American Van Lines - Ft. Lauderdale Movers

Things to be Aware of When Moving to Fort Lauderdale from Colder Climates

2010-08-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

If you are like anyone else in the nation you would love to move to sunny South Florida. Fort Lauderdale is fast becoming popular among young homeowners and the elderly alike. American Van Lines Fort Lauderdale movers would like to help you make that move successfully by providing you with a list of things to consider before making your trip here. The weather is one of the main reasons that people move to Fort Lauderdale but it can also hinder the lifestyle you are accustomed to living unless the proper precautions are taken.

Automobiles

If you are moving from a place with colder winters or just regular season changes in general then you should consider having the parts in your car checked out to ensure that the weather will not wear out your tires or belts sooner than they should. The weather can drastically change the way your car performs. Your car battery can wear out a lot sooner than you expected in hotter climates due to the battery acid evaporating. Try and change your battery as soon as you can. Fluids in your car can also evaporate more quickly in hot weather.

You should check all fluids regularly. You may end up getting less miles per gallon if your tire pressure is uneven or your coolant and other fluids are not at their optimum levels. Extreme heat can release tire pressure and evaporate most of your car’s fluids.

Driving with the air conditioner on is common in South Florida but it will greatly reduce the distance that you can drive per gallon. Driving through residential areas can put a lot of strain on you car while running the air conditioner because the varying speeds take much more fuel to maintain. The best time to use your air conditioning unit is at high speeds like on highways. Letting your windows down at high speeds can reduce the aerodynamics of your car and create wind drag which take more power to push against.

Dogs

If you have pets it would be best to find out how well different animals react to hotter temperatures. Our Fort Lauderdale movers can provide first-hand accounts about the dramatic changes in behavior some dogs and cats have after moving to warmer climates. Some dog species are more accustomed to colder temperatures and unless you make special accommodations you can make your dog sick or worse. You should be able to find lots of information specifically pertaining to your dog’s species on the internet or by calling your veterinarian.

There are certain aspects of South Florida that apply to all species of dogs. Being that Florida has a very tropical climate there is certain wildlife that may not agree with your dog. Toads are a big concern among pet owners and you can find species of toads that can poison your dog. You should avoid leaving your dog outside at night because these toads like to come out and feed on insects and may come in contact with your dog. Never leave used dog bowls outside that may attract insects that toads feed on. Always have plenty of water for your dog to drink as they can quickly become dehydrated.

Job Market

The job market in Florida may be a bit different than what you may be used to, so you consider securing employment opportunities before moving. Although you will find it easy to find affordable housing you may have a bit of a snag finding work unless you are in certain fields. The tourism industry is seasonal but if you find a job in something relating to tourism then you should be able to find steady work. The medical field is also a field that holds steady in South Florida year-round. If you are prepared for it then you will enjoy your time in the "Venice of America".

For more useful moving tips, stay connected to the movers Fort Lauderdale trusts the most.

The Pros and Cons of Moving to Japan

2010-08-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

Moving internationally always seems like an exciting thing to do and most of the time it is. Depending on where you move, your experience can turn out a lot worse than you had planned. This is why making the right decision on where to move is so crucial. Finding the pros and cons of any country can be difficult unless you know someone who has already lived there. Countries such as Japan can be described as both pleasant and horrible depending on who you ask and which city they lived in. American Van Lines Fort Lauderdale movers would like to state some of the common pros and cons of moving to Japan.

If you’re accustomed to regular season changes then cities like Japan would be ideal for you. This country has 6 different climates in 6 different regions. The northern parts of the country have regular snowfall and the summer months retain a cool breeze. The southern parts of the country consist of mainly islands that have mostly humid temperatures throughout the year. Japanese people are typically friendly, so if have not completed grasped the language and need help, people are always willing to lend a hand. Most of the population has traditional upbringings and values. The elderly are highly respected and the poor receive financial assistance throughout their lives.

The culture in Japan still retains ancient traditions but foreign influences can be seen everywhere. With Europe and North America being the main contributors some places will feel right at home. The economy is said to be the second largest economy in the world. This may be due to the fact that the population works longer hours than most of the world. Some of the strongest industries are banking, insurance, real estate, telecommunications and technology. With so many employment options it should not be a problem to find work here.

Japan has its fair share of drawbacks so you should take steps to avoid them. A common problem found all over the country are centipedes and millipedes. These creatures are as common as roaches are in America. The rainy season intensifies their presence and it does rain quite a bit. One bite from these creatures will require medical attention.

