clipboard with checklist and pencilIt’s easy to get tricked into the notion that a move is mostly over when the moving truck pulls away after having emptied out your stuff. But unfortunately, you’ve likely got an entire life’s worth of belongings still bound in dozens of boxes, just itching to get out and inhabit their new space. Not to worry: the Moveline team is more than a little experienced at helping folks relocate from one home to another, and we’ve got a laundry list of insider tips to make the task of unpacking easier than you might expect.

corporate moves: a guide to negotiating a relocation packageAt Moveline, moving is our business. It’s our mission to simplify the process of relocating from point A to point B, and we’ve seen people uproot themselves for all sorts of reasons — some move to be closer to family and friends, some just want adventure, and some move for the sake of a relationship. Perhaps one of the most complex subjects we’ve watched people tackle in our line of work, though, is moving to a new city for a job.

So, drawing on our experiences with people moving across the state, the region and even the country for the sake of their careers (and often, their happiness), we’ve put together a free, helpful guide to help you navigate the process of moving to a new city for work and coming out on top in your relocation adventure. Read on for a quick overview of our ABC’s of moving to a new place to advance your career.

What we cover in Moveline’s Ultimate Guide to Corporate Relocation

Here’s a sneak peek:

  1. The differences between moving on your new employer’s dime (plus the types of financial arrangements and relocation packages you might encounter) and paying out-of-pocket for your own relocation (plus what it all means when tax time rolls around)
  2. Guidance on how to negotiate for relocation assistance, plus what to look out for in your contract
  3. Some basics of temporary and rental housing while you’re finalizing your long-term plans
  4. Insights on meeting people and making a new city feel like home once you’ve arrived and rocked your first day on the job

Our Ultimate Guide to Corporate Relocation is available online at no cost. Enjoy, and good luck, go-getters.


Moveline simplifies the moving process by demystifying the inventory process, gathering quotes on customers’ behalf, and overseeing every aspect of each customer’s move. Don’t go it alone. Let us make it easier. It’s why we’re here — to help you #movebetter.

how to choose a short-term rental apartment

If you’re just in town for a few short weeks or months, or you’re in the midst of a big move but aren’t yet ready to lay down roots, there are more short-term living arrangements available than ever before. The Moveline team has worked with folks on both ends of the spectrum and everywhere in between, and we’ve got some insider tips on the best ways to stay in style in a place where you won’t be leaving too deep a footprint. If a hotel seems too clinical (or expensive, for that matter) and crashing on someone’s couch really isn’t an option, read on: plenty of options exist to help you enjoy your stay without breaking the bank.

Consider vacation rentals

Websites like airbnb and HomeAway have revolutionized the process of travel, allowing people to enjoy a more authentic local experience when they’re traveling to a new city and don’t want to stay in a hotel. They can be particularly effective if you’re trying to get a feel for a city you’re relocating to but aren’t quite ready to sign a lease, much less a mortgage. If you’re up for adventure, consider staying in several rentals in different neighborhoods, switching every few weeks to get a sense of what each one is really like, and ask each owner for tips on where to shop, eat and run errands while you’re there. There’s no truer way to figure out what it’s like to live somewhere than to actually live there, just like the locals do.

Look for short-term leases

Particularly in cities with major universities, student populations can make short-term leasing a breeze since there’s a seasonal influx and outflow of people going home for the summer, studying abroad and generally never staying in one place for too long. Check Craigslist and any local magazines, newspapers or alt weeklies with housing ads and follow your instincts when it comes to what feels legit and what doesn’t. Pro tip: save yourself the extra hassle of narrowing down your options in person by asking to Skype or FaceTime with current inhabitants of apartments or houses you’re considering moving into; do a gut check from afar before investing too much time in visiting every place that piques your interest. Save your energy for the handful of places (and potential roommates) that rise to the top of the heap.

