apacheadmin – Page 4

How to Choose A Reputable Moving Company

August 26, 2014 by apacheadmin Leave a Comment

How to Find a Reputable Moving Company: Must-Haves

While the act of moving can be a huge change, making a decision for your moving needs can be just as big. The moving company you choose will be in possession of your belongings and will be the main facilitator in making your new place become your new home. So when it comes to narrowing down your choices for a moving company, consider these factors:

Do I trust this moving company? The answer should be “absolutely”. They will be providing the transportation of your prized items, which means that it should be safe, protected, prompt, and insured. At Apache Moving, we aim to provide the best quality of service so that you do not have to worry.

Is the moving company accredited and licensed? If not, your best option is to look for other moving companies. When it comes to moving your home, you do not want to take any risks. Apache Moving is accredited by the Austin Better Business Bureau and belongs to the Southwest Movers Association.

What do others say about the moving company? Previous experiences say a lot about their service. If you can get some honest opinions about a moving company, it will tell you directly about how they may manage your move. For testimonials about Apache Moving, click here.

Call us today at 512-452-4799 to see how we can become your Austin moving company.

Filed Under: Blog, Moving

How Residential Movers Can Remodel Their Homes To Sell

August 26, 2014 by apacheadmin Leave a Comment

Remodeling to Sell…Is it Worth It?

Trying to sell your home for a fair price is difficult, especially as you prepare to move. It can be difficult to decide whether to sell the house as-is or renovate. Homeowners often realize that they must invest into renovating or remodeling their property before it is ready to sell on the market. Choosing which projects or areas to put your time and money into is challenging, however. But with some insightful planning, it can be done with a limited budget to appeal to more potential buyers.

Use your money on smaller, affordable renovations that make an obvious impact. Door replacements, new coats of paint, or any upgrades to the exterior can be simple projects that will impress buyers.

Another area to consider upgrading is the overall efficiency of your home. Whether it’s the A.C. unit, kitchen appliances, or just adding insulation, improving the energy usage of the home will always be attractive.

Remodeling the interiors can be tricky for homeowners. Adding additional rooms or taking on costly renovations may not always pay off. However, adding modifications within your existing space can be great and affordable. Try putting in more storage space in rooms or even expanding rooms altering walls. This will allow potential buyers to visualize their own life within your house.

After you have remodeled and sold your home, it is time to celebrate and get ready to move into your new one. Residential movers can begin to relax here, because Apache Moving can make it a simple process. Call us at 512-452-4799 to find out how we can help.

Photo Credit: NancyHugoCKD.com via Compfight cc

Filed Under: Blog, Home Ownership, Moving

3 Tips for Long Distance Moving

August 20, 2014 by apacheadmin Leave a Comment

Ready for some new scenery? Packing up and moving from one city to another is no small feat. It takes detailed planning, hard work, and lots of help. Luckily, we’ve been on the other side and know that it can be an easy process when done correctly. So here are some tips to help with long-distance moving.

Get rid of all that junk – We’ve all been there. While in the early stages of packing and moving, you’ll notice everything you’ve accumulated. Well, it’s time to clean it up and make some decisions. Donate items you don’t need and free yourself of some headaches when it comes to the moving process. It’s best to also think about the space you are moving into and how much will fit there.

Make a schedule for yourself – Things can get overwhelming when moving a long distance. So plan ahead to make it as stress-free as possible when moving day or week hits. Create a calendar outlining when things needed to be organized, packed, moved by movers, and delivered. Also include your own travel plans to your new home so that everything can run smoothly.

Pack like you’ve never packed before – The longer the distance, the more bumps in the road. This means the more potential damage that could occur to your belongings. Let’s avoid that. With proper packing, protection, and safety precautions, it is indeed possible to get your things moved a long distance without damage. In fact, it’s best to let us help you as our experience and professional training has prepared us for a daunting task.

