U-Haul Signs Exclusive Partnership with Moved to Support the Multifamily Industry and Renters

PHOENIX (Oct. 27, 2023) — U-Haul®, the industry leader in DIY moving and self-storage, today announced an exclusive partnership with resident technology company Moved™.

The agreement includes exclusive rights for both U-Haul and Moved’s business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) software, which streamlines the onboarding and offboarding process for tenants of multifamily communities.

It’s a first-of-its-kind commercial agreement for U-Haul, which has been providing movers with affordable mobility solutions since 1945. This also marks the first outside investment of U-Haul in a software firm.

The U-Haul Tenant Moving Services division is an ideal partner for Moved, which addresses the need of multifamily housing owner-operators to offer tenants an easy and efficient “one-stop shop” for move-in and move-out services.

Visit Moved.com to learn more, or book a demo here.

“Renters have been turning to U-Haul for 78 years, and we’ve been there with the expertise to help,” stated John “JT” Taylor, President of U-Haul International.

“This partnership is another way for us to reach renters and make their moving experience better. It puts the world’s largest DIY moving fleet at their fingertips, as well as U-Haul self-storage, U-Box portable moving containers, moving supplies, and localized access to 7,000 Moving Help Service Providers® and 23,000 U-Haul rental locations. Putting customers first is what U-Haul is about. Moved is another way to help us achieve that.”

Renters move every two years on average. As the multifamily housing landscape continues to change, owner-operators face challenges like increasing costs, lower occupancy rates, and evolving resident expectations.

When residents move in (or out) of apartments, they anticipate a smooth and user-friendly experience. Moved and U-Haul help alleviate stress and improve tenant satisfaction while providing the most cost-effective solutions.

Moved streamlines administrative tasks for management companies, reduces inefficiencies, and, most importantly, provides a better moving experience for tenants.

“Moved is on a mission to eliminate stress from moving – for multifamily owners and operators, as well as their residents,” stated Adam Pittenger, CEO of Moved. “Partnering with an iconic brand like U-Haul marks a significant milestone in our journey to achieving that goal and delivering a world-class moving experience.”

About U-HAUL 

Founded in 1945, U-Haul is the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers with more than 23,000 rental locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. The enhanced U-Haul app makes it easier for customers to use U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 to access trucks anytime through the self-dispatch and self-return options on their smartphones through our patented Live Verify technology. Our customers’ patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to 192,200 trucks, 138,500 trailers and 44,500 towing devices. U-Haul is the third largest self-storage operator in North America with 959,000 rentable units and 82.3 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities. U-Haul is the top retailer of propane in the U.S. and the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry. We were recently named one of America’s Best Large Employers (Forbes, 2023); a Best for Vets Employer (Military Times, 2022); and one of the Healthiest Workplaces in America (Healthiest Employers, 2022). Find careers at uhauljobs.com. Get the U-Haul app from the App Store or Google Play.

About Moved

Moved is a fully integrated, web-based software platform designed specifically for multifamily communities to create efficiency on-site by automating the move-in and out process, delivering an unforgettable experience for residents, and driving ancillary revenue. The interface guides residents through tasks required by the property they’re moving to or from – everything from uploading renters insurance, reserving elevators and loading docks to scheduling key pick-ups. This transparent, self-serve dashboard makes moving easy for residents while automating tasks for property management teams. Moved is an open platform that integrates easily with Yardi, RealPage, ResMan, Entrata, and more.

The Power of First Impressions: Resident Experience and Onboarding

When it comes to resident onboarding, the first impressions and experiences of new residents can set the tone for their entire tenure in a multifamily building. The significance of this initial period cannot be overstated. So, let’s delve into some experience metrics and uncover the secrets to unlocking the full potential of move-ins! 🔑🌟

1️⃣ The Timeline: Research shows that the first 90 days of a resident’s stay are critical for establishing a positive experience. During this period, residents form lasting impressions and decide whether they feel welcomed and supported within the community. It is essential to prioritize a seamless move-in during this crucial window.

2️⃣ The Power of Personalization: Personalized onboarding experiences can leave a lasting impact on new residents. A study found that 80% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase when brands offer personalized experiences. Similarly, tailoring the move-in journey to individual residents’ needs and preferences can significantly enhance their satisfaction and sense of belonging.

3️⃣ Building Trust and Confidence: Trust is a vital component of any customer relationship, and onboarding is the foundation for building trust with new residents. The Harvard Business Journal indicates that 63% of consumers trust businesses more if they offer a positive onboarding experience. By establishing trust from the outset, multifamily can foster long-term resident loyalty.

4️⃣ Reducing Churn: The quality of the move-in process can directly impact resident retention rates. Similarly, teams that prioritize comprehensive move-ins can reduce resident turnover and minimize the associated costs.

5️⃣ Resident Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Engaging residents for feedback during the onboarding process can lead to valuable insights and continuous improvement. According to Forbes, 68% of consumers believe that a company’s willingness to listen to feedback is an indicator of good customer service. Actively seeking resident input allows apartment buildings to refine their welcome strategies and better meet residents’ evolving needs.

6️⃣ The Ripple Effect: Satisfied residents are more likely to become advocates for the multifamily building. Word-of-mouth recommendations are a powerful force, with 92% of consumers, on average, trusting recommendations from friends, family, and reviews. By delivering exceptional move-in experiences, leasing teams can encourage positive word-of-mouth and attract new residents.

