computerHere at Moveline, we take our customers’ needs seriously. It’s important to us to provide top-notch, innovative services that make people’s lives easier, particularly in the middle of a stressful life event like a move. But the FCC’s current proposed rules regarding net neutrality (or rather, what would ultimately be a lack thereof) is causing a great deal of concern among people-oriented brands like ours, and for good reason. So, we join our fellow “little engines that could” at companies like Etsy, Kickstarter, Netflix and Uber in raising our voices on our customers’ behalf.

Here’s a copy of the letter our CEO and co-founder, Fred Cook, sent to FCC Chairman Wheeler this week. We urge you to take action, too, and let your voice be heard alongside those who stand against monopolies and controlled markets in a realm that should be open and free. Let’s keep the internet fully accessible for everyone, and keep the moving industry — and other industries, too — open to competition and improvement, just like it should be.

Dear Chairman Wheeler,

I’m the co-founder and CEO of Moveline, a Las Vegas-based company transforming the moving industry. For people who are moving, instead of having multiple moving company salespeople come out to their homes to do a walk-through, our Vegas-based team does a live video chat (such as Facetime, Skype, or Google Hangout) with a customer, and we give them a range of options for their move. We’re just over 2 years old, and are about to cross the 100-person mark. At the rate we’re growing, we expect to have created over 750+ new jobs in our first 5 years in operation.

I’m writing to impress upon you that net neutrality isn’t merely an issue in the content market; it’s an issue that increasingly will have an impact on all types of commerce.

Doing a live video chat requires significant bandwidth, comparable to watching streaming video online. Lack of net neutrality represents the potential for both a direct and indirect threat to our business. The indirect threat is a change in the live video chat market. Not all of our customers have the capability to do Facetime, but nearly everyone in America now has the ability to do some kind of live video chat. If through the cable company monopoly, this narrows to only a couple of protocols, the potential market for our product could be narrowed significantly.

The potential for a direct threat to our business is that a competitive service, or much more dangerously, one of the billion-dollar legacy businesses in the moving industry, decides they would like us to pay a toll to be able to video chat with customers. Without net neutrality, they could easily work with a cable company to either drain our resources or limit our ability to connect directly with customers, or to launch a competitive service and give it priority.

We receive feedback from our customers on a daily basis about how easy and convenient video chat is compared to having a salesperson come over to their home. If we weren’t able to offer this service, we would be denying the consuming public a better product and service than is currently otherwise available in our industry.

While Moveline is one of the first services to use live video chat to do business directly with consumers, we are seeing more businesses like ours popping up in other industries. In the near future, for any service which would have previously required someone to come to a business or residence and perform a physical inspection before work can be performed, a video chat company will exist to replace that part of the process, creating efficiency in the market and giving more choice to consumers.

Net neutrality and an open internet will ensure fair competition for services like ours across industries.

Thanks,Fred

If you’d like to take part in maintaining net neutrality and keeping the internet equally accessible to everyone, reach out to the FCC here and let them know how you feel.

boxes and pair of shoesWhen you have a home, whether big or small, new or old, there’s one universal truth: you have stuff. And somehow, that stuff seems to magically multiply over time. But have no fear: with a little bit of imagination and ingenuity, you can clear out the clutter without clearing out your wallet. Better yet, with the creative storage ideas below, you can even add a bit of style to your home at the same time. So, enjoy these clever stuff-storing ideas from the Moveline team.

Organize, organize, organize

It’s amazing how simply putting similar things together can help the whole house feel less cluttered. Retailers like IKEA, The Container Store, Crate & Barrel, and even home improvement stores offer lots of great boxes, bags, containers, closet systems and shelving that can help. Of course, getting rid of things you never (or rarely) use anymore is a great first step.

Put unused space to work

Unless you’re fortunate to have a home designed with intelligent storage in mind, you’ve probably got a lot of unused space. An open wall can be a great place to add simple, cost-effective built-in bookcases. Have space under your staircase? Turn it into shelves, or a small closet. Cloth drawers can slide under beds. Look up! If you have high ceilings, you can hang a bicycle with a couple of hooks and some rope. Or use a wall mount if your room is more vertically-challenged.

