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When Is The Best Time To Move?

October 17, 2018 By

When you are thinking about moving, planning a move, or getting started on a move – it’s easy to let the stress take over you. Sometimes you have the luxury of planning your move, other times life gets in the way, and you have no choice. No matter if you are planning on hiring professionals or planning on doing the move by yourself. Let’s say you did have a choice, when is the best time of year to move?

Moving in the summer

People who have families often times move during the summer months because their children have off school. With people in their 30’s and up, have kids, and do the most moving, it’s no wonder why people move in the summer. The housing market normally peaks in the summer months, so it’s a great time to be a seller. Summer also has warmer weather, and in places, it snows and becomes frigid out, you have to deal and be prepared for the weather. But moving in the summer does have it’s downfalls because of this. One major downfall is cost. Moving because it’s in the peak season is more expensive.

Moving in the winter

People typically tend to dread moving during the winter months in cooler weather places because of the chance you run into snow and ice, and while this wouldn’t be an ideal moving condition, you have to weigh out the pros and cons. With not as many people moving, the demand is lower, and costs are lower. You are able to have more flexibility and control in your move because of this.

Moving during the week

Most moves happen Friday-Sunday because it’s less time you have to take off work, but some moving companies rates skyrocket because their employees could be contracted your typical Monday-Friday, 9-5 jobs. If you are able to take time off of work for moving, moves Monday-Thursday typically are a lower cost for you.

No matter what time of year or time of week you move, the best thing you can do for your move to run smoothly is to prepare. If you are moving in the summer months, while you may not have to prepare for weather – you’ll have to prepare for more demand. In the winter, you may have less cost associated with moving, but could potentially run into weather delays/problems.

If you don’t want the stress or hassle of moving, contact Extreme Packing Solutions to move your home from start to finish. We are prepared to deal with any weather – hot or cold to ensure your goods get to their destination on a timely manner. To inquire or schedule a move, contact us on our website or give us a call at (978) 232-9190 to speak with one of our moving experts.

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How Long Does it Take to Pack a House?

October 9, 2018 By

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, about 12% of Americans move each and every year. That’s a lot of moving trucks! When it comes to moving: how prepared are you for yours? Here’s a few things you should know about how long this process will take.

The Gathering Process

Before any move, you’ll need to spend a lot of time packing up your things and making sure nothing gets left behind. It’s good to start this process way ahead of time — think six weeks or more, if possible. Once you get down to the last couple weeks you’ll have a lot going on, and you might be surprised how long it takes to pack up a room you think will be “fairly easy.” A four bedroom house, for example, may take you six full days to pack (and you’ll probably have to work!).

A general estimate on the number of full days spent packing that you’ll need:

  • Studio or one bedroom apartment: 1-2 days
  • Two bedroom apartment or home: 2-3 days
  • Three bedroom house: 3-5 days
  • Four bedroom house: 4-6 days
  • Five bedroom house: 5-7 days

Not surprisingly, it makes sense to assume you’ll need the maximum amount of estimated time — if you only plan for one day to move your studio apartment but it turns out you need two, you may find yourself in a bit of a time-crunch pickle.

Movers Do it Faster

Many people hire professional movers and never look back thanks to the time and energy it ends up saving. Movers, on average, need only between eight and twelve hours to pack up a four bedroom house. Here’s a handy guide to estimating how long your movers will need:

  • Studio or one bedroom apartment: 2-4 hours
  • Two bedroom apartment or home: 3-5 hours
  • Three bedroom home: 6-10 hours
  • Four bedroom home: 8-12 hours
  • Five bedroom home: 10-13 hours

Of course, these are just estimates. A minimalist household will speed up the moving process, while a cluttered household is going to take longer to pack up and move out.

Why We Recommend Using a Mover

Moving, along with death, divorce and job loss, is considered one of the most stressful life events. Delegating part of the moving process to a reliable company that specializes in moving will ultimately result in a better, less stressful experience for everyone. Not only are movers more quick and efficient, but they are also trained in handling large loads, diminishing the risk of injury.

Is your next move on the horizon? Contact us on our website or give us a call at 978-232-9190 for more information on how you should move forward.

