Wayne, PA (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) August 11, 2005 -- It's back-to-school time, and college students everywhere are making the move back to college, whether dorm or apartment. Do-it-yourself, back-to-college moves can be time-consuming, and hiring someone else to do it can be expensive. But there's another way to approach the college moving experience ? hire a professional who specializes in small moves. How? Go online for Van Line.
Some nationally known Van Line moving companies have divisions dedicated to small, long distance moves (over 100 miles), particularly ones involving large boxes or furniture items ? just what college moving is all about. An online search will turn up many such companies. (Try terms that incorporate phrases like ?small moves? or ?small furniture moves.?
Van Line moving companies that specialize in small college moves will quote a price to pick up your shipment ? usually limited to no more than 10 to 15 items ? pack them onto a truck with similar loads from other people in your area who have contacted them, and transport everything to a central terminal. There your shipment will be transferred to another truck bound for your destination region and delivered to your location.
You get top professional moving service for a fraction of the cost that would be charged for a direct move of your items from one place to another ? and without the time, hassle or expense of doing it yourself.
If you decide to go online for Van Line, here are five quick tips:
1. Plan ahead. Most Van Line service providers require 1-2 weeks for pickup and 1-2 weeks after that for drop off. Because your items will be going on a truck with other shipments, you'll have to be willing to accommodate their timetable.
2. Make a list. This type of Van Line service requires an exact list of items to be moved, so save time by making your list before you call. (And remember the 10-15 item limit.)
3. Know dimensions and weights. Prices for small moves are usually based on weight. If you don't know the weights yourself, the carrier should be able to estimate weight based on dimensions. They'll also need to know dimensions to calculate how much room to allow on the truck for your items.
4. Save money with boxes. Aggregate your smaller items into boxes, making sure to pack securely. Double-box if possible. It may be cheaper to ship boxes by parcel service ? not to mention faster ? so consider sending boxes by parcel service and separately shipping your furniture and similarly large, unboxed items by Van Line.
5. Ask about insurance. It's a misconception that movers automatically cover the full value of your items if they are broken or damaged. So ask! Most movers will offer full-value coverage, and it's worth it. It is relatively inexpensive, and accidents do happen.