PODS Offers Savings and Convenience on Military PPM Moves

Military members are increasingly seeing the benefits of doing PPM moves with PODS. With PODS, you don’t have to waste valuable time driving your belongings from point A to point B.  Also, there’s no hassle of multiple loading and unloading of your valuables in and out of a storage facility. Let PODS handle the driving and storage for you!

Here’s how it works:  You fill the container and PODS picks it up.  They can store it in their secure Storage Center until you need it, or immediately deliver it to your new home.  And, if your home’s not move-in ready when you arrive at your new Facility, the container can be stored on-site or at the destinations secure Storage Center until you are ready for final delivery.  PODS can move you across town or across the country, even to Hawaii.

Thousands of Military members have chosen PODS for their convenience and flexibility, and it’s no wonder why… The unique PODS solution helps reduce stress associated with moving and storage.

Call 866-556-9574 or visit http://www.pods.com/Military for service areas, product information, and packing tips.

First Time Home Buyer Credit

If you are considering a local move or long distance move to a recently purchased new home be sure to capitalize on some of the tax incentives or tax credits offered by the federal government.

Legislative changes in November 2009 expanded and extended the First Time Home Buyer’s credit.  This is a credit for up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence. They also added documentation requirements for claiming the credit.  Be sure to identify and understand the documentation requirements to smooth the tax form completion. The tax credit applies to sales occurring after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. Home purchases completed by June 30, 2010 with a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010 will also qualify.

There is also a $6,500 tax credit available for qualified existing home owners.

Check out the helpful links below for more information on these tax credits.

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204671,00.html

PODS of the World

This blog entry is not about how PODS is an international company (which it is, but that’s not what this is about). I was just thinking about how recently, when trying to find a nice image for a separate blog post how many different images I found that were indeed a “pod but not a storage container.

Exhibit A: pea pods. At least, I think those are peas. Those come up very high in a Google Images search result set for “PODS.” Statistically, I have to think that more people enjoy eating peas than soybeans. Edamame, I’d have thought, would be a more popular search result.

Exhibit B: Apparently, these are a brand of candy named “Pods” created by Mars, Inc only available in Australia. I certainly haven’t ever heard of them, much less had one, but I’m also not at the candy forefront. Despite that, I felt that this was important to show still because they look, to put it plainly, crazy delicious. If anyone has indeed tried these, perhaps any of our Australian readers, please comment below. I might have to check them out.

If you thought you’d make it through this blog without seeing an escape pod, you’ve got another thing coming. If you were convinced you’d see an escape pod, I aim to please.

Exhibit C: an escape capsule from the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Let it be known that escape pods are not necessary when moving cross country with PODS. Moving with PODS is a snap.

Disclaimer: You may want to consider an escape pod if you decide to use a PODS competitor.

An eco-friendly inexpensive dry climate cooling alternative

Depending on what part of the United States you live in, the availability of central air conditioning may differ.  Climates that have fewer hot days annually generally make the cost of installing central air unnecessary while those living in states such as Arizona see central air conditioning as a necessity.   Because of this, homes may not support the duct work required to facilitate central air conditioning if you’re moving or have recently  moved to a climate that doesn’t see central air as a necessity.

When faced with the restrictive cost of installing the duct work necessary to install a central air conditioning system, take into consideration the fact that central air conditioning has it’s share of ups and downs, such as:

• Reduced humidity – A plumber once told me that central air can reduce the humidity in your home. If you live in an already dry state, you might not consider this a plus.
• Energy consumption – Most central air conditioning systems aren’t energy efficient as new models, most times energy inefficiency is based on user habits.  Most people rarely set their thermostat to a constant setting, instead choosing to cycle between temperatures in your home to cool it down depending on daily preference.
• Pricey – Central air conditioning can quickly become expensive to purchase and install depending on if you have forced air heating.  While you can take advantage of seasonality and buy your unit in the winter time, often times there are hidden fees based on unforeseen installation hurdles or inadequate duct work already existing in your home.

However, if you’re looking for an alternative to central air, there are eco-friendly, green solutions called whole house fans or WHF’s for short.  While this is only one such alternative, WHF’s have a few advantages over other alternatives:

• Inexpensive installation
• Very energy efficient
• Eco-friendly

Basically, these fans are installed in your roof at the central high point of your home.  You then open your windows to let cool air in from outside and then you crank up the WHF. The air in your home is then sucked out and the cool air from the outside rushes in to fill the space. Probably has your mind wondering about all the other benefits, doesn’t it?