Talk to corporate housing agencies

In many cases, companies that act as the go-between with corporations and traveling employers have long-standing contracts with multiple housing properties, and when those properties are sitting vacant, the housing agency isn’t making any money. It never hurts to Google those agencies in your city of choice and simply call or email them to ask if they have an empty apartment they’d consider renting out to you for however many weeks or months you need it. You might actually be doing them a favor — in fact, some agencies are used to renting portions of their rental spaces to individuals just like you in order to serve their own bottom lines — and after all, the worst they can tell you is “thanks but no thanks.” And here’s a no-brainer: apartments.com even has a corporate housing and short-term lease search tool.

Oh, and when you’ve settled into more permanent digs, we’ve got some tips on how to save money in a new neighborhood, so be sure to bookmark them for a little light reading once you’ve printed off those new mailing labels and placed a welcome mat at your new front door. Until then, happy hunting!


Whether you’re moving for a relationshipmoving for work or just a change of scenery, Moveline can help. We simplify the process and ease your stress by helping you figure out your inventory; obtaining fair, accurate move quotes that won’t magically inflate themselves on moving day; and overseeing your move from start to finish to make sure you have the best experience possible. So don’t go it alone. Let Moveline help you #movebetter.

clipboard with checklist and pencil

Pun intended: it doesn’t matter whether you’re moving a ZIP code or a time zone away — relocation entails a lot of moving parts. With so much to consider as the moving truck pulls up, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the endless list of responsibilities we feel, from worrying about the fragility of family heirlooms to simply hoping we can get it all done in time and under budget. That’s exactly why we launched Moveline to begin with — to ease the stress of moving bysimplifying the moving process and giving customers the best deals possible with reputable movers. Plus, we’ve got a handy checklist for moving day to help you bring your A-game.

Keep moving day simple with these tips:


Moveline can make your move easier right from the start if you book your relocation, be it local or cross-country, through one of our Move Captains. We’ll help you inventory your stuff, get a fair deal and enjoy a move devoid of headaches. The best part: it’s free. So don’t go it alone. Let us help you #movebetter.

box with headphones

Let’s face it: moving can be a drag. From choosing a moving company (something Moveline can help with, by the way) to remembering all the moving day essentials, the sheer volume of things to do can get a little cumbersome. But, as with tough workouts, tedious assignments and long commutes, music always makes the ride a little less rough. So, just for you, we’ve put together a list of our top ten songs about moving. Crank ‘em up and enjoy.

1. Home – Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

Whether you’re moving to Alabama, Arkansas or somewhere a little less Southern, this song can’t help but tug at your heartstrings; the 2009 sleeper hit made it big with a little help from an adorable father-daughter duet on YouTube. (Dare you not to fall in love.)

2. Home – Phillip Phillips

Sure, the American Idol winner’s big hit might be a little too reminiscent of, say, Mumford & Sons, but the US Women’s Gymnastics Team made this their anthem at the 2012 games for good reason: this pure-hearted song just oozes with positive energy, fresh starts and new possibilities. Who doesn’t love all that stuff in the midst of a move?

3. Home – Michael Buble

And rounding out our trifecta of songs with the same title: sure, it’s cheesy, but everybody secretly likes a little schmaltz every now and then. This overly-earnest ballad is the perfect adult-contemporary salve for the world-weary heart that just wants to hang its fedora in the same place for a while.

4. Our House – Crosby Stills Nash & Young

Ever a favorite of home improvement store ad execs thanks to its “very very very” sweet and catchy chorus, it’s admittedly a sunny addition to the soundtrack of a new place that’s just been moved into.

5. Our House – Madness

This lesser-known 1980s new wave throwback is what the average grandparent might call a “toe-tapper.” Careful: its infectious chord progression gets stuck in your head and doesn’t leave for days.

6. Pack It Up – Pretenders

For the girl who’s had it up to here with her significant other (or her surroundings in general), Pack It Up is the quintessential lo-fi kiss-off song to play as you’re pulling onto the interstate, accelerating toward a new life.