7️⃣ The Cost of Missed Opportunities: Neglecting the onboarding process can be costly. It’s estimated that it can cost up to five times more to acquire a new resident than to retain an existing one (depending on your building type).

By prioritizing personalized experiences, building trust, seeking feedback, and delivering exceptional onboarding, buildings can create a solid foundation for long-lasting resident satisfaction, retention, and advocacy!

Ready to elevate your resident onboarding experience? Book time with our team here.

The Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Leasing Agent When Shopping for a New Apartment

So you’re looking for your next apartment. Whether it’s your very first rental or you’ve been around the block a few times, this is an exciting – albeit stressful – time. Moving is rarely the smooth process we all wish it were (although it absolutely can be), and there’s a lot to consider when picking your new home. 

No matter how go-with-the-flow you claim to be, it’s important to ask as many questions as possible while shopping around. A lease is a legal contract, after all, and you want to make sure you understand everything you’re getting yourself into to avoid any surprises down the road. Once you’ve determined the location, size, and budget of your next place, it’s time to schedule a few tours! Just don’t forget to ask the leasing agent these 5 important questions before signing a lease:

(Photo by Alena Darmel)

#1: What’s included in my rent?

Rental vets will know that the listing price almost never totals the full monthly cost you’ll pay. Aside from the base rent, your property manager may require you to pay for some, if not all, of your utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water. They may even charge for trash collection, maintenance, parking, or amenity fees. What exactly you’re responsible for will vary by property and location, so it’s important to ask upfront. If it’s not included in the listing price, be ready to tack those extra costs on each month.

#2: Are there any property rules?

An often overlooked factor in choosing an apartment, property rules can turn out to be a huge turnoff for many renters. Are your furry friends welcome (and at what cost)? Is smoking permitted everywhere, in some places, or not at all? Are there quiet hours you’ll have to abide by? Will you be allowed to sublet if you get that annual travel itch? You don’t want to be sneaking around your apartment complex, breaking the rules, and risking eviction because you found out too late that the property rules don’t align with your lifestyle.

(Photo by Ekaterina Bolovtsova)

#3: How is the property managed?

Before you sign a lease, it’s beneficial to know who you’ll be dealing with when it comes to your new apartment. Will you be interacting with a landlord or property management company, and what’s their management style? Is the landlord simply collecting your rent and then – *poof* – nowhere in sight when you have a maintenance issue? Or are there property managers attending to your every need? Do they provide any tools like a resident onboarding system or an online resident portal for you to interact with the property seamlessly? Every renter will prefer something different, so make sure your next apartment’s management style enhances, not diminishes, your experience. 

#4: When and how do I pay rent?

There are a lot of different ways property managers can accept rent, so make sure you find out how they’ll require it. Will you have to obtain a money order every month and hand-deliver it, or do they make it easy with an automatic mobile payment system? It seems like a small detail, but it’ll make a big difference in your experience as a resident – especially if remembering to pay rent on time isn’t your strong suit. And if that’s the case (hey, no judgment here), be sure to ask how long the grace period is before they’ll start charging you late fees.

#5: What move-in procedures are in place?

We hate to break it to you, but the stress doesn’t end once the lease is signed – the actual move might be just as stressful. Be sure to ask the leasing agent what procedures you can expect on move-in today to ease the anxieties of any unknowns. Where will you pick up your keys? Will you need to reserve an elevator? Is there a dedicated unloading area? Will you have to meet your property manager the day of, or is there an online system that automates the onboarding process for you? Knowing these logistics beforehand will set you up for a seamless moving experience and set the tone for your new home.

(Photo by Ketut Subiyanto)

As a prospective resident, property managers will be screening you, but don’t shrug off screening them and their property as well. At the end of the day, you’re picking out your next home – a place you’ll likely be spending a lot of time at. Make sure it suits you beyond the basics and that you’ll be happy there for the entirety of your lease. Happy hunting! 


About the Author:

Jess Nardo is a content marketer at ManageGo, which provides over 9000+ properties in the US with property management software. She spearheads digital content for the company’s marketing team, covering property management, multifamily housing, and real estate at the intersection of technology.

Best Days to Move in the Fall

Summer is coming to an end *sigh*. And, while that might mean it’s time to put away your swimsuits and flip-flops, it also means that the most expensive time to move is coming to a close *un-sigh*. 

Here are the best (aka cheapest) and worst times to move this fall:


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**Note: green denotes cheap, red denotes expensive.**


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Want to simplify the process? Let Moved coordinate the entire thing for you! We’ll find you quotes, book movers, reserve elevators, and do whatever else you might need! It’s free and simple.

Back to School Guide: Moving off Campus

College is said to be one of the most transformative periods of your life. Hopefully you’ve finally learned to do laundry and cook a nutritious meal (no, microwavable mac and cheese is not a meal). For the more audacious student, you might even move off campus and learn to deal with those much-rumored utility bills. We get that you’re really busy juggling classes and making time to hang out with your friends, so we’ve put together useful tips and tools to help you become the independent adult that your parents have been dreaming about for years.