Exercise your inner handyman

Pre-made furniture and storage is great, but may not always be the best fit for your specific need. If you have basic skills, there are thousands of resources online that offer free, simple DIY plans for all kinds of storage. For example, with a little wood and wire, you can make a great magazine rack. Ana White offers a huge range of furniture and storage plans that range from beginner to advanced. The DIY Network and Pinterest offer lots of ideas and plans as well.

Reinvent the ordinary

Repurposing existing items is a great way to save money on materials while you create new storage. The key is to look at common items from a different point of view. Often, just by adding a piece of rope, some fabric, a piece of wood or a magnetic strip, you can transform an everyday object into something new. A quick walk through the aisles of a craft store might provide just the inspiration you need.

A standard ladder can become a great bookshelf. Or a shoe rack. Or a pot rack. Or just about anything else you or someone else can dream up. Ice cube trays make great small-item organizers for your desk, craft room, or garage. A magnetic knife strip can keep your kids’ toy cars off the floor. Bottom line: use your imagination rather than your pocketbook to create new storage options.

Doesn’t a nice, organized home just feel better? We certainly think so. Plus, if you ever decide it’s time to think about moving to a new home, you’ll be that much closer to being organized and ready to pack. Of course, if that day comes, Moveline can help you make all the right decisions and save you money along the way, too.

Yard with tree and bird bath Backyards. For some of us, they hold endless possibilities, and for some of us, they just mean extra work. With some effort, you can make the most of a new backyard by transforming that little slice of earth into the private oasis you’ve always dreamed of, or at the very least, a low-maintenance area that isn’t a total eyesore. Either way, Moveline’s here with a roundup of tips and tricks to help you out. Whether you’re looking for a quick spruce-up or a total overhaul, check out these smart backyard ideas:

Plant some flowers

Just because you might not have the greenest thumb of all doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice awesomeness. If you’re trying to go the minimalist route in terms of effort, give a blooming lawn a whirl. Gardenista offers grass replacement ideas including Fleur de Lawn (a product of Oregon State), a mix that produces low-growing perennial flowers that change with the seasons. Some well-placed flower mix, meandering pathways, and voila! You’ve got yourself one beautiful, low-maintenance cottage enclave for a backyard.

Attract some birds

Another nifty idea for your new outside abode is turning it into a bird watcher’s paradise. Even if you’re not a bird enthusiast (perhaps you simply enjoy being close to nature and hearing soothing chirps in the morning), you can easily attract all kinds of wild birds right to your backyard by providing these four basics:

Read more on hosting birds in your backyard here.

Grow some veggies

A backyard vegetable garden lets you get closer to your food, and maintaining it offers a communal bonding experience for you and those you live with — plus you literally get to enjoy the fruits (and by fruits, we mean vegetables) of your labor. Don’t worry if your soil isn’t ideal — raised garden beds are a great solution. Check out Apartment Therapy’s guide to beginning a garden and start dreaming of all the delicious veggies you’ll have.

Save some dough

Whether you’re trying to minimize the damage to your wallet or you just have a penchant for crafting, these DIY ideas are sure to delight. They offer instructions on how to:

From backyard inspiration to inside info on short sales and foreclosures, Moveline’s got your back. We take a video of your stuff at your convenience and get you guaranteed prices for your move. The coolest part: we stick with you (and fight for you!) the whole way through to make sure your move is nothing less than delightful. Get started with by giving us a call or visiting our site!

Bathroom sink While a lot of things that factor into your home’s value (like square footage and school district) are largely out of your control, upgrades are not one of them. Oddly enough, not all upgrades are created equal— some will add value to your home while others can detract from it. The Moveline team is here to give you the skinny on what’s almost unanimously accepted as good (and not-so-good) across the board when it comes to home renovations and their effect on selling price.

Home upgrades that add value

1. Consider the kitchen.Kitchens are a critical consideration for homebuyers across the board. People often look for lots of space to both cook and to store things like food, utensils, and small appliances.

2. Matching appliances.Homebuyers will look for up-to-date and matching large appliances. If replacing them in order to get a matching set isn’t in the cards, consider just replacing the doors. (Moving the old ones out? Check out our tips for moving appliances.)

