Moving Yourself vs. Hiring Movers

by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

It’s time to make a move. Perhaps you landed that new job and you’re looking to live closer to work. Maybe you’re finally getting that extra square footage—and the backyard—you’ve always wanted. Or maybe you’re downsizing to a smaller rental. Moving is a fact of life. According to the U.S. census, Americans will move approximately 11.7 times during their lifetime.

But the big question is, will you do it yourself? Or will you hire movers? Here’s some guidance so that you can decide.

Moving Comparison At-a-Glance

Do-It-Yourself Moves

You’re strong and capable. You handle a lot of tough tasks in your life. Why not a move? Do-it-yourself, or DIY, moves are popular because they’re generally less expensive and we all want to save money. If you’re thinking about a DIY move, consider what’s involved in this type of move:

• • You will need time in your schedule. If you don’t have enough time, this type of move is not for you.
  • You will have to do all the organization and packing.
  • You will likely need help from friends and family on the actual move day if not before.
  • You will likely need to rent and drive a moving van or truck. You will have to pay for fuel and tolls.
  • Factor in the time you will need to take off of work when you are moving yourself.

Hybrid Options

You don’t have to choose between a DIY move or a moving company. There are options that feature the best of both.

• • Consider paying for labor to help with loading and unloading. Many truck rental companies offer add-ons of labor help. That way, you can do a DIY move with help.
  • You can rent a portable moving container. In this type of move, a company drops the container or pod at your property. You load it up, and the company moves it to the new location, where you unload it.

Moving Companies

If you don’t have the time, or if you have a large move to make, hiring a moving company makes sense. Professional movers don’t just do the heavy lifting. They make moving less stressful and more efficient. But their services come at a cost. There are several factors that go into a moving company’s cost estimate:

• • The size and weight of your belongings
  • The travel distance, mileage and fuel, and time
  • Packing and moving supplies if the company is contracted to handle those
  • The moving date (Generally, moves done mid-month and midweek offer the best discounts).

What To Consider

Get a written cost estimate from your prospective mover. (We recommend getting at least three cost estimates from three different providers.) Make sure that the mover you choose is licensed and insured. Read the agreement carefully, including the small type, to ensure that there will be no surprises. Beware of moving companies who provide estimates for your move without visiting your home and taking an inventory of your belongings. Watch for movers who ask for cash or a large deposit before the move. You should only pay on delivery.

Most renters and home insurance policies will not cover your belongings while they are being moved. The moving company will offer liability and valuation coverage. You may decide to purchase additional moving insurance from a third-party provider. If you’re considering an interstate move, learn your rights and responsibilities as outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Do you need to tip your movers?

Yes, it’s standard practice to tip each person who is moving you. Consumer Affairs recommends tipping 15% to 20% for long-distance or large moves. You can tip less, 5% to 10% for shorter, closer moves. This amount is split among the moving crew, so if your move costs $2,000 and you’re just going across town, plan to tip about $200 total.

How to Cut Costs and Save Time on Your Move

• • Hiring a mover? Ask if there are cheaper dates and times to move.
  • Downsize before moving. Donate or sell items that you no longer need or want. That way, you’ll have less to move.
  • Use the buckets, baskets, clean trash cans, and suitcases that you need to move anyway to store items that you want to move. Use blankets and towels, in the same way, to protect and cushion breakables.

Be safe when looking at ways to cut your moving costs. You will often find websites offering helpful tools for moving such as moving cost calculators that require you to enter your information to get the link. What they neglect to tell you is that they will be sharing your information with moving companies. You will start to get calls immediately from dozens of companies trying to sell you services. Think twice about entering your information online.

Don’t Forget!

Whether you’re moving from a rental or you own a home, there are apps that can help you to organize your move and take away some stress. Here are some popular ones:

• • MoveAdvisor
  • Moved
  • Dolly
  • Unpackt

And if you’re moving because of work, your moving expenses may be tax-deductible! Keep your receipts and use IRS form 3903 to document your move when you file your taxes.

Here’s to the start of a wonderful adventure in your new home.  Have a safe and successful move.

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

5 Hacks for Cleaning Your House While Everyone’s Home

by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

Have you heard the saying going around recently that “cleaning your house while everyone is home is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos?” It’s so gross, but so true, especially when everyone is home together during the summer- living life and making messes. 

These 5 quick cleaning hacks will help YOUR FAMILY get (and keep) your house clean.

Make It a Team Effort

It’s time to assign chores. Everyone at home contributes to the mess, so each can be responsible for helping to clean it up. You can easily assign tasks to each family member (kids included) by using this age-appropriate chore list cheat sheet. You can get creative and write down the chores by person on a board piece of paper in plain view, or download an editable chore chart that you can print and hang. 

