt cites his high desire to succeed and his background in management for his success.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Las Vegas offers a full range of packing and unpacking services. Local, trained professional packers are able to help you with as much or as little of the packing and unpacking as you need. If you are looking to move in or out of Greater Las Vegas or Henderson, get a hold of your Las Vegas movers.

We move for different reasons--whether it's moving because the family is expanding, the children are off to college or the lease on the office is up. Moving is inevitable. But if you have never moved and don't plan to, maybe a good friend you know or a family member may need your help. A good way to take the extra step to simplify your move is my snapping photos of your rooms you want to keep the same and furniture that need reassembling.

Most people know that it is important to clearly label boxes so you know which box goes to what room. Now that your boxes are in its designated room and you're opening up the boxes and starting to arrange your things, you may not recall how you want things set up. This short circuit to the brain may be the symptom of sleepless nights leading up to your move day while still overwhelmed by the amount of things yet to do.

Here is a guide on how to ease the process by just taking photos:

Take pictures of electronics. Snap photos of the cables of your laptop, computer, router, printer, etc. so you know which cable connects to what. 

Take pictures of the set-up of the room. Maybe you want your books on the shelf arranged a certain way or the furniture the way it was set-up before. Also, take photos of how your desk is arranged that helped you keep organized.

Take pictures of furniture that need reassembling. Take detailed pictures of furniture you no longer have the instructions taht came with reassembling the furniture. 

Take photos of special items you are moving. It is extremely unlikely that the moving company you use will cause any damages but accidents do happen. It's recommended to document proof of the conditions of your items before packing or transporting it in the truck. It's better to stay in the safe side. 

Taking photos before packing and moving saves yourself a lot of hassle when setting up the rooms when you get there. Especially with smartphones that come with cameras and digital cameras it's worth the effort. 

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Las Vegas offers a full range of packing and unpacking services. Local, trained professional packers are able to help you with as much or as little of the packing and unpacking as you need. If you are looking to move in or out of Greater Las Vegas or Henderson, get a hold of your Las Vegas movers.

People move in every stage of their lives and sometimes that means you'd have to move with little kids. Whether it's because you got a new job or you're moving closer to home, here are some helpful tips to make the move with toddlers a smoother one:

• Pack early - Pack unnecessary things way ahead of time. These things include wall decorations, mirrors and ornaments around the house. Go ahead and start packing up the kitchen as well and leave the necessities last. You won't be hosting dinner parties any time soon so pack up glasses, plates and cutlery weeks in advance.

• Get your toddlers invovled - Let your toddlers help put the softer items like blankets and unnecessary items from their bedroom in to boxes. They'd love to feel like a part of the moving process and you can also carry on with other things to get done.

• Pack favorite toys last - Let your kids have the everyday toys he or she plays with in the process of moving. But, you can pack up books and other toys that won't be noticed in absence.

• Stick to the same routine - Keep the same nap time and bed time all through out the moving process to avoid any confusion. Keep the same night time routine as well.

• Stick to the same layout - Keep your child's room look and feel the same as the previous house as they adjust to the new place. Atleast they see something familiar and feel more comfortable.

• Baby proof the house right away  - Once you arrive set-up the door stoppers, door protectors, plug socket covers, corner buffers, stair gates and cupboard locks. Put these things last in the truck so it'll be the first out.

• Put a film on - This will keep your toddler entertained while you can get stuff done. Play a children's film on a laptop or set-up the television right away.

• Order take-away - Don't make it any harder on yourself and order take-away on move day. It'll be one less thing to worry about. 

When you move from one home to another, the food in the refrigerator and in the pantry is commonly overlooked. People who lack preparation when moving or who move on a whim tend to throw out the food. If you're looking to save time and money, some food items can be taken with you. 

What you can move to the new home are non-perishable items. These items include canned goods, unopened cereal or pasta boxes, sealed bottles, etc. Once you've determined what you want to take with you, it's important to properly pack the items safely and securely. Use medium or small boxes for the heavier items such as bottles and canned goods and  wrap the items with packing paper. It's best to fill the open gaps in the box with packing paper as well. 

Not all food items should be taken to the new home especially when moving long distance. Items that are perishable will easily spoil and are no good once you reach your destination. These perishable items include frozen foods, milk, cheese, fruits, vegetbales and deli meats. The best way not to waste food is to cook meals that incorporates the perishable goods you have prior to moving. 

If you're looking to get a fresh start at your new home, you can donate non-perishable items such as canned goods to the local food pantry or to friends so they don't go to waste.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Las Vegas is a full-service moving company that specializes in local and long distance moves. If you are looking to move in or out of Greater Las Vegas or Henderson, get a hold of your Las Vegas movers.

It's you against the elements when moving during the summertime. Yes, the summer is the most desirable time to move but the summer rays can be a drawback. It's very important to take your health seriously especially when moving as heat cramps and heat exhaustrion are the most common heat-related illness. 

Here are common heat-related ilnesses and ways to prevent it when you are moving this summer:

Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that result from working or exercising in a hot environment.  The heavy swaeating reduces salt and moisture therefore causing the cramps. 

What to do?

• You must stop the activiity and take a rest in a cool place or under a shade.
•  Drink a lot of water or sports drinks such as Gatorade, Vitamin Water and 
•  Eat satly snacks to replenish the salt and water you lost.

Heat exhaustion happens when the body's internal temperature rises in hot, humid weather. The signs are heavy sweating, fatigue, headache, paleness, weakness, nausea, muscle cramps and pains and dizziness and lighteousness.

What to do?

• For mild cases of heat exhaustion rest in a cool, shaded area and loosen or remove clothing. 
• Drink a lot of water or sport drinks for dehydration and eat salty snacks.  
• You can also apply cool water to the skin to help with cooling down the body. 

Heatstroke or Sunstroke is the most serious form of heat injury and is a medical emergency. This occurs when the body is exposed to high temperatures usually in combination with dehydration. Heatstroke follows heat exhaustion and heat cramps conditions especially when left untreated. Common symptoms are high body temperature, lack of seating, nausea and vomiting, rapid breathing, headache, confusion and un

What to do?

• Move to a cool place one with a shade
• Remove restricted clothing and cool the person down repidly however you can. 
• You can fill a tub with ice water or use ice pack to be placed under the armpits.
•  If seizures do occur, keep the person from injuring themselves and always remember not to put any object in the person's mouth. 
• If the person starts vomitting, remember to lay the person on his or her side to prevent the person from choking.

Prevention of heat related injury is important on move day.

• Drink at least 3 liters of water or 1 quart per hour. It's important to note what you are drinking so drink water or sports drinks. Don't drink caffeinated drinks such as soda since that will get you dehydrated quickly
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing so it'll allow perspiration to evaporate and cool thebody
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat in light colours to keep your head cool
• Try to schedule your move in the early mornings when the sun is not directly above and when it is cooler. 

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Las Vegas is a full-service moving company that specializes in local and long distance moves. If you are looking to move in or out of Greater Las Vegas or Henderson, get a hold of your Las Vegas movers.

In a few weeks it will be finals week for upcoming college grads and soon enough they will heading out to the big cold world... or maybe not so. Research conducted by Twentysomething, Inc., a marketing and research firm reveals that 85 percent of college grads will be moving back home therefore coined as the 'Bomerang Generation'. The stagnant job market and fear of rising loan rates have made moving home a not so bad idea for college grads.

