When you move to a new home whether overseas or just across the country, statistics show that a home is almost twice more likely to be burgled in the first year after a residential move than in any other. It is so important that you mitigate possible risks and take adequate precautionary measures to prevent property crime and unfortunate accidents as soon as you settle into your new home.

One of the very first things to do after moving into your new home is to take some simple and easy steps to secure your new home from burglars and intruders shortly after you have moved in. Here are some easy but vital steps to take:
1. Change all locks – You have no idea how many people have had access to your new property, so it is essential to change the locks immediately after your move. This applies to all the exterior locks in your new home – not only the front door, but also windows, garage doors, patio doors, etc. always good to remember to never leave a spare key in the mailbox or under the doormat, or at any other place commonly used for that purpose.
2. Install a security system – Installing a burglar alarm system is one of the best ways to secure your home. Not only will it immediately warn you (and inform emergency authorities) of any potential dangers, but its mere presence on the property may be enough to discourage an intruder from attempting a break-in. Make sure to install video cameras at key places around your home including the front and back doors or anywhere there is a susceptible area easily for intruders to get in. Don’t use stickers of the name of your security system, use only generic ones. Burglars are good at knowing how to get around systems vulnerabilities.
3. Secure doors and windows – Install deadbolts on all doors; install metal bars on all windows, sliding glass doors; use interior hinges, not exterior ones that intruders can easily remove the pins; secure pet doors; and avoid glass doors or glass panels that can easily be broken into.
4. Add exterior lights – A well-lit house is a much safer house than a poor lighted house. State-of-the-art home security equipment, such as motion sensor floodlight or infrared detectors that automatically turn on when someone is in the area, will effectively deter break-in attempts at night.
5. Keep outside of your home secure – Keep your fence strong and secure at all times; avoid tall shrubs around your windows and doors; don’t leave equipment outside, tools or a ladder that can be used to get into your home. You would be surprised how many homes have pertinent things burglars like to gain access to that are easily available outside of homes.
6. Get a big dog – In addition to security systems, dogs are one of the best deterrents to keep intruders out. Burglars will pass on houses that have big dogs in the home.
7. Know your area – Before you move in, do your research of the area. You can easily go to the nearest police department and find out if there is a high burglary rate in your area and any police tips they might have. A neighborhood crime watch is also an idea to create or join getting to know your neighbors at the same time.

Take these simple steps to ensure your home is safe and secure after you move.

Safe moving!

Last week, I provided you tips about selling your goods and items online when moving so you can have some pocket change moving forward. This week, I am going to discuss about items you should never put in storage when you move. Storage companies have rules that you need to abide by to ensure your belongings and others are kept safe and secure.

What NOT to put in storage:
• Live animals/pets – Yes, people have done this in the past thinking that their personal critters will be safe when putting them in a storage unit. This is against the law so please leave them with a relative or friend to ensure your pet is safe and receives the proper food.
• Food – It goes without