 

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How To Find A Freight Forwarder

September 19, 2018 By

4 Things to Look For in a Great Freight Forwarder

Freight forwarders are the intermediary between shippers and transportation services. The importance of a great freight forwarder cannot be underscored enough, since it can be the difference between your goods arriving on time and in great condition, and them getting stuck at an international border, lost, or damaged—a problem few busy companies are going to want to deal with.

For this reason, you won’t want to be selecting simply the lowest price or the first name in the phone book. Here are four things you should look for in a top freight forwarder.

  • The Experience You Require

Let’s say you’re a car company looking to ship cars from the U.S. to Japan in order to be sold. Car exports are a complex process and your freight forwarder should have prior experience handling this sort of shipment—the types of paperwork you need and issues you might handle are entirely different for shipping clothes or electronics. How familiar are they with export compliance? In order for a car to enter Japan, for example, it will need to have everything from a commercial invoice to a customs declaration form.

  • A Solid Reputation

A freight forwarder should be able to provide you with the names of prior and current clients so that you can make an informed decision as to whether their reputation is trustworthy. It’s also worth doing a quick Google search just to make sure nothing out of the ordinary doesn’t pop up.

  • Are They Located in the Destination Country?

If something happens when your goods arrive to their destination, will the freight forward have agents in place to help address any concerns, whether they relate to customs, paperwork, or something else? Having a network of agents in multiple destinations means the company will be able to respond quickly and efficiently when problems arise, helping to keep your shipments on time.

  • What About Cargo Insurance?

Damage, theft, and loss are endemic to every industry. A great freight forwarder should be covered by cargo insurance so that, in the case of a loss of product, you’re not the one left holding the bill.

When it comes to choosing a top freight forwarder, it pays to do your research. Having a partner you can trust can help you to grow your business and maintain your own reputation in the shipping industry. To find out more, contact the shipping experts at Extreme Packing Solutions. If you need an estimate, have any questions, or need more information on industry standards contact us on our website or at (978) 232-9190 and we are happy to help. 

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What Types of Industries Benefit From Distribution Centers?

September 12, 2018 By

Distribution centers can be very beneficial for some industries. The way distribution centers work are specific to each industry and each company that uses them. There are common benefits and reasons why many industries use them and what they can accomplish.

What is a distribution center?

A distribution center is like a warehouse which items are stocked before they go out to their retailers. This can expedite the process of shipping items out to customers. As companies grow and have common shipping channels to parts of the country, it is common for them to get multiple distribution centers so that they can ship their products out to their clients faster. Some of the most common industries that use distribution centers are online relators, ecommerce companies, and fortune five hundred companies that have physical locations.

Warehousing and local shipping

Depending on the industry, distribution centers can be used for both distributing their retail to stores, as well as direct to the consumer buying the product. Warehousing is known more for storing products until a store needs them to be distributed. Local shipping uses distribution centers so that all of the items being shipped are in one place.

Industries & main benefits

  • Better Control. You are able to create a centralized commonplace for items to be received at, then once ready, shipped out to clients.
  • Monitor your inventory. This is helpful because when everything is in one place, you are able to quickly take inventory and see which products are selling faster, and what you might need to get ahead of ordering on.
  • Your products are accessible. Everything is in one place, if an item gets changed or cancelled you are able to quickly and easily changed.
  • Save time. Having everything all in one place and organized can help you from having to run around looking for things, or figuring out what happened, or what needs to take place next.

Having a distrubtion center doesn’t make sense for every company or every business. It’s important to really understand how your company operates, what your pain points are, and if having a centralized distrubtion center would make the most sense.

If you have any questions on if a distrubtion center is right for you and your industry, give us a call today at 978-232-9190 or contact us on our website. Let us know how we can help you and answer any potential questions you may have.

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How To Properly Pack Antiques

August 21, 2018 By

Whenever moving an item that is old and an antique, how you pack it matters a lot. Antique items carry a lot of history and memories with them which is why it is essential to keep them safe throughout all aspects of any time you move them. When moving it is essential for your piece to be prepared for anything that may happen. We pack and move antique every day, so here are some of the things we have learned over the years and becoming experts on moving antiques.

