The History of the American Moving & Storage Association:

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Many professions have a trade association set up to look after their interests and the moving industry in the USA is no different. The American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) has been carrying out this job for many years now and the history of this organization dates back almost 100 years.

In the Beginning:

The roots of the AMSA can be traced back to a number of organizations that were formed in the early part of the 20th century. These included the oldest known trade association for movers, The National Furniture Warehousemen’s Association (NFWA). This was founded during 1920 on Mackinac Island in Michigan although later moved its headquarters to Chicago, Illinois. The Household Goods Movers’ Group was established in 1935 with the aim of enhancing the business conditions for its original 150 members, while the The Household Goods Carriers’ Bureau was founded in 1936 primarily to help movers understand and comply with regulations covering the new interstates being built.

Growth:

Each of these three organizations evolved separately during the middle part of the 20th century and went through a number of changes. The Household Goods Movers’ Group used a few different names before finally settling on the American Movers Conference (AMC) in 1962. It grew to become the lead trade association for moving companies, with its aim being to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the industry. It was 1982 when The National Furniture Warehousemen’s Association changed its name and became the National Moving & Storage Association (NMSA) and by this time it took on responsibility for sponsoring education, instigating training and certification for moving workers, and providing assistance to smaller moving companies in the industry. The Household Goods Carriers’ Bureau stuck with its original name although its remit changed over the years and this led to it becoming the moving industries leading organization for setting work rates, publishing tariffs, and collecting data.

Consolidation:

The three organizations continued to work independently of each other until the early 1990s, when a series of consolidations took place that led to a single trade association being formed to represent the moving industry. This started in 1991, when the AMC and The Household Goods Carriers’ Bureau Conference agreed to work together as a way of better utilizing office space, reducing running costs, and becoming more efficient. This was a success and led to an official merger between the two in 1994. They moved forward with the American Movers Conference name and combined the work of the two organizations for the benefits of its members. Further consolidation took place in 1998 when the AMC merged with the NMSA and it was at this point that The American Moving & Storage Association came into being.

Present Day:

• Today the AMSA acts as the sole trade association representing the workers in the moving industry. It has a membership of more than 4,000 companies and this encompasses all sizes of businesses, from the smallest local movers to the largest countrywide moving corporations. It also represents international movers working in America, supply companies servicing the moving industry, and state moving organizations. Through its work it aims to be the leading electrifier of workers in the industry, inform the public of the benefits of using professional moving companies, and effectively lobby the government when it comes to legislation and policies that could affect the industry.

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Region Moving Companies Know That the Secret of Success Is Relocation:

Region moving organizations are encountering a surge in clients because of the current financial subsidence. While using the cash on discovering another home or flat may appear unrestrained when such a variety of individuals are unemployed, it may be the initial move towards achievement and monetary security. In case you're stuck without a vocation, low pay, or just eager and finding that your current home is making you glad, it may be time to roll out a huge improvement and gather your packs.

Presumably the best motivation to pack your life up is an absence of choices in your current city. Maybe the business you spend significant time in is encountering a downturn or there are an excess of excessively qualified experts vying for the same set number of occupations. For some individuals, it isn't discovering a vocation that is the issue. It's being stuck in a deadlock position with low wages and few profits. In case you're found going no place in an organization and feel like you have more to offer, you may discover better open doors somewhere else. When you've settled on the choice, do a bit of exploration before you begin moving. Nearby organizations in a neighboring state or town may not be improving much. Take a couple of days to investigate, search for vocation notices, and get a feel for the environment. You would prefer not to abandon everything just to wind up in a more terrible position.

On the off chance that you simply need to spare a bit of money, downsizing houses or flat rentals can roll out a noteworthy improvement in the well-being of your wallet. Region moving organizations are seeing more individuals making little hops. As opposed to going clear crosswise over town they might simply look at the marginally more modest loft over the street or a couple of avenues over. Thumping a couple of hundred dollars off your rent every month in return for some square crawls is an incredible approach to spare without trading off excessively. It's a pattern that is expanding itself past private property too. Entrepreneurs are finding that another, littler space can help the business of their organizations. local moving has never been so engaging.

 

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The Top 10 Places To Live In America:

Are you looking for greener pastures? You’re not alone. According to the United States Census Bureau, an estimated 12,767,000 people moved to a new county, state or country between 2012 and 2013.