7. On the Road Again – Willie Nelson

If a move involves a road trip along a respectable stretch of highway, this classic country crossover is a must-listen. In contrast to Michael Buble’s apathetic homesickness, Willie can’t wait to get out there and… uh… raise the roof with Snoop Dogg.

8. Never Say Goodbye – Bon Jovi

Speaking of partying, crack open a brew and bust out the Aquanet (seriously… check out the sheer height of the man’s hair, for it is the stuff of legend) for one of the most epic power ballads of the age of neon: the ultimate 80s anthem about moving on is an over-the-top karaoke favorite at going away parties, and we can totally see why.

9. Coming Home – Diddy & Dirty Money feat. Skylar Grey

Whether you love Diddy, hate Diddy or have no idea who in the world Diddy is (i.e., you’re lucky), you’ve got to admit: Skylar Grey’s chorus is pretty worthy of singing along to. And the “I know my kingdom awaits” line is a sweet one to hum as you cross the threshold into your new digs, right?

10. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) – Green Day

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road… this song will forever be stuck in our minds as the Seinfeld finale song, but hey; it gets the point across. Throw it on as you pull out of your old driveway for the last time and see if you’re impervious to ye olde lump in the throat. (And don’t even try to play that tired “cutting onions” defense — you’re in a car, for goodness’ sake.)


Whether you’re moving up the street or across the country, Moveline can make the process as easy as pie. By assigning you a Move Captain, comparing moving quotes on your behalf and sticking by you through the whole process, we save you money and stress from the moment you decide to move until the moment you’ve placed the finishing touches on your new home. Don’t go it alone. Let us help. Make moving easier with Moveline.

blue hammock

Relaxation takes on a whole new meaning in the dog days of summer, when 100-degree-plus temperatures (in some places, anyway) can send us all into a state of total inertia. While a cozy leather armchair and microfiber throw might be just the ticket to unwind in front of the fireplace mid-winter, that same chair feels like a deathtrap with its icky, sticky, heat-trapping upholstery. Luckily, we’ve uncovered five great finds for summer decor, including a few pieces of furniture that can save you from that dreaded moment of literally peeling yourself off of your couch.

If you’re moving into a new space and need some ideas for making it look great this summer, read on (and congratulations on your new place). And if you’re staying right where you are and just want to add some warm-weather flair to your abode, we’ve got suggestions for you, too.

1. Swing on a star

First up, there’s the ever-boho hanging chair, which comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. On the pricier end, there’s Anthropologie’s version, the Melati hanging chair, in all its dreamcatcher-inspired glory, and while this more downmarket sky hammock chair isn’t quite as pretty to look at, it sure is awesome to sit in and swing a sweltering Saturday afternoon away with a good movie or even better book. (Of course, you can always go full hippie and install ayurt-esque hanging cocoon in your backyard.)

2. Hang loose in a hammock

Of course, one might argue that a swing chair’s small potatoes compared to the mother of all summer lounge equipment — the hammock. If you’re lucky enough to have the patio space or a yard to hang one in, all the better; if not, well — you can always go back to the options above. But if your home affords you the space to stretch out on a timeless summer classic, by all means, do so: they’re available herehere and even here.

3. Craft some cocktails (or make some mocktails)

There’s no better time of year for a tall, cold glass of iced tea, a tangy margarita teeming with salt or a frozen mug full of good beer. So serve it up in style with a sweet set of glasses and an eye-catching pitcher. Some of our favorites: the BPA-free infuser pitcher from Primula, therecycled margarita glass from Sur la Table, and of course, a set of handmade, self-proclaimed “redneck wine glasses” just perfect for hot-weather sipping.

4. Grow some greens

Schlepping around in the heat to bring groceries and takeout food home is no joke when it’s greater than 90 degrees outside. So if you’re even remotely talented in the kitchen, consider starting an indoor herb garden to add a little flavor to your concoctions and spruce up your space while you’re at it. Keep it simple with a window ledge planter, or get more intense with avertical garden or some space-saving pendant plants. Cilantro, anyone?

