Archive for the ‘slidell moving’ Category

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Moving a Dishwasher

Friday, June 24th, 2011

Moving large appliances without help is difficult, but few appliances are more complicated than the dishwasher. It requires special attention, certain know-how and especially manpower. Here at Nichol’s Moving in Slidell, we do our best to make sure your moving experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible. So if you’re planning on moving your dishwasher to your new house, here are some important tips to remember.

Shut off the electricity and water

One of the first and most important steps to moving any appliance is to properly shut down the electricity. Cut off the electricity to that general area by shutting off the breaker that connects to the kitchen (or wherever the dishwasher is located). Since the dishwasher is also connected to the water, you should also shut that off. Sometimes there is a switch underneath the sink that cuts off the water and electricity to the dishwasher.

Carefully pull out the machine

Next, you will need to pull the machine out of the wall most of the way, so you can disconnect the cables. All dishwashers are slightly different, but most have screws within the machine that affix it to the wall. Unscrew the screws and release the machine from the wall. Then slowly and carefully pull the machine out.

Disconnect the power and water lines from the back

There are three lines you’ll need to disconnect coming from the back of the dishwasher: two tube-like cords and an electrical cord. Follow the electrical cord until you get to the metal box in the back. Open the metal box and remove the cord by releasing the nuts. Remember not to lose the nuts because you need them to reattach the wire. Next, disconnect the drainage pipe. This is the device that releases water into the sink. You might need some tools to take off this pipe.

Finally, remove the water supply pipe, which is usually found underneath the dishwasher unit. You might have to take off the bottom portion of the unit to reach it. Take this off by using a wrench to loosen the nut that attaches it. Be ready when you release the tube because there could be excess water that comes out.

Take it out on a dolly

With all the cords disconnected, it’s time to actually move it. Tape down or remove any lose parts that might fly around. Then cover the front of the dishwasher with a blanket, so when you put it on the dolly, it doesn’t get scratched. Be careful the door doesn’t open and the bottom panel doesn’t come off because they are lose on some models. Once you wheel it out to the truck, make sure it’s place in a secure spot.

Remember, whether you’re moving from Slidell or to Slidell, we are the moving company that makes it happen.

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Packing A Computer

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

Recent studies have reported that more than three-fourths of people in the United States own a computer. That means the chances you’re packing a computer when you move from one place to the next is pretty high. Although laptops are becoming increasingly popular, many still own traditional desktop computers with monitors, modems and cables. Here at Nichol’s Moving in Slidell, we know the importance of safely moving all your belongings, but we especially understand the importance of packing and transporting computers. That’s why we’re providing some tips for properly packing and moving a computer.

Back Up Your Computer

Before doing anything that requires disassembling and moving your computer, you should always back up your data. You never want to run the risk of losing any data during the move (or any other time really), so you should prepare an external hard drive to house your backup information. If you want to be 100% sure your data is safe, consider having a second backup disk.

Disassemble the Computer

After you’re sure the data is backed up and the computer is completely shut down, begin taking apart the computer. Carefully unplug all the cords, but make sure you label them if you don’t know much about computers. Then you want to wrap the cables into 8-shapes, so you can put plastic ties to hold them in place. Do this for all the cables, including those attached to the mouse, keyboard and monitor.

Begin Packing Each Accessory Individually

The difficult thing about computers is that there are so many delicate components that need to be packed. Once all the pieces are separated and the cables are tied securely, you should start packing each item individually. For the mouse, place it in a plastic bag that’s either empty or filled with packing peanuts, so the tracking ball doesn’t get damaged or dirty. Keyboards should also be covered by a large plastic bag or keyboard cover. Then, it should be placed in its own box filled with packing peanuts.

The monitor is the largest portion of the computer, so it needs to be handled carefully. Cover the screen with a bag to prevent scratches and place it in a large box, which has the bottom and sides covered with bubble wrap and packing peanuts. Tape it shut and label which side is up.

With the monitor and keyboard in their own boxes, the other items could all be placed in a single box that’s lined with bubble wrap. Position the mouse, CDs, cables and other accessories you might have in the box, so they’re spaced apart.