The destinations of the nearly 13 million on the move varied, often determined by factors such as family needs and employment opportunities. But no doubt, there were many like you, looking for the best places to call home.

We’ve got you covered. Here are the top 10 places to live in America. (Note: These rankings are grouped by metro area, with data coming from Forbes and Livability).

Affordable housing and a variety of cuisine and entertainment options put the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex at the top of our list.
(Image courtesy: fcn80 via Wikimedia Commons)

1. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

Garrett’s Moving and Storage is based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, but we’re not just being biased to our home base with this top ranking. We promise.

Forbes listed Fort Worth and Dallas as the top two places to invest in housing in 2014, with median home prices for the area sitting at $174,514 and a 27 percent growth in the market expected in the next three years. (Forbes lists Fort Worth and Dallas as separate housing markets, but we’ve combined them in this guide.) Two northern suburbs — Denton and Plano — are featured on Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live list for 2014.

The Metroplex is also full of entertainment options and events. There’s a vibrant bar scene, great facilities for the arts, a wide range of top-notch cuisine and everything from concerts to football games to rodeos to take in. And since Texas has no state income tax, you’ll have more cash in your pocket to spend out on the town.

Charlotte features upscale restaurants, entertainment and housing in its Uptown district.
(Image courtesy: Darrito7117 via Wikimedia Commons)

2. Charlotte, North Carolina

This city in the lush, rolling Piedmont region of the Carolinas has been overshadowed by Atlanta for years. But it’s time to stop overlooking Charlotte.

“The Queen City” came in just behind the Metroplex cities in Forbes’ rankings, with median home prices for the region sitting at $201,855 and a 24 percent market growth anticipated over the next three years.

As a major American banking capital, many young professionals call Charlotte home. The city’s beautiful Uptown district reflects this pattern — with plenty of nice restaurants and upscale apartments in the city center (a rarity in southeastern cities). But Charlotte is more than just a ritzy banking town — the NASCAR Hall of Fame is located in Uptown and thousands of Southerners flock to annual stock car races at the 146,000 seat Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Live music and entertainment options abound in Nashville.
(Image courtesy: Kaldari via Wikimedia Commons)

3. Nashville, Tennessee

While Charlotte is somewhat of a hidden jewel of the South, Nashville announces its presence on a daily basis. The home base for country music, Music City scores high marks for both livability and entertainment.

Forbes ranks the Nashville metro area’s housing market as fourth in the country, with a median home price of $199,506 and market growth anticipated at 23 percent over the next three years.

But we’re guessing you won’t be spending all your free time in your Nashville-area home. Tennessee’s capital has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and restaurants serenaded by live musical performances. If you’re a big fan of country music, you’ll want to check out the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. And the city’s riverfront is sure to be a huge hit as well.

Houston is home to the world’s largest medical center.
(Image courtesy: eflon via Wikimedia Commons)

4. Houston, Texas

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex isn’t the only Texas metro area to make this list. Another desirable destination sits about three hours down Interstate 45 from Big D.

Forbes ranks Greater Houston’s housing market as the fifth most desirable in the country, citing the median home price of $191,279 and anticipated three year growth rate of 24 percent.

Houston has a little bit of everything. Southeast Texas is full of jobs in the energy, shipping, technology and space industries. The Bayou City also has large museum and theater districts, along with the world’s largest medical center.

The Bayou City is also a hub for big events. Each March, Houston is also home to the world’s largest rodeo. And nearby Galveston is both a draw for beachgoers and a departure point for Caribbean cruises.

Many of Atlanta’s attractions are located next to the downtown Olympic Park.
(Image courtesy: Chuck Koehler via Wikimedia Commons)

5. Atlanta, Georgia

Home to the world’s busiest airport, Atlanta is the crossroads of the South. But it’s also a great place to put down roots.

Forbes lists the Atlanta area as the sixth best housing market to invest in. “Hotlanta” features average home prices of $170,701 and an anticipated three-year growth rate of 26 percent.

The Peach City is a major business hub in the South. It also features plenty of attractions for the whole family, such as the renowned Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola Museum and the CNN Center — all of which are located around downtown Atlanta’s picturesque Olympic Park.

Atlanta is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Located in the lush and hilly Piedmont region, The Peach City is only an hour’s drive from the Appalachian Mountains — making hiking excursions and other scenic getaways easy.