Preparing for moving antiques

The first thing you want to do is to make sure you take apart the antiques and wrap them separately. This is important to make them easier to move and they become lighter. If you are taking apart pieces and get screws, make sure you keep them together in a plastic bag so that when you are trying to put them back together, everything you need is there. If there are any doors that can open, anything that isn’t secure, make sure you secure it so that nothing becomes damaged from opening. We also recommend to protect with layers so that if something hits the piece, it won’t get damaged.

Making sure your antiques are ready for moving

If you aren’t certain you know exactly what you need to do to make sure it’s properly secure for moving so that nothing will get damaged, trust an expert. We are happy to help pack your antiques to that they make it to their new home safe and intact. We don’t just say we are experts, view our business credentials before you make any decision today.

When moving anything that is important to you, it’s important to make sure your movers make it important to them. That is something that we pride ourselves on, our customer’s valuables, no matter what they are, are valuable to us, and we will do whatever we can do to make sure they get to their destination safely. Contact us today with any questions or give us a call at 978-232-9190!

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Mistakes To Avoid When Packing Electronic Devices

August 7, 2018 By

You’ve invested a lot of money in your electronic devices. Whether you’re a homeowner and are looking to move or you’re a startup tech company in the Greater Boston area looking to relocate, it’s important that your electronic equipment makes it safe an sound to it’s new destination. At Extreme Packing Solutions, we’re here to help you avoid some of the most common mistakes many people make when it comes to packing up electronics.

Do’s and Don’ts When Packing Electronic Equipment

  1. DO Purchase Packing Materials. Ideally, you should always try to save the original packaging for your electronic devices, such as computer towers, laptop boxes, and plasma TV boxes. We understand that space is a limited commodity here in the Boston area, but if you have room under your bed, in the basement or in the closet, it’s best to keep the original boxes and packing materials. If you recycled those, no worries. Instead, purchase packing materials that will fit your electronic devices. For instance, don’t purchase a large square box for a rectangular TV. There are plenty of specialized packing materials out there, and if not, EXPS Inc can custom pack and crate your electronics for you.
  2. DON’T Skimp on Extra Padding. Thick-walled cardboard boxes or custom wooden crates with foam insulation can help prevent dents, scrapes, and breaks when in transit. We also recommend anti-static bubble wrap be placed around the electronic device as well as used to fill any gaps in the box after you’ve placed the item in it. Padding in the extra space prevents the object from shifting around in the box. Balled up newspaper and packing peanuts also work.
  3. DON’T Forget to Label. For fragile electronic devices (which, let’s face it, is almost every electronic item), don’t forget to label the box with “This Side Up” or “Fragile” with a permanent marker. We also recommend that you purchase colored tape or stickers which will designate either what type of electronic device is enclosed or which room the device is to be placed in at the new destination. This will prevent confusion for both movers and yourself when it comes time to unpack everything.
  4. DO Keep Cords & Remotes Together. Keeping electronic accessories such as remotes, wires, and cables together will not only save you a lot of unpacking time, but will also prevent items from getting lost in the jumble of moving. At Extreme Packing Solutions, we make it a point to pack these accessories in the box that the electronic device is packed in. Make sure to use twist ties, plastic bags and additional labels when packing these items with the corresponding electronic equipment.
  5. DO Keep Temperature in Mind. If you are planning on placing any electronic equipment in storage, don’t forget to search for a reputable storage and warehousing company that offers temperature-controlled storage. EXPS, Inc. provides small to medium-sized businesses with temperature controlled warehousing solutions so that your electronic devices aren’t damaged by excessive heat, cold, or rapid temperature fluctuations. If you aren’t opting for storage, we also recommend you keep an eye on the temperature. During the summer, temperatures can rise into the mid to high 90’s in the Boston area which can damage many fragile electronic devices.

Don’t have the time to pack all of your electronic devices yourself? No worries! Extreme Packing Solutions is here to provide you with custom packing and crating solutions. We can also provide local courier services and short or long distance shipping for both private customers and businesses. Contact us today to request an estimate.

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How To Successfully Move Your Research Lab

July 19, 2018 By

Moving laboratory and medical equipment is a delicate, complex and intricate process that should be coordinated and carried out with the help of a professional packing company. There are scientific instruments, animals, computer servers and database systems, as well as laboratory furniture that needs to all be safely packed, transported, and unloaded. These high value items do not deserve to be thrown into a cardboard box with some old newspaper and shoved into the back of a rental truck! Make sure your data and research is safe and secure during the moving process.