No Fee Rentals

Looking for an apartment in New York City can seem daunting, especially if it’s your first time. But relax! There are a ton of resources to help you. StreetEasy is an awesome real estate hub for both sales and rentals. They make finding a place super simple and even give you a tool to choose the right neighborhood.  Search their platform, and check the “No Fee Only” box to save that [not so little] bit of extra money. 

Roommates 

For most people, their first time moving off campus is also their first time going through the process of finding a roommate. This is an important step, because you don’t want to be stuck living with someone who’s a slob and comes home on Tuesday at 2am causing a ruckus. Luckily for you, there are online resources to help to you do that, too! Check out Roomi. They provide an app that makes it quick and easy for you to find a trustworthy roommate. Gone are the days when you had to post an ad on Craigslist for a roommate and pray you didn’t accidentally choose a creeper.

Boxes

You don’t need to go out and spend money on cardboard boxes that you’re just going to get rid of after your move. A great place to get some is your local Target or Walmart. They are constantly getting rid of thousands of boxes and would be more than happy to give you some. Just ask. Lots of people also post ads on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace giving away boxes that they’d otherwise be putting in the trash. Save yourself some money and be environmentally friendly by repurposing boxes.

$$$

At the end of the day, you are a college student who likely (besides the little help from your parents) has little money to be spending on a move. There are tons of ways you can save money that we have outlined here.

Best of luck with your move off campus! We know you’re going to have a blast, and if you need any help along the way, you know that Moved can handle whatever you need!

Household Items that Serve as Packing Supplies


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The cost of packing supplies, like most things when you are moving 🤦‍, can add up quickly. Luckily, there are lots of alternatives to packing paper, cardboard boxes, and bubble wrap that you already have sitting around your home!

1. Towels, Blankets, Sheets and Comforters

Soft cloth items are great for wrapping delicate things like plates and dishes. See the example below to get the most out of each towel/blanket.

2. Suitcases, Chests and Laundry Bins

Suitcases and chests are built for packing things safely, so why not use them to pack your stuff when you move? While we don’t recommend putting delicates inside, they’re great for clothes or other knick-knacks.

Have a locking suitcase? You can even use it to ensure your jewelry gets to your new home securely.

3. Trash Bags

Instead of folding your clothes to pack them up before the move and then unfolding them all over again, just wrap them in trash bags. They’ll stay clean and unwrinkled; you won’t even have to take the hangers off!


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4. Egg Cartons and Newspaper

Newspaper especially is an excellent substitute to packing paper and bubblewrap. Use it to wrap your dishes and silverware or crumple it up to stuff bowls and glasses.

Egg cartons are designed to cradle fragile items and can be reused to do just that. Line the sides of a box with egg cartons using double-sided tape, place your tiny delicates inside them for protection, or use them to divide your boxes into layers or compartments.

5. Backpacks

Have backpacks laying around? They may not be able to hold much, but anything you can fit in there is less space you need elsewhere.

They’re also a great option to carry valuables that you’d rather have in your possession that on the moving truck. Think jewelry and antiques.

6. Clothes, Socks and Shoes

Clothes and socks are great for wrapping things for protection. You can even put smaller things inside of socks and ball them up for extra protection.

In addition, shoes tend to just get thrown in a big box and tossed onto the moving truck without much thought, but if you stuff the shoes with things first, you’d be amazed at how much space it will save you. It will also prevent your shoes from getting smushed and help them maintain their shape throughout the move.

Thanks for reading! If you liked this post, please recommend or share it with others. 🙂

Want to talk? Connect with Moved on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Should you hire a moving company?

So, you’re finally ready to move. The apartment search is over, and you can’t wait to start life in your new home. But before settling in, there’s one big question: Should you move yourself or hire a moving company?

Both options have their merits, and the choice often depends on your situation. Let’s break down the factors to consider:

1. How Much Stuff Do You Have?

If you’ve been living in the same place for a while, chances are you’ve accumulated a lot of stuff. Moving a large amount of belongings, especially heavy furniture, can be physically demanding. Hiring a moving company makes sense if you have a lot to move — they have the manpower, tools, and vehicles to handle it efficiently.

On the other hand, if you’re a minimalist or just starting out with few possessions, a DIY move might be the more economical option.

2. How Far Are You Moving?

For short, local moves, doing it yourself might be feasible, especially if you can enlist the help of friends or family. But for long-distance moves, hiring professionals can save you a lot of hassle. Long-distance moves involve more logistics, and a moving company can take care of the planning, packing, and transporting, leaving you to focus on settling into your new home.

3. What’s Your Budget?

Cost is a significant factor in deciding whether to hire movers. Moving companies offer convenience and efficiency but come at a price. If you’re on a tight budget, a DIY move can save you a good chunk of change. However, sometimes, the convenience and peace of mind of hiring professionals are worth the extra expense.

4. How Much Time Do You Have?

Moving is time-consuming, especially if you’re juggling a full-time job or other responsibilities. If you’re pressed for time, hiring movers can be a lifesaver. They can pack up your belongings, load the truck, transport everything, and even unpack at your new place, all while you focus on other important tasks.

However, if you have the time and prefer to do things at your own pace, moving yourself allows you to control every aspect of the move.