5. Bring the beach home

If you don’t want to make any permanent changes or additions that might feel out of place in the cooler months (and let’s say you’ve got no place to store that stuff anyway), there’s always the option of making your place a bit more summery without all that commitment. Check outApartment TherapyBrit + Co and Pinterest for beach-inspired decor that’s easy, breezy and… yep, even beautiful, whether you buy it or make it yourself.


Whether you’re moving this summer or planning something for later in the year, check outMoveline’s free services to take the headache out of the process. We simplify the moving process and save you money by assigning you a Move Captain who helps take your inventory, gathers moving quotes, and oversees your move from beginning to end, keeping it as stress-free as possible. Don’t go it alone. Let Moveline help.

state driver's license

When you’ve moved from one state to another, the array of matters to handle can be dizzying. First, there’s the sheer amount of time, energy and resources needed to complete the move and get settled into a new home, as well as the challenge of forming a social network and establishing a comfortable routine in a new city. Amid the change-of-address routine, the new environment and the hustle of a brand new life, it’s easy to see how tying up loose ends can get tedious. Luckily, though, the Moveline team has uncovered a simple tool to help you figure out how, where and when to get a new driver’s license in your new state without a fuss.

Each state has its own set of regulations about how soon you have to apply for your new license without finding yourself on the wrong side of the law. Likewise, each state has its own individual government entity through which you have to apply, but online resources exist to help you figure out where to go and when. The dmv.org website, for one, offers a handy state-by-state guide to getting a new license, placing you just one click away from everything you need to know.

Even though you’ll likely be inundated with chores and responsibilities as soon as you land in your new community, it’s wise to take a moment before you leave your old place and program in a digital reminder or two to keep you ahead of your new state’s license application deadline. In some states, you may be able to register your vehicle at the same time through the same agency, as well as register to vote in your new state; in others, you may have to work with various entities to get everything updated.

Oh, and while you’re at it, be sure to alert your auto insurance company well in advance of your move to avoid extra charges and lapses in coverage; also be aware that your change of address may mean a change in your premium.

Before you hit the road, let Moveline help you plan your move. By demystifying the inventory process, obtaining moving company quotes on your behalf and assigning a Move Captain to help take the headache out of the process from beginning to end, we can help you #movebetter without costing you an extra dime. Visit our homepage to get started.

money in an envelope

With everything to consider on moving day (not to mention the days and weeks leading up to it), it’s easy to let little things fall through the cracks. When the moment arrives in which your move is complete, you’re scrawling that final signature and are officially ready for a cool drink and a nap — or to dive right into those boxes and start unpacking, depending on your energy level — a moment of panic arises as the following questions pop into your brain: “Am I supposed to tip movers? And if so, how much?”

Here at Moveline, we’ve overseen more than our fair share of moves, and through those experiences, we’ve realized just how much confusion exists over the topic, as well as the sheer volume of little decisions that can make or break the ease of moving day. So here, we’ve provided a quick primer on how to tip your moving professionals:

Tipping is expected

Just like most service-oriented professions (waitstaff, spa and beauty consultants, delivery people), the moving industry employs workers whose livelihood depends largely on the tips they receive from customers. So, bear that in mind when your movers are hauling your stuff from one home to another.

There’s an industry standard

It’s customary to tip each mover $20 apiece for a satisfactory job, or up to even $100 apiece if they’ve really earned their stripes by maneuvering lots of stairs, funky corridors and less-than-ideal parking situations, as well as if they’ve been responsible for a great deal of breakables and heirlooms that were all handled with great care.

It doesn’t have to be awkward

If there’s a sizeable crew of movers — say, more than three — and you feel strange handing money to each of them individually, it’s standard practice to give the entire sum to the lead mover and ask him or her to divide it evenly among the team.