Moving home can be a good temporary and financially sound idea but shouldn't be taken as a means to put aside adult responsibilities. College grads can offer to pay rent, food, etc. and help out around the house which cultivates responsibility. When adult children move out as they progress to find a good job they will become more financially stable. However, a good number of people may say that moving home is a regression. 

Moving back home could be a good time to make amends with parents and build a better relationship. According to the Pew study, 25 percent say it has been good for the relationship but 50 percent of those polled said it hasn't changed the relationship at all. Whether the relationship changes for the better or not, moving home seems to be a worthy consideration for college grads.

The economic market that has displaced recent college grads has made its way to mainstream television. In the HBO's new show "Girls," Hannah, a 23-year-old college grad living in New York City flips out when her babyboomer parents cut off paying for her lifestyle since they simply can't afford it. Tension may brew stemming from different wants of parents and adult children. Adult children have come to expect the financial help from their parents but it's clear that parents too want to enjoy their retirement years.   Another, is the film "Tiny Furniture,"  it portrays how college grads want to be home yet long for independence. College grads may not always walk out of college with a play-by-play game plan and with the current market environment it's hard for it to play out.

The market is hard for not only recent grads but in general. There are signs that the job market is getting better but not at a point to put all college grads at work. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, companies say they will hire 10.2 percent more grads from this year's class of graduate compared to the previous year, and they'll also pay them more. The median starting salary for 2012 graduates will be $42,569, up 4.5 percent from 2011.

Good economic times or not, we hope you reach for your dreams. We wish you all the very best in the future! Congratulations to the Class of 2012! 

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Las Vegas is a full-service moving company that specializes in local and long distance moves. If you are looking to move in or out of Greater Las Vegas or Henderson, get a hold of your Las Vegas movers.

GoldenWest Management, Inc provides its customers with full time property management services in Arizona, California and Nevada. 

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Las Vegas is listed on GoldenWest Management's business directory featuring businesses in the local area.  TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Las Vegas movers and all other businesses listed has the ability for prospective customers to send online inquiries, respond to inquiries within 24 hours, customers are able to place order/request through their website and each company keeps their website up to date. 

Check out the business directory for resources when moving in or out of Las Vegas.

The moving season soon enough is going to kick into high gear. With this in mind, it's best to book moving dates as early as possible and to stay flexible with your moving arrangements. The summer is the bussiest season for moving as it is the best time for families and individuals to move whether for work, to be closer to family or other reasons.

The warm weather and kids being out of school make the summer the ideal time to move. Detailed planning is important when you move during the peak moving season. If you want the move to go as flawless as possible, you have to start planning right now. The goal is to get the nitty gritty details sorted out by Memorial Day weekend. These details include:

• Securing packing supplies such as moving boxes. You can start packing items you don't regularly use months in advance.
• Arrange for movers to pick up your items so that moving dates are in your favor. Lock in specific dates roughly a month in advance so to beat the moving rush. 

Imagine moving two seperate homes; two seperate lives with stuff you've acquired over the years to be merged to one household. The task may seem daunting but rest assured it is doable. I've said this plenty of times and will say it again — planning is key to a successful move especially when combining households.

We've done the research and have put together a few tips to help you combine households. This is probably the most joyous time of your life as you will be experiencing something new and different maybe as newlyweds or whatever the case may be.

Declutter Each Household Spend the time to do a home inventory and segment it room by room. Together, go through the list and evaluate duplicates so you can discuss who will take what. Make a list of items you want to keep, you want to give away and donate or sell. The goal is to have a manageable amount of stuff you want to keep that'll fit the new shared space.

Delegate Household Chores From the get go, divide the household chores to what you find more appealing. If you do more of the cooking in the house then it may be best to do the cleaning up in the kitchen. Your housemate can then be responsible for cleaning up the bathroom. For the other household chores, you can share the responsibilities like cleaning the room or sweeping the floors of the rest of the rooms.

Finances You can either merge finances or set-up a joint account for common expenses. Common expenses could include rent, utilities and groceries and each person should contribute equally on a set schedule. These expenses are typically the biggest spend so get a credit card that accumulates some sort of points —  travel points can go to your trips you plan together. 

The weather is warming up calling in the Spring season. It’s that time again to start up that grill from its winter hibernation. There  is no denying the difference in taste when cooking on the grill and all the flavors that it adds to the food. If you’ve just moved or will be moving to your new place, host a housewarming party!  My friend, Lizzy who works with Hoboken Digest has found the right entreé for your party.

Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp Kabobs Makes 4 kabobs

Marinade:
Juice and finely grated zest of one lime
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 finely minced shallot
1 tsp crushed chili sauce (more or less to taste depending on how much heat you prefer)

Directions:- Mix together well and add to a large zip-loc bag
- Add 12 jumbo shrimp
- Squeeze the air out of the bag and let the shrimp marinate for about 20 minutes before placing them on pre-soaked bamboo skewers
- Add fresh pineapple chunks and red pepper chunks

Glaze:
Add the remaining marinade from the bag to a small pot along
1/4 cup honey

- Simmer for a few minutes.
- Place the kabobs on very hot preheated grill for about 3 minutes per side or until the shrimp are fuly cooked.
- Brush the glaze onto the kabobs while grilling.
- Serve.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Las Vegas is a full-service moving company that specializes in local and long distance moves. If you are looking to move in or out of Greater Las Vegas or Henderson, get a hold of your Las Vegas movers.

General Manager of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Las Vegas during the Annual Meeting Awards Night

The day has finally arrived. All your bags are packed and you're ready to go... Okay, maybe it's not as dramatic as flying off on a jet plane but you do have that travel time before reaching your final destination. If you're taking a road trip, it can either bore you to death or with a good does of wanderlust it could be a thrill of a lifetime. The tank is full, you've got your much needed necessities and your movers have your priced possessions in the back of the truck. Let's get going. 

Here are ways on how to make that trip entertaining and memorable with less hiccups.

Got a smartphone? Download these great Apps.

• Spotify If you haven't put together a playlist for the roadtrip use this app to snag playlists, make a playlist as you go or search as you go to fit the mood from state to state. Free on Apple and Android.

• Gass Buddy  Looking for the cheapest gas price? This app will tell you which gas station has the cheapest price to fill up your tank. Free on Apple and Android.

• Trapsters Driving in unknown territories can be scary but this app will alert you for speed traps, enforcement cameras and road hazards in the area. Free on Apple and Android.

• Roadside America If you've got time for quick stops to check out oddball monuments, museums and tourist attractions en route. This app will get maps, driving directions, tips, etc. to these places. Available on the Apple store.

Your Las Vegas movers wants to help you settle in to your new home. So, let me introduce to you Ashely Jackson, our guest blogger. Ashley shares her experiences and great tips that defies all age barriers. Whether you just moved out of university and starting your first job or retiring to move to a sunny state - her advice can give you the encouragement to find your passions and make friends in the process.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Las Vegas is proud to support Movers for Moms®, a donation drive collecting items and gifts in honor of Mother's Day. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Las Vegas will support the women, children and their pets who are in crisis staying at the The Shade Tree. This local shelter is the largest facility of its kind in the state and is the only 24 hour accessible shelter to meet the needs of women, children and their pets in crisis in Southern Nevada. 