3. Baller bathrooms.Bathrooms are a close second to kitchens on the list of important upgrades. Luckily, they can easily be updated on the cheap. Simple things like a new toilet seat, a re-grouting of the tub or shower, and a matching color scheme will go a long way.

4. Storage space.A lack of storage space is often a huge detractor from home value — add as much of it as you can. If you find yourself with limited options or ideas, we’ve got tips for maximizing small space, or you can call on places like California Closets for all kinds of solutions.

Home upgrades that subtract value

1. Swimming pools.A house with a pool is a dream for some, but equals maintenance and expenses to others. If you’re considering investing in a pool to increase the value of your home, this is a good item to pass on (and it’s a relief to your wallet, too).

2. Inconsistent quality.It’s ok to have a slightly nicer kitchen than garage, of course, but glaring inconsistency actually hurts the overall value by making the less updated spaces look worse in contrast. The rule of thumb is to keep your home’s quality within the top 25% of the homes in your area.

3. Universal carpeting.Carpet stretching from wall to wall isn’t ideal, but if that’s your situation, don’t worry— replacing isn’t necessarily the way to go. Consider removing it and updating the hardwood floors below or removing just a portion of it, possibly near the door or entryway, and replacing it with wood or tile.

4. Elaborate landscaping.Aim for well-maintained rather than meticulous to avoid a decrease in curb appeal. Let the landscaping compliment your home, not overpower it. Much like swimming pools, to some an overdone lawn says maintenance work — not extra value.

From upgrade advice to tips on coping with leaving a home you’ve lived in for decades, Moveline’s team of industry experts has got your back. We’re customer service fanatics dedicated to making your move as delightful as possible. You’ll get solid advice and guaranteed quotes. Learn more about how Moveline can help you get a move on here.

refrigerator and appliances in boxes Scheming how you’re going to shuffle appliances around for your upcoming renovations without scuffing the floors? Maybe you’re wondering how to best pack your appliances, big and small, for your upcoming move. Either way, whether you’re moving appliances around the house or across the state, Moveline’s rounded up the best tips from our in-house experts to keep everything intact.

An ounce of prevention…

Small appliances need just a bit of extra TLC during the moving process to make sure they end up A-OK on unpacking day.

Appliance moving prep

Erik Christensen, one of Moveline’s many resident move experts, has a few pro tips for moving large appliances that will make the process as easy as pie:

1. Measure, measure, measure. Otherwise you won’t know if your doors need to come off their hinges until it’s too late. Don’t forget to include the handle!

2. Rent an appliance dolly. They’re specially designed to withstand the pressure of appliances and have soft wheels that won’t damage your floors.

3. Disconnect electricity and gas. In some places, it’s illegal for you to disconnect your own gas, so check with your gas company as regulations vary by state.

4. Disconnect water. Remove the hose from the wall and drain all water out of the hose, as well as any that may be pooled in the bottom of an appliance below the hose. This is important to know: movers are not insured to cover anything related to water damage. (If you want third party coverage, Moveline is happy to set it up for you!)

5. Thoroughly clean and dry everything. And keep all doors slightly open during transport, especially if items are going into storage. Nobody likes a weird-smelling, moldy fridge.

6. Secure loose or movable parts. Items like front-load washers can easily be damaged in a move if the drum isn’t properly secured to the frame. Shipping bolts come with appliances for this purpose, but if yours got lost in one of those seemingly bottomless junk drawers, get in touch with the manufacturer.

7. Protect those floors.Make sure the floor is clean (less friction, less scratching), avoid pivoting the appliance as much as possible (it unnecessarily grinds the feet into the floor), and use plastic furniture sliders under the feet of the appliance (thick carpet scraps work, too).

From handling appliances to moving with a pet and even making moving more fun, Moveline’s got your back. Check us out online or give us a call and get started today — we make moving as delightful as a freshly-laundered set of sheets. Well, almost, anyway.

broken vaseMoving is a big deal. From frying pans to family heirlooms, it’s a little scary to think about the opportunity for damage between packing, unloading, and everything in between. But never fear: Moveline is here to offer some tips on how to avoid damage in the first place and what to do if the inevitable occurs. Read on.

