Another Great Houston Moving Review!

Often enough we only hear of the bad things happen… Whether it’s a police officer that gave you a ticket, the service at a restaurant that was terrible, or about a move that people just aren’t happy with. We love to get feedback from our customers, and sometimes the feedback is so great it makes you so proud of the crews that you have working for you.

I had a letter faxed to me about a move that we today did for some customers of ours.

To the management of All My Sons Moving and Storage:

"Before another day passed by, we wanted to take time to think your company and especially your crew for wonderful moving experience. Your company called numerous times to verify the moving date and time. The crew showed up right at the specific time."

"The crew was to Jerome, Anthony, and Andy. They were three of the hardest working gentlemen we have ever seen. They were nonstop and in no way did they even consider resting. We say gentlemen because they were also very polite, respectful, and just all around nice. It took 7 ½ hours to move just a mile. Can you imagine if we had to do that all ourselves? It would have taken days and then some time in the hospital."

"The night before the move we were thinking all my gosh this is going to be crazy.”

"Nope it was just fine… it was a great move."

"By the way… one last thing... It is excellent how your company wraps the furniture and protects it like it is your own. Seems like overkill for such a short distance but we have to say when we saw what happened when you were in good hands."

"Thanks again so much for making this experience wonderful, we have been telling everyone. We hope you find more business."

David and Mary – Houston, Texas

Houston movers - All My Sons Moving and Storage of Houston does moves like this one everyday. That is why we have so many repeat customers! Let our family move yours!

Avoid Moving Day Headaches by Planning Ahead!

Plan Ahead and Avoid the Headaches of Moving...

Here are some tips from your favorite Houston mover - All My Sons Moving and Storage of Houston!



Moving tips:

So much to do… so little time (or so it seems)… Whether you’re moving across town or to another state, you should familiarize yourself with what’s involved with moving and begin organizing 2-3 months in advance. By pacing yourself, the move won’t seem nearly as overwhelming. You could also involve the entire family by spreading certain responsibilities to each person, even the children. The following checklist should help you with this process.
8-12 Weeks Ahead

Purchase a notebook, with front and back pockets to record and file any correspondence and/or documents that pertain to your moving.
Set-up appoints with two moving companies to give you estimates and information.
Consider items that you will not be taking with you and organize a garage sale (including items from the basement or attic).
Items that don’t sell can be given to charity. Be sure to get a receipt, your donation can be tax deductible.
6 Weeks Ahead

Collect and/or buy boxes for packing. These can be purchased from a local mover.
Make a list of everyone you need to notify: Friends, relatives, banks, utilities, doctors, insurance companies, business contacts, newspapers, subscriptions, etc.
Contact doctors, dentist, and lawyers for copies of records or documents you will need to take with you.
Make travel arrangements (Home closings are often delayed, and there may be other matters that need attention).
Make travel arrangements for any pets.
3 Weeks Ahead

Obtain and prepare change of address notices from the post office, for friends, church, clubs, organizations, and anyone else not already contacted on the list compiled three weeks earlier.
Contact utility companies and other services such as: cable/satellite, trash collection, and newspaper about discontinuing service or change of address. Companies servicing the new locale will need to be notified. Be sure to keep phone and utilizes connected at your current home through moving day.
Contact insurance companies to arrange types of coverage you will need: Homeowner’s, auto, etc.
Collect important papers to take with you: wills, deeds, stocks/bonds, etc.
Contact your present bank about closing your account and/or safety deposit box and then obtaining a new one in the new location.
Contact your moving company to confirm all the arrangements and method of payment.
7 Days Ahead

Start with closets, packing clothes. Mark boxes and color-code them as to what room in which they belong.
Give away plants not being moved.



5 Days Ahead

Continue packing remainder of the house.
4 Days Ahead

Go over your list and complete miscellaneous items.
Arrange for servicing of your appliances unless your moving company representative is handling this for you.
Pay any last minute bills.
Pick up tickets, and/or traveler’s checks (if needed or not already obtained).
Make any last minute arrangements for closing.
Continue packing.
3 Days Ahead

Attend closing, keeping all documents in a special place to be transported.
2 Days Ahead

Movers come to pack (not in all cases).
Pack luggage with several days’ worth of clothing.
Prepare a survival kit for the first day you arrive. Items needed might be an emergency medical kit, towels, bedding, soap, toilet paper, cereal, milk, coffee pot, filters, coffee, cooking utensils, light bulbs, hammer, screwdriver, etc.