You don’t have to worry about cash

Here’s a pro tip (pun intended): if you hire your mover through Moveline, you can build the tip into the transaction you make online — it’s not even an issue and will alleviate the awkwardness of figuring out how much to tip and how to hand it out while the movers are standing right in front of you. And the best part is, Moveline itself doesn’t cost you a thing.

BONUS

Excellence should be shared: Lots of folks rely on sites like Yelp to determine not only what restaurants and hotspots to try, but also what service providers to hire. If your moving company did a stellar job, pay it forward and let others know about it with a positive review (and vice versa). Consider it your first act of being neighborly in your new home, even if you never meet the folks you help. If your movers were great, your review just might help them score their next move and save someone else the grief of hiring someone not-so-great.


If you’re planning a move and don’t want to deal with the usual headaches, Moveline can help. We simplify the moving process by using video uploads and chats instead of in-home visits, and we gather fair, accurate quotes from reputable moving companies on your behalf, saving you the spare time, money and stress you probably can’t afford to give away anyway. For your next move, don’t go it alone. Let us help. Start planning a move with us right now.

moving truck with force field surrounded by shark and squid

We’re a heavily-insured culture these days. With everything from auto, health and life insurance policies to homeowner’s and renter’s coverage helping us sleep at night instead of worrying endlessly about Murphy’s Law enacting itself upon us, it’s not surprising to hear that moving insurance is highly recommended when it comes to a relocation. The Moveline team in particular is familiar with all manner of things that can go awry when moving from point A to point B, and we’ve put together a primer on moving insurance to make sure you’ve got the goods on what’s right for you.

What is moving insurance?

Simply put, lots of things can go wrong on moving day. From breakables getting… well, broken… to a storm wreaking havoc in the middle of it all, to the moving truck catching on fire, the odds of catastrophe are probably low, but there’s no guarantee everything will run perfectly. So, as with any situation that has you and/or your life’s belongings in transit, it’s best to have a cushion in case things go awry. That’s precisely what moving insurance is: protection against unforeseen destructive forces during a relocation.

Do I really need moving insurance?

In a word: yes. Federal law mandates that moving companies carry standard liability coverage that insures your stuff at 60 cents a pound, but unless literally everything you own is made of, say, cardboard, it doesn’t even come close to being helpful if there’s any real damage.

How do I get moving insurance?

The easiest way to ensure a safe, seamless, sanity-saving move is to work with Moveline. We’re not a moving company, but rather, a service that helps you find the right moving company for you; we simplify the inventory process by using video chats and uploads, and then we gather quotes on your behalf from the best movers based on pricing, reputation and reviews. We oversee your move from start to finish at no cost, and we also offer various customizable moving insurance policy if you need it. When you work with Moveline, your Move Captain will happily explain your choices to you and help you select the most appropriate terms.

One thing to note, though, is the fact that pre-existing insurance policies under your name — specifically, your or homeowner’s coverage — might already cover the moving process. Do yourself a solid and double-check to make sure you’re not already protected; if you’re a homeowner, you might be.

How much does moving insurance cost?

The price of a policy is directly proportional to the amount of coverage you need and the amount you’d like your deductible to be. So, there’s no set price range you should be aiming for; rather, the most important element to consider is whether or not the policy is truly protective of your belongings and their actual value. And here’s a cost-savings tip: if you’re using a self-storage as a part of your move, it’s unlikely you need self-storage insurance; it’s generally wiser to invest in insuring the move itself. Just make sure you clearly read your moving insurance policy: some specifically exclude coverage of your items while they are stored in a self-storage facility (it’s a liability thing), but may cover your items if they are stored in the moving company’s warehouse.


Insurance or no insurance, if you’re planning a move, let Moveline help. We’ll assign a Move Captain to oversee your move from start to finish, for free. We’ll take your inventory via a video upload or chat (don’t worry; no one else sees it but us) and gather fair, accurate quotes on your behalf to make sure you get the best deal possible for the dates you need. Don’t go it alone. Let us take the headache out of your move. Learn about Moveline’s services and get started on your move today.

calendar with moving dates

There are no two ways about it: a long-distance move has a lot of considerations attached. When you’re picking up your life from one city and moving it to another, emotions can run high and even the smallest of inconveniences can seem insurmountable. So when a moving company gives you a span of dates on which they’ll be picking up and/or dropping off your stuff instead of a specific date and time, your first instinct might be to go absolutely haywire. But wait: there’s a reason behind the range.