In order to help you prepare for the big move, there are a few things you will need to do in order to make the ordeal a success.

Moving Your Lab & Medical Equipment

  • Prepare the animals. If your lab has animals, then start here as it is often difficult to transport animals. Be sure to talk with the animal care director at your new location to determine if there are any specific permits you need to file for. The new lab may also need to prepare and acquire permits as well in order for you to continue your research.
  • Acquire work permits. Different countries and different states may require different permits than in Massachusetts. As such, you should contact your new lab institution to inquire about permits needed for radioactive or flammable substances, chemicals, animals and other materials. Be sure to set some time aside after the move to take your environmental health and safety training.
  • Transfer funds. If you have a search grant or multiple funding incomes, be sure to contact the appropriate parties so that you can successfully transfer your research funds before the move.
  • Decide what stays and what goes. Do you still need that stack of papers that has been sitting in the corner of the lab for months? Is there anything that can be transferred into a digital file? Keep in mind that the more stuff you have, the more expensive your move might be. Discuss with your research partners what samples and papers need to stay and what needs to go.
  • Make a list. While you’re preparing your lab for the move, don’t forget to document a list of every item you are taking with you so that you have an inventory. Don’t forget that there are professional packing and shipping companies — such as EXPS, Inc. — that will also create an inventory list of items.
  • Inquire about packing and shipping regulations. This is where a packing and shipping company comes into play. Before settling on a company, check state and federal regulations first to determine if the items you have need to be packaged and shipped in a particular manner. EXPS, Inc. is ISPM 15 certified, which means we can pack and ship plant materials and other organic matter.
  • Contact a preferred packing and shipping company. EXPS, Inc. is here to provide both local and long distance packing and shipping services for laboratories. We provide free shipping estimates and will also provide you with a detailed agenda regarding how we will pack and ship your lab supplies and equipment. Transparency is something we strongly believe in, so you can rest assured that you will always be informed. Our professional packers will be sure to check all of your containers, properly label each one, and safely secure them onto our trucks for transport.

We understand that your laboratory equipment and supplies are what helps you conduct leading edge research, so why not ensure that it is properly cared for in transit? Contact Extreme Packing Solutions, Inc. today to get a free packing and shipping estimate for your lab and medical equipment.

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How To Determine Which Type Auction Shipping Company You Need

July 6, 2018 By

Buying or selling items at auction houses is a great way to rid yourself of unwanted items, or purchase items that are hard to acquire elsewhere or by other means. Auction houses are also a great way to meet other people in your industry or who share your interests and hobbies. After buying or selling auction items, the next step is to safely pack and ship them to their new home.

It is generally understood that items bought or sold at auction houses are generally worth quite a bit of money, are big and bulky, are fragile, or all of the above. This is where auction shipping companies come in handy! However, many people aren’t sure which type of auction shipping company they need after buying or selling an item. Extreme Packing Solutions is here to help you determine which type of service is best for you.

Types of Auction Item Shipping Companies

  1. Freight or Courier Service. This is the most common type of auction shipping in the Boston and New England area. Many goods purchased or sold at auction are categorized under “Household Goods” which generally means a freight company or courier service is needed. If the item or items are less-than-truckload (LTL), then your auction items will be shipped with other items in the same truck. For those who purchase a multitude of auction items — such as office or medical equipment, or a few pieces of large antique furniture — then you will have your own private truck for shipping purposes. If you end up filling an entire freight truck, then the truck will not need to make multiple stops (therefore your shipment will arrive much sooner).
  2. Blanket Or Pad Wrap. Our specialty here at Extreme Packing Solutions is blanket wrap and last-mile delivery services throughout the Boston area and New England. Blank wrap is exactly what you think: each auction item is carefully wrapped in protective padded blankets and secured, by hand, in the truck before heading out for the delivery. Our packing and shipping company will also inform you whether or not custom wood crating is necessary. Many auction items are pianos, furniture or statues that require extensive padding and then a sturdy wooden box to prevent damage in transit.
  3. Van Line Service. Whether your auction item needs to be transported across town or across the country, van line service is the best way to make sure your items make it safely to their new home. Van line service will involve a van or truck that is specially equipped and rigged with fastens, belts, straps, and other attachments that will fully secure your items to the truck. This van line service will almost always include package and crating services so that you or the auction company doesn’t have to.