For more great long-distance moving tips like these, check out our Facebook and Twitter! If you are in the greater Austin, TX, area and getting ready for a move, contact us, your Austin movers at Apache Moving and Storage, for all of your boxes and other packing materials. Call (512) 452-4799 to speak with us about your next move or browse our Austin Storage page to learn more.

Photo Credit: Kay Gaensler via Compfight cc

Filed Under: Blog, Moving

3 Things to Know Before Buying Into a Homeowners Association

August 20, 2014 by apacheadmin Leave a Comment

Moving to Austin? Do Your Research…

When looking for a new home, there are countless factors to consider. One thing that often gets overlooked during a purchase of your new place is the homeowners association that goes along with it. So before you sign on the dotted line and call your local Austin moving company, it is smart to factor HOAs into your budget, lifestyle, and more. Here are 3 things to know before buying a house with HOA.

Member dues of homeowners associations are typically paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. Talk with the seller or realtor to get a clear picture of how much you will need to pay and add it into the cost of your new home.
Associations also establish strict rules about homeownership that usually regulate lawn maintenance, home design, parking, and more. You should carefully review the rules to ensure you and your family can follow.
If you like to be involved in your community or neighborhood, a homeowners association may be the perfect avenue for you. There are often opportunities to volunteer for a committee or serve on the board of directors, which will help you meet neighbors.

If you are ready to make the big move to Austin or within Austin, contact Apache Moving & Storage for a moving quote and a discount.

Photo Credit: Kendyl Young via Compfight cc

Filed Under: Blog, Home Ownership

Why Your House Isn’t Selling

July 11, 2014 by apacheadmin Leave a Comment

If you’ve had your house on the market for a while but have had trouble getting interested buyers, there could be many factors. The good news is that there are
some simple steps to help you change that. Here are a few common reasons why your home could be warding off potential buyers:

Garage or bedroom transformed into something else – If you have altered any rooms or your garage such as an office or an extra living area, it may be a negative for buyers, especially if you have installed any built-in furniture. Buyers want to see their own life in the space, and altered parts of the house may prohibit them the flexibility to make it their own.

Hardwood floors under the carpet – There’s no reason you should be hiding beautiful hardwood flooring with carpet. Hardwood is cleaner looking, aesthetically pleasing, and better for those with allergies. A buyer can always add carpet if needed.

Extreme light fixtures or décor – Showing your own personality in your home is great, but if you’re trying to sell, it’s best to showcase a “blank canvas” for buyers. So those huge over-the-top lighting fixtures, kids’ room murals, or quirky wall pieces should be removed.

Outdated appliances – Sometimes, replacing that “retro” stove (as much as you love it) may be all you need to make over your kitchen and bring it into the 21st century. Buyers often date the entire home based on its appliances, so this could help greatly.

Ready for Next Steps: Moving & Storage?

By recognizing these things about your own home and making some minor changes, it’s possible to sell your house in no time! Once you’ve got that done, you can carry on to packing and moving into your new home.

That’s where Apache Moving & Storage comes in. We’ll be there to make sure all your Austin moving and storage needs are met, making it a cinch for you. Contact us online or call (512) 452-4799.

Filed Under: Blog, Moving

Hassle Free Summer Storage for College Students

June 3, 2014 by apacheadmin Leave a Comment

If you’re a college sophomore or older, you’re probably familiar with the hassles of storing your stuff over the summer. If you live in a dorm, you have no choice but to completely vacate your room. If you live in an apartment, perhaps you are leaving town for several months to travel abroad, or for a summer job or internship. Below are the pro’s and con’s of several options:

Dorm Storage

Pro: Some college dorms may offer free storage options, even conveniently located near the dorm you’re moving out from or the one you’re moving to in the fall.
Con: Space is first-come, first-serve, and it may not be properly secured from theft, critters, or the climate. You have to figure out how how to move and properly package everything yourself so it doesn’t get mixed up with other students’ stuff.