1. In addition to central air, this could be wonderful at getting things going so your AC doesn’t have to work so hard or you don’t have to wait so long before it cools down in your home.
2. WHFs work much faster than other alternatives because you’re sucking the hot air that’s trapped inside out, immediately. You can literally feel the air moving past you.
3. Since hot air rises, if you have 2 stories, the upper story will experience immediate relief and get some of that cool air that’s downstairs or outside…inside.
4. You’re not using a lot of electricity and the only thing you’re putting into the environment is warm air that’s trapped inside your home. You’re just trading that air for the nice, cool air that’s outside.

Of course, the advantages of WHF’s are based on the presence of cool air outside, making it less attractive for residents of hotter or more humid regions of the country making central air systems or even traditional swamp coolers more appealing.  However if you’re a resident of a traditionally calmer climate and the environment is a key concern to you, a WHF may be exactly what you’re looking for. Check out a major hardware stores or big box stores in your area to find out pricing and installation but traditionally, you’re most likely looking at $300-$600 depending on your area and market.

Have your own ways of keeping your house cool in the summer?  Feel free to share them here.

Professional Packers and Packing Services

While PODS biggest feature is the fact it allows you to load and unload on your own schedule, sometimes carrying boxes back and forth just doesn’t seem as fun as say, watching someone else load your PODS storage container.

Sometimes, when making a move, the work needs to be completed in a small window of time and often, your time is being split between several different priorities besides packing your belongings.  Especially given that packing can be especially time-consuming and without previous experience or proper materials this can lead to a lot of uncertainty.  Will this box be too heavy to place on top of other boxes? Am I packing my container most efficiently?  It might even be difficult to decide what should be wrapped or how much it should be wrapped.

Depending on how much you have, it might even be too much to handle for one or two people! A great alternative is using a professional moving service* such as those listed below:

Moving and Storage Accessories

Nothing says loving like accessories for your move, right? Well, that might be going a bit far, but making sure all your personal effects are secure during your move can go far in the way of peace-of-mind. In many cases, when placing your order you can get things like rope and stretch wrap to cover and tie down boxes and furniture. It’s a little known fact that stretch wrap can make your furniture more aero-dynamic when moving through the house. Less wind resistance = faster moving = reduced energy expenditures.

To inquire about any accessories mentioned above or to see which accessories are available at the location you’re renting from, please contact the PODS call center at 800-776-PODS (7637).

As well, save money by buying the boxes (link: http://www.podsboxes.com/)  the professionals use and pack your belongings yourself (Packing tips link here) so you know your belongings receive the care they deserve.

Seasonal Storage Made Easy

Are you tired of climbing into the attic before and after every season? Do you have to climb over things in your basement or garage to locate your seasonal items? Wouldn’t it be nice if there was an easy and convenient way to store your seasonal items?

A solution to the seasonal storage blues is a PODS® weather resistant container. The container is ideal as you can keep it as long as you need, so you can take your time moving items in and out of your container (as you enjoy decorating for the holiday season). And, there are several sizes available to provide you with enough space for all your seasonal items. The other cool part is that a PODS® container is at ground-level, providing you with easy loading and unloading access. So it’s easier to move the Christmas tree that seems to get heavier each year, the giant plastic Santa singing Ho-Ho-Ho, and the large decorative Easter Bunny.

Here are some tips on storing seasonal or holiday items in your container:

First, it’s always important to protect your items, by using bubble wrap, paper, etc. to help you protect your valuables such as ornaments or that holiday cookie jar grandma gave you. If you have an artificial Christmas tree, rubber band like colored limbs together to save yourself the step of sorting next year. Save the original packaging tray for the holiday lights. Repack the Christmas lights by clipping them back into plastic holder they came in. It will make decorating for the holiday next year so much more enjoyable when the Christmas lights are not bundled together representing the size of a pumpkin.

Pack your items by season in sturdy boxes or plastic bins. When the box is packed, label the outside depending on the season, what the items are, and any other distinguishing information. Ex: Halloween – The Great Pumpkin, or Christmas – Ornaments. Next is to create a system for easy seasonal identification. A system that worked well for me was splitting the container into 4 sections – Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring. Then I group all the boxes/items depending on the season.