When To Contact An Auction Shipping Company

After purchasing or selling items at a local auction house, it’s important to ask how that auction house plans on delivering or shipping the items. If it is not in their job description to pack and/or ship the items, then you will need to contact a third parting auction item packing and shipping company. Most of the time auction houses will have a list of preferred packing and shipping providers, such as Extreme Packing Solutions, that their clients can contact. Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities or to request a quote!

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EXPS, Inc. Awarded Best Courier Service in Boston 2018

June 19, 2018 By

Extreme Packing Solutions has been nominated by Expertise as one of Boston’s best courier services in 2018! Expertise is a company whose goal is to find the best local experts in just about any industry. After looking at 146 courier service companies in the greater Boston area, Expertise narrowed their list down to their top 13 picks for 2018 which includes EXPS, Inc.

The Scoring & Decision Process

Expertise scored each courier service company based on more than 25 different factors across five categories, which were:

  1. Reputation
  2. Credibility
  3. Experience
  4. Availability
  5. Professionalism

Other variables that were reviewed included qualifications, certifications, online reviews, peer reviews, and year founded. Expertise also seeks to verify contact and license information so you can rest assured that you are choosing a reputable packing, shipping, and courier service company.

What Makes Our Boston Area Courier Service Unique

EXPS, Inc. is based in Beverly and ships nationally and internationally. Our courier services include blanket wrap and last mile delivery, same or next day delivery as well as rush delivery with light assembly of items. We cover Beverly, Salisbury, Rockport, North Andover, and the entire greater Boston area and beyond. As an A+ Member of the Better Business Bureau, we are also ISPM 15 Certified and a member of the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association as well as an Authorized Shipping Outlet for UPS.

We’re here to provide our customers with professional courier services for fine art and antiques, medical equipment, high-tech equipment and more. For corporate clients, don’t forget to ask us about our corporate special which provides discounts that are more cost effective for small to medium sized businesses.

Our goal is to always provide reliable, fast and professional courier services for Boston area residents and businesses at competitive rates. Contact us online or request a free estimate on your packing and shipping needs.

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How Last Mile Delivery Service is Reshaping the Boston Retail Scene

June 7, 2018 By

Last mile delivery is a game-changer and is relatively new to the shipping, delivery, and courier service scene. This is the final step of the oft long delivery process and involves precision and coordination on the shipping company’s behalf. For Boston area retailers and e-commerce stores, this allows products and items to get from a distribution center outside the city to the storefront or to the end customer.

This type of delivery doesn’t necessarily have to be the last mile. In fact, Extreme Packing Solutions has performed last mile delivery services for an end destination that was up to 50 miles away. It all depends on the needs of each retailer. The rule of thumb however is that many of the items shipped in this fashion are small packages or mail parcels.

Last Mile Delivery and a Booming E-commerce World

The end goal of last mile delivery services is to allow shipping companies to get more products to the end consumer as quickly and efficiently as possible. Major carriers such as DHL, FedEx and UPS can only do so much volume, and with the e-commerce world growing at a rapid rate, boutique shipping and courier companies are needed for this last leg of the delivery process. With Amazon’s Prime and other e-commerce companies offering same or next-day delivery, the race is on for faster shipping. EXPS, Inc and other last mile delivery companies are here to ensure that shipments are made on time. We know the Boston area roads, have permits that allow our trucks to park, and have the man-power to complete the delivery process.

There are some challenges that come with this type of delivery service, such as larger packages and fragile or high value items. Packing and shipping companies such as EXPS, Inc have adapted to accommodate these types of items in order to continue providing last mile delivery. Our shipping company custom-crates, pad wraps, and even assembles items for customers on an as needed basis. E-commerce stores are looking for local shipping companies who can properly handle items and products in order to delivery them in perfect condition to the consumer.

If you’re ready to take your e-commerce or retail store to the next level of efficiency, contact our Boston area packing and shipping company and ask us about our last mile delivery services.

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