Positively proactive

The best thing you can do about damage is, pretty simply, avoid it. One way is insurance — it seems obvious, but make sure the policy you choose fully covers the actual cost of your stuff. If you go sans insurance, proactivity is your mantra. Before moving day, get a good handle on the condition of your stuff and make sure it’s packed properly. DIY packing is one option, but you might want to consider leaving it to the professionals, especially your high value (monetary or sentimental) items.

When moving day arrives, there’s a lot going on and it’s often emotional, but it’s important to remain calm and cognizant. Make sure your stuff and its current condition is accurately noted on the origin inventory sheet, and double-check these items on it:

  • List any extra value items (at or over $100/lb) and their conditions on a separate high value inventory sheet
  • Plug in all electronics and note their current working condition
  • Double-check before you sign (this list is what everything is checked against on the other end)

If there’s anything on the sheet that you don’t understand, just ask. Movers will often use industry abbreviations to indicate the condition of items. A few notable extras are:* CH: Chipped* BR: Broken* CU: Contents Unknown* PBO: Packed By Owner

Pro tip: be a gracious host or hostess to your movers. Let them know where the restroom is, offer water, and consider treating them to lunch — even something as simple as pizza, burgers or subs. Get on their good side and they’ll probably be open to doing a quick walk-through with you for free to note a few things that need a little extra TLC.

Damage control

If damage does happen, all is not lost. Make sure all damage is noted on the destination inventory sheet and consider taking some quick photos on your phone with a timestamp — remember, documentation is your friend if you decide to file a claim.

Claims go two ways: if you got insurance, you’ll take it up with them. The experience will be a lot like filing a car insurance claim. If you move is uninsured, you’ll take it up with the moving company directly. This is slightly more difficult because you’ll have to prove something like negligence on the part of the movers, drivers, etc. if you want to get them to cover anything over the standard. As hard as it can be, if you’re in a claims process, fight the desire to get your stuff fixed in the interim.

If the damage is more on the minimal side and doesn’t really warrant the time and stress of a claims process, you can always get crafty with handy DIY tricks like Tibetan Almond Sticks and these furniture restoration tips. A little elbow grease can go a long way.

Still nervous about your move going smoothly? From pre-move questions to insurance, drop-off, and everything in between, Moveline’s there for you. We’ll put in in contact with a professional mover to make sure your move is nothing but smooth sailing from beginning to end. Check out our website or give us a call and get moving on your move today.

Yellow house with car in frontWhen you’re preparing to move, we know you’ve got a lot on your mind. Packing, cleaning, using Moveline to select a mover — it’s plenty to think about. But if you’re selling a home (or buying one), you’ve got something else to consider: curb appeal. Like any first impression, it matters more than you might think. Here’s why, along with a few helpful tips to get you started on helping your home razzle-dazzle ‘em from the very first glance.

It’s all about the gut

When a potential buyer envisions themselves living in your home (and trust us, they will), you want them thinking about enjoying backyard barbeques and celebrating birthday parties, not doing repair work and reseeding the lawn. A home with great curb appeal tells a buyer, “Hey, I’ve been cared for and I’m in great shape. You can trust me. Just think about the great times you’ll have here. I’m ready for you.” That first few seconds can make the difference between scheduling a tour and missing out on a sale.

Say “hello” to the neighborhood

If you’re buying, similar principles apply. You’re like the new guy or gal at a job. When you come into a neighborhood, your neighbors might wonder what you’re like. Of course, sharing cupcakes is a great way to introduce yourself. But another is to do a little sprucing up of your new place’s exterior. Even little touches show the neighborhood you’ll be taking care of your home, which benefits everyone (especially since property values are affected by the homes nearby). You might even earn a neighborly dinner invite or two.

You don’t have to be Bob Vila — or Donald Trump

We’re not suggesting you take on major renovations in either scenario. We’re talking about easy enhancements that don’t take long and don’t make your wallet cry, either:

  • Keep it clean. Make sure your porches, driveway, and yard are trash-free.
  • Trim bushes, lay down some fresh mulch, and consider planting a few flowers.
  • Swap old house numbers for clean aluminum or steel numbers that are easy to read from the street.
  • Replace exterior lighting fixtures and add a few landscaping lights to illuminate the house and walkways.
  • Refresh worn paint on shutters, doors and windowpanes.
  • Wash your windows and screens.
  • Mow the lawn on an angle, ideally along an existing landscape line (a mulch bed, sidewalk, etc).
  • Get new porch furniture so prospective buyers (or new neighbors) will imagine themselves enjoying a nice summer evening there.