Orlando has easy access to world-renowned family entertainment, including Walt Disney World.
(Image courtesy: Bill Dickinson via Wikimedia Commons)

6. Orlando, Florida

Mickey and Minnie call the Orlando area home. And it might be worthwhile for you to do the same.

The Greater Orlando area comes in eighth on Forbes’ list, and Livability includes “O-Town” in its Top 100 Best Places to Live list for 2014. A the combination of a robust housing market and affordable home prices certainly helps; median home prices in the Orlando area sit at $172,609 with a whopping 35 percent market growth anticipated in the next three years.

Orlando is a hotbed for family entertainment, as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Sea World Orlando are all located in the area. Although the Orlando area is landlocked, the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean are an hour’s drive away, while the shores of the Gulf of Mexico are about 90 minutes to two hours away by car.

The Tampa Bay area is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in America.
(Image courtesy: AndrewAvitus via Wikimedia Commons)

7. Tampa Bay, Florida

Florida also has two metro areas on this Top 10 list, for good reason. If warm weather, abundant sunshine, white sand beaches and picturesque sunsets over turquoise waters are your thing, the Tampa Bay area is the place for you.

Tampa Bay came in 12^th on Forbes’ list of desirable housing markets, and both “anchor cities” of the region — Tampa and St. Petersburg — appeared on Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live list for 2014. Despite its coastal location, the average home prices in the region sit at $165,052. The housing market is expected to grow by 32 percent over the next three years as well.

The Tampa Bay region is famous for its warm weather, beautiful beaches and large bay for boating. The recently redeveloped Ybor City district near downtown Tampa is a hotspot for nightlife, and Busch Gardens doubles as a zoo and a theme park. Finally, the Orlando-area theme parks are only about an hour’s drive away.

With the Wasatch Mountains nearby, Salt Lake City has close access to world-renowned skiing.
(Image courtesy: Garrett via Wikimedia Commons)

8. Salt Lake City, Utah

The capital of Utah might not be the first place you think of when you’re looking for a new city to call home. But putting “Utah” on your home address could be a great idea.

Forbes ranks the Salt Lake City area as the 14^th best housing market to invest in, and the city comes in eighth on Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live list for 2014, with nearby Murray also making the rankings. The median housing prices here are high — sitting at $236,279 — but the market is expected to grow a robust 31 percent over the next three years.

The Salt Lake City area is a great place to raise a family. The picturesque scenery and drier climate are also conducive for outdoor activities for much of the year. In the wintertime, world-renowned ski resorts in the Wasatch Mountains are just a short drive away.

Boston offers a unique mix of nightlife and history.
(Image courtesy: 2nified via Wikimedia Commons)

9. Boston, Massachusetts

The oldest major city in the United States just might be the right place to start anew. Offering a large waterfront, four distinct seasons and plenty of nightlife, the Boston area is a great place to call home.

Forbes ranks Greater Boston as the 15^th best housing market to invest in, and two cities in the region — Cambridge and Newton — made Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live list for 2014. The median housing price is $323,245 with an anticipated three-year growth rate of 19 percent.

Boston features a diverse economy, and the abundance of prestigious colleges and universities in the area makes it an appealing location for businesses to call home. The Boston area’s bar and restaurant scene are famously extensive, the city’s waterfront is picturesque, and the region is ripe with historical sites and museums.

Although the winter can be harsh, Boston experiences four distinct seasons, and the ecological diversity of the region makes it easy to go hiking, boating or sunbathing when the weather is warm enough.

A moderate climate and access to nearby waterways, forests and mountains make Seattle an ideal home for those who love the outdoors.
(Image courtesy: Joshulove via Wikimedia Commons)

10. Seattle, Washington

This Pacific Northwest city is getting a lot of acclaim these days, and for good reason. It’s a wonderful place to call home.

The Seattle area is 16^th on Forbes’ list of desirable housing markets to invest in, with nearby Bellevue, Redmond, Tacoma and Everett all making Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live list for 2014. Housing prices average $319,544, with 33 percent market growth expected in the next three years.

Seattle is a hotbed for the technology and eCommerce industries, and the area is brimming with young professionals. The area’s restaurant and nightlife scene are renowned, and nearby mountains, forests, bays and lakes make a variety of outdoor activities easy to access year-round.

Is Your Move Tax Deductible?