Moving day

Recheck moving list.
Supervise movers. Make sure they have your contact numbers and proper instructions. Also helpful is a color coded rough drawing of the floor plan in your new house. This can tell the movers which rooms to place boxes and also where furniture is to be located in each room.
Check to make sure nothing is left behind.
Leave house keys, garage door openers, etc. in a special place to give to the new owner.

How We Store Your Belongings!

Instead of storing your furniture and items in a public self storage, at All My Sons Moving & Storage we do things a little different. First we start at the residence by inventorying all items. This lets us and the customer know exactly what items, quantity, and actual condition of the shipment. We then blanket pad wrap all furniture. After loading the shipment on board our truck, we unload at our facility. Each item is then loaded into a sealed storage vault. Each item that is loaded into a vault is labeled on a “Bingo Sheet” to properly identify that a specific item is in a specific vault. Once each vault is completely loaded (heavy base pieces on bottom, middle items in the middle and light items on top) they are sealed and labeled. The vaults are stored in a weather controlled environment until such time that the customer desires for them to be delivered.
A few advantages for storing items this way: 1) they remain blanket padded throughout the process, 2) each item is stored in sealed vaults (protection from weather and being lost) and 3) each item is properly identified and inventoried to protect the customer and your Houston mover.
When you’re ready for your belongings, give us a call and we’ll schedule time to bring your belongings to you. Not only do we deliver it, but we will also place everything where you want.

Happy 4th of July Houston!

Happy Fourth of July from All My Sons of Houston… Whether you’re doing some of the traditional barbecuing, heading out to the lake - or even heading downtown for the fireworks show have fun and be safe.

Traditional foods from the Fourth of July include fudge, macaroni and cheese, pudding, crab cakes and of course barbecue!

Patriotic melodies include America the Beautiful, God Bless America, Hail to the chief, Marines Hymn, Star-Spangled Banner, and of course Yankee Doodle.

What would the Fourth of July be without a party? On Friday, July 4, 2008 down at Buffalo Bayou it is the Chevy Freedom over Texas! That’ll be America’s largest land-based fireworks show! There will be live concerts from country artists Sarah Evans, Miranda Lambert, and Jo Dee Messina.

There will be the NASCAR exhibit. Where you’ll get to get up close and personal with some of those cars you love to watch race on the NASCAR circuit!

Check out the Texas Volleyball Championship over at the Bud Zone…

And what would the Fourth of July be without some kind of car show? That’s right Chevy will have a mini auto show at Liberty Park! This includes some military vehicles like a Desert Seal Patrol vehicle and a 55 ton and M-60 battle tank. Then you get to interact with representatives and members of our Armed Forces. Wait!!! Chevy hasn’t been outdone yet they still have some of today’s hottest cars and trucks as well as the Concept Camaro car from the movie Transformers and the Cobalt Time Attack!

This is also a chance to remember that this is America’s birthday… think of all the battles that have been fought, and the soldiers that have fought bravely.

All My Sons Moving and Storage may not be as old as America, but we do have over four generations of moving experience that we bring to each and every move. Whether you’re moving locally or long distance – whether it’s your home, your apartment, your office, or your entire business All My Sons of Houston is there to handle your every moving need. We bring excellence to every move that we handle!

Houston Mover Goes Green - So Can You!

Protecting the environment is vital to ensuring our worlds has a future. Everything we individually do can make a difference. Here at All My Sons Moving & Storage of Houston, we attempt to make a difference. We can all recycle, whether its coke bottles and cans, wood, crates and plastics. Going Green can not only make a difference to our environment and most importantly the environment of our children, but can save each of us money. If each of us just try, we could make a world of difference

Reviews Tell All!