Move the Boxes Carefully

Finally, when you’re moving, make sure to label the boxes clearly, so you or the movers know to treat them with extra caution. Also, avoid stacking other boxes on top of them and try your best not to shake them too much.

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Tips For Having a Moving Sale

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

Here at Nichol’s Moving in Slidell, we understand the importance of carefully moving your prized possessions from one location to the other and do it diligently to your satisfaction. However, you can make your move easier by selling some of the things you don’t plan on using at your new place. If you’d like to get rid of a few things and make some extra cash, here are some tips for having a moving sale.

Select items you want to donate

When you’re still in the early stages of moving, you should begin making piles and lists of all the things you know you don’t want to take to your new house. These things could include anything from appliances and furniture to clothes and trinkets. While you might want keep certain items to take to your new place, don’t take items you know you won’t use or will simply go back to the bottom of the closet.

Research the logistics of the moving sale

After you have all or most of the items you want to sell separated, it’s time to actually plan the logistics of the sale. You should contact the neighborhood association to find out whether you could have a sale any day and whether you need a permit. All areas are different, but they usually allow moving sales. Also, consider having a block yard sale, so you could bring in more prospective customers.

Pick a date and time

The best time for a moving sale is on the weekend, either Saturday or Sunday. You want to beware of having the sale during a holiday because people will be less inclined to go out and browse through your items. You’re likely to sell more items if you start the sale early and go through the evening. The moving sale should be an all-day affair that requires your full attention.

Publicize the event

With the date and logistics set, maximize the traffic to your sale by properly publicizing it. Put up fliers on posts throughout the neighborhood and place an advertisement on websites like craigslist. Another method for the day of the sale is to put up signs directing people to your sale.

Display things properly and give good deals during the sale

Once the day finally arrives, you want to make the maximum profit but also get rid of as much stuff as possible. That’s why you should prominently feature things you want to sell the most and offer very good prices. As the day of the sale proceeds, you can also begin lowering the prices or offering bundled deals to encourage prospective buyers. Hopefully, you are able to sell most items, but if not, consider donating the remaining items to charity.

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Moving a Refrigerator

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

Moving appliances is one of the toughest parts of moving because not only are they extremely large and heavy, but they can also be unwieldy and delicate. While appliances can be moved by amateurs, it’s our reputation here at Nichol’s Moving in Slidell that makes us a popular and reliable choice to move appliances. A few months ago we posted on moving a piano, and today we bring you this post on the best way to move a refrigerator.

Getting the Fridge Prepared for the Move

Before any moving is actually done, a few things need to be removed from the inside of the refrigerator. First, any food items within the fridge and freezer should be moved to another location or thrown away. Then, the fridge should be unplugged and defrosted, which usually takes at least 8 hours. After it’s defrosted, it should be cleaned and any excess liquid accumulation should be wiped out. Also, shelves, doors and drawers should be removed or securely fastened to the inside of the refrigerator. Ideally, you would secure the electrical cord to the fridge and use rope to tie the doors shut.

Moving the Fridge Out of Your House

Once it’s been emptied and secured, the fridge can be safely removed from your house. It should first be moved away from the wall, so it can be tipped onto a dolly without damaging the wall. Slide the dolly underneath and fasten the fridge to it with the straps. This will ensure it maintains fixed to the moving device. Next, you need to enlist the help of some friends to slowly tip the fridge backward while you hold the end of the dolly with the handle and wheels. Once it’s in the moving position on the dolly, it should easily roll out of the kitchen.

Getting the Fridge Downstairs or On the Truck

If you live on the second story, getting the fridge down a flight of stairs can be challenging if you don’t know what you’re doing. The key is to give it a lot of support. Move the dolly with the fridge one step at a time with several people making sure each step is taken smoothly. Also, when you roll it up a truck ramp or place it on the elevator, make sure you have others there to support the additional weight.

Unloading the Fridge and Getting It Settled

Once the fridge is transported to your new house in its upright position, it’s time to unload it. Put it back on the dolly and roll it carefully to its new location. Before plugging it back in, you should let it sit for a few hours to allow the cooling fluids to reacquaint themselves. Also, after you plug the refrigerator back in, it may take some time to cool.