Moving is expensive, but you may be able find relief come tax time. Yes, basic moving expenses are tax deductible under certain circumstances. Who can deduct To qualify the IRS requires that the move be related to starting a new job or business and that it passes two tests: the time test and the
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distance test. In their simplest form the three requirements to qualify for a moving deduction are: - The move was related to starting a new job or business - You work full-time at the new job or business (time test) - The new job or business is at least 50 miles farther from your old house than your old job was (distance test) -OR- - You are a member of the armed forces and your move was due to a military order and permanent change of station (no distance or time tests required) What’s

deductible “Reasonable expenses, defined as: - The cost of moving your personal belongings (movers, truck rental) - The cost of moving yourself (travel/transportation costs such as gas/mileage, lodging, etc. Meals not included) Notes: - Meals are never tax deductible in relation to moving - You cannot deduct any moving expenses that were or will be reimbursed by your employer - “Reasonable

expenses” do not include those for side trips along the way or extra stops for sight-seeing/vacationing, etc. For additional information and specifics you can visit the IRS directly at: http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc455.html http://www.irs.gov/publications/p521/ar02.html#en_US_2012_publink1000203491

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What services do you want the moving organization to give?

This is the question that all shifting companies in bay Area and elsewhere search for guidance from. Entire-support is most high-priced. That's when shifting companies bring their very own containers and distribution elements, package your valuables, fill them onto their vehicle, generate them to your new identify, unpack them, then get rid of of all provides.

There are techniques wherever you can save. For example, a lot of individuals purchase their individual containers and delivery elements. Determine a normal place needs 12 or additional containers and the common box charges $2 or more. Consist of to that the costs of packaging froth moreover indicators and record. Packing your personal valuables also can assistance you protect on costs. Just be beneficial to search for guidance from with your shifting companies originally to see if they have any exacting requirements.

In the long run, most individuals opt for to use a moving service rather of expecting to do it by them. Just be beneficial that the Los Angeles shifting business you use is certified, covered, covered, and value-efficient and that they understand direct how the unique streets, targeted traffic styles, and environment in Bay Area have an effect on the amount of your move.

Relying upon what you think about, living in these types of a identify can be magnificent or a move, and if you are recently moved citizen then it also is reliant on how you have been moved to this city. If your San Jose moving suppliers designed the shifting to the city easy then the city might looks more amazing, but if the Bay Area  moving companies you chosen just pulled money and split your items then this too little information of the city will bitter your experience for a initial few days. This is plain-Jane individual mindset therefore you really should be extra careful when determining on a shifting service.

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Moving guidelines for your relocation:

A family that is about to be separated with a familiar community and friends is going through a stage of psychological worries. Included to this psychological and mental pressure is the stress of starting anew in a new position. It is therefore obvious that they would not want to be furthermore overwhelmed with the process of individually moving all their belongings to the new position. A New you are able to moving companies can convenience this fear as they are knowledgeable in their job. The whole process includes cautious packaging, running, unloading and lastly unpacking at the new location. Concern is taken in case of delicate items. The packaging content used is also special.

Just as getting quotations for auto insurance strategy is an essential step in finding insurance strategy you need, so is getting moving reports to get the right moving companies. Moving reports may not seem as essential as insurance strategy, but can create all the difference in the service quality you get, and the cash you pay. As you already know, moving, or understanding that you have to be moving can be a really traumatic time. Looking for moving reports and selecting the organization that best packages you can get you the comfort from that frustrating pressure, and create the new beginning a good one.

Even selecting professional and important latest top moving companies you can never come out of your issue and obligations. You must get ready your every place for the day of moving.

With everyone today being atmosphere friendly, we have to understand that everything we do is essential. Although just one person can't do it alone, we must make sure that what we do will enhance our effect on the surroundings. If everyone does this, all our mixed initiatives will help. Even moving has to be considered when taking the environmental effect into account. Using a green moving companies, like some in Denver, can decrease that effect we have.

If you have strategy to do self moving then you have to determine entire price for each and everything need for shipping such as packaging containers, packaging content, service provider price and so on. On the other hand, if you have chosen to take services from San Francisco moving companies then you should strategy effectively before selecting a moving company. In addition, you should also know how the organization plans it’s calculated. If you know their approximation then it will help you to know all the foundation factors on which they determine the moving price. This would also help you to evaluate the evaluation of various moving companies so that you can evade of paying extra cash to the moving companies than they generally need.