First launched in 2008 by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, the Movers for Moms® program seeks to recognize all moms on Mother’s Day by arranging delivery of gifts to women living in local shelters on the holiday weekend. In 2011, more than 80 TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® locations in 14 states across the United States collected more than 65,000 items for women living in shelters on Mother’s Day.

You might be wondering why we are coordinating this drive and it's simply because we are movers who care and we believe all family members should feel safe and ALL moms should be celebrated on Mother's Day. 

If you want to help out in this great cause you can drop off any appropriate Mother's Day gifts for the moms such as personal products, clothing, gift cards, etc. at your TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Las Vegas location or you can ask us for a box which we will provide for free so you can fill it with gifts and we'll make sure it gets to The Shade Tree.

These young gentleman were ecstatic when they came back in the shop since they just helped move Dan "The Outlaw " Hardy, a UFC fighter based in Las Vegas and England. They realized towards the end of the move that they were actually moving a celebrity. Check out the Xenergy drink -  that's Dan "The Outlaw" Hardy on there. Way to go guys!

Below is a little note from Lance Darville who had the honor of presenting Mary Ellen Sheets, founder of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, the largest franchised local moving company. Check out what he wrote as he recounts meeting Mary Ellen Sheets and how she has inspired him.

On January 21, 2012, I had the esteemed privilege and honor of presenting a phenomenal woman at Northwood University's 32nd Annual Outstanding Business Leaders (OBL) Award gala - Ms. Marry Ellen Sheets.

Despite her vast accomplishments including turning a high school moving business into a million dollar franchised company, from the time we begin conversing, Ms. Sheets proved to be a woman of humility. 

Throughout the course of my entire life, I have been surrounded by strong women, so it was by no coincidence that I was given Ms. Sheets as a honoree to introduce during the gala. The award - Outstanding Business Leader - is only an attempt of describing what she is. 

Her success, despite the odds, and philanthropy, is one to be admired. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting this phenomenal woman and it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to introduce her.

Lancelot L. Darville, Jr.
President, Student Government
BBA Finance, with Accounting 2013
Northwood University

Lately, we've seen quite a few office moves so we want to dedicate a second post on this topic. Moving an office whether big or small is a huge project and everyone in the office should be welcomed to get involved like packing boxes. However, there is more to an office move than just packing up the office. Therefore, it is best to assign one person to take charge of the move and delegate tasks — whether it is the secretary or the office manager, tasks should be tracked so no details are forgotten.

Here's a list of tasks that can easily be forgotten but should be taken care of before move day:

• We're moving! Let people know that you are moving well ahead of time. Who should be notified? Clients or patients, vendors, banks and other offices you do business with. Post a note on your office door when and where you are moving to; call, email or mail a letter saying that you are moving to a new location and provide the new address.

• Where'd our mail go? Have your mail forwarded to the new address and renew the forward mail option so you won't be behind on your bills. etc.

• Don't just scratch out the previous address on biz cards. Have new business cards, letterheads, envelopes, etc. made with the new address. 

• Hello? Hello?! Get the phone, fax, internet hooked up and all other communication devices necessary to the new location prior to the first day at the new location.

• New location, new greeting. Remind your callers that you have a new location in your new voicemail greeting.

• So, I thought you were still at the other location? Change every business listing you have online and offline. A few places to check is the yellow books, company website,  online page listings such as on Google, Chamber websites, review sites, etc. 

All Storage Las Vegas is TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Las Vegas' preferred self storage facility in the valley. We both have the same business principles in terms of assuring that we provide high quality service and you will notice a distinct difference in our staff and our facilities. Our customers and customer-oriented staff are the reason why we are still in operation! So, thank you!

We've always added this coupon with every move that we do but recently we thought of having it featured online for our customers' convenience. What the All Storage money saving coupon offers is $15 off for admin fee, one month free storage and a free lock.

If you go to any All Storage Las Vegas facility, you will notice that we are the only local moving company being advertised by All Storage and we think that says something. We can also reassure you that All Storage is great with what they do and have 8 convenient and clean locations around the Las Vegas valley.  Remember to download and print this coupon and present it to All Storage Las Vegas. Coupons downloaded are redeemable only at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Las Vegas.

The retirement years are very much anticipated, dreamed about and with a lifetime worth saved up  — an expectation of more leisure time and fewer responsibilities. What the elderly and their family and friends do not realistically anticipate is the changes that occur when people age. Changes could be seen physically and mentally which brings about changes in lifestyle that may mean moving to a much unfamiliar and less personal space. Just like anything in life, the expectations outweigh the reality which brings about disappointment and frustration to everyone. Many a time the elderly have been in the same home for 20, 30 or 40 years then suddenly they're uprooted to be moved to a more suitable living situation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Las Vegas has put together an article to help you understand what you can do to help your elderly family and friends move.

Choosing the Best Living Situation

Choosing the most suitable living situation heavily relies on the health of the elderly and everyones peace of mind. Sit down and talk to your parents or friends to make the right decision. Your elderly friends and family members may fear the moving and downsizing process as it is the first time that they have come to the realization they will be loosing some of their freedom and moving closer to death. Whether it is for them to live closer to relatives, get a smaller place that has no stairs or move to an assisted living facility - everyone must be comfortable with the decision. 

 Downsizing

Help sort out the belongings of your elderly parents or friends. Help with delivering or mailing items they want to give away to relatives and friends such as furniture, heirloom pieces and so on. Set-up a garage sale for items that are unneeded. If they are moving to an assisted living facility find out if they provide beds, couches, etc. or if they have to provide their own. If they own a pet, choose a place that'll take pets but if pets are prohibited arrange for a relative or friend who lives nearby to keep them.

Moving Day

To ease the moving process, it may be best that your elderly parents or friends are not around during the move. Take them out and assure them that everything is being taken cared of by the movers. Assign another trusted friend or relative to be present during the move. 

Setting Up the New Home

Help your elderly parents or friends unpack their belongings and get the place looking as homey and cozy as possible. Host a Just Moved party and invited neighbors so they will get acquainted with new people. First few days, weeks and months may be a struggle to adjust to the new place but it'll definitely get better in time.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK  Las Vegas honors THE GRANDMA RULE where you can expect good old-fashioned customer service. Whether it's a small in-home move or moving across the state  — we're the caring and helpful Las Vegas movers who treat everyone the way we would want our Grandma treated. 

Moving is not easy on anyone especially on your kids. While it may mean new beginings  — like a new place to explore  — it can also be sad and stressful for many who will be leaving behind a familiar town with a great support system. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Las Vegas wants to help you transition to your new place so, here are some ways to make a move a little easier:

Communication is Key

Once you have decided that your family will be moving, sit down your teenagers and youngsters about why the move is necessary. A million thoughts may race through your kids head — afraid that they won't make new friends, nervous about new classmates, or upset about leaving behind classmates. Let your kids express their thoughts and give them good ideas and suggestions. 

Be Familiar With The New Community

You and your family may be moving to what may seem as unchartered waters. Your kids may feel hesitant or worse against the move. If you leave close enough to the new area, take a trip to visit the new community and check out the things to do in the area. If a trip is not possible, there are a lot of information over the internet. As a family, check out pictures of the new place, read articles or forums and watch videos. 

Arrive On A Positive Note

Remind your kids of the good things about moving to the new place. Once the move is completed, schedule a family outing like a picnic to the park or a movie night to create a positive atmosphere in the family. 