Friend’s Garage

Pro: Most likely absolutely free! You may even get your friends to help you move your belongings in.
Con: If your friend has housemates you don’t know or trust, or your friend ends up traveling for the summer, this may not be your most reliable or accessible option.

Mini Storage

Pro: There are many affordable mini storage facilities around town, you get a unit all to yourself, and you have the convenience of accessing it whenever you want.
Con: Because people are coming and going, and there is not always someone on site to monitor the units, this leads to a high incidence of theft, illegal activities, and units being used for something other than what they were intended for.

Vaulted Storage

Pro: 24/7 security, convenient payment model, and a climate control feature. Vaulted storage has become an innovative and appealing storage unit system, with professional movers who can help you pack and store your items — including furniture.
Con: Although it may be a bit more expensive than “free or cheap,” knowing your belongings are safe and sound is absolutely worth it. By using some of the less expensive options, you may wind up paying more if your stuff is stolen or damaged. So this option really is a win-win all around!

Learn more about Apache Moving & Storage’s 12,000 square foot warehouse vaulted storage or call (512) 452-4799.

Photo Credit: KkleinRN via Compfight cc

Filed Under: Storage

Getting Ready to Sell Your Home? Spring Cleaning Is a Must!

May 29, 2014 by apacheadmin Leave a Comment

A thorough spring cleaning is one of the best things you do for your home all year, and it shows your home at its best. It doesn’t matter if you’re setting the stage to sell your house or moving into a newly purchased one, there are several ways to make cleaning more effective.

Make Cleaning Part of Your Moving Checklist

Carpet Stains: The best thing is to flush the spill with cold water, as stains will be less likely to set, and to blot up the liquid quickly. A portable spot cleaner or wet/dry vacuum also does the trick. Lingering odor? Rinse again with a half-vinegar/half-water solution. As a last resort, you may just need to bring in professional carpet cleaners

Wall Stains: Try a clean cloth/sponge and water. If it’s still not coming off, use mild soap diluted in water (dip the cloth/sponge or apply soap directly to stain). In extreme cases, you may want to use an all-purpose cleaning product. Be sure to rinse the wall with water if you use any of these methods.

Tile Grime: Tile in your bathroom or kitchen can be cleaned with a water/baking soda mixture or a “neutral pH” product.

Mildewed and Scratched Countertops: Mildew and soap scum can be scrubbed away with 1/2 cup of ammonia in a gallon of water, while a few drops of ammonia and a small amount of peroxide do the trick with coffee or juice stains. Small scratches can be buffed away with “grade 0000” superfine, dry steel wool.

Read about more spring cleaning tips on House Beautiful.

We hope these cleaning tips get your home feeling spring-fresh once more. For more home ownership advice, like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter!

Photo Credit: aforero via Compfight cc

Filed Under: Home Ownership, Moving

Dangers of Self Storage Facilities

May 8, 2014 by apacheadmin Leave a Comment

Investing in self storage facilities may seem cheap and convenient, but the risks they pose far outweigh what you think you’re saving in money. In the end, they could end up costing you a lot more. Self or mini storage units can have a number of dangers as well as health concerns.

Because people are coming and going, and there is not always someone on site to monitor the units, this leads to a high incidence of theft, illegal activities, and units being used for something other than what they were intended for. Some of these dangers include:

Thieves: Simply put, thieves lurk where there are valuable items and an absence of people. Most people are either going to visit their storage units during the day, which puts their belongings in peril of getting stolen at night.
Live-in Tenants and Pets: Some people, due to unforeseen circumstances, have started to live in their storage units. Although this is a sad situation, this could lead to unsanitary environments. In addition, there have been cases of pets being stored in storage units, which can not only be unsanitary but also dangerous.
Illegal Activities: Periodically, there may be people who store and sell drugs out of storage units, which ultimately attracts other criminal activity.
Exposure to the Elements: If the storage unit is not climate controlled, this puts your belongings at risk to the cold or hot weather, in addition to humidity, rodents, and insects.