Hello it’s just me or your favorite Houston mover… I was thinking about these blogs – and how I tried to convey what a great company we are. Then I realized that I don’t have to try very hard to convince you of the job we do. I’ve decided to add some reviews from our customers. To me these reviews should speak louder to you than anything I could ever tell you.
Here’s one from Cheryl J. she chose Houston movers - All My Sons, “Because I wanted a professional movers that knew what and how to move.” The best part of your move was - “Movers being on time and padding all furniture.” When asked how can we improve our services she responded - ”Keep doing what you’re doing”
This one is from Julie C. the reason she chose Houston movers - All My Sons, “We were recommended by a friend.” The best part of her move was - “The friendliest, speediest, and resourcefulness moving guys” When asked how we can improve our services she responded – “I can’t think of anything! I will recommend you to all my friends who are moving.”
This one is from Clara W. she chose All My Sons, “Because of the staff.” The best part of her move was – “The care of the staff take with a furniture.” When asked how we can improve our services her response is – “By continuing to do the things you are doing everything was A-Ok!”
Here’s one from Kathleen W. the reason she chose All My Sons of Houston – “Reputation – I always see their trucks in my neighborhood.” The best part of her move – “They quickly made order out of my chaos.” When asked how we can improve our services – “No need to, that I can see now.”
This one is from Julie B. the reason she chose All My Sons – “Internet ad impressed me.” The best part of her move was “All of the guys were friendly and very cooperative.” When asked how we can improve our services – “Can’t think of anything – they did great!”
Suzanne T. says, “she was referred to us from my friend.” The best part of the move, “Efficient took care of my belongings and very friendly.” What we could improve on, “Nothing.”
Andrew W. said he chose Houston movers because of the, ”Professional phone service.” The best part of his move, “Very polite service, worked with us when move date changed.” What we could improve on, “Keep doing what you do."
Lisa C. chose All My Sons of Houston, “Used before and had good experience.” Best part of her move, “My movers personality!” What we can improve on,” Not needed – My third time to use y’all!"
I could keep on going, but obviously from these reviews you can see that we take a lot of pride in our job. You’re part of our family, and no matter the reason is that you’re moving – All My Sons of Houston is here to move you.

Houston Livestock Show, Houston Movers, and Fathers Day

So here it is the night before Father’s Day I’m thinking back to old memories of family and friends - and spending holidays together. To any fathers that are reading this Happy Father’s Day!

I went to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo - I wanted to see Rascal Flatts and it was an awesome concert!

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a long-standing Houston tradition. 2008 marks the 76 year anniversary of the HLSR!

Of course, most folks think about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, they think entertainment... They get to watch the rodeo, the livestock and horse competition, etc. Those attending the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo get to be part of the second largest fair in North America! No one can forget the world-class barbecue cook-off!

My favorite part - music concerts! Each year some of the biggest names in music come to Houston! Popular country stars like Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts, and many others! It was like a trip down memory lane… It reminded me of going there when I was a little kid. It also brought back other memories, memories of fishing and going for drives…

It also brought back some of those not so fond memories - like having to move. I remember moving as a child, the hot summer sun beating down on us, Dad being upset, yelling, the headaches, and all the body aches.

The funny thing is the last time I moved I didn’t even have to do it myself. I used a local Houston mover. I know - I know it seems like each cheating – but now I never want to move myself again. I used Houston movers - All My Sons. The guys came out, they wrapped up my wooden furniture, and I didn’t even have to unpack my dressers! They disassembled my bed; they even reassembled it, and put everything where I wanted it to go! Now I never want to have to move myself again! Looking back I wish dad would have used a Houston mover like this…

From your favorite Houston movers, Happy Father’s Day!

Local Mover - All My Son's Packing Tips Lesson #3

Hello... I'm back with the last of my packing tips that will help you with your local move or your national move! Below I have provided you with little tips on packing the miscellaneous items such as lamps, plants, electronics and firearms:

Artificial Flowers

1) An arrangement of artificial flowers should be packed in its own carton.

2) Wrap the arrangement/flowers carefully in plastic wrap, tissue paper or paper towels.

3) Make sure you fasten the base of the floral arrangement to the bottom of the carton.

4) Do not forget to label the carton "FRAGILE" & "THIS SIDE UP."


Lamp Shades & Bases

1) Remove bulbs, harps and shades and set aside.

2) Make sure you handle lampshades by their wire frames only.

3) Carefully wrap each shade in three or four sheets of newsprint or tissue paper.

4) Shades can be nested inside each other, as long as they are separated by paper.

5) Use a sturdy box at least two inches larger all around than the largest shade.

6) Line your box with clean paper, using crushed paper under the lamp shade to create a protective layer, but not around the shade.

7) Wrap harp and finial (decorative knob) with packing paper and tape to the inside wall of the carton that contains the shade.

8) Label cartons "LAMP SHADES" & "FRAGILE."

9) Wrap the base, harp and bulb separately in newsprint.