Make New Friends But Keep The Old

With today's technology, keeping in touch is so much easier so encourage your kids to stay in touch with their friends and relatives they left behind. In the new location, make sure your kids are making new friends and are involved in local sports, music or dance programs and events. 

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Las Vegas is a full-service moving company that specializes in local and long distance moves. If you are looking to move in or out of Greater Las Vegas or Henderson, get a hold of your Las Vegas movers.

On its first year listed on Angie's List,  TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Las Vegas, a local moving company has been awarded the Super Service Award for 2011. Angie's List recognizes companies who achieved and maintained superior service rating through out the year from its members. Only 5 percent of all business rated on Angie's list recieve the award each year. 

Angie's List is a paid online review site to help consumers choose great businesses and avoid those that are not worth to do business with. Reviews are posted by its members and are unbiased opinions of the quality of service offered by local busineses. 

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their clients and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Such as:

• Maintain an “A” as its overall grade since its start date on the list.
• Have an “A” rating during the reporting period between November and  October of the previous year in order to be considered as a potential recipient for that year.
• Not listed on the Angie’s List “penalty box” where businesses who do not respond to or resolve complaints made by customers are added.

The holidays are festive - we take some time off, eat bountiful food and get a break from the grind. But now that the presents have been unwrapped and after Auld Lang Synes is sung, the most dreaded part of it all is to undeck the halls. Properly moving and storing of Christmas decorations does not have to be as dreadful when you know it'll be hassle-free to set up and don't have to get new ones the following Christmas.

When packing Christmas lights, check to make sure the lights are in working condition. Get rid of broken lights, those that have frayed chords and lights that show other damages. If you're looking to get new Christmas decorations for next year, right now is the perfect time to purchase the items at a discount for the upcoming Christmas season. 

When packing Christmas lights, you can use everyday household items such as empty paper rolls or cardboard pieces to wind the chords. You can also purchase reels specifically made for holiday lights to store safely.

Use dish barrel boxes to safely and neatly store Christmas ornaments. Wrap each ornament with wrapping paper to keep them in good condition.

photo courtesy of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Lansing

Dish barrel boxes are also good when storing wrapping paper and ribbons to be used next year. 

 photo courtesy of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Lansing

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Las Vegas offers a full range of packing and unpacking services. Local, trained professional packers are able to help you with as much or as little of the packing and unpacking as you need. If you are looking to move in or out of Greater Las Vegas or Henderson, get a hold of your Las Vegas movers.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Las Vegas participated in the WinterFest event in Henderson during the weekend.

Check out a few photos we took during the event!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Las Vegas donated a move to the Sibley family who was moving to their very first home thanks to Habitat for Humanity. We also want to thank the movers, Bobby and Edwin who moved the family. Yet another day of celebration and thanksgiving. 

The holidays make for a crazy time of year. You're making arrangements to spend time with the family, traveling or enjoying the weather with sips of hot cocoa.  The New Year means countless things to different people and to some, the best way to ring in the new year is to move in to a new home. If you want to move in January, it is best to start planning now and you can start your move by hosting a packing party. 

Moving is a big deal and pulling an all nighter won't make for a succesful move. You will first have to locate a local moving company. It is crucial to ask the company if they are licensed, bonded and insured.  On move day, be in contact with the movers. Fully charge your mobile phone and always keep your mobile phone on you. When the movers confirm your move days before the actual move day, double check that the number is on file. 

Stay organized when packing your belongings. Pack your items room to room and label every box.  Have an "Open Me First" box for every room for items you know are the first things you will need when you get to your new home. For instance in the kitchen, it could be dishwashing soap, a few plates, glasses and a snack. Pay special attention to your favorite things. Purchase packing supplies such as bubble wrap and tissue paper to fully pad and protect the item. 

It's good to take note that movers can't move flammable items and items that carry fuel should be emptied out before loaded on the truck for example a lawnmower. Also, your valuable items such as important documents and jewelry should be with you during the move and not on the truck. 

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Las Vegas offers a full range of packing and unpacking services. Local, trained professional packers are able to help you with as much or as little of the packing and unpacking as you need. 

We also sell moving boxes and packing supplies. If you are looking to move in or out of Greater Las Vegas or Henderson, get a hold of your Las Vegas movers. 

From your TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Las Vegas family,

we wish you all the best in the new year!

The city of Henderson will host its annual WinterFest event this December 9 - 10, 2011 at 200 S. Water Street, in the Water Street District. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Las Vegas will be joining in the festivities as we parade the truck in Christmas lights during the first ever Evening Light Parade on Saturday, December 10, 2011 from 5pm - 7pm. Not to mention, we will be participating in the gingerbread house competition. 

This year's theme will be An Old-Fashioned Christmas Delight featuring family-friendly activities including an official tree lighting ceremony with Santa Claus, gingerbread house displays, Scrooge and Friends roaming performances and introducing a new EVENING LIGHT PARADE!  

For the schedule of events please visit the City of Henderson Website.

We hope to see you there!

Holidays are a great excuse to hold parties. If you've planned a move around the holidays, it's an even greater excuse to hold a packing party. We generally underestimate how much stuff we've accumulate over the years. Just when we start packing our stuff one box at a time, it seems as if the room comes alive and more of our stuff appears out of nowhere. This unexplained phenomenon drains us out and our stress level sky rockets.  For those who have moved, you know full well that packing is overwhelming. A packing party is a great way to spend time with your family and friends before your move while having them help with basic packing chores. 

Two Men And A Truck Las Vegas has put together steps on how you can plan your packing party:

Create a guest list. The people you invite to the packing party should know you pretty well. I mean, they 'll be doing you a favour. They will be the people you trust and you can rely on to show up. You would not want people complaining on the sidelines. 

Schedule the packing party a few weeks before move day. Two weeks before move day is more than enough time for the party.  Just in case  the pack will not be completed during the packing party you will have time to finish packing. 

Invite your guests. Send out an email or better yet if all your friends and family are on Facebook, create an Event page. Follow up by sending out an invitation card and lastly give them a call few days before the party.

Prepare food and drinks. Remember it is a party and  what is a party without food? Food is a force field that will attract people to not only show up but motivates them to get the job done. Reward your guests by cooking your signature dishes if you are a great cook or order in some delicious take out.

Plan what you want packed. Pick which rooms or things you want packed and label rooms which you want to pack on your own for instance your bedroom. Have assignments ready for each guests before they arrive. Let your guests start packing in the garage, storage rooms or the bookshelves. Have a sample box on how you want your boxes labeled in each room your guests are packing. Pack for an hour or so and enjoy the company. 

Have sufficient packing supplies and replenishments. Prepare more than enough packing supplies such as different sizes of boxes, packign tape, bubble wrap, packing paper and pairs of scissors. Have food and water stations in each room so they don't have to waste time walking in and out of the room to grab something to eat or drink.

Enjoy the party. Have pumped up music playing in the background to get them in the mood of packing. Entertain and welcome your guests. Take pictures to share afterwards.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Las Vegas offers a full range of packing and unpacking services. Local, trained professional packers are able to help you with as much or as little of the packing and unpacking as you need. We also sell moving boxes and packing supplies. If you are looking to move in or out of Greater Las Vegas or Henderson, get a hold of your Las Vegas movers. 

"Hon, can you grab the children's health records!" 