Vaulted Storage is the Safest Option

The advantages of storing your belongings in Apache Moving & Storage’s 12,000 square foot warehouse are 24/7 security, our payment model, and a climate control feature. Austin storage units have evolved to a more innovative and appealing storage unit system: the vaulted storage method.

The warehouse is monitored by on-site personnel during the day, as well as 24-hour security cameras. In order to protect your belongings from bugs and rodents, the building is exterminated quarterly. Your secure storage unit is competitively priced with custom options such as climate control.

For more information call (512) 452-4799.

Photo Credit: michaelgoodin via Compfight cc

Filed Under: Storage

Using Your Tax Refund: Home Improvements That Add Value

April 10, 2014 by apacheadmin Leave a Comment

Home improvement is not just a classic 90s sitcom – it’s also how you choose to use your tax refund. The great thing about tax refunds is that they can be used any way you want. The number of things you can do with your tax refund is limitless, but using your money on home improvements that add value will be a great long-term investment, especially when you’re ready to move and sell your home. Think about why you bought your home in the first place. Were there changes you wish you could make? Now’s your chance!

Major Home Improvements

According to HGTV.com, 33 percent of homebuyers are more likely to buy a recently renovated home. The master bedroom is the part of a home which homebuyers will be excited to see. An expected luxury, it is much more inviting as a large, spacious room with tons of storage space and a great closet.

New windows may not seem like a valuable, or even a fun improvement, but they have a few benefits. Since 30 percent of energy leaks through the windows in an average home, energy-efficient windows will save energy and money in the long run. While reducing the cost of heating and cooling your home, this aspect will also be attractive to potential home buyers, if you ever decide to put your home on the market.

Small Home Improvements That Go A Long Way

With a fresh coat of paint, your home will seem like new to you. Scuffs, holes, and marks will disappear from your sight and memory with new walls. Another great thing about a brand new color scheme is that it isn’t difficult to do and one of the least expensive home improvements.

Returning to the idea of renovation, updating your bathrooms will be worth your while. If you have an outdated bathtub, sink, vanity, or tile, now would be a good time to make some new changes. Even changing small things like towels, accessories, and light fixtures will make a difference in your home improvement mission.

Begin Planning ASAP

The smallest changes can make the biggest difference, so we hope you enjoy thinking of ways to spend your tax refund on home improvements that add value! Tell us how you used your tax return to improve your home on our social media channels. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more tips like these!

Source: HGTV.com

Filed Under: Home Ownership

Hiring a Local Moving Company

April 1, 2014 by apacheadmin Leave a Comment

Moving can be a stressful experience, and it can be extra stressful if you have accumulated many years of belongings in your old home, if you’re moving with small children or pets, or if you have a short window of time to move into your new home. On top of that, there is the stress of wondering whether your movers are not only professionally qualified, but also trustworthy and reliable. Hiring a local moving company can help relieve a lot of that stress!

Benefits of Hiring a Local Moving Company

1) Accountability — with a smaller, local moving company, employees are usually managed directly by the owner or president, so there’s a higher level of responsibility to make sure your move goes well!

2) Word of Mouth Reputation — the owner and employees of a local moving company might very well live in the same neighborhood as you or your family and friends, so chances are, someone you know has used their services!

3) Smaller Carbon Footprint — although a local moving company such as Apache Moving & Storage does offer services throughout Texas, if you are only moving across town, you can be sure your moving truck is only traveling a short distance — and therefore using less fuel — to get to you.

4) Family Values — family-owned businesses mean that the business is run like a family, so you and your belongings will be treated the way you treat your family members…with care and respect.

5) Support Your Local Economy — spend your dollars locally to create a stronger local business community!

For a free quote, contact Apache Moving and Storage, located in the greater Austin area, providing daily service throughout Texas.

Filed Under: Moving