Look beyond big box stores

The popular home improvement stores can be great, but some quick visits elsewhere might lead you to cool, unexpected projects. Your local bookstore might have some books on exterior design that could give you ideas. Craft stores can be great resources for affordable raw materials. Have a trendy nursery nearby? See how they showcase their plants and steal a technique. Of course, you can get lots of great suggestions from websites like Houzz, Pinterest, and even a Google image search.

Accentuate the positive

Every home is unique, so take a fresh look at yours. What positive aspects can you showcase? What less-than-ideal features can you steer eyes away from? With minimal cash out and a little bit of elbow grease, you can restore the shine to almost any home. Whether you’re selling or buying, that means nothing but good things for home — old or new.

Of course, if you’re planning a move, there’s really only one spot to check out: Moveline. We simplify the inventory process, get you fair and accurate quotes from reputable movers, and oversee your move from beginning to end. All without costing you a dime. Let us make your move easier than you imagined, freeing you up to spend time on more important things. Like those azaleas.

two story house with for sale sign out frontSo you’re heading to a new city. Maybe it’s for a new job, or a relationship, or to be closer to (or further from) family. Whatever the reason, if you’ve lived in your current home for a while, you’ve put down roots. You’ve got friends. Memories. Routines. Favorite haunts. Favorite smells. All the little things that make a place a home. They can feel like a form of gravity, pulling you back even when you’re ready to leave. That’s normal. Here are a few tips to help make the transition a little easier for you.

Make your memories real

It’s nice to have something with you that reminds you of the places you’ve been. So, make a memory stone. Grab a camera and document all of your favorite places, collecting photos and smiles and memories along the way. Collect a few souvenirs you can only find in that city. The point is, photos, movies, recordings, and physical objects can trigger and help preserve memories. Don’t overdo it, of course – you’re not trying to preserve your live in amber here. But in your new home, when you have your morning coffee in a mug from that little coffee shop next to your old place, you’ll be reminded of all the good times you had there.

Network, baby

We live in the most interconnected time in human history. Odds are, you know someone (or someone that knows someone) in the city you’re moving to. Especially if you’re Kevin Bacon. Not Kevin Bacon? Ok, what about professional organizations or community service groups you’ve participated in? If they have a local chapter in your new city, that’s a great way to meet new people with similar interests. If you play music, hit the local guitar shop. Like to cook (or eat)? Take a cooking class. Do a little research before your move, and make a list of places and organizations you want to check out.

Embrace the new

Moving can be a time of reinvention. It’s a refreshing opportunity to see, do, and even be something new. So get out there and explore all the things that fell outside your routine in your previous locale. Pick up a new hobby. Try hiking if you’ve never done it. Sample local cuisine that you might not have ever tried before. Grab your calendar and a local paper and check out the events section. Find at least one new thing to do each week.

Put down roots

To make your new city and new place to feel like home, treat it like home. Don’t leave half your things in boxes for, oh, two years. Get stuff up on your walls. Buy new furniture if you need it. Invest in your new home and make it yours. It’s like any relationship. You have to commit to make it work. As you explore your neighborhood, you’ll naturally begin finding people and places you like. Embrace that process. These new people and places will begin to fill in your days and make this unfamiliar place suddenly feel familiar.

By following a few of these steps, you’ll be on your way to turning your new place into your new home. Soon, it’ll feel just right. While Moveline can’t help you with your scrapbooking or networking, we can help you make all the right decisions when planning your move. Don’t go it alone — give us a shout!

thermometer with price tag Summertime means sand, sun, vacations… and an increased energy bill (womp womp), particularly for people who are moving in the middle of the summer and getting used to a new home and a new utility payment. The world wide web offers a lot of repetitive energy saving tips, but being the customer service fanatics that we are, Moveline is delighted to bring you a collective of only the best and most effective summer energy saving tips. Here they are, in one place, slimmed down to their need-to-know essence.