Whether you are moving your house, apartment or office one small error in the beginning can spin into a whirlwind of problems. One small slip can cost you big time whether it's money, time or worse - both. For instance, an unsuccessful packing means an unsuccessful move. Like in an example in a previous article, picture a falling row of dominoes, this domino effect will more than likely result to a stressful move day and unsolicited damage to your belongings. 

When calling for an estimate, you should not understimate the volume of the things you want move. It is best to mention all the items that you want your movers to move. Good moving companies have customer service representatives who get the necessary information regarding your move which requires you to dictate the items from room to room. That way on move day, you will not be surprised of the amount of time it actually took and the cost of the move. For homes, apartments or offices that is over 2,400 square feet, it is best for an on-site estimate. This is mainly because with spaces this big, tendency is the furniture are much bigger and moving companies would need to decipher if all of your items can fit in the truck at one time.

A big mistake is spending zero time going over the insurance policy with your mover. It's important to ask your movers about the insurance policy. Why? Most moving companies offer 60 cents per pound while other movers include coverage on your items that replaces your items at value. This is an important area to note especially when you are moving high-value items that are light weight for instance fine china or a flat screen TV. If your spanking new TV  you bought yesterday weighs about 50 pounds you get $30 if the company only offers 60 cents per pound while other moving companies will replace the TV at its value.

Moving is stressful if you make it stressful. By not labelling your boxes, you are calling for trouble. Movers cannot highly stress this enough but clearly labelling your boxes will save you time in the long-run. Yes, prepping will be a tedious task but you can thank yourself later when you get to your final destination. You wouldn’t want to be running around looking for your family documents in a sea of 50 something boxes. Clearly label boxes on top and side. Pack important and sentimental documents separately to be easily accessible including: children’s health records, passports, family records, insurance information and photo albums.

Being unprepared when movers arrive will set you back in time and money. An economical move is possible when you avoid these very common mistakes. If you are looking to move in or out of Greater Las Vegas or Henderson, get a hold of your local movers.

Last week, Two Men And A Truck moved the Hewing family in their new home just in time for the holidays. The Hewing’s friends and family showed up for this exciting day. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Las Vegas, they were able to get their first brand new home. It was definitely a day of celebration and thanksgiving.

More often than not, the end of the month is when you find yourself hiring a moving company. Moving into a new home is the best excuse to purchase new things that you probably have been longing to do in a long time. This guilty pleasure cannot come in a better time than this Black Friday. If you really want to save, you need to do your Black Friday research. So, Two Men And A Truck of Las Vegas has done the research for you and put together a list of post Thanksgiving shopping.

Our best advise is to round up your tech savvy friends and family members since they will have the biggest savings on online coupons and smartphone promos.

Ebates.com is a great place for Black Friday deals. Ebates.com is where online shoppers gets cash back from making purchases from over 1,500 retail websites. On Black Friday and Cyper Monday, JC Penney, Nordstrom, Old Navy, Barnes & Noble and about 500 more stores will offer double cash-back on Ebates.com

If your shopping for clothing, Gap, Inc. is in full force as it created ShopYourselfSocial.com to help find the best deals from its brands: Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta. Wednesday through Black Friday customers can save up to 60 percent off the entire store.

Walmart has its Black Friday deals online for you to preview. For online shoppers, Walmart has offered free shipping for qualifying electronic online orders. Walmart’s doors open at 10pm on Thanksgiving day where deals on toys, home items and clothing will start at that time. Electronics deals begin at midnight while the rest of the deals begin at 8am on Black Friday.

If you despise standing in line to get a great deal, Amazon has began its Countdown to Black Friday with lightning deals which expire at the end of each day. You can preview the Black Friday deals as well where you get great discounts from products such as cameras, video games, televisions and jewelry.

BfAds.net is a great tool for everything Black Friday. Use the resources from finding out the hot deals to store hours. If you are looking to move in or out of Greater Las Vegas or Henderson, get a hold of your Las Vegas movers.

From your Two Men And A Truck family, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Moving to a new home means a fresh new start. Perhaps you're thinking of adding a pop of colour to a bland painted wall or a new set of dining cuttlery. Better yet, it's your time to start off with a clean slate in organizing the garage - the one place frequently forgotten. Time and again, the garage has become a haven of forgotten items. For many, it's not the most exciting room in the house but it can use a little work to have it functioning as a storage space as well. Two Men And A Truck of Las Vegas has put together a few tips to help you organize your garage space. 

Setting rules for the garage space helps in the long run. If need be, put it down in writing and plaster it on the garage wall so you and everyone else in the home will remember. A rule that you can put on there is to "think before you store." Consider disposing of the item before storing it in the garage. If it's something you haven't used in years, donate it to goodwill or throw it away if it's in poor condition. If you have a ton of memorabilia that's sitting in boxes - it's a good idea to hang it on your garage walls or sparingly in the house. It'll also be a good conversation starter when you have friends and family over. 

Let's back up abit to the a,b,c's of a garage -  it's main function is to store your vehicle, right?  Now that we've established that, the best way to set aside that space is to use reflective tape on the floor to mark the corners where the vehicle is to be parked. For families with young children,this is a good reminder so the kids know where not to leave their bikes or scooters. 

Designate a space for particular items to store. Begin by using flexible shelves since they can be easily reassembled and adjusted. This is a good organizational tool since you can save space by stacking items up high. You can use a pegboard to hang tools that are frequently being used. Use over head racks for bicycles or canoes that are seasonally used.

Remember to always stick to your guidelines that you've set up so to maintain the organization of the space. Another neat trick is going through your garage during your weekly cleaning to make sure everything is in order and to stay clear from mayhem. 

If you are looking to move in or out of Greater Las Vegas or Henderson, get a hold of your Las Vegas movers.

Moving on your own is a daunting task. Now, add in to the mix moving your animals like your pet dog that does not seem to stop barking at the new neighbors or your cheeky cat that's throwing up on your leather car seat. Take this horrible imagery out of your mind since this horror story is preventable.  Two Men And A Truck wants you to have a hassle-free move so we brought you the necessary tips when moving your pets. 

It's good to start by asking your veterinarian for general tips on how to move your pets for an easy transition. For additional resources, online forums are good help for specific questions and reading up on first hand experiences. 

When travelling long distance, it is important to verify the hotel pet policy and it is irresponsible to sneek in your pet. You'd think otherwise when you find yourself in the middle of the night pleading at your dog to stop barking. 

Moving is chaotic and it's best to get your pets in order. Before the move, have a current photo of your pet and set aside its health records since some states require specific vaccinations that has to be on hand. Make sure you have made ID tags that has the following information: address of the new location and your cellphone number.  

It is ideal to transport your pets in a carrier that is a good fit for you pet. This means your pet can stand, turn around and lie down in its carrier. Before the long drive, do not feed it a few hours before so it won't feel sick. 

When you arrive at your new home, take your pet around the house and the surrounding grounds with its leash on just so it can be familiar with its new territory. The first few nights are also crucial - use old unwashed blankets or towels from the home you moved from so your pet will be comforted by your scent. 

Other pets have special needs as well. Here are some tips to help your pets in the transition:

Fish

• Don't feed your fish 24 hours before the move to minimize waste.
• Transfer your fish in a styrofoam container.
• The water used when transferring should be the same as the tank.
• Use the same tank water in the old home when filling in the tank in the new home.