Certain regions offer a wealth of entertainment. The region known as Sake Town is home to many bars, clubs, and other entertainment businesses, but few take kindly to American customers. Child bearing is also another thing to consider, the average hospital charges ¥500,000 ($5,000) for the delivery of a baby and that’s with insurance.

Education is also expensive even for small children; the average cost of nursery school is $2,000 a month. These are just some of the tings to consider before making a decision to move around the world. Once you have made your decision, remember that our Fort Lauderdale movers have excellent international relocation services.

The Benefits of Knowing Your Neighbors

2010-08-11T15:19:00.000-07:00

People in today’s society tend to stay to themselves. Whether it is out of fear or just a language barrier you rarely see neighbors interact with each other beyond a brief greeting. There are many problems with an every-man-for-themselves mentality. It is understandable that you cannot like everyone but getting to know at least some of your neighbors can prove to be very beneficial. American Van Lines Fort Lauderdale movers would like to list some of the benefits of getting to know your neighbors and ways to accomplish just that.

Some people may be too busy to introduce themselves to the people in their neighborhoods but you should at least try and have a short conversation with some of them every once in a while; you may be pleasantly surprised what you find. Sometimes it’s just good to know that you are not alone in the world even if you are alone at home. You may find that a lot of your neighbors feel the same way but may not know how to go about meeting people.

Knowing a doctor or police officer in your neighborhood could come in handy in a bad situation. In the event of an emergency your neighbors could be your first line of defense. If you are a parent, knowing your neighbors is a crucial part of parenting. You could never keep up with every move your child makes so having an extra pair of eyes in your absence could be very beneficial. It is also a good idea to get to know what type of people live in your neighborhood and whether or not you can trust them. Your neighbor may provide certain services that you would have paid top dollar for just as you may work in a field that someone in your neighborhood may have a need for.

Our movers in Fort Lauderdale have witnessed that a neighborhood where neighbors communicate is typically more secure than one where no one ever talks. Criminals tend to avoid places where people are always seen outside to witness their activities. No one is expected to go out and start conversations with everyone in your neighborhood but you should at least make some effort to introduce yourself. Living in the same neighborhood as someone means that you have to cross paths one way or another.

You may see your neighbors outside enjoying the weather or doing some household chore, you can use these types of opportunities to say hi or ask if you could lend a hand. Being a part of neighborhood activities is a lot more enjoyable if you know at least some of the people involved.

If you are new to a neighborhood then you stand to benefit the most by getting to know at least one person in your area. One neighbor can give you some insight on what type of people live around you, the best places to go for a good time as well as introduce you to the other neighbors that you may not have met yet. A friendly community is also more desirable on the real estate market because people usually feel more welcome than areas were people stay to themselves.

Knowing your neighbors also gives you a good place to share any ideas that may improve your area or to voice your opinion on things that you may be against, which can be discussed in the future. If you are new to a neighborhood the first thing that you should do is get to know who lives there. This can give you a head start that can last a lifetime.
Visit the movers Fort Lauderdale trusts most for more useful moving tips.

Combating Fort-Lauderdale Allergy Season

2010-08-09T15:58:00.000-07:00

Anyone planning to move to Fort-Lauderdale is in for a real treat. Fort-Lauderdale boasts some of the most picturesque beaches and exotic night life you will ever see. If you are suffering from allergies then allergy season in Fort-Lauderdale could be a nightmare.

Due to the unusually long winter season we recently experienced, a lot of our native plant species has started to bloom a lot later than usual. American Van Lines Fort-Lauderdale movers would like to offer our new residents some advice on dealing with these unseasonably late bloomers. It is recommended that you wear a pollen mask during out door chores like mowing the lawn or gardening.

A pollen mask keeps pollen grains and fragments out of your respiratory system. You can also try smearing a little Vaseline on the inner edge of each nostril; this will cause pollen to stick to the Vaseline rather then your sinuses. It may be a good idea to avoid being outdoors for too long to prevent exposure to pollen as well.

Although staying indoors lowers the chances of being exposed to pollen it still manages to make its way into your home one way or another. Pollen indoors can be reduced by regularly changing your air filters. You can also use an air purifier to combat the effects.
Keeping your doors and windows closed during times of high pollen counts will also reduce the amount of pollen that you are exposed to.

Drying all of your laundry indoors will prevent any pollen from collecting on your clothing and linens. Brushing and grooming your pets thoroughly before they enter your home will also reduce your exposure to allergens. Changing your clothes and showering as soon as you get home will help you remove the pollen you may have collected throughout the day. Now that you are prepared to move to Fort Lauderdale despite pollen season, call American Van Lines movers in Fort-Lauderdale for a hassle free move and start enjoying the tropical life.

