Signs of a Bad Moving Company:

You have probably been told or read moving advice regarding how to pick a good moving company. However, sometimes you think you have chosen the right one based on what you believe you should be looking for, but you miss the warning signs that are essentially waving a red flag and telling you to run. Even if it is moving day, if you have suddenly gotten a bad vibe about the company, trust your instinct. You are better to cancel and find someone else than deal with a nightmare experience. Below are signs that you should not let a mover handle your move.
Won’t Provide a Quote
If a mover is only willing to provide an estimate, this is a good indication to look elsewhere. They will likely give you a low estimate and then add on a bunch of hidden charges. A reputable mover will want to come see what you have and will provide an actual quote.
Representatives Are Unprofessional
This includes everyone from the person who answers the phone to the mover in charge of your transaction. Anyone representing the company you hire should be professional. So, they should be able to provide clear answers to all your questions. They must be pleasant and dressed appropriately. The last thing you need is your new neighbors peeking through the windows to see one mover wearing a shirt with profanity and another flicking his cigarette on their lawn.
Movers Arrive Late
Okay, there has to be a little flexibility here. If you are moving out of Manhattan and your movers are 5 minutes late because they have been circling the block 15 minutes looking for a parking space, this is understandable. However, if your move is schedule for 9 am, and it is now close to noon, and they are still not there, this is an obvious problem. There is a good chance that they double booked you with someone else, not caring that one of the two of your would be upset.
Providing Services Without Asking
If your mover arrives and start disassembling furniture items and wrapping other items in bubble wrap or blankets you need to stop them and gain control of the move. They are not doing this to be kind. These random acts are going them an excuse to increase your bill. Do not let them provide any additional services without asking permission and telling you the price first.
Charging for Time
It is never a good idea to hire a mover that provides you with an hourly price. In most cases a move that should take two hours suddenly takes four. Not to mention, they are likely charging for the drive to your address and of course, they are charging for the drive to your new home.
Bad Reviews
If people took time out of their busy day to write a review or file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, Attorney General, or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration there is probably a very good reason. Even if they wrote a review on Yelp or a directory to stay away from the company, this is moving advice you should not take lightly.

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The 2 best tips for moving in with friends:

The age of the roommate is upon us, and with that comes a host of challenges. But with some easy to follow advice from an experienced roommate, the opportunity for successful cohabitation is yours.
Over 25% of Millennials report to living with one or more roommates.
I am part of that 25% and living proof that it’s possible to be one of a few young professionals living together under one roof. All it takes is some preparation beforehand and a careful regard for each other’s space.

Create a chore chart

As annoying as it sounds, one simple chart can bring years of peace to a home. In order for proper balance to be maintained, take turns completing basic cleaning duties in your home. On our fridge, under a cute ladybug magnet, is a chore list with rotating initials. As soon as your initial is up, you are responsible for that chore. The best part is one can do the vacuuming as soon their initials are up. You’ll find that it feels great to get the chore done quickly so that you can cross your initials off – this results in a super clean home at all times! The following chores are on our list:

• Garbage
• Recycling
• Compost
• Vacuuming
• Bathrooms
• Sweeping/Mopping
• Back Deck & Front Porch
• Oven & Kitchen Cabinets

Set the ground rules

No one looks forward to a rule-setting meeting, but think about the future headaches you’ll be saving yourself from. Set up a time to sit down with a nice beverage and have a discussion with each other. Outline each other’s expectations in order for all roommates to understand and therefore respect each other’s boundaries. Here are some suggestions on the rules to discuss and agree upon:

• When is quiet time on weeknights and weekends?
• What are the guest expectations (how many, how often etc.)? We use a Google Calendar to book our guest room ahead of time, including reminder alerts so that no one is caught off guard with strangers in the house.
• What is the protocol for using and sharing common areas (TV room, kitchen, radio, BBQ, fireplace etc.)
• Establish a streamlined process for rent & bill payment (online banking is the best for this.)
• What constitutes a universal grocery vs. an individual item? (Olive Oil = universal grocery. Orange Juice = individual item.)
• Who is responsible for the house pet?

Even if college is in your rear view mirror and you’re no longer satisfied with milk crates as end tables, you still have the opportunity to live with roommates without compromising your standards. The preceding two tips will help establish respect and organization when necessary so that you, and your friends, can continue to live beautifully.