Two Men And A Truck of Las Vegas showed its support for the troops by being a part of the Veterans Day Parade. Check out the photos!

It is much certain on moving day a series of unfortunate events may take place when you are misinformed. Rest assured,Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events sort of misfortune will not take place. But, at that chaotic moment filled with banter, hasty moves and  crowded thoughts - inevitably there may be valuables that  could accidentally get left behind, misplaced or the worst of the worst, stolen. Dun dun dun!

When it comes to moving, it is never a bad thing to be extra careful. You can live on the edge after the move but when you are preparing to move and on move day,  precautionary steps has to be taken seriously. Beginning with choosing a reputable moving company. First, ask the people in your circle of trust (in most cases your family and friends) for a recommendation. Ask which moving company they used and how satisfied they were with their move. If the people you trust rave about a certain company and hands down trusts them, go ahead and give them a call. However, if you are still hesitant, check out moving reviews online to cross check with what your friends and family say.

It's great you trust your movers but there is a saying not to put all your eggs in one basket... because if it drops all is lost. Before move day, set aside your valuable items such as credit cards, passports, jewelry, watches and other important documents. Do not have these things carried off on the truck just for you to say "Bye bye." Keep it close to you and transport it in your private vehicle. Thieves are extra sneeky so be aware of identity theft and shred documents that you no longer need.

High resale value items will be preyed on such as smart phones, laptops, playstations, iPads and fire arms. Rather than naming the boxes as electronics make it less sexy and label the boxes as office supplies instead. Prescription drugs should also be kept safe and hidden between clothes or anywhere unapparent  just so no one can get to it. 

 Now that you know what to expect when moving, Two Men And A Truck, professional las vegas movers can help you out with your next move. To see what people are saying about Two Men And A Truck, visit our moving reviews page. 

Just like any trade there are terms that are foreign to the average person. The same is true in the moving industry. So, before calling around, get a better idea of the terminology when calling for a move so you can fully understand what you are getting into.

Here’s a cheat sheet of a few terms that you might come across when you speak to a customer representative:

• Additional services - packing; appliance servicing; unpacking; or moves that involve extra stairs that are needed either per your request or building regulations that may otherwise result to in additional charges.
• Agent - a local moving company authorized to act on behalf of a larger, national company.
• Appliance dolly - a special dolly with straps to help load and unload large items like appliances and oversized furniture.
• Anti-static bubble wrap - bubble wrap that helps prevent static charge usually pink in color and often used on electronics such as computer monitors.
• Assessed value coverage - specifies how much money per $1,000 of assessed value you will need to pay to cover your household items to their fully assessed value (Purchasing this protection requires a cash value be assigned to the items you will be moving. Some valuation policies are calculated on a sliding scale, where the price per $1,000 of coverage will vary depending upon the total amount of coverage. In such cases, carriers are requested to quote valuation prices based on $25,000 of coverage. Most valuation policies require the entire load be covered — not just specific items. Ask you carrier for terms).
• Bill of Lading - the contract between the mover and the customer that also acts as a receipt (It’s important to understand everything on the bill of lading before you sign it).
• Binding/non-binding estimate -

1. Binding – a flat price based upon a given inventory meaning no matter how long the job takes, the flat price is always paid (It’s given only when an onsite estimate is performed).
2. Non-Binding – estimates based upon the movers’ previous experience (These estimates are subject to change).
3. Hourly Rates – charging by the hour, per person, per truck.

• C.O.D. (Cash on Delivery) - payment is required at the time of deliver — ask if your payment should be in cash, credit or check.
• Flight of stairs fee - any additional cost for a flight of stairs either at the point of origin or the destination (A third-floor walkup counts as two flights since you are starting on the first floor. Serviceable elevators large enough to transport the household goods eliminate the need to pay this fee).
• Full-replacement value coverage - the amount of money to purchase a new replacement for a damaged item regardless of the age of the item (Most valuation policies require the entire load be covered — not just specific items. Ask your carrier for terms).
• Full-service mover - most common type of moving company (Movers will move all household goods from your old address to your new address. Your items are picked up from every room in your old home and delivered to the appropriate rooms in your new home. Individual pieces of furniture are wrapped. Full service movers will also provide, at additional cost, full packing and unpacking services).
• Inventory - the detailed descriptive list of your household goods showing the quantity and condition of each item.
• Interstate move - any move that crosses a state boundary — regardless of the number of miles.
• Intrastate move - a move within a state boundary.
• Packing services - many full-service movers provide customer the option of having all of their possessions packed before the move and later unpacked at the destination.
• Stair-carry charge - an extra charge for carrying items up or down flights of stairs.
• Standard coverage - movers are required by law to provide a minimum amount of free coverage (This number, typically 60 cents, refers to the amount of money you will receive per pound of damaged goods. This coverage is a bare minimum and should not be relied upon to cover you for any significant damage. For example, if you have a priceless vase that weighs two pounds, you would only be entitled to $1.20 of compensation if the vase is damaged in transit.)
• Tariff - the carrier rates provisions for every aspect of moving a shipment from one location to another.
• Valuation - the degree of “worth” in a shipment; the valuation charge compensates the mover for assuming a greater degree of liability than is provided for in its base transportation charges. (All movers are required to assume liability for the value of goods they transport. Most movers offer two levels of liability – basic and full value. Basic value is also referred to as released value.)

Now you’ve learned the movers jargon, visit your local Las Vegas movers website for your free moving quote.

Happy Halloween! 

Photos were taken at Morrel Park Apartments and at the Providence at Promenade.

When first-time movers book a moving job, moving companies get a range of questions on how to go about the move. Customers ask questions regarding disassembling furniture, change of mailing addresses or whether to tip the movers usually surface.

With regards to tipping, first-time movers need to know that tipping is optional in the moving industry. Movers are full-time employees and they do not bank on tips to get by. However, it does not mean that they do not appreciate tips when the customer offers it. Remember, it is not a requirement nor do movers expect it at the end of a pack or a move.

Use your own discretion when tipping. If you feel that the job of the movers were outstanding and you would like to thank them in the form of cash — that is fine. Others, would show their appreciation by providing food or a combination of both. Again, it will be up to you and keep in mind that they are not expecting it either.

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you tip:

• Were the movers take special care of your belongings? Did they treat your belongings like they were their own?
• Were the movers respectful and answered any of your concerns during the move?
• Were the movers on their toes working in a timely fashion? Did they arrive during your window arrival time?

The act of moving is stressful to say the least. Changing your address to your new address is probably one of the less stressful part of moving compared to having to pack-up an entire house. Even so, it is not something to do last minute. It’s important to make the switch of address before the move or else your mail will not follow you to your new address. Your bills, monthly subscriptions and what not will be sitting in your former home and I doubt you’d want to miss any payments.