As you can see from these simple-sounding instructions, if done correctly, moving a fridge can be quick and painless. We at Nichol’s Moving in Slidell have moved appliances hundreds of times, so if you’re looking for security and professionalism, give us a call.

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Tips for Packing Clothes for a Move

Friday, April 8th, 2011

One of the biggest challenges of moving is trying to neatly and carefully pack all your items in an appropriate way. Your clothes are some of the most challenging items to pack because there are some clothes that are very delicate and others that don’t need a lot of attention. Fortunately, we at Nichol’s Moving in Slidell offer a variety of packing materials that will help you transport your clothes easily. To figure out the best way to pack your clothes, check out these tips below.

Get rid of clothes you don’t wear anymore before packing

If you’ve lived in your house for years, chances are you have a collection of clothes that sit at the bottom of drawers or at the end of the closet. Since you are moving, use this as an opportunity to quickly go through your clothes and decide which ones you will continue to wear and which ones will be better off sold or donated. If you already know it’s going to take a long time to go through your closet and dresser, make a note to start early. Consider having a yard sale to get rid of those old clothes or simply donate them to a homeless shelter.

Get a wardrobe box

There are several types of techniques you can use to transport your clothes during a move. Probably the easiest way to pack clothes that you don’t want to get wrinkled when you’re moving long distances is the wardrobe box. A wardrobe box, which we sell here, is essentially a large box with a sturdy bar inside. This allows you to hang your clothes securely and the boxes even come in different sizes for maximum convenience.

Use a trash bag to bundle the clothes

If you’re just moving across Slidell and don’t feel the need to buy a wardrobe box to transport your clothes, using a trash bag is an inexpensive way to safely move clothes. First, gather a couple hangers that have clothes on them. Second, tie or tape them together so the hangers are all facing in one direction. Third, get a plastic garbage bag and cut a hole at the closed end to fit the hanger tips. Slide the bag all the way over the bundle of clothes and tie up the other end. When you unpack, all you need to do is hang the bundle, untie the hangers and pull down the bag.

This method makes sure your clothes don’t get dirty and doesn’t take up as much space as a box. Just remember to be careful where you place the bag because they’re very slippery and could slide around if stacked on one another.

Pack your clothes in a regular box

A regular moving box is also a great way to move your clothes if you’re not afraid to fold them. The key to packing clothes in boxes is to use medium-sized boxes. Placing too many clothes in a large box will make it heavy and unwieldy. You can either fold the clothes similar to the way stores fold them or leave them on hangers and fold them in half if you want to quickly unpack.

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Tips for Unpacking Your Boxes

Friday, March 25th, 2011

Once you’ve packed all your things and moved them to your new house, you might feel a sigh of relief, but that feeling may be premature, because unpacking is an equally daunting task. Fortunately, we at Nichol’s Moving in Slidell want to make things as easy for you as possible, which is why we offer an unpacking service where we open all the boxes and place the contents on flat surfaces. Even if you’ve decided to do it yourself, we have some tips to help you streamline the process below.

Mark all your boxes before packing

Unpacking everything will become significantly easier and faster if you pack right. You always want to pack things in the order they’re needed with the essentials box being packed last and unpacked first. Mark each box as you’re packing them with what’s in them and what room they’re supposed to be in. For example, if you have a box full of dishes and silverware, you should mark it as so with the destination as “kitchen.”

Place the boxes in the rooms where they need to be unpacked

When you’re unloading things from the truck or having us do it for you, the unpacking process will be quicker if you do it in the right order. It’s important to first unload the big things like furniture. Although it might take you time to figure out where all the furniture should be organized in a room, putting them against walls or off to the side will give you more room in the middle to unpack and begin putting things away.

After all the furniture and big appliances have been unloaded, next should be the boxes. Since they should all be marked with what room they belong in, set the boxes down at their final destination. This will prevent you from having to move boxes between crowded rooms during the often hectic unpacking process.

Divide and conquer

Now that everything’s unloaded and in its respective room, the actual unpacking commences. If you’re moving with your family, it’s helpful to divide the work. Have one person focus solely on one room and commit to it until the room is mostly finished. This will help give a feeling of accomplishment as each room is completed.