5. Are You Physically Up for It?

Moving can be physically taxing, requiring heavy lifting, bending, and carrying items up and down stairs. If you have any physical limitations or health concerns, hiring movers is the safer option. Professionals are trained to handle heavy and awkward items safely, reducing the risk of injury.

But if you’re up for the challenge and enjoy a good workout, a DIY move might be the way to go.

6. Do You Have Help?

Moving independently is tough, but a DIY move becomes more manageable if you have reliable friends or family willing to help. Be sure to consider how much help you’ll need and if your helpers are up for the task. If you’re short on help, hiring a moving company or movers can fill that gap.

Whether you roll up your sleeves and get to work or leave the heavy lifting to the professionals, Moved is here to help you along the way. We can help you find reliable movers, plan your move, offer affordable DIY services, and more. Whatever your decision, we’ve got your back.

Have a happy move!


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How to Throw a Moving Party

Moving is a stressful time, and having your friends around to help you through the process can make it a lot less daunting. But instead of asking them “hey, wanna come over to my place to pack boxes and lift heavy things for 5 hours?,” make a fun occasion out of it, and throw and moving party! It’ll make your big day a lot more enjoyable and give your friends a heck of a lot more reason to say yes.


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Here are some suggestions to help you throw a great moving party:

Be Prepared

If you read our blog, you’ve probably heard these two words more times than you can count at this point. Like everything else in moving, it ALWAYS pays to be prepared.

Packing is undesirable enough on its own. Your friends aren’t going to want to come over and have to deal with the chaos of organizing your stuff. Have a plan ahead of time. Know who is going to be at the party, what they like, and what they’re likely to be most useful doing. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies.

On the flip side of that, make sure you aren’t running a bootcamp. You want to be productive but also fun and lighthearted. It’s about finding that happy medium.

Have time for things other than moving.

Yes, the purpose of the party is to get you all packed and ready for your move, but it’s still supposed to be fun. Take breaks. If the weather is nice, go outside, maybe even make the packing into some kind of competition (if your friends are the kind of people who would be into that).

Like games? Make the party into a fun drinking game! It might include things like “take a drink every time a box is finished” or “finish your drink if you accidentally break something” (hopefully that one doesn’t happen often). When you’re all done and you have an empty floor, maybe play some Twister.

Lastly, definitely have food and drinks, and most importantly, set the mood with some music!

Music


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Ever walk into a nice, relaxing restaurant and wonder why on earth they’re playing the latest EDM hits? The wrong music can kill the mood FAST, and you definitely don’t want that. Granted, you aren’t running an upscale restaurant. This is a moving party. The stakes aren’t nearly as high, but you still want your guests to enjoy the tunes.

Consider having a playlist ready for your party. You’re probably going to want something that is going to give your friends some energy. Here’s a moving playlist we created.

Have your friends help you decide what to get rid of.

Another way to make your moving party fun is to get everyone engaged in your move.

Have too much stuff? As your friends go through your closets, tell them to make three piles: (1) things to keep, (2) things to sell/donate, (3) things to throw out. Now you get to see what your friends really think of that favorite sweater you wear all the time ;).

Alcohol

Loss of motor skills and moving heavy things don’t necessarily go hand in hand, but this also isn’t necessarily a blog about safety. A little alcohol can go a long way in making moving fun. Wine seems like a popular choice for moving parties, but you know your friends better than we do. A nice assortment can’t hurt.

Use Solo Cups

Serving your drinks in disposable cups will allow you to pack the glasses you’d otherwise be using at your party. It also makes for a very easy cleanup. No washing, just throw them away.

The same goes for disposable plates and silverware!

FOOD


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Moving is stressful enough, so we aren’t suggesting you go an prepare a three course meal for your guests, but you should definitely provide them with some sustenance, especially if heavy lifting is involved.

Pizza is the most obvious and probably the easiest, but thinking outside the box (no pun intended) is always fun too. Chinese, Mexican, burgers and hot dogs are a few simple things that come to mind. Maybe even have food themed around where you’re moving (if you’re feeling ambitious).

Whatever you serve, keep in mind any dietary restrictions your guests might have and provide enough options to suit everyone’s needs. They’re helping you move, it’s the least you can do :).

Thanks for reading! If you liked this post, please recommend or share it with others. 🙂

Want to talk? Connect with Moved on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

10 Tips to Save Money on Your Move

In addition to being tremendously stressful (which we’re here to fix ;)), moving can burn a whole in your pocket QUICKLY. And we don’t know about you, but we’re never opposed to some simple ways to save some cash.

Here’s some easy tips that can help you save big during your move:

1. Use household items instead of bubble wrap.

Want to be environmental and economical all at once? Use bath towels, comforters and blankets, clothing, or any other soft materials you might have in your home to pack your stuff. It’ll save you space, money, and reduce the amount of plastic waste you’re creating. That’s a win-win-win!

2. Don’t buy boxes.

So many retailers use more cardboard boxes in a day than they know what to do with. Go to your local Target or Walmart and ask them if they have any leftover boxes that they’re throwing away. You can also go to places like Craigslist where people frequently post ads giving away free used boxes. Again, save the planet and save money all in one!

3. Buy your own supplies.

Instead of buying things you need from the moving company on the day of the move, go to Lowe’s or Home Depot and make sure you have everything ahead of time. The moving company will charge you an arm and a leg.