The Dangers of Renting a Moving Truck

2010-07-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

We all try to save money in as many aspects of our lives as possible. Moving is no exception to the rule. People come up with the most creative ways to cut expenses, things like opting to sell your possessions rather than transport them or hiring collage students and offering to pay them in pizza. All of these are harmless ways to save on your move. Renting a moving truck is one way to save money that may also pose a danger under certain circumstances. American Van Lines Fort Lauderdale moving companies would like to illustrate some of the most common dangers one may encounter while driving a rental moving truck.

The first thing that you should always keep in mind is the size of the average moving truck, the smallest being at least 10 feet long. If you plan to rent one you may find it hard to find one in good condition. Some companies offer one way rentals in which you can rent a truck in one city and drop it off in another. Keeping up with the maintenance of these trucks is almost impossible. You may get a truck that overheats after a few hours of driving or one that does not accelerate faster than 30mph. A poorly kept moving truck is just a disaster waiting to happen.

For some, driving these types of vehicles is not really much of a challenge but the average driver is a little more accustomed to driving cars or at the most an SUV. Moving trucks handle differently than your average vehicle due to the additional weight and wind resistance caused by the shape and size. Something as simple as making a right-hand turn can end in disaster because the average driver does not know how to account for the wider turns that these trucks have to make.

The limited mobility of these trucks can also be frustrating as you are routinely cut off in traffic. If you are new to driving a large truck then you should avoid driving in reverse because you have limited or no visibility and can easily cause property damage or damage to the truck. Depending on the neighborhood you are moving to, you will also have a hard time driving through smaller streets and in some cities you are forbidden to drive a truck through them altogether.

You may have wanted to rent a moving truck to save money but if you factor in the cost of gas and the rental, you will be better off hiring our reputable Fort Lauderdale movers who are experienced in driving trucks. Another factor that will make things more difficult is vehicle hitches. These added attachments are designed to be a convenience but can actually make matters worse. The added weight means that it’s even harder to stop and with additional wheels, you have a better chance of catching a flat. Mounting a car improperly can also damage your vehicle. These are just some of the dangers of renting a moving truck. If you consider the possibility for human error it would be a really good idea to leave the driving to the professionals. Call our movers in Fort Lauderdale, and then sit back and enjoy the ride.

Moving Away To College

2010-07-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

There comes a time in everyone’s life when you have to go away for school. Parents usually worry about sending their child away on their own for the first time. American Van Lines Fort Lauderdale moving companies would like to offer some helpful ways to ensure that young adults safely and easily move into the school of their choice.

Before you start packing, we recommend you draw up a plan so your move can be properly executed. You should determine what is absolutely necessary to bring along and try your best to stick to what you decide on. Remember, you are the one moving, not your family so you can afford to leave a few items behind.

Bed linens, pillows, towels, and toiletries are just some of the basic items that you will need. You should bring all of your shoes and clothing because you will be there for a while. Furthermore, you may outgrow any clothing left behind and will no longer need them when you return.

You should bring a microwave, eating utensils, bowls, and a small refrigerator. School supplies should also be included; things like pens, pencils, paper, a computer and folders.

You should bring some form of entertainment for the hours that you are not in class. Items like a television, a stereo, decorations, game systems, playing cards and anything else that you may feel particularly attached to.

There are some items that may not have been mentioned on this list, so consider this a list of the bare essentials for dorm life. The best advice from our Fort Lauderdale movers is to list everything that you want to bring along before you start packing to ensure that you don’t leave anything behind.

Ways to Make Extra Money in Fort Lauderdale

2010-07-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

Living in South Florida can be intimidating if you lack the funds to keep up with the life here. Being that the locals are so laid back it may lead you to wonder how anyone can get anything done in this place. It may even be tempting to follow local customs and start to take it easy but with the current recession that may be a lot harder than it sounds. In this current economy everyone is looking to make some extra money.

American Van Lines Fort Lauderdale moving companies would like to offer our customers a few tips to help them earn a little extra cash. Being that South Floridians are used to a certain quality of life you can offer your services as a lifestyle coach helping people organize their home, exercise routines, work prospects, stress management and reaching overall personal goals.

Sometimes to move forward you have to move back. This means that you will have to humble yourself and go back to doing some of the odd jobs that you would have done in high school. Things like lawn maintenance, pool cleaning and dog walking are all great ways to earn extra cash.