Put away items and throw the boxes out

Though you may have the urge to simply take the items out of the boxes and put them on the floor, this will merely increase the clutter in an already chaotic house. If possible, unpack the items and put them away in appropriate areas, such as closets, shelves or bureaus. Immediately take apart empty boxes and remove them from the house.

Take your time

Moving is very stressful at times, but it’s always important to not be overwhelmed. Even though there may be items everywhere while you’re unpacking, you never want to get frustrated and put items just anywhere, because they could get lost for weeks or months. Remember to take your time and focus on one thing at a time.

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Packing a Box with Essentials

Monday, March 21st, 2011

Whenever you’re moving into a new house, the last box you pack and the first box you open should always be the essentials box. This is the box that has all the things you simply cannot live without, whether you’re staying at your old house for the last few days or barely unpacking at your new house. At Nichol’s Moving in Slidell, we do our best to help you move as quickly and smoothly as possible, which is why we offer our unpacking service. If you’re planning on slowly unpacking things yourself at your new house, here are some things you should pack in your box of essentials.

Toilet Paper

The chances are great that your new house does not have toilet paper ready for you in the bathroom. That’s why it’s important to bring a couple extra rolls for each bathroom.

Change of Clothing/Towel

Depending on how slowly or quickly you’re unpacking, it may take some time to fully unload all your clothes. Taking a change of clothes and a towel ensures you have some of the basics for staying clean.

Medical Kit

While in the process of moving, you never know what accidents could happen, so you should always be prepared by having a medical kit nearby.

Knife and/or Scissors

There’s almost nothing more useful when you’re moving than an all-purpose knife or scissors. These are extremely useful items for cutting tape, opening boxes and doing other household maintenance.

Shower Curtain

Even though you might have your fresh change of clothes and a towel, it’s nearly impossible to take a shower without a curtain.

Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)

The essentials box should include things you will need to freshen yourself up, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, makeup, deodorant, combs and other items. If possible, avoid packing anything you can do without for a few days, like a hair curler.

Light Bulbs or Flashlights

One of the key things you need to do prior to moving is update your utilities. If you did, remember to take light bulbs to illuminate the house. If not, flashlights will prove helpful for the short time you’re without electricity.

Food/Snacks

There are most likely stores and food shops in the near vicinity of your new home in Slidell or elsewhere, but packing a few snacks helps a lot because it’s difficult to do work on an empty stomach. If you pack some dried pasta and canned sauce, remember to also pack a small pot to cook it in.

Other Items if Necessary

There are some items that not everyone needs to take along. For example, some people have pets, which means that packing pet food and bowls into the box of essential is needed. Others cannot get through the morning without a cup of coffee, so they should consider packing instant coffee or a coffee maker.

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Tips for Packing Delicate Items

Thursday, March 10th, 2011

In a previous post, we gave some general tips for packing items before a big move. However, many items around the house require specific packing techniques to ensure that they are not broken or compromised during your move. We at Nichols Moving in Slidell offer a variety of packing options, but if you’re planning on packing these fragile items yourself, here are a few things to remember.

Get the Right Packing Material

One of the major mistakes we’ve seen people make is packing fragile items in flimsy boxes or on top of one another. At Nichols Moving, we have top quality packing supplies, including boxes, packing tape and different-sized bubble wrap. You should avoid using wobbly boxes found at convenient stores because they are more likely to fall apart while moving. If necessary, seek out stronger boxes that were used to hold wine or other heavy items. Don’t be afraid to go out and get quality boxes for these items.

Once you’ve found a strong, reliable box, it’s important to make sure it’s secure. Use strong tape to seal the bottom and feel free to apply several strips of tape. You never want to have the bottom fall out on a box containing valuable items.

Wrap the Items in Packing Material

Before placing any fragile item in a box, it should first be wrapped in packing materials. Doing this prevents any glass or silver objects from being scratched by rubbing against one another. Bubble wrap works fantastically for this, and depending on the type of object, it should even be wrapped in several layers for extra safety.