4. Be ready when the movers arrive.

Moving companies charge by the hour. If all your things are packed and ready to go by the time they get there, it will save them time and you money.

Along with this, packing yourself instead of having them pack for you will save you lots of money.

5. Bring your stuff outside.

If you’re moving out of a small apartment and can get all of your belongings out to the curb prior to the move, then your movers will have to do significantly less work (you’ll get charged for curbside pickup instead of apartment pickup).

6. Give an accurate inventory.

Movers give you your a based on the inventory you provide them with. If you underestimate the number of things you have, the cost of your move may turn out to be more than they actually quoted you. Be as accurate as you possibly can. For the best results, make a video inventory.

7. Get creative with containers.

If you’re going to be moving with suitcases or laundry baskets, use them to pack your stuff instead of cardboard boxes to save space.

8. Book your move off peak time.

This is a big one! Movers are always more busy during the first and last 5 days of the month. They also do the vast majority of their business in the warmer months. Book your move mid-month or in the winter to save lots of money.

9. Get rid of things you don’t need.

The most obvious way to reduce the cost of your move is to have less things to move. Purge what you don’t need OR save even more money by selling your stuff to offset the cost of your move!

10. Just pay for labor.

Particularly on long distance moves (where the movers traditionally charge you for the time it takes them to drive between locations), you can rent your own truck and just pay for the labor to load and unload your things. If you don’t mind driving, this will limit your moving cost dramatically.

Thanks for reading! If you liked this post, please recommend or share it with others. 🙂

Want to talk? Connect with Moved on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Do You Need Moving Insurance?

Fun (or not so fun) fact: The moment your possessions are loaded onto a moving truck, any damage that happens to them in transit is entirely your responsibility. They are no longer protected by your renters insurance and are only minimally covered by your movers.

That in mind, though the decision is obviously up to you, we think purchasing moving insurance is something you should strongly consider. Here’s why:

What will the moving company cover?

All moving companies are required by federal law to offer two types of moving coverage on out-of-state moves.

The first is is called released value protection. This is the most basic coverage. In layman’s terms, what it means is for ANYTHING you own that may get damaged or lost, you will be reimbursed at 60 cents per pound. It doesn’t matter if that’s a $1 million painting or a box of old sneakers. Everything is valued the same. This type of coverage is included in the quote they give you and is of no additional cost to you.

Needless to say, this isn’t great coverage.

The second is full-value protection. For this coverage, the company is responsible for reimbursing the total value of your goods. This type of protection is going to come at an additional cost, and has some caveats:

  • Firstly, the moving company decides how amends will be made for lost or damaged property. They can either replace your item, repair it or offer a cash settlement.

  • Second, this coverage DOES NOT APPLY to items valued at over $100 per pound.

This is a fairly comprehensive plan, but it definitely isn’t the best option if you have a lot of jewelry or other small but valuable items. In addition, while some moving companies may offer options like this for in-state moves, they are only required by law to offer it on out-of-state-moves.

So, moving insurance?

If you’ve made it this far into the post, you’re likely at least considering moving insurance. Woohoo! There are a few scenarios that can help you gain a better feeling of whether you need insurance or not:

1. If you’re moving Ikea-like furniture… or other fairly inexpensive things that you wouldn’t be absolutely devastated losing, you honestly don’t really NEED it. Moving insurance can often come with a high deductible which you may not reach if your Ikea coffee table breaks. In this case your insurance wouldn’t even help you. If you want to play it extra safe, then of course buying insurance still won’t hurt.

2. If you’re moving expensive antique tables, precious artwork, or lots of valuable jewelry… then you should DEFINITELY buy insurance. Look, we aren’t trying to say that movers are careless or don’t care about your things. 99% of the time, they do care, and they strive to do the best job they possibly can, but accidents happen. If your precious fine diamonds get lost in transit or your Restoration Hardware dining table cracks in half, you want to be covered.

3. Chances are, your move falls somewhere in between scenarios 1 and 2. In this case, it’s really a judgment call.

Some people are risk averse. Some are more open to taking chances. It really depends on you individually. In an ideal world, everything will be fine, but a lot of times it’s better to be safe than sorry.

ADDITIONAL TIP: If you only have a couple valuable things that you are worried about, and they’re not too large, maybe consider having those valuables on your person, where you know they’ll be safe.

Where do you purchase moving insurance?

There are numerous third-party companies who specialize in covering your move and have a variety of plans for you to choose from.

Sign up for Moved and your personal assistant will gather quotes for you to find the best option.

Best of luck with your move! We hope you love your new home :).

Thanks for reading! If you liked this post, please recommend or share it with others. 🙂

Want to talk? Connect with Moved on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

The Future of Sustainable Moving, featuring Eko Movers

Randy Smith has moved a lot. From Los Angeles to Colorado to Dallas to Florida (lots of times) to Ohio to Kentucky and many places in between, “a moving truck has always been in my life,” he says. And while Randy had seen his belongings packed up and loaded onto a truck many times, never once had he noticed a company in the industry that placed any emphasis on protecting our environment. That is, until he discovered Eko Movers, a sustainably minded moving company that plants a tree for every move they complete.