Being that South Florida caters to so many tourists you will find that there are a lot of seasonal opportunities to make money. People from all over the world come here all year round so novelty items like national flags, vacation t-shirts, hand crafted jewelry and other knick knacks can earn a pretty good amount of money. Most people come here for the experience and you can be part of that experience by providing souvenirs to remember their stay here. You may not have much luck with the locals but if you are where the tourists are you are bound to sell something. There are various contingencies that surround street vending. Refer to The Miami Dade Tax Collector’s Office for more information.

If you have the extra space, turning your home into a bed and breakfast is another way to make extra money. You can provide a place for tourists to stay who want to get the authentic South Florida experience.

These are just some of the many ways to earn extra money. If you play your cards right you may find other money making opportunities while enjoying one of the many activities available. Hopefully these tips will help to you make some extra money. Our Fort Lauderdale movers would like to say good luck and happy hunting.

Fannie Mae Mortgage Forbearance for Chinese Drywall Victims

2010-07-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

Our Fort Lauderdale movers have been reporting on the Chinese drywall issue for last few weeks and have followed corrective efforts that will be of assistance to homeowners with the defective drywall in their homes.

Fannie Mae announced on June 17, 2010 that they’ve enacted an “Unusual Hardships” national policy that offers six month forbearance on mortgages to homeowners with defective drywall in their homes. This policy will go into effect in mid-July. Forbearance will be granted at Fannie Mae’s discretion and determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis after an inspection that confirms the presence of problem drywall.

With any legally binding agreement, you should read the terms and conditions carefully before signing. Solicit the advice of a lawyer if possible to ensure this is the best option for you.

Visit Fannie Mae’s website or contact the Fannie Mae Resource Center at 1-800-7FANNIE (1-800-732-6643) for more information about this Forbearance.

Visit our Fort Lauderdale movers frequently, for more news concerning the Chinese drywall and remediation efforts.

Hopeful News for Chinese Drywall Victims

2010-06-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

American Van Lines - Fort Lauderdale Moving Companies recently reported on the status of remediation efforts for victims of faulty Chinese drywall. Your premiere Fort Lauderdale Movers is happy to report that there is a glimmer of hope in the sea of sorrows for many homeowners.

Late last month, Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin (KPT) a manufacturer of sulfur-emitting drywall reached a joint settlement with Beazer Homes USA for an undisclosed amount. Beazer used the defected drywall to build a number of Florida homes.

This settlement comes after two recent rulings by Judge Eldon Fallon of New Orleans who hears hundreds of Chinese drywall cases. Fallon has ordered KPT to pay for drywall replacement, electrical systems, some plumbing fixtures, heating/air-conditioning units, and appliances that have been affected by the drywall.

Their lawyer, Kerry Miller told the Wall Street Journal that KPT is contesting that corrosion can be scrapped off of the metal parts of the homes and that every appliance does not need to be replaced.

The fact that KPT reached a settlement shows that the drywall manufacturer is taking a proactive approach in helping to bring some form of compensation to homeowners. The rulings of Judge Fallon have also helped many see some light at the end of this long, dark tunnel.

Check back with your premier Fort Lauderdale Movers for updates on this topic and information on other helpful tips to ease your relocation.

Indoor Children’s Activities

2010-06-18T15:20:00.000-07:00

So you’ve just moved into your new home and you are strapped for cash. With all the expenses that go into getting a new place, you can’t dream of taking the kids out for fun. Here are some ways to keep children entertained without television or cash, presented by your premiere Movers in Fort Lauderdale.

Cartoon Strip – You may remember doing this when you were a kid. Using a note pad sketch a dog, cat or stick figures on a sheet. Repeat the sketch in different positions on each consecutive page. When you quickly flip past the pages, your children will have an entertaining cartoon strip that they help create all on their own.
Collage – Using old magazines, construction paper, child safe scissors and glue, create themed collages.
Popsicle House – With Popsicle sticks and glue create a home. Your children can even decorate the house with colored macaroni, glitter and colored markers.
Hide and Seek – This game never gets old and children can’t get enough of it.
Creative story telling – Start a story and take turns adding to it, giving every child a chance to add his part. Time the segments so it’s fair.
Charades – Guessing games are fun and encourage group participation. While one person acts out the title of a movie, a character, song title of an object of their choice everyone else tries to guess what it is by making guesses based on your actions.
Duck-Duck-Goose – Have everyone sit around in a circle facing each other. Walk around the circle tapping everyone on the head saying “duck” until choosing “goose”. Who ever is goose will start a chase around the circle. The object of the game is for goose to catch the person who is “it” before he takes his seat.
Puzzles – Working on a puzzle is fun and gives children a sense of accomplishment when it is finally complete.
Household Band – Kids can make music by using ordinary household items such as tin cans, buckets, utensils, clapping hands, stomping feet and dancing. Give the children a chance to practice and record their finished product.
Simon Says – As “Simon” give the children simple tasks like “Simon says touch your nose” do this consecutively and purposely give a task without saying “Simon says” The ones who do the task have lost. Take turns being Simon.