Place the Items Strategically in the Box

When the items are all carefully encased in bubble wrap, it’s time to pack them in the box. Before the objects go in, make sure the bottom of the box is protected. Line the bottom with packing peanuts or a soft towel, so the objects aren’t exposed to the hard ground. Then place the objects in the box. It’s a good idea to space them out from one another, and fill in any gaps with more packing peanuts or bubble wrap.

Try to avoid stacking items on top of each other, but if the box is big enough cover the bottom layer thoroughly with packing material before placing anything on top. If possible, cover the top of the inside with a complete layer of bubble wrap in case the box is accidentally turned upside down.

Seal Up the Box and Mark It

Once the items are in and there is no extra space in the box for them to move around, tape the top with a few strips of strong tape. After, label what’s in the box, so the movers know to be careful when handling it. Be sure to explain which side is up.

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5 Tips for Moving with Pets

Friday, March 4th, 2011

Here at Nichol’s Moving in Slidell, we understand that moving can be stressful for anyone. What many people don’t know is that pets can be equally overwhelmed and anxious during a move. There are a few things you can do before and during the moving process that will help guide your pets safely through the commotion of moving.

Make sure your pet has an up-to-date ID tag

Before you begin doing any sort of packing or moving, you should make sure your pet’s identification tag has your current contact information, including your name and telephone number. This is an important first step because pets are sometimes confused and scared off by the chaos around the house.

Get Veterinary Records

If you’re planning on going to another vet closer to your new home, make sure to get the medical history and vaccination records from your previous vet. You can also check if your pet has all the current shots and vaccinations.

Keep a close eye on your pet

Pets usually get the most anxious when you’re beginning to pack and move things around. That’s why it’s especially important to keep an eye on your pet to see that they are not getting too overwhelmed. Giving them extra affection and attention during the process will also reassure them that everything will be fine. If necessary, consider putting them in a kennel or temporary shelter where they can be away from all the chaos around the house.

Explore options for the day of the move

The day of the move is by far the most difficult for a pet and its owner. You never want to wait until your pet is spooked to the point where they’re going to put up a big fight. Also, you never want to put yourself in a situation where you can’t find your pet and have to leave them there temporarily.

Instead, consider removing them completely from the scene. Have a friend watch your pet or locate a sitter at Petsitter.com who will take care of your pet for the day. Remember that wherever you transport your pet, always ensure they are properly restrained.

Help your pet adjust to their new home

Once you have finally moved and brought your pet home, help them get used to the new location by making them familiar with the surroundings. Let them cautiously explore the area, but also give them things they’re used to, such as favorite toys, pet beds, food and water.

Finally, don’t forget to find a new vet near your home, and be sure to read up on all the pet safety information pertaining to the area.

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Nichols: We Move You

Monday, December 6th, 2010

Louisiana is an emotional state. All puns intended. We feel joy when our Saints make an interception. We feel rage when we think of BP. We’re sorrowful when we think of how the Mississippi will inevitably change course as it has been trying to do for the last 100 years. And then there’s the emotion that can only be described in Louisiana terms: a combination of laissez le bon temps rouller, mango chutney, black pepper, moldering swamp and barking gators. Of tooth pain and jazz. Of BBQ and potholes.

Regardless of what you’re feeling, when you have to move, Nichols wants to move you. All puns intended. From our secret Slidell lair we strive to make your moving experience so stress free, so smooth and sweet that you may actually tear up. I’m not saying that’s happened often, but what does consistently occur is that our customers think they’ll have to deal with a stressful move and end up kicking back and relaxing with time to spare and all their valuables exactly where they wanted them. All with a smile on our faces.

We’re Nichols Moving, and we move you.

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Happy Halloween from Nichols Moving

Sunday, October 31st, 2010

Happy Halloween, Louisiana! We have a very, very important moving tip for you this evening of the day of the dead: Don’t try to move on a holiday.

It’s common sense: big crowds and fun-seeker’s traffic does not for a smooth move make. Unfortunately, for many in Slidell or Covington, the lure of an extra day off is too much to resist and out come the boxes and rubber bands.