10) Place them together in a carton, filling spaces with crushed paper.

11) More than one well-cushioned lamp may be packed in a carton.

12) Label cartons "LAMP BASES" & "FRAGILE."

Computers, Stereos and other electronics

If possible, pack electronics in their original cartons. As long as proper packing materials are used electronics can be safely packed in sturdy boxes. Refer to the manufactures' guide or user's guide for special moving instructions. If you no longer have a user's guide, visit the manufacturer's website for an online version or to request a copy.

1) Before disconnecting any wires or plugs, mark the wire or cable and the port you're removing it from with the colored labels. Color code the ports and cables so you can reconnect them later. If you run out of different colors, you can also write a number on the label that will match the port and the cable.

2) For extra protection, write down detailed step-by-step instructions on how you're dismantling the equipment so you can refer to it later when assembling it. Keep this instruction guide in the box with the equipment.

3)Place the cables and wires into a sealable bag (i.e. ziplock baggies) and tape it to the piece of equipment.

4) Remove all parts that can be disconnected and wrap each piece with 3 - 4 sheets of paper.

5) Pad the bottom of the box with a generous amount of newsprint.

6) Place the largest piece of equipment on the bottom and fill holes with additional paper.

7) Place smaller protected items on top.

3) Fill all remaining spaces with paper, making sure nothing rattles or that nothing will shift during the move.

4) Firmly seal the carton.

5) Label each box with the contents and which room it belongs in and also label each box as "FRAGILE" & "THIS END UP."

Note: When you unpack your electronics, let them reach room temperature before plugging them in. Also, Cd's and software can not tolerate high temperatures. If you have sensitive media, you may want to carry it with you as opposed to moving it on the local movers truck.

Live Plants

If you are fond of your plants it is wise to put some time and effort into making the moving process as quick and painless for them as possible. Almost all moving companies will NOT cover plants. They are just too easy to damage. So, you need to take extra care yourself. You also need to bear in mind that certain movers will not carry plants or may have restrictions on those they carry according to your destination. You can move a plant successfully from one house to the next only to see it wither and die a couple of weeks later. To avoid this you need to do some preparations well ahead of your move to get them in peak condition.

1) Get some sturdy boxes & line these boxes with plastic so that they are ready for your moving day.

2) Assess all the plants you want to transport a couple of weeks before you move and prune them, feed them and administer any pest control treatments to get them into peak condition.

3) Think about the pots they're in. I recommend that you re-pot the plants into plastic pots.

4) Check that all your pots are whole and not cracked or broken. A cracked pot stands more chance of breaking in transit and thus damaging the contents.

5) Make sure that the pots are not too big for the actual plant. This can cause them to move about and damage themselves.

6) On your moving day (or the day before if you're pushed for time) make sure that none of the plants are water-logged and drain away any excess water.

7) Pack them snugly (but not too tightly) into the boxes you have set aside and put some packing paper around the pot hold them firmly.

8) Make sure you tell your movers that these boxes contain plants.

9) Plants in large pots should be wrapped in plastic or placed in bags, you can also wrap the actual plant in plastic to avoid damage and to keep the plant together. If you do this be careful to make sure that the plastic is not tied together too tightly, plants still need to breathe!

10) If you're moving garden plants the best time to dig them up is on your moving day. This minimizes disruption.

11) You should dig up the plant so that you have a 'root ball' at the base. Wrap this in plastic and make sure that the earth in it is not too dry.

12) At delivery take your plants out of their boxes and any wrappings as soon as you can.

13) Garden plants need to be put in the garden as soon as possible. Keep in mind you can always move them later.

14) Keep an eye on both house and garden plants for a few weeks after the move and make sure they are well watered and fed as necessary. Your garden plants may be transplanted into soil that is different to that they are used to and they may need extra help and attention.

Firearms

1) You are responsible for transporting handguns and ammunition.

2) Other firearms such as rifles or shotguns must be unloaded.

3) Make sure you get a specific inventory of these items from your local mover or national mover, also make sure your driver includes the serial numbers on the inventory.

I hope that the tips that I have provided you will help make your move easier. As you can see All My Sons wants to help you prepare for your move! Not only can All My Sons be your local mover - but All My Sons can also be your Long distance mover as well! In my next blog I think I will share a couple of heart warming stories that I am blessed to be able to share with you!

Top of Packing Tip #3