Articles
SUMMER: THE BUSIEST SEASON
By Brad Estrin,
Executive Vice President
Suddath Relocation
Systems
Thousands of families
are gearing up for one
of the most stressful
events in their life –
Moving. That's right.
The Summer moving season
has arrived in full
force.
“This is the busiest
summer we’ve had in the
past few years,” said
Brad Estrin, executive
vice president of
Suddath Relocation
Systems, one of the
nation's largest movers.
Estrin attributes
much of the season’s
growth to the present
economy. “Lower interest
rates and an improved
economy have certainly
stimulated movement,” he
said.
“We’re extremely busy,”
he said. “Because Summer
is the busiest moving
season, people should
contact quality movers
as early as possible to
begin the planning
process. Otherwise, the
top movers might not be
available.”
According to industry
statistics, nearly 10
percent of the country
will move this Summer,
but Estrin believes that
number is up this year.
“Our volume is certainly
much higher than 10
percent,” he said. “This
year we are up more than
19 percent compared to
last summer and we see
no signs of slowing down
in the foreseeable
future.”
According to the
American Moving and
Storage Association,
moving is a stressful
event that ranks next to
the death of a loved one
or a divorce. And many
people are about to go
through it. Suddath
recognizes both the need
to deliver service,
while empathizing with
people through the
stressful event.
As a household goods
transportation provider
with 85-years
experience, Suddath
Relocation compiled a
Top 10 List to tackle
preparation. Its helps
families get through the
moving ordeal without
raising their blood
pressure.
1. Plan ahead - Summer
is the busiest time for
movers, so begin your
search as early as
possible.
2. Get estimates -
Obtain binding estimates
in advance. Check to
make sure the mover you
select is a member of
the American Moving and
Storage Association's
"Certified Mover
Program."
3. Discuss
damages/claims
beforehand - Before you
select the mover, gain
an understanding about
what happens if
something breaks.
4. Pick the right
moving company for you -
All movers are not
equal, and the quality
of service varies
greatly from company to
company. Decide which
moving company can
provide the best value
for your money and do
research. People spend
more time researching
clothes than hiring a
moving company.
5. Get a last minute
checkup - It might take
a while to find a new
doctor, dentist,
veterinarian, etc, so
take care of issues
before you leave. It's
especially important to
see your doctor if
you're taking
prescription medication.
6. Pack Smart - If
you're packing yourself,
pack one room at a time
to be organized. Label
boxes with as many
details as possible. Be
sure to set aside a box
of essential items to
open first. If you have
children, make sure a
box of toys is the last
thing packed and the
first box off the truck.
7. Eat everything -
Since most movers charge
by the pound, it makes
sense to eat up. Some
foods, if wrapped well,
can make the move, but
most everything should
be eaten or thrown away.
8. Unplug all
electronics - Unplug
them 24 hours before the
move, so they will be at
room temperature. Moving
electronics in which
heat is still retained
could cause internal
damage.
9. Get some sleep - No
matter how prepared you
are, moving day can be
exhausting. Make sure
you sleep the night
before.
10. Be present - On
moving day, be there.
This allows you to
answer any of the
movers' concerns about
the condition of certain
items, sign paperwork
and discuss loading and
delivery. Also, stay in
touch with the movers
along the way.
With more than
20-years experience in
the relocation industry,
Brad Estrin is executive
vice president of
Suddath Relocation
Systems. He can be
contacted at
904-390-7100 or via
email at
bestrin@suddath.com.