Listen: this is a bad idea. Don’t go packing up your apartment or home and move anywhere near New Orleans, not to or from Slidell or Mandeville, anywhere near a holiday, especially Halloween. Not only will you travel no faster than ten miles an hour until you’re far from any city, you’ll be dodging kids, drunks and over-alert police the entire way.

If it’s too late and you’re trying to move right now, I’m sorry. Pull over, get out, call Nichols and go trick or treating. You’ll be happy you did.

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Another Reason To Use Professional Slidell Movers

Monday, August 9th, 2010

If you’re considering moving to, from or near Slidell you need to be careful what moving company you choose.  This is not an idle decision.  Choosing a poor mover will leave you with problems far beyond moving day.  Your Slidell mover must provide careful, considerate service.  They must have their own packing supplies, the time and patience to do the job right, respect for your space and belongings and the experience to know how not to nick a door frame with your sofa.  This is why you need professional movers.

We’ve all got family that says they’ll help us move.  They want to show off their physical prowess, their moving expertise or maybe just get brownie points for letting you use their truck or driving the U-Haul.  You don’t want to hurt cousin Bruno’s feelings, but you don’t want to hurt your cabinet’s drawers, either.  Alright, let Bruno help: let him help us. We don’t mind the extra muscle and we’ll make sure you don’t need to call an EMT to help reattach Bruno’s shoulder and pride.

If there’s one warning to take away, consider those Slidell moving companies that pretend to be professional but leave you distressed to say the least.  Consider this review of one of our competitors.

Damaged Furniture and NO REPAIR??
Rated 1.0 out of 5.0 By brian – Dec 31, 2009
DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!!! I hired S & S Moving to move a very heavy double vanity upstairs to my master bathroom. They sent three grungy kids to my home who didn’t seem to have a clue how to move a heavy piece of furniture. After about 20 minutes they decided to put my bathroom vanity on a furniture dolly and strapped it in. I had to instruct them to use blankets and/or towels (which I had to provide) to keep the metal dolly from scratching the furniture. They proceeded to move the piece upstairs. I couldn’t supervise the whole process because there was limited room on the stairs. It seemed to be moved successfully and I paid the $175 fee. I then went upstairs to gather the blankets and towels they had used to protect the furniture and discovered that they had been strategically placed over the top to conceal significant damage to one of the corners. Wood trim had been crushed and scratched by the weight of the piece. I called S & S Moving immediately and reported the damage. I was told that a furniture repair expert would be out to repair the damage withing a couple of days. I never heard back. I called again two days later and got a run around. I was told things like “He isn’t in today”, “He’s working from home”, “He’s gone for the day”, etc. It has been over a month and a dozen phone calls and no repair to my damaged furniture. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!!!
(maps.google.com)
Look to the company with experience moving everything, everywhere all over the New Orleans Metro Area.  Check us out for a free estimate, today.

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We’re Your Slidell Hot Tub Movers

Monday, August 9th, 2010

Moving a hot tub or jacuzzi to or from Slidell?  You need Nichols.  I’m not the bragging sort but you just will not find a better hot tub mover anywhere nearby.

Is your whirlpool bath on the second floor of a garden district colonial?  In a double-shotgun with narrow doors?  Is it being hauled up a spiral staircase, over a balcony or down a long hallway?  Nichols moves your whole house, attic to garage, and if you’re in or near Slidell there’s no one else who can match our customer service, professionalism and expertise.  We can get your hot tub, your piano and your entire kitchen out of your apartment, down the elevator and all the way to your new home without a single dent or scratch.

But don’t take our word for it – our best references are our satisfied customers.  Although, maybe the horror stories from people who tried to move hot tubs themselves, or without a specialized mover, are also good references.

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The Single Most Important Moving Tip

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

I didn’t want to say it myself but this article on superpages did, so I feel justified.  The most important choice you can make is whether or not – and which – mover to choose.  In a market as flooded (no pun intended) as New Orleans, Covington, Slidell and Hammond the choice is doubly hard.

But which mover should you choose? These days the marketplace for hired muscle such as this has exploded with new variety, and homeowners are finding their moving and storage choices increasingly confusing. Should you get college kids or seasoned professionals, freelance guys or the kind of people who come with a national brand and a website?