Visit your Fort Lauderdale Movers frequently for more moving tips!

Tax Relief for Victims of Chinese Drywall

2010-06-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

Until now, it would seem that no sort of sustainable, financial relief has been provided to the victims of the defective drywall imported from China between 2004 and 2007.

On Tuesday, June 1, 2010, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed house bill 965 into law that provides property tax relief for the Florida homeowners victimized by the defective Chinese drywall.

The law requires property appraisers to reassess the value of these properties to $0 for property tax purposes. The tax relief will be effective starting the current tax year and will remain until July 1, 2017 unless reviewed and extended by legislatures. To be eligible for this tax relief, a property must have the defective imported or domestic drywall and apply to homeowners who were not aware of the drywall’s presence when the home was purchased.

Governor Crist is being commended by the many that have rallied for homeowner’s assistance since the start of this travesty. Housing and federal authorities such as HUD and FEMA have not offered assistance. Banks have foreclosed on many of these properties and homeowner’s insurance companies discard all claims, leaving struggling homeowners to fend for themselves. Many of these properties have been deemed unlivable as doctors advise residents to move.

Although homeowners were able to claim damages on their tax returns, there hasn’t been any long term relief provided to victims until now. The only remediation for the faulty drywall is complete removal. Electrical wiring, air conditioning coils, copper plumbing, appliances and everything affected by the drywall will also have to be removed and replaced.

The defective drywall emits sulfuric gases that rust air-conditioning coils, electrical wiring and appliances. The drywall has also been linked to serious health problems.

A recent ruling by Judge Robert G. Doumar in a U.S. District Court in Norfolk may have set a standard that could dim an already difficult situation for homeowners with Chinese drywall. The judge ruled in favor of the insurance company, saying that the policy did not cover removing or replacing drywall. The insurance policy did not include damage caused by hidden defect, corrosion, flawed material and pollution.

In the meantime, house bill 965 enacted into law by Governor Charlie Crist have provided much needed relief to victims in the form to property tax credit. Further laws and court rulings that affect the Chinese drywall situation are left to be seen.

Check back with the premier Fort Lauderdale Moving Companies for more on this topic and other pressing issues that affect our community.

Renting vs. Buying

2010-04-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

Since the middle of 2008, our country experienced one of the most devastating economic down turns in recent history. The source of the recent recession has been blamed on a housing bubble. As the cost of homes radically increased, many people could no longer make their monthly mortgage payments. As a result, the housing market began to crash and South Florida began to see an insurmountable number of foreclosures.

Many people have taken advantage of the foreclosures and the housing market has now become a buyer’s market. According to an article in The New York Times, the prices of homes have significantly declined in South Florida, Phoenix and Las Vegas. Economist expect mortgage rates to increase within the coming months however.

Deciding whether to buy or rent is still very complicated as down payments, closing costs and other payments must be taken into consideration. An incentive to buying right now for many people is the $8,000.00 tax credit offered by the United States government. Among other stipulations, to qualify for the tax credit, you must be under contract by April 30 and close on a home by June 30.

The rent ratio is a simple way to decide whether buying or renting would be most advantageous. Simply divide the total price of a house by the annual cost of renting. A number above 20 mean that you may want to consider renting. However, a number below 20 builds a compelling case for buying.

The county in which you wish to buy and the state of Florida has many assistance programs to help with down payment and closing costs. Check with your local city site for resources that may benefit your journey toward home ownership. Whenever you decide to move, get the assistance you need from a great Fort Lauderdale mover I always recommend - American Van Lines.

Save on Your Taxes for Moving

2010-04-15T13:52:00.000-07:00

Today is the infamous April 15 - the last day to file your taxes. However, if you haven't done so, you can apply for a 6 month extension by filing Form 4868 with the IRS.

According to Money Magazine, you can save big this tax season if you moved for work in 2009. If your relocation cost $5,500 you can potentially save $1,540. Here are the requirements:

You relocated for a full-time position
Your relocation was at least 50 miles further than your previous residence

You can claim the cost of a moving company, moving truck rentals and supplies, like moving boxes and tape. Auto shipping, storage, starting and stopping utilities are all the expenses that can be deducted on Form 3909.

If you haven't done so yet, get to it and start saving!

Visit your Fort Lauderdale Movers frequently for more useful tips!