Get In the Habit

It’s all about muscle memory. If you create a daily cleaning schedule for all to follow, the assigned tasks are completed in less time than trying to tackle it all at once. Plus, the weekly schedule will help you stay on top of what needs to get done and avoid the procrastination that typically hinders our approach to housework. Another pro tip: make your bed every day. 

Have the Right Tools

Like any job, having the right tools (in good working condition!) will make getting the job done so much easier. A good vacuum (with attachments), microfiber cloths, a bucket and mop, and a cleaning caddy filled with your favorite cleaners are just a few of the housekeeping essentials recommended. Here’s a more detailed list of recommendations. You may want to test your options to select the right tools for your home.

Pick Up, Pick Up, Pick Up

To keep your home clutter-free, it’s important that everything have a place. Putting things away immediately after use will save you time (since you won’t need to search for items), save you money (since you won’t need to replace items forgotten about or misplaced), and save you space.  Here are other ideas to keeping your home clutter-free on a regular basis.

Stay Positive

Research tips and tricks that will make the chore of housekeeping seem more fun and less work. Simple things like playing music and creating family chore or cleaning games will keep everyone motivated. Positive reinforcement will go a long way. Let your loved ones know how much you appreciate their help. 

Once you’ve had a chance to give these a try, let us know how they worked. And if you have additional tricks, tips, or recommendations, please share them with us as well. Housework is a way of life, but it doesn’t have to be such a chore! (pun intended)

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

It’s Time to Increase Your Curb Appeal

by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

Updated landscaping touches can make your address more appealing to you, your neighbors and/or your potential new buyers. In fact, real estate experts say that nice curb appeal can add 14% resell value and help your home sell six times faster. 

As the saying goes, “You only have one chance to make a first impression.” So whether you’re selling your house or simply ready to add value to your current home, we suggest you get out the shovel and think outside the box. 

Here are some slow but steady changes you can make to make a beautiful space outside your front door.

Start by Mapping Out Your Space

Careful planning will keep you on-task and on-budget throughout the landscaping process. First, sketch a rough design of your yard, drawing in what you think might work well, like paths, gardens, and trees. You could also use a tool like Gardena Garden Planner to visualize your space online.

This is a great time to gather ideas on how you get the most out of your outdoor areas. Can you capitalize on great views, sunrises/sunsets, or extend your current indoor space to the great outdoors? Bonus points for creative solutions that provide options for more outdoor living.

Deck, Concrete, or Pavers

A large outdoor space for extra seating, eating, or entertaining is on the wishlist of many homeowners. How you approach the construction of such a feature depends on the slope of your yard, the weather in your area, the size of your space, your preference for certain materials, and your budget. You will want to include the space on your plan and then heavily research your options to get the most bang for your buck.

Choosing the Right Path

Paths that help you, your family (including your fur babies), friends, and neighbors navigate your new outdoor oasis are also a must. Consider how people will enter the area (back door, side gate, etc.) and meander through the space as you decide where your paths should go. And as you choose the materials for your pathways, remember crushed gravel sticks to paws and little ones often trip or stub their toes on uneven pavers. 

Time to Revisit Your Budget

Now that you have a plan in place, it’s time to cross-reference your wish list with your determined project budget. Hardscapes such as pavers, stones, and rocks are more expensive, so get a feel for how much you can allocate to these areas as indicated on your plan. Trees are another element that can quickly use up your earmarked funds. Here’s when you prioritize your needs, wants, and must-haves, and then refine your design to make your money go further. 

Love Your Lawn, Don’t Just Live With It

You will want a lawn that takes less maintenance to thrive; giving you more time to enjoy the space you’re creating. Not every kind of grass will work in your climate. Do some research, and plan accordingly. If you live in a hot area, a drought-resistant variety like Bermuda grass would be better than Kentucky bluegrass, which does better in the cold. 

How Will Your Garden Grow

Most importantly, know your planting zone. You will save a lot of money, time, and headache if you choose plants that are hardy for your area based on your planting zone. Then create six to eight-foot deeps garden beds that follow a general rule of 50% evergreens, 25% deciduous (or flowering) shrubs, and 25% perennials. Include a mix of plants that bloom at different times and there will always be something to admire! Sufficient spacing between each plant will also ensure that your garden continues to grow beautifully for years to come. 

Be sure to plant your garden far enough away from the exterior your home to give room for upkeep, protect the façade and keep unwanted pests from using the garden as a highway into your home.