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The idea for Eko Movers came into existence almost 10 years ago at Xavier University when two classmates were assigned a business plan project. The guidelines for the project were simple. They were to create a company, a restaurant, a shop, anything they’d like, so long as it’s business model was centered around protecting the environment. So, when a friend of the students asked them to help her move out of her apartment that weekend, and they spent a few hours inhaling exhaust smoke while unloading piles of cardboard and plastic off of a U-Haul truck, a lightbulb went off (an extremely energy-efficient solar-powered lightbulb, if you will). The moving industry was a place where they could make a huge difference.

A semester later, not only did the two get an A for their exceptional business plan, but also a $10,000 investment from their professor to buy their first truck and eco-friendly moving supplies. Eko Movers was launched.

The company is now run in part by Randy Smith (no he wasn’t just a cool guy to intro this story with). His vast experience in moving allowed him to see the value in Eko Movers and he and his partners haven’t looked back.

Today, Eko Movers has offices in Cincinnati, Dallas, Tampa, and Orlando and are serving customers nationwide, still making a difference one tree at a time. We got the opportunity to chat with Randy to learn more about what Eko Movers does, what we can do to move more sustainably, and what the future of the industry looks like.

On how Eko Movers makes an impact:


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You have to think about it from the perspective of “ozone to oceans” Randy says, discussing the different ways that moving affects the environment. From an emissions standpoint, Eko Movers understands the toll that big trucks, especially ones traveling long distances, can take on our ozone layers. To combat that, they use biodiesel as a cleaner alternative to diesel fuel wherever possible and have even gone as far as buying half a dozen unleaded box trucks. Though they are worse on gas mileage, unleaded fuel is much better for the environment, a sacrifice Randy & co. are willing to make to save our planet.

On the flip side of that, Eko Movers does several things to protect our oceans, of which Randy notes 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into every day. Firstly, they use biodegradable shrink wrap which, as opposed to traditional types that will literally sit in landfills until the end of time, can decompose. They also use 100% recycled packing paper to limit waste and 100% recycled boxes as often as they possibly can — while they have to be layered with virgin boxes for longer moves because they aren’t sturdy enough on their own, Eko Movers uses entirely recycled ones for local moves and makes sure to reuse all the new boxes that they do have to use.


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Biodegradable shrink wrap

Lastly, everyone’s favorite, they plant “at least one” tree for every move and even invite customers from their local communities to help. They plant domestically in places like Florida (where Randy said he was personally helping plant palm trees in the sweltering heat of June last year) and even internationally in places like Africa with the help of organizations like trees.org, who Randy says is “somebody that should definitely get a shoutout.”

On what anyone can do to make their move more environmentally friendly:

Outside of using an eco-friendly mover (which we’re sure Randy wouldn’t mind you doing ;)), he gave us several tips as to how anybody can make their move greener:

  1. Use plastic storage tubs instead of cardboard boxes. Though they are made of plastic, they’re reusable. If you move 5 times in your life and use 10 storage tubs each time, you just saved 50 cardboard boxes.

  2. Use biodegradable packing peanuts. They’re from of natural, non-toxic sources like corn starch and dissolve in water.

  3. UsedCardboardBoxes.com will provide you with quality (often new, but unusable by large companies because of labelling issues), pre-used boxes. Over the course of their existence, they’ve saved 2,131,636 trees, and counting!

  4. Use 100% recycled cardboard boxes. You can buy them at most home goods stores, and they’re CHEAPER than new ones.

On the future of moving:

“Moving is never going to go away,” Randy wisely notes. For as long as people have homes, jobs and families, they are going to move. And as the world we live in continues to shift towards environmentally friendly solutions, the moving industry actually seems to be falling behind. “You might find ten in the whole country,” says Randy, talking about eco-conscious companies like Eko Movers in the industry.

The fact of the matter is, when it comes to moving, providing sustainable options is simply more expensive. And until there is a big enough shift in consumer needs to warrant it, most moving companies aren’t willing to sacrifice their margins to make that change.

For Eko Movers, their mission of saving our planet hasn’t wavered. They recently had to hire an arborist to keep up with the amount of trees they’re planting, almost 1,500 in 2017 and continuing to grow.

“I wouldn’t call us tree huggers,” Randy jokes, but he certainly understands the impact that planting trees will have on the generations to come. We can all certainly appreciate that.

Main post photo by Sarah Dorweiler, Evano Community

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Tax Day: Deducting Your Moving Expenses

Filing taxes is just about as fun as a moving without Moved. The silver lining: moving can be quite beneficial for your tax return!

Let’s break it down for you.

Do you qualify?

There are 2 things you have to keep in mind when determining whether you qualify for a deduction:

#1: The reason for your move.

The IRS only allows you to deduct moving expenses if your move was because of work. Sorry, your impromptu move to Montana to “find yourself” doesn’t count. But we support you. Do your thing! Therefore, the timing of your move must be closely related to the start of your new employment.

What exactly does that mean? The IRS’s standard is that you must1. start your job AND 2. work full-time for 39 weeks within the first 12 months after your move.The only exception to this is if you begin working BEFORE your family moves due to a special circumstance (like a family member receiving medical care, or a child waiting to finish school). Then you’ll still qualify.

#2: The distance you traveled.

According to the IRS, to deduct your moving costs, your new job must be AT LEAST 50 MILES further away from your OLD HOME than your old job. Easy enough, right?Let’s try to simplify that for you.

