Crown has been an agent of United Van Lines for 45 Years. We are proud to be a part of such a venerated moving organization. We strive to maintain their standards and are dedicated to safety, service, integrity and quality.
TAKE STEPS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF YOUR ANTIQUES
Your collectibles are prized and often irreplaceable.
Naturally, you want to protect them from any possible damage during your move. Follow these steps to help guard fragile items against harm and properly prepare them for packing and loading on a moving van.
Step 1: Get an Appraisal
Any item you own that is of extraordinary value should be appraised by a qualified person; you might even want to get more than one appraisal. Obtaining an appraisal also may be necessary to verify the value of your personal property for the transferal of your homeowner’s insurance policy.
The best way to locate an appraiser is through a recommendation by an insurance agent, attorney or bank official. In the United States, membership in the American Society of Appraisers can be a sign of an appraiser’s reputation. Look in the Yellow Pages under appraisers. Or you can request the “Directory of Certified Professional Personal Property Appraisers,” which is a state-by-state referral list. To receive the most current issue, contact the American Society of Appraisers by mail at P.O. Box 17625, Washington, D.C. 20041, by telephone at 800-ASA-VALU (800-272-8258) or visit www.appraisers.org.
Most appraisers either charge a flat fee or an hourly rate for services performed. Ask in advance.
In addition to obtaining an appraisal, make sure you have clear photographs of your antiques. You might also want to use a video camera to inventory the contents of each room.
At the time of the moving cost estimate, be sure to point out to the Relocation Consultant all high-value or fragile items such as grandfather clocks, silver or china sets so advance arrangements for crating and special packing can be made. Crates can be specially built to protect items with ornate trimming or a high risk of breakage.
Step 2: Review Your Moving Protection Plan
When meeting with a Relocation Consultant, you’ll want to discuss valuation of your antiques. We offer several protection plans in the event of loss or damage.
Be sure that your articles of extraordinary value (items worth more than $100 per pound) are listed on the High-Value Inventory Form and make sure to document any signatures, serial numbers or manufacturer marks on your possessions.
It is recommended you use a video camera to fully document the condition of your antiques and high-value items prior to your move in case you need to verify a claim. When doing so, however, make sure that you are able to get clear, high quality footage of your items so that it is usable.
Step 3: Prepare for Packing
Before your belongings are packed, you may want to check antique items for any special cleaning that might be required.
Check your local hardware, furniture store or antiques dealer for cleaning products for fine furniture.
Avoid the use of any type of oil or wax product on wood furniture immediately before you move especially if these items will be going into storage. Some products might soften the finish, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.
If you are uncertain about the care of a particular antique piece, a local historical society or library might have books on the subject. An antiques dealer may have helpful hints as well.
Step 4: Pack, Wrap and Protect on Moving Day
It is very important that you or an appointed representative be present on packing and moving days to identify items needing special handling. It is also helpful so packers and van operators can ask questions along the way.
Most large, heavy pieces of furniture will be wrapped in thick pads to help protect them while in transit.
Step 5: Unloading and Delivery
When you reach your destination, carefully check the inventory of your household goods and antiques before signing for receipt. If any servicing or reassembly is required after you reach your new home, notify your Crown Coordinator who can make any necessary arrangements.
Be sure to consult your Crown Coordinator if you have special questions or concerns. Proper preparation prior to a move can help you enjoy your antiques for many years to come.
For more tips on packing click here.
(source: United Van Lines)
On June 15 construction began at the Port of Amsterdam for a Bin2Barrel factory designed to convert unrecyclable plastic into fuel for ships. In addition to decreasing landfill waste, this type of processing is expected to cut CO₂ emissions by 57,000 tons per year.
(World Maritime News)
On October 1, 2018, the Panama Canal plans to lift restrictions on LNG (liquefied natural gas) vessels. Currently, they are only allowing transit during daylight hours and only one vessel at a time. Panama Canal Authority’s Deputy Administrator Manuel E. Benitez said “Together, these changes will provide more flexibility and time during the day to transit LNG vessels, and result in an opportunity for LNG shippers to compete for a second booking slot.”