Here are some tips to be positive that your mail will be moving along with you:

• Once you get your new address and days before the moving date, take a quick trip to the post office and take a few minutes to fill out the US postal service’s official change of address form. The form is also known as PS Form 3575. If you don’t see them around the post office, just ask the staff who can assist you.
• Writing down the old and new addresses on the form is essential but it is also important to remember to add the names of anyone else who will be moving. It’s not only you who receive the mail; your wife, husband or children receive snail mail too.
• If you can’t make it to the post office during office hours, you can arrange to have your mail forwarded at your own convenience – online of course. You just have to complete a short form at the US postal service’s address change webpage and then you’re all set.
• Take note that the change of address form is temporary. First class mail such as your mail is forwarded to your new address for a year. Periodicals such as newsletters and magazines are only forwarded for 60 days. After the expiration of the forwarding period, your mail will be sent to the dead-letter room at the post office or to your prior residence. to keep receiving your mail, you need to sent out change of address cards to everyone you do business. The cards are available at the post office for free.
• For university or college students who are graduating or moving away for the summer, check with the residence office or campus mail service to inquire on the mail forwarding policies so you’ll continue to receive your mail.
• For the bills that you receive from your utilities, credit card company or insurance provider, you can update your address information either on their website or usually they have a section to change the address in the mail that they send.
• You can get lost in the shuffle so keep track of who you’ve given your new address to and who could possibly still needs it. A checklist of the companies such as the IRS, phone and utilities company who need your address not to mention, your friends and relatives who want to keep in contact with you.

Two Men And A Truck wants to make your move a smooth transition whether to a home, an apartment or a self storage facility . So, we asked the people of Storitz to share how to find storage units through this self storage video featuring "Hollywood royalty."

2010 was a rough year for some of the world’s biggest celebrities like Tiger Woods and Lindsay Lohan.  Watch Tiger, Lindsay and Steve, the flight attendant solve their Los Angeles self storage problems and kiss their troubles goodbye (kinda).

Located in Southern California, Los Angeles is the most populous city in California and 2nd most populous city in the country. Home to famous Hollywood and Venice Beach, Los Angeles is also well known for their sports teams, the Dodgers and Lakers. With prestigious universities UCLA and USC also calling Los Angeles home, this is the place to be. From famous celebrities to sports heroes, everyone needsmini storage in Los Angeles at some point. Don’t let the fast paced life in the City of Angels deter you from finding and the best Los Angeles self storage location to keep your belongings safe. With a variety of options and features, you can use Storitz to find and rent the perfect Los Angeles storage units to fit your needs and budget. It’s as easy as Click. Store. Done.

Two Men And A Truck understands that before moving, you probably want to take that great adventure to unwind maybe before entering a new chapter in your life. Worried about your things? Storagetastic has self storage tips so you can "Eat, Pray, Store."

Julia Roberts sought to find herself in “Eat, Pray, Love.” Storitz is a bit more practical, providing easy self storage solutions for your stuff so you can travel the world and not worry about your earthly possessions.

Storitz presents "How To Use Los Angeles Self Storage" at Storage Etc. in Westwood, CA. Brian interviews a lovely pharmaceutical rep named Lemore who uses a Los Angeles storage unit as part of her job. Find, compare and rent self storage units and mini storage near you. Storitz guarantees that you will get the best deal. It's the smartest way to shop for self storage anywhere in the U.S.

Two Men And A Truck does out-of-state moves and it's highly likely you'll see one of our trucks on the I-15 to or from Los Angeles as we move our customers for instance from a storage facility. As the movers who care, we like to give you the best tips on your entire moving experience such as selecting a self storage facility. We got Storitz to share the best tips on your Los Angeles self storage needs so you can make an informed decision.

1. Location

The location of a storage facility is important for many reasons but may be more important to some people than it is to others. If you are going to be storing items that you need frequently, you’ll want to make sure the storage facility you choose is easily accessible to you. For instance if you are seeking small business storage for overflow inventory, you will want to choose a storage facility convenient to either your business or your home. If you aren’t able to find the type of facility you need near your home, you might think about choosing one near a place that you frequently travel to anyway such as your children’s school, your place of work, or a family member’s house. If you’re going to need frequent access to your items, location will probably be the most important thing to consider and you will want to take this into account when choosing a facility. You may be willing to pay a little more in monthly rent to make access faster and more convenient.

However, if you are storing things that you do not need frequent access to (for instance, if you are going to be traveling abroad and want to store your furniture while you are away) then location will probably be less of a deciding factor when it comes to choosing a storage facility. If your plan is to store your items and then leave them for an extended period, you can get away with choosing a facility that has a less convenient location, especially if that facility has the other amenities that you need or want.

2. Access Hours

Access Hours are also going to be more important to those renters that are going to need more frequent access to their things. You will want to be sure to check both the gate and office hours of the facilities that you are comparing. Storitz makes this easy with the tab system on our facilities’ pages (check one out for a Los Angeles storage facility) in the left hand column. During Gate Hours you will be able to access your storage unit, usually using a gate code that you are provided upon rental from Storitz. Just punch your unique code into the keypad and you’ll be magically granted access. However, during these hours, you will not necessarily be able to access the facility’s office to ask questions of the manager, buy packing supplies or just shoot the breeze with the cute lady who makes the coffee. These things are all available during Office Hours, which you can easily access on the other tab of the Storitz hours box. Many facilities listed on Storitz have 24 hour gate access so you have unbridled access to your unit and your things all the time, 7 days a week, just like you would at home.
If you only want to visit your storage unit during Office Hours then you should make sure to choose a facility with Office Hours that are convenient for you. Most facilities listed on Storitz have offices that are open 6 days a week during normal business hours for easy communication with the facility manager, bill payment and general pleasantries.

3. Security

Security is a major concern among self storage shoppers. We know there’s an enduring stereotype that self storage facilities are dirty, dingy and generally sketchy. Busting this myth is exactly the reason that Storitz lets you view photos of the storage facilities we list and lists the facilities’ security features clearly on our details pages. Many of our facilities also have video tours made exclusively for Storitz that include an overview of their security system. Here’s a rundown of some of the security features that a facility may offer:

•Security Cameras: Most storage facilities have security cameras installed throughout the property to track activity and provide recorded evidence should anything nefarious occur at the facility.

•Gated Access: Nearly every facility offers gated access to its units. Usually entry is controlled with a gate code, which you are assigned upon renting a storage unit from Storitz. Each tenant has a different gate code so that facility managers are able to track who is accessing their unit, at what time of day or night and the duration of their visits. This information is strictly confidential and is tracked only as protection for you in case of suspicious activity.

•Individually Alarmed Units: Though all facilities will have an alarm system in place for the facility itself, some will offer an individual alarm for each unit. This alarm will alert facility staff if an unauthorized party opens the door to your unit. These are usually linked to the security gate so if your unit is opened when your personal gate code hasn’t been entered, an alarm will sound.

For even more information about what self storage facilities are doing to address your security concerns, check out this earlier post.

4. Availability

It goes without saying that you’ll want to rent a storage unit that’s, you know, available for rent. But we’re making a list here, so we’re going to mention it anyway. When you do your search on Storitz, you will only see units that are available for rent when you need them, unlike other self-storage directory sites. Upon completing the Storitz rental process, you will actually have rented an available unit, the exact unit that you choose, no haggling with facility managers or being upsold. Just the unit you choose, the unit you want, right now, directly from our website. Pretty cool, right? Yeah, we think so too.

5. Amenities

Storitz details many amenities on it’s facility pages that might either be important to you, or sweeten the deal when it comes to renting storage. These include:

•Package Delivery Services: many facilities will accept deliveries for you in your absence which could be important if you are using your unit as small business storage.

•Business Convenience Center: Some facilities offer a business center with a fax machine, WiFi or a printer so that you can check your email or print important documents conveniently when you visit your storage unit.