The Moveline team is comprised of moving industry experts with years of experience helping people relocate from one city to another. We’ve compressed our knowledge of pickup and delivery spreads (also called “ranges”) into a quick guide to give you some insight into the process.

What’s a delivery spread?

First, a little background on how long-distance moves work is key. At any given point in time, a moving truck is most likely hauling boxes and belongings from multiple customers at once; the process of coordinating a truck’s route involves a number of moving parts, often with multiple pickups and dropoffs that must be carefully coordinated to ensure the most efficient delivery methods possible. If it’s heading from, say, New York to Florida, it’s probably making multiple stops along I-95 on the way down to pick up and drop off other customers’ belongings.

For reasons of safety, drivers are required by law not to exceed the amount of hours in a day during which they’re operating the truck. Since it makes sense not to encourage drowsy driving among moving professionals hauling entire homes’ worth of belongings, those restrictions actually make a lot of sense, but they do tend to lengthen the amount of time it takes to get from the first customer to the last in any given route. Needless to say, it’s wise for moving companies to give a date range consisting of several days that can be narrowed down as time goes on. That’s why it’s important to understand that ranges are common and can be several days in length.

Are the dates within a spread guaranteed?

Since each route is an intricately-planned series of pickups and dropoffs for multiple clients, (a prime reason accurate inventory is so critical), there’s always potential for delays along the way. However, your moving company must meet reasonable dispatch requirements, which basically hold the movers accountable for transporting your stuff when they say they will.

If the dates aren’t met within the window that was agreed upon, you can file a delay claim (aka an “inconvenience claim”) along with any food and lodging receipts reflecting money you had to spend while you were waiting beyond the delivery spread for your new place to be habitable. You’ve got nine months to file such a claim, and two years after that to pursue civil action if the company refuses to reimburse your claim. A reputable company, though, will do everything in its power to stay within the delivery spread; after all, the spread itself is a form of flexibility that keeps expectations reasonable on all sides, and a properly-executed move shouldn’t ever come down to a claim.

How can I keep the dates as tight as possible?

Generally speaking, when you’re ready for the movers the moment they arrive (i.e., your stuff is completely packed, a path is cleared, an elevator is reserved, and a driveway or loading zone is reserved for the moving truck’s convenience) and your belongings match the inventory you gave them, you’ve done your part. Now it’s up to the other customers on your truck’s route to do the same. While you can’t control the weather, federal safety regulations or natural disasters, you can control your portion of responsibility by being prepared, and so can other customers.

If, for example, you listed your old place as a one-bedroom and didn’t include all the furniture and a correct amount of boxes when, in reality, it’s a one-bedroom with a detached office, a ton of patio furniture and a piano you forgot to mention, you’ve likely thrown a wrench into things. Although movers take a margin of error into account to avoid mishaps, they rely on accurate inventory checklists to keep everything straight and the truck from getting overloaded.

The good news is, Moveline can take the guesswork out of the inventory process; instead of a moving company representative coming to your home and eyeballing your stuff or relying on you to give them a clear picture of what they’re moving, we’ll do a video chat with you or walk you through the process of inventorying your home on video and uploading it to our server; from there, we’ll do the dirty work and knock out an accurate inventory your movers can count on. The coolest part is, we do it for free, and we assign you a Move Captain to oversee your move from start to finish. You can even pay your movers through us, including tip. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.


Get moving asap

So, if you’re planning a move (whether it’s long-distance or local), don’t go it alone. You can let us assist you by planning your move through the Moveline homepage even if you’re only a couple of weeks away from your move date. Forget the stress and strain and let us help you#movebetter.