When each new season comes around and my container is delivered, I can easily distinguish the items I need, but also know that I can take my time loading/unloading.

With these tips, you’ll be ready to start storing your seasonal items.

Storing Valuables and Electronics

When moving, renovating or even when you need to safely stow values and electronics, PODS storage is an easy answer. Nothing can be more devastating when temperature or moisture damage destroys your belongings. Whether they’re more recent acquisitions or heirloom items, storage center features are very important.

Storage with PODS just makes sense. Some highlights of our storage facilities are:

• Secure – Storage centers are accessible by PODS employees and customers. Only you have access to your belongings because only you have a key.
• Climate controlled – Our air conditioned facilities provide you with peace of mind.
• Humidity controlled – If you’re storing items that can warp due to exposure to humidity, choose one of our humidity controlled centers. (Not available in all markets)
• Store more! – We bring your stored items to you!  Whether you need to add more boxes or valuables to your container or you need to remove anything stored,  we’ll bring your container to you, saving you time and money!

In the event that you need to remove a large number of items from your container, don’t even consider renting a moving truck. PODS can deliver your container back to your home or to a new location and you can pack and unpack your container at your leisure.

Kitchen Packing Tips: How to protect your plates and breakables

Preparation is important when packing away your kitchen, especially when faced with how to handle your more fragile kitchenware such as plates, glasses and china.  Knowing this, we’ve put together a few tips to consider when packing your kitchenware:

• Boxes: Always remember to use sturdy, thick boxes. This is one area where you should not skimp. Thick, durable boxes are key to ensuring that when packing fragile items, your boxes do not get smushed, putting pressure on your fragile valuables inside.
• Stock up on Bubble-wrap, Styrofoam (popcorn, peanuts or sheets) or thick packing paper. As well, most moving supply locations also sell handy bubble-wrap sleeves that you can simply slip your plates into, making packing that much easier.
• Top,  Bottom: While conserving your packing materials can sometimes be a priority, try and make sure to always place your bubble-wrap, Styrofoam or packing paper in both the bottom and top of the box to help cushion your fragile items from impact or the usual movement boxes make while in transit.
• The spaces in-between: Remember to place your cushioning material between your plates and glasses, not just between them and the box.

When packing your kitchen supplies, it’s always better to go overboard with caution.

Have your own packing tips when it comes to your fragile belongings?  Let us know!

Moving checklist – don’t forget to…

We’ve covered a number of packing tips – especially for those rooms or areas that are difficult or create paranoia (e.g. – “Oh no, my china!”). Moving advice would not be complete without a reminder for those small things that slip through your memory like a sieve.

1. Forward your mail: What seems obvious to most is often on the bottom of your to-do list.  The USPS website offers an easy, online way to do this. [https://moversguide.usps.com/icoa/flow.do?_flowExecutionKey=_c88DB6BD9-24A8-3F2E-DE33-2E5B0BC05703_kACF70886-82E6-D852-5327-DA58B3C084A5]. Keep in mind, when changing your address, the forward is in place for a maximum of 365 days but for 6 months following that year  maximum, any mail sent to you is returned to sender and they’re notified of your new address, so that’s not half bad.
2. Update any regular bills, subscriptions, deliveries or prescriptions: Remember, after a year, your permanent change of address expires.  Any regular deliveries that haven’t been updated by you personally may begin to return to your old address if not updated by you.
3. Update your Driver’s License: Another very common oversight is your driver’s license. Remember, even if you aren’t leaving the state, it’s against the law to have your incorrect address on your license. Check with your local police department to find out how much time you have before you’ll get in trouble over this one.
4. Insurance: This next one can be a little somber but you should always ensure that documents you’ve signed at work for things like long term disability insurance, your health insurance and your life insurance should be updated when you move. Often times, we’re with the same company for years so you’ll want to ensure that your contact information is up to date for these.
5. Services: These days, many people have bundled packages for things like cable internet (or DSL), telephone and television. You’ll want to call your provider(s) to get these services up and running at your new home.
6. Utilities: Some realtors, mortgage brokers or even sellers will get your water, gas, and electric services at your house up and running for you before hand. Make sure you check on this one, though! It’s kind of a given but it needs to be on this list anyway.

Can you think of any other items that should be on this checklist? There’s a comment box below and we’d love to hear your tips (as would other readers, surely!) for making a smooth move.