(World Maritime News)
Summertime has traditionally been the busiest moving season. Longer daylight times and summer breaks for children make it a prime time for people to move. It is also a prime time for scam artists to prey on unsuspecting consumers.
The California Moving & Storage Association (CMSA) wants to make sure that consumers know how to avoid being a victim of a moving scam. Here are some helpful tips:
*The CMSA is a nonprofit trade association representing over 385 licensed and insured movers operating in California.
The Positive Approach
Prepare them in advance for the move. Tell them immediately about the move. Give them time to adjust to the idea. Answer all questions. Explain the reasons for the move as explicitly as necessary, depending on the child’s age. An honest question-and-answer session will give you an idea of the specific concerns your children have about the move. This will give you the chance to resolve their fears and let them know you are interested in their opinions and feelings.
Permit children to participate. This will give them a sense of responsibility and self-worth. Choose a professional moving company. A company experienced in moving families will minimize your responsibilities. Then, you can devote more time to your children.
With these steps, you can ease the insecure feelings some children experience when removed from familiar surroundings. It is difficult to break strong ties to the old home, neighborhood, school and close friends. But remember, moving can be a great personal growth opportunity for all family members, including children. Take advantage of the situation and make it a truly exciting experience for everyone.
Take-along Suggestions
Here’s a checklist of things to take in the car with you:
Baby
Toddler
Get the “Moving with Children” Booklet
We recognize the particular needs and emotional reactions of children and have a booklet to help make moving with children easier and enjoyable for the entire family. For a copy of “Moving with Children,” Contact us.
(source: www.unitedvanlines.com)
The International Maritime Organization, after years of research and consultation based heavily on the U.S. Coast Guard’s Bering Strait Port Access Route Study, has officially sanctioned routes through the Bering Sea and Arctic for vessel passage. The proposal was submitted by both the United States and Russia. Traffic through these new routes is expected increase 100 to 500 percent by 2025.
(The Maritime Executive)
It is a good idea to pack a separate “Hot Box” of essential items you’ll need immediately upon arrival in your new home. Crown packers or your customer service coordinator can supply you with specially marked Hot Box cartons or self-adhesive Hot Box labels. If you’re packing yourself, simply request a Hot Box label from your Crown coordinator. You may wish to include the following:
KITCHEN: Cleaning supplies, hand soap and paper towels, paper plates, cups, napkins can & bottle opener, plastic cutlery, plastic wrap, zip-lock bags, aluminum foil, trash bags, ready-to-eat foods.
BATH: Toiletries, towels, facial and toilet tissue, medicines, first-aid kit.
BEDROOMS: Bed linens, pillows, change of clothing, children’s books and toys.
OTHER ROOMS: Hardware to assemble furniture, remote controls, light bulbs, portable radio or television, hand tools, reading material, flashlight.
These rankings were created using a blend of statistics including the Job Market, Value Index (how comfortable a resident can live within their means), Quality of Life Index (life satisfaction), Quality of Life Index (how satisfied residents are with their daily lives), Desirability Index (number of people who want to live in a given city) and Net Migration. Three cities in California made the list. San Francisco is 20th, San Jose is 17th and San Diego is 30th.
The top 10 best places for 2018 are:
1. Austin, Texas
2. Colorado Springs, Colorado
3. Denver, Colorado
4. Des Moines, Iowa
5. Fayetteville, Arkansas
6. Portland, Oregon
7. Huntsville, Alabama
8. Washington, DC
9. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
10. Seattle, Washington
(Business Insider)
If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your move, take the following into consideration. If you are not pressed for time, downsizing by either donating unwanted items or having a garage sale can be both beneficial to your pocketbook and to the environment. Using old newspapers, towels or other cloth items to wrap delicate items in transit is also an option. Used cardboard boxes or reusable plastic containers (Crown Crates) can also make your move greener. Finally, when cleaning your new home or your old home there are many green cleaning products on the market that are as effective as traditional cleaning products, but are safer for the environment.