Basically, your move only qualifies if your new job is far enough that it would have been unreasonable to expect you to keep living in the same household and commute to work (a distance that they equate to 50 miles further than your normal commute).

For example: If your old place of employment was 10 miles away from your old home, your new place of employment must be at least 60 miles from your old home to qualify for the deduction. The only exception to this rule is for members of the military, who can deduct their moving expenses regardless of distance.

Got it? If not, here’s a simple calculation that can help:

Distance between OLD home and OLD job = A mi.

Distance between OLD home and NEW job = B mi.

B minus A must be greater than or equal to 50 mi.

What expenses qualify?

So you made it past step one. Phew!Now what expenses can you actually deduct? The IRS states that all the expenses you claim must be both REASONABLE and NECESSARY to your move. Very vague, huh?

Reasonable things may include the cost of gas mileage, boxes, rental trucks, movers, storage, etc…basically the things you generally would associate with moving. For longer trips, this may also include hotel lodging, tolls, and parking fees.

Note: The IRS includes a standard mileage rate you can use when calculating the cost of gas mileage. This rate is 18 cents/mile for 2018. You are more than welcome to calculate your actual transportation costs and use that instead.

How do you file for the deduction?

To formally file for the tax deduction, you have to complete a Form 3903, pictured below and linked here.


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The form is fairly straight forward. Mover fees, shipping and storage costs go on line 1; travel, lodging, and gas costs on line 2; reimbursements from your employer for any moving expenses on line 4. Sites like TurboTax and TaxAct will also guide you through this form.

If your reimbursements from your employer happened to be greater than your moving expenses, then your move is not tax deductible, and you will have to claim the excess as taxable income. If the opposite is true (which we assume it is if you’re reading this), then you can deduct your excess expenses to reduce your taxable income.

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How to Take a Video Inventory


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The days of scheduling in-home estimates are over. Video inventories are a much quicker, more convenient alternative to getting quotes for your move.

Here’s a guide on how to to make a solid video inventory:

  1. Make sure your home is well lit. If you’re filming during the day (recommended), open the windows to let in as much light as possible. Turn on the lights in darker rooms. You want your possessions to be as visible as possible in the video.

  2. Open all of your cabinets, drawers, and closets (especially in kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms) beforehand. This way you won’t forget to show any of the items hidden inside.

  3. When you enter a large room, pan the camera from left to right to give the viewer a perspective of the entire space. Then, sweep the room providing close up footage of all of your things.

  4. Specify any fragile or especially valuable possessions like wall art (pictures, paintings, etc.), valuable antiques and electronics.

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Image credit: Smart Photo Courses

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6 Tips for an Eco-Friendly Move


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Each year, movers in the US consume the equivalent of 28.5 million trees, 132.7 million gallons of oil, and 11.7 billion gallons of water! With the current state of our environmental crisis, these numbers are alarming, and it’s important for us all to do our part in changing them.

Thankfully, there are many ways you can reduce your carbon footprint during upcoming move. Here are 6 tips to get you started:

1. Donate/ Recycle Old Clothes

Be honest. How many pieces of clothes do you have hanging in your closet that you haven’t worn in three years? We all do, and moving is the perfect time to get rid of them while simultaneously making a difference in the world. Instead of throwing away your clothes and letting them become waste in a landfill, donate them to one of these organizations:

  • Madre.org — a grassroots organization that helps women around the globe.

  • Big Brother Big Sister Foundation — helps children in the New England area by providing them with adult mentors that they wouldn’t otherwise have.

  • Brides Across America — gives free wedding dresses to women who’s loved ones are serving in the armed forces.

  • Soles 4 Souls — provides footwear for those who can’t afford it.

  • Goodwill — pretty universal, there’s probably one near your home!

**Side note: Many of these organizations take furniture donations as well. If you have an old sofa or table that you don’t plan on using in your new home, schedule a donation pick-up; it’s free!

2. Boxes

The average move requires approximately 60 cardboard boxes, aka more than half of a one-ton pine tree! Instead of buying new ones and perpetuating the cycle, grab some used boxes from grocery stores, Craigslist or sites like UsedCardboardBoxes.

Wanna take it a step further? Forgo cardboard boxes altogether and rent waste-free moving bins from companies like RentAGreenBox, Gorilla Bins, Bin-It, and JuggleBoxMoving.

In the event that you already bought cardboard boxes before reading this, it’s okay. We understand. Just make sure they find the recycling bin when you’re done with them OR extend their life by creating an ad for them on Craigslist. Maybe you can even get a little money for them to make up for that costly move ;). A good quality cardboard box can typically be reused up to ten times.

3. Packing Supplies

There are green alternatives to almost everything you’ll need for the move, including bubble wrap, packing peanuts, foam wrap, edge protectors, bags and more. Uline.com has a wide selection of supplies made from environmentally friendly materials.

Don’t want to spend the money for these supplies? Get creative with it! Towels, blankets, and clothes are great substitutes to bubble wrap and moving pads!

4. Transport

Several moving companies nationwide have shifted to bio-diesel fuel to be more environmentally friendly. Eko Movers, for instance, goes above and beyond and pledges to plant a tree for every move they complete!

You can also use services like MovingPlace: carpool-like moving services where you share space on a large truck with others moving cross-country.