•Free Moving Truck: If you have a lot of stuff to move in to your storage unit and you don’t own your own big rig, you’ll probably need to rent a truck for your move-in. Many Storitz facilities offer on-site truck rentals and some even offer the service for free! Finding one of these facilities can save you even more on storage.

•Online Bill Payment: A service offered by many facilities, signing up for automatic online payment is a great way to make sure you never fall behind in your storage bill and see your precious belongings end up on Storage Wars.

6. Price

Oh, price. Do we really have to talk about this? We do? They’re telling me we do, so we will. Of course price will be a consideration when it comes to renting your storage unit, but most likely it will not be the only consideration. After examining all the other amenities and factors that you have to choose from when renting a storage unit from Storitz, it should be easy to see that depending on which conveniences are provided by your facility the price may change. You might want to pay a little more for an individually alarmed unit. Or you may be willing to drive a little further to your facility if you can save a few dollars a month on your rent. We haven’t even mentioned all the great promotions that many of our facilities offer. From $1 for your first month to percentage based discounts for military servicemembers and seniors to discounts on long term rentals, Storitz lists the best available deals so that you can select the one that makes sense for you. Prices can vary greatly from facility to facility but when you rent through Storitz, you will get the best price on your chosen unit. Guaranteed.

Bright and early for a job

Adam’s a mover at Two Men And A Truck – Las Vegas and a good one at that. There’s hardly any down time for Adam – he’s also going to school taking online classes for Nutrition and Fitness Training.

Here’s a Moving Review about Adam and his team from our Two Men And A Truck Las Vegas website.

A Moving Review by Lyn from Las Vegas on 8/15/2011

GettyImages/B2M Productions

 

It’s moving day. Being the head of the household, you are in charge of organizing the details of your move. You’ve been up since six in the morning and now it is ten and you have not even had a bite of your toast neither a sip of your coffee. You’re constantly calling your movers but you get their voice mail. Your movers finally arrive two hours later than the estimated time of arrival and finally you get a breather at two in the afternoon. They pack up your belongings and they head off to the agreed destination – your new home. You arrive in your two story home and not a single sight of a truck nor your possessions nor your movers. What do you do?

Let’s rewind this scenario to a week ago when you first made that call to a moving company. Rogue movers have bright red flags – when it is too good to be true it probably is. 

Here are a few pointers rogue movers say to take advantage of your situation:

• Estimates are too-good-to-be-true. Rogue Movers give low-ball estimates without walking through the items to be moved or do not do on
• “We only accept cash.” Rogue Movers form of acceptable payment are usually in cash or they require a large deposit before the job is done.
• “Your goods are insured.” They make a false claim that all your items are covered by its insurance.
• Rental truck arrives on moving day. The movers are not in uniform and they arrive in a truck that is not company-owned or a marked truck.
• Not provided a “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet. This booklet is required to be given to the customer by Federal regulations for interstate moves.

To prevent this from happening to you, your family and friends here is a list of tips before you book your move:

• Obtain a cost estimate. The estimate must be an actual estimation of your goods that needs to be transported.
• Don’t select a mover based on price alone. Look into the finer details since you may be sacrificing things that are actually way more important.
• Check if the mover is licensed, bonded and insured.
• Go to www.protectyourmove.gov to check out the company.
• Got to www.bbb.org to find trustworthy movers. 

Now that spring has sprung, use this time to get your house in tip-top shape for the coming season.  Here are few overlooked items to include on your spring cleaning checklist:

Mattresses: Flip it over. Tired and unsure why?  It could be your mattress!  Prolong the life of this expensive item by flipping it over.  You’ll be amazed at how firm the other side feels.

Dust: We’re all cleaning throughout the year, but how often do we get down on our hands and knees and address the tiny little crevices that gather dust? Before you do a general clean up, address the hidden dirt that’s in the corners, under the table, and on the window sill.

How many of you plan on tackling fun spring cleaning projects before Mojave Max goes back into hiding?

Need help moving and rearranging? Call Las Vegas Movers Two Men and a Truck today at 702-877-6683

Or visit us on the web at www.twomenlasvegas.com

Our proud Irish mover

We had a terrific time participating in the 2011 St Patrick’s day parade down in Henderson this past Saturday. Our Movers came armed with an arsenal of candy but next year we’re thinking we may have to have a truck full 

The parade and festival is in it’s 45th year, which is pretty impressive. Hope to see you all again next year in Henderson!

Check out our sweet St Patty’s day Mobile below:

Check us out at  www.twomenlasvegas.com

Click here to find out how to post a review

An unsuccessful packing will ultimately lead to an unsuccessful move. Like a falling row of dominoes, this domino effect will more than likely result to a stressful move day and unsolicited damage to your office equipment and property.

This does not have to be the case with proper packing paper, padding and boxing procedures that are vital to protect business and office items. A good trick is to have your office staff pack themselves. This is an economical way to save up on time and money on your business move day. To help your staff pack as safely and efficiently as possible, we have compiled tips to make the packing experience much smoother.

• The biggest mistake people make is over-packing moving boxes. At the time, it looks as if it is a smart idea to get all items in one huge box. However, until you find yourself struggling to carry the box out of the office, you would wish you had your things in a smaller box. Save yourself the trouble and always remember —  the heavier the item, the smaller the moving box.
• Do a little packing each day. When you know you are moving and have items lying around that you do not need, start packing it into boxes. I promise, you will feel less overwhelmed the day before move day when you are doing last minute packing.
• Pack your moving boxes by offices. Avoid mixing items from different offices in the same moving boxes. There will be less or in an ideal world no confusion when you reach your new office.
• Your good friend will be the marker. Put detailed labels on tops and sides of all moving boxes.
• A big no-no is interlocking moving box tops. They must always be sealed with packing tape.
• Separate box of things you will need immediately at the new office. Always make sure it is loaded last on the truck so the contents will be immediately available at your new office.
• Here’s a smart way to minimize the chance of breakage. Pack and unpack over a padded surface so if you do drop an item, it will land on a cushioned surface.
• When packing anything delicate always use packing paper.

The name of the game is organization. Your most valuable player during a move will be the marker and you’ll thank him once you’ve reached your new home. You wouldn’t want to be running around looking for your family documents in a sea of 50 something boxes.

To avoid such mishaps use this moving game plan to save you time and money:

• Clearly label boxes on top and side. Pack important and sentimental documents separately to be easily accessible including: children’s health records, passports, family records, insurance information and photo albums.
• Pack a box of essential items. Things that you will first need during the move and make sure it’s the last thing added to the truck.
• Schedule disconnect times. A week before move day so you don’t have to pay for cable, phone and utilities when you aren’t even there!
• Use the correct boxes. Use wardrobe boxes to make closets easier to pack. Use small boxes for books. Don’t pack with used food or supermarket boxes. You don’t know if the box will be strong enough to support your possessions and who knows what critter is hiding. Remember: the heavier the item, the smaller the box.
• Use packing tape. Never duct tape.
• Have super subs. If you are depending on friends and family to help you move, have a back-up plan if they don’t show.

Meet Kurt. He started out at Two Men And A Truck – Las Vegas as a mover and when there was an opening for a Move Manager, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Kurt helps manage the fleet of trucks and then some- everyday is like solving a jigsaw puzzle. And yes, at the end of each day he manages to complete the puzzle.