They’re completely right.  There are more movers – should I call them goons? – around than you can shake a very long stick at.  Don’t go shaking sticks when you’re moving, though, you might hit something fragile.  Professional movers never shake sticks.  Seriously though, how do you choose a mover?

Obviously at Nichol’s we’ll say, “Choose Nichol’s!” but on the off chance you’re reading this from outside the New Orleans metro area, I’ll give you some good advice: go with the experienced guys.  Go with the guys with the best references.  Around Slidell, Covington – hell, anywhere in Louisiana, that’s likely us.  Don’t worry about the big names, worry about results and cost.

Think safety.  Think professionalism.  Think Nichol’s.

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Professional Movers Don’t Leave You Like This

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Some moving company just have no ethics at all.  When I read this yelp review of U-Haul I literally shuddered. It’s for the Gretna U-Haul but it could apply Slidell or any other one.  There’s a reason U-Haul and other self-movers are the cheap choice. No customer service is right!

What should have been a 20 minute trek turned into a THREE HOUR + fiasco. Once I crossed the GNO bridge I saw that there was in fact a parade going by. I immediately called U-Haul and asked two employees if there was an alternate route to get to my destination. One of the employees told me to take a street that the parade was rolling on!!! Long story short I talked to at minimum 5 employees for an hour and no one, not even the manager, offered me an apology for the misinformation I was given.

I just have to comment on this. There is no way Nichol’s Moving would ever treat a customer this way – it’s unconscionable.  Even on Mardi Gras day, if you call Nichol’s you get top notch customer service.  As a bonus you don’t have to drive your own moving truck through a parade!

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Let’s Get Packing! Nichols can help.

Friday, July 16th, 2010

People who are moving in New Orleans often are amazed to find out how much a shotgun really holds.  (No, not that thing you take hunting.)  Those long, skinny shotgun houses don’t look that big from the front, but they go way back, and you’ve probably got a lot of wardrobes, pictures, and knick-knacks filling that space.  You’ve got your hands full with family and work.  How are you ever going to get it all packed up?

Relax.  You don’t have to do it yourself.

At Nichol’s Moving and Storage, we have packing options to fit anyone’s needs.  Let our moving pros pack your possessions properly.  We can pack up your whole house or just one closet.  Choose Kitchen Packing if you want us to take care of all those breakable glasses and dishes and leave the other rooms to you.  Our movers have the expertise to make sure your mirrors, artwork and china get to your new home intact.  We can even unpack the boxes for you at the other end.

If you’d rather do the packing yourself, we can help you there too.  Use your own materials, or save time and money by choosing one of our packing bundles.  You’ll get enough boxes, tape and paper to finish the job without a bunch of runs to the store.  Just don’t forget to label the boxes so you remember where they go!

From the North Shore to the West Bank, Nichol’s is your New Orleans area moving expert.  Let us make your move easy.

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New Orleans Professional Moving Tip #8: Don’t forget about YOU!

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Okay, hotshot, you think you’re ready to move. All your clothes are packed in suitcases.  Your dishes are packed with care, in boxes marked “Kitchen” and “This End Up.”  Your paperwork is in a brightly colored binder, right there on the kitchen counter where you can grab it and go.  You’ve sent out your change of address forms, set up a date for the cable guy, and you’re all ready for the moving company.  But you still feel like you’re forgetting something.

You’re all ready to move your stuff, but are you ready to move yourself?

How are you getting to the new place?  If you’ve got a car, and you’re just going from Harahan to Metairie, you can just drive yourself.  But if you’re moving to Southeast Louisiana from far away, or you don’t have a car, this might take advance planning.  If you’re flying, plan your flights well in advance and leave yourself a little wiggle room for cancelled or delayed flights.  If you don’t have a car, see if you have friends who can drive you, or make room in your budget for taxi rides.

Make sure that you know where you’ll be staying during the move.  If you’ll be staying at your new house, it might take a while to get your bedrooms ready.  Consider bringing an air mattress with sheets and pillows.  Otherwise, find out if you can stay with friends or family, or reserve a hotel room.