5. Cleaning

Let’s be real…cleaning sucks. But at least nowadays you can feel good about yourself while doing it. Eco-friendly cleaning products are all over the place these days. Mrs. Meyers, Method, Seventh Generation, BioKleen and Shaklee are all high-quality brands you can try. If you’re busy and have the cash to spare, you can also hire the services of a green cleaning service such as Ms. Green-Clean or Eco Green Home.

6. Build Good Habits In Your New Home

A lot of people view moving as a fresh start. And why not use that fresh start to turn over a new leaf and start protecting the environment. Here are plenty of options:

  • New home closer to work? Fun fact: the #1 reason people move in the United States is to make their commute easier. Maybe you can walk or bike on your commute instead of driving. Get your exercise in and support the planet at the same time!

  • Switch to paperless banking.

  • Continue using green cleaning products whenever possible.

  • Recycle!

  • Use eco-friendly paper products. There are greener alternatives to paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, and anything else you can think of.

  • Use more energy efficient CFL or LED lightbulbs.

  • Get reusable paper bags for when you shop. The majority of grocery stores offer them for a cheap price where you check out. Lots of stores even offer them for free nowadays. Save up!

  • Solar panels. Limit your gas and electricity use by installing solar panels in your new home. If you plan on staying for a while, they may even be cheaper in the long run!

  • Install eco-friendly plumbing parts.

We want to wish you the best of luck with wherever your move may take you, and thanks for wanting to do your part in helping save our planet!

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3 Simple DIY Home Decor Ideas


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So you just moved into your new home. After months of back-and-forth phone calls with movers, cleaners and insurance companies and so many trips to the storage unit, the hard part is finally over and the fun begins.

Here are 3 easy ways to kick off your home decorating with some fun, cost efficient, DIY projects.

1. Clothespin Planters

We found this great idea on The Copper Anchor. It’s suuuuuper simple and only requires 4 items (you can probably get away with 2).


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What you’ll need:

Note: These instructions are to make 3 planters. You can make as many or as few as you want!


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Step 1: Disassemble the clothespins. Make sure you keep track of all the metal brackets. You’ll need them to put the clothespins back together later.

Step 2: Use the stain marker to color the wooden parts of the clothespins. Lay out a piece of paper or other cloth under your work station to avoid making a mess.

Once you’re all done coloring, let the wood pieces dry overnight before reassembling them with the metal fasteners. This is the most tedious part of the process, but it’ll be worth it. Trust us.

Step 3: Make sure your tuna cans are completely empty and cleaned (you might want to run them through the dishwasher an extra time to avoid any fishy odors on your planters).

Once they’re clean, give them 2–3 coats of spray paint and then let them dry overnight with the clothespins. Make sure you paint all sides of the can.

Step 4: Now that your clothespins are colored and reassembled and your tuna cans are painted, it’s time to turn them into planters! Just clip the pins around the rim of the can until they complete a full circle.

And Voila! You’re all done. Fill the planters with whatever type of plants you like.


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2. Scrabble Coasters

Struggling to find enough closet space in your new apartment for all those old board games that you had great ambitions of playing every weekend but never really got around to? Repurpose! Use some of the pieces to make these cool DIY Scrabble coasters. (This one comes from The Gourmet Gab.)


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What you’ll need:

Step 1: Use the craft adhesive to glue the Scrabble pieces to the cork board. It helps to also get a little glue in between the pieces where they meet to hold them in place. Once the entire coaster is glued, allow it to set for the amount of time specified in the adhesive you chose. We recommend laying a heavy object like a book on top of the coaster to make sure it dries flat.

Step 2: Using the scissors or X-Acto knife, trim the excess cork board away from the tiles. You’re going to want to take your time and get as close to the tiles as you possibly can for best results.


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Step 3: Lay the coasters out on a piece of newspaper or a paper bag and coat them with the Polyurethane Spray. We recommend at least 2 coats to ensure that they have a waterproof seal (make sure you follow the instructions on the spray bottle for dry time and application technique).

After the coats of polyurethane dry, you’re all done. Pour yourself a glass of wine, celebrate your move, and test out the new coasters!

3. Refurbished Book Knife Holder

How many books do you have that you haven’t touched in years? I bet you never realized how big the number actually was until you moved and had to find a way to transport and store all of them in your new place. Get some of them out of the way and use them for this DIY knife holder c/o Town and Country Living!


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What you’ll need:

  • 5–6 old books, preferably hard cover (this number varies depending on the thickness of the book and the number of knives you have)

  • Rope/ string

Step 1: Choose an appealing color palette of books. You should keep in mind the colors of your kitchen and the aesthetic you are going for. This is really up to you, but a variety of colors probably works best.


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Step 2: Cut a piece of rope big enough to wrap around the books once or twice. You can intertwine the ropes or simply wrap them around the books.

If you know how to tie any decorative knots, those will look best. Otherwise a simple knot or bow will do the trick just as well.

You can find a list of some cool decorative knots here.

*Tip: Make sure you don’t tie the rope too tight. You want the books to fit snug but not so tight that you won’t be able to fit the knives in later.

Step 3: Once the books are arranged how you like and the rope is tied, insert the knives, and you’re done! Enjoy your brand new knife holder and the new free space on your bookshelf.


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