Top 5 tips for saving energy in summer

  • Reduce the use of appliances. This goes for all of ‘em: dishwashers, stovetops, washing machines, dryers and the other usual suspects. Cut down on their use as much as you can, and when you do use them, make sure it’s during the cooler times of the day and that they’re full loads. Put lids on stovetop items when cooking and air dry dishes and clothes whenever possible.
  • Unplug electronics. Whenever you’re not using your TV, computer, iPad, DVD player, etc — even if they’re in sleep or airplane mode — they’re still using energy if they’re plugged in.
  • Use less hot water. From your shower to your hot water kettle, less hot water means less energy to heat it up. Take cooler, shorter showers and set your water heater to 120 degrees.
  • Optimize your air conditioning. Try to keep your thermostat to 78 when you’re at home and 85 when you’re away. Get a tune-up on your air conditioner and replace its filters monthly. Close windows and shades during the day and use fans to keep air moving for a cooler feel. And for long-term savings, seal off any air leaks in your house (check out the most common ones here).
  • Go high-efficiency. If you’re really going for an overhaul, replace outdated appliances with Energy Star ones. If you’re not ready for that big of a commitment, start with lightbulbs and smaller appliances like toasters. (Did you know LED bulbs last almost 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs? That’s a 75 percent savings for you on light bulbs alone in the long-term, and a lot less time spent changing those suckers too. Oh, and they use one-sixth the energy. That’s a win-win for your wallet and the earth you live on.)

More ways to cut your energy bill

Don’t overlook these alternatives for saving energy over the summer:

  • Get a free home energy audit. Most utilities companies offer free audits to find where your home energy inefficient. Take a first step here.
  • Fire up the grill. Each time you grill outside rather than cook inside, you’re saving money on your energy bill. (Grilling steaks? Don’t forget to invite us over.)
  • Take care of your body’s energy. Remember those hot summer days when you came home and immediately cranked up the AC for a quick cool down? Cut down on the need for this energy spike by taking care of yourself throughout the day. It’s simple, actually: drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and wear lighter clothing.
  • Trees are the bee’s knees. Thoughtfully-planted trees can help by reducing your home’s exposure to the sun. Use an online calculator to locate those sweet spots.
  • Replace electric lights with candles. Even one night a week will make a little dent in the bill. (Throw in board games and you’ve got a raging good time.)

Whether it’s summertime energy saving tips, DIY packing or pointers on how to live with a roommate, Moveline’s got you covered. Let us help you with your move — we’ll get you and all of your stuff from final goodbye to first hello without an empty wallet and with your sanity. Give us a call or visit our site and get started today.

Las Vegas signOne of the coolest things about launching Moveline has been the feedback we get from the folks we’ve helped move. When they express their happiness over working with us, when they recommend us to their friends and family, when they tell us we’ve reduced their stress — those are the moments that reinvigorate us and make us work even harder to solve a problem nearly all of us will face at some point in our lives. The more moves we navigate, the better we can make the process and the greater an impact we can have on people’s lives; that’s why it’s so important for us to grow, to improve our product, and to spread the word about our services. So today, we’re proud to announce that we’ve closed a $3 million funding round led by ff Venture Capital (ffVC), with participation from Vegas Tech Fund, Tony Hsieh, and Quotidian Ventures, in addition to several among our original investors.

It’s been a year of growth and evolution. Relocating our headquarters from New York to Las Vegas last year is paying off in spades; while we’ve maintained fantastic relationships with the people and places that gave us our start, we’ve bloomed into the fastest-growing startup in Downtown Vegas, and just last week the Technology Business Alliance of Nevada honored us with its 2014 Tech Transplant Award. While the move was a calculated risk, sometimes, venturing out into the great unknown and making a big, bold move is necessary for success, plain and simple. And incidentally, we knew just where to go to plan ours.

If you’re about to make a move of your own — a literal one, that is — we’re here to help. Thanks to the support of our esteemed investors, we plan on sticking around for a really, really long time and delighting as many people as possible.

Moveline is a technology company powered by people who help people plan and save money on a move. Comparing apples-to-apples quotes, streamlining the inventory process and giving expert moving advice is all in a day’s work for movers, who dedicate themselves every day to make moving suck less. Get started with us now and let us help you get a move on.