Laying down a two to four-inch layer of mulch can help combat weeds and keep your plants’ roots warm and well-fed. Avoid mulch around shrubbery or other plants with roots close to the surface, or they will be smothered rather than provided for.

Trees 

Trees provide great shade, beauty, and curb appeal. Plan their placement carefully. Root systems, preference for particular soil conditions, and size at maturity must be top of mind when deciding on trees in your landscape. Study the impact your chosen specimens will have on the areas you intend to plant them before you buy. For instance, pine trees will shed needles, change the acidity of the soil around them (impacting any plants nearby) and not allow for grass to grow under their branches. 

With your space mapped, your budget itemized and your plantings identified, doing a landscape update yourself can be really rewarding now and for years to come. If you’re not the DIY type or still unsure as to how to tackle your curb appeal, hiring landscape professionals is another viable option. Either way, an updated curb appeal could lift your spirits and your home’s value. So dig in!

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

What to Do When Your House Floods

by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

For some areas of the U.S., spring showers mean rising water, and rising water means the potential for flooding. While many mortgage companies require flood insurance in certain flood-prone areas, Mother Nature’s fear tactics remind us of the benefits and peace of mind this special coverage provides.

Floods are one of the most common and dangerous natural disasters in the US. You know that your home is protected thanks to Flood Insurance, but if you live in a flood-prone zone, you also need to have a plan in place for the safety of you and your family.

Here’s a quick list of what you can do should your home floods:

Take a Moment

Seeing your home underwater and your belongings saturated is an overwhelming and stressful event. You have to breathe and grieve as you assess the situation. The road ahead will be hard, but you will make it through.

Think Safety First

If you’ve left and returned, before setting foot in your home, walk around the outside of your building and inspect for damage to the exterior to make sure you aren’t at risk of a collapse while you’re inside.

Immediately call you’re the utility company if they are not in the area and you suspect damage has occurred that needs their attention.

Water and electricity don’t mix. Turn your main breaker off and flip the individual fuse switches into the off position. You may need a qualified electrician to inspect, clean, and dry the box before power can be turned back on again.

Get the Right Gear

Stagnant water can carry bacteria along with more obvious chemical contaminants, sewage, garbage, and debris. Plus, water-logged areas can have mold already starting to form. Use rubber boots and waders with water-tight gloves to make sure you aren’t exposed to these potential dangers. And don’t touch your face once you’ve started to clean up.

Call Your Insurance Company

Call your flood insurance provider. They will begin the claims process and schedule an adjuster to visit your home. Depending on your situation, FEMA (1.800.621.3362)  may also have free help available.

Document Everything

Collect video evidence of how your home was hit. Go into each room, capturing full images of any and all damage. Pay special attention to the walls, flooring, appliances, and other expensive items that may have been made unusable.

Collect any paperwork that you need to share with the adjuster/insurance agent. Use your phone to take pictures of any paperwork if you don’t have a way to make photocopies. Be sure to keep a file with the date, times, names, and details of any conversations.

Tackle Cleanup

• Ventilate the area by opening all doors, windows, cabinets, and drawers
• Don’t plug anything in unless it has been deemed safe by an electrician
• Check with your insurance provider if you can begin repairs.
• If you’ve got the all-clear, begin by removing any standing water.
• Use a dehumidifier and fans to remove as much moisture as possible.
• Move any furniture and rugs that weren’t too badly damaged to your yard and let them sit under the sun directly.
• Remove drywall and insulation, carpets and padding, upholstered furniture, window coverings, and any other household items that cannot be adequately cleaned/sanitized.
• Throw out any unsealed food and/or any food exposed to floodwater

Be Sure to Document All Items Before Discarding Them

You could also use a third-party cleanup crew, allowing a team of professionals to do the hardest work for you. Check and see if your insurance provider will cover the costs of this.

Mitigate the Mold

Mold can develop in a very short time, and exposure to it can be dangerous in the long term. If you come across any while inspecting your home, it needs to be treated immediately. This can be done by mixing a cup of bleach with a gallon of water and scrubbing any spores. While disinfecting, wipe down any countertops and appliances that were exposed to water.

Start the Rebuilding Process

Before you determine which contractor to choose, get multiple bids. You will want to work with a contractor you can trust. Check their online reviews. Research their experience and project history. Check if they are licensed and bonded.

Be Sure to Keep All of Your Receipts.

Flooding can be a terrible tragedy to experience. With these tools and knowledge, you can be prepared to keep your home and family safe when disaster strikes.

For more tips on what to do after a natural disaster, or how to prepare for a flood, click here.

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.