It may take a while to get your cooking supplies unpacked, so be prepared for a few days of eating out or calling for takeout.  You can use Yelp or Google Maps to check out restaurant reviews in your new neighborhood, or just ask your new neighbors.  If your new house already has a fridge and a microwave, pick up some TV dinners and plastic forks from the store.

You don’t have to be exhausted from your move.  With a little preparation, and a little help from your friends at Nichol’s Moving and Storage, you can rest easy in your new home.

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New Orleans Professional Moving Tip #7: Prepare your Paperwork

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Moving in New Orleans or anywhere else can be a stressful experience, and it can be exciting too.  You’re trying to get everything ready to go, you’re amazed at how much stuff you really have, and you’re imagining how you’ll arrange everything in the new space.  It’s easy to get busy and distracted, but don’t forget to take care of the boring stuff too.

Make sure to take care of all of the relevant utilities: cable TV, electric, phone, water, gas, and Internet.  If you’re moving within the same service area, you may be able to simply transfer your service to the new address.  If not, you will need to arrange to get your deposits back and set up new accounts.  You may need to bring your lease or deed to set up service.

You can file a change of address with the Postal Service online, or just pick up a form at any post office.  You will still need to tell others your new address: your employer, your bank, your friends and family, and any newspapers or magazines you subscribe to.  If you have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, you will have to change that over as well and you may want to ask about rates on your new home.

If you’re moving to a new town, like from Treme to Thibodaux, return any library books you have checked out.  If your children will be attending a different school, be sure to get their records from the old school and enroll them at the new one.

You may want to keep important documents in a special binder, so you know just where they are instead of digging through a dozen boxes just to set up your electric service.  Don’t let your move get derailed because you left your lease in Luling.

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New Orleans Professional Moving Tip #6 – Feed The Vultures

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

Don’t feel like throwing things away?  Don’t want to rent a dumpster or U-Haul to move your junk?  One man’s trash is another man’s treasure and you’ll be surprised at all the organizations that will come to your home and get rid of the stuff you don’t want.

Pack up everything you DO want – see previous posts for our philosophy of what that really is – and then call goodwill, habitat for humanity, churches, etc.  There are lots of needy people in and near New Orleans who will be happy to have what you can give.  Tell them to come on buy and take whatever they may need.  Before you know it all you’ll have left will be your packed up boxes and a few things you can probably throw in the trash bin.

Is someone moving in to your old home already, or moving in next door?  Find out who it is and ask them if there’s anything you can leave for them.  You may not feel like keeping that half empty bottle of bathroom sanitizer but they’ll probably be happy to use it to get rid of your germs.  If they’re moving in next door before you’re moving out you might even be able to barter pasta, cleaning supplies or what have you for boxes and packing material as they discard them.  Everyone wins!

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New Orleans Professional Moving Tip #5: First Days In Your New Home

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

OK, the moving trucks are empty and your new home is full of boxes.  You’ve traded your old keys for new ones and it’s time to relax!  Right?  Wrong.  You didn’t plan ahead, and now what could have been a stress-free first-night campout in your new home has become a night of toil.

If your going 5 miles, 50 or 500, there are a few things that you need to do to make the first few nights in a new home easy.  You want to make sure you have all the stuff you need for two or three days of camping:

  • Toiletries for everyone
  • Music, preferably battery operated.
  • Easy food: pop-top cans, water bottles, things you like to eat unheated and do not require refrigeration
  • Kitchen utensils and dishes (no use bringing food you can’t eat!)
  • Cleaning supplies of all kinds: Rubber gloves, sprays, soaps, glass cleaner, scrub brushes, johnny mops: you do not know what you’ll find when you start living somewhere, and you do not want to lay your toothbrush in someone else’s bathroom no matter how fastidious they were.
  • Batteries.  Lots of batteries.
  • Clothes.  It should go without saying, but you need to be dressed at some point.  Bring a few changes to last until laundry gets sorted out.  Make sure these are appropriate for where you’re moving to not from.  If you’re moving to New Orleans from the north, pack lighter clothes.
  • Sheets, blankets, pillows, assorted bedding.

And make sure you call ahead to turn on the electricity and gas or oil.  It might take a little longer to activate than you think.

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