How to Choose a Mover (408)645-0202

How I chose movers in the past isn’t anything I’m proud of. The last time I picked a mover, I remember doing a quick search online and then signing up with the first mover I called.

I naïvely agreed over the phone to pay the movers by the hour. The job, a move from one San Jose apartment to another, ended up taking at least 10 hours and costing my husband and me more than a thousand dollars, much more than the initial estimate.

Plus, the movers complained about the pizza we bought them for lunch and couldn’t get one of our sofas through the apartment door. So they took it home with them instead.

I’m far from alone in my bad experience with a moving company. The Better Business Bureau said it received 8,486 complaints about movers in North America last year. Common complaints included final prices greater than original estimates, damaged or lost goods and, in the worst scenarios, movers who held belongings hostage until customers paid thousands of dollars.

But consumers can avoid the same fate by following some simple guidelines for finding a mover. Here they are below.

What to look for when researching potential movers: For interstate moves, make sure the mover is licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (you can double-check a mover’s license at www.protectyourmove.gov). You can also search for interstate movers and complaints about them here. For moves within states, check for similar resources in your state. In addition, regardless of the type of move, check to make sure the company has at least a satisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the trade association for moving and storage companies, interstate movers must be rated at least satisfactory to display the association’s Pro Mover logo and be considered “a quality, professional” mover.

Get a written estimate from several movers: According to guidelines recently released from the Better Business Bureau and American Moving and Storage Association, “no legitimate mover will offer to give a firm estimate online or over the phone.” Instead, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s guidelines for “choosing a reputable mover,” the estimate should be based on actually looking at your belongings. In addition, remember that the lowest estimate you receive may be an unrealistically low offer just to rope you in and you’ll end up having to pay more in the end, warned the Better Business Bureau and American Moving and Storage Association. Also keep in mind that movers are required by law to deliver your goods for no more than 10 percent above a “nonbinding estimate” of what your mover believes the cost will be.

Watch for other red flags: Other signs of a rogue mover to watch out for, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, include the requirement of a cash or a large deposit before the move; a rental truck arrives on moving day; the mover’s telephone line isn’t answered with the company’s name; the mover claims all goods are covered by its insurance and the company’s Web site has no local address nor information about licensing and insurance.

In addition, for an interstate move, movers are required by law to give you a copy of a booklet called “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” as you are planning the move (a book you should read before an interstate move to familiarize yourself with your rights).

What guidelines did we miss? Share what you learned from your experiences with rogue movers in the comments below.

Understanding Insurance for your Move! (408)645-0202

1.General Liability: This would include fire and water, broad form property damage, personal injury, complete operations, and independent contractors. Most moving companies have $1 million dollars in coverage in this category.

2.Business Auto Liability: This is just like your personal auto insurance, but covers the trucks and drivers.

3.Workers Compensation/Employer's Liability: Statutory limits set forth by the law of the State of California.

4.Cargo Insurance: Provided per the Public Utility Commission Law, .60 cents per pound per article. Excludes pressed wood furniture, items inside boxes you pack, any items you move in your own rental truck, any items once they are in storage or handled by another moving company, and any lose items.

5.Additional Personal Insurance: Recommended by all moving companies, and secured by the individual client for their own moving needs. You can get your own additional moving insurance by calling your renter's insurance, or homeowner's policy to see if it's already included in what you pay for each month. There are also third party companies like www.movinginsurance.com that you can check with to see if they offer the kind of coverage you'd like.

Does your Home Owner's Association or Office Associate require insurance from your mover before your move date?:

If so, no fret! Some HOAs and Office Complexs just require proof of insurance, so all you need to do is simply request it of your moving company, and it is free.

Some require something called a "Certificate Named Additional Insured" where the HOA or Complex needs to be listed as an additional party insured under your mover's insurance policy. Request this of your moving company, it is helpful if you email your sales representative with the exact wording provided to you by your HOA or Complex so that they can get the certificate prepared by their insurance agent. There is oftentimes a small fee associated with getting this paperwork in place (anywhere from $50-200 is typical).

We hope this information is helpful!

Remember too that the BEST insurance you can provide yourself for your move is being PREPARED! Do your homework on who you hire, read your contract, review the Public Utility Commission website for help too, and ask lots of questions. A good moving company will help you out with understanding the ins and outs of moving so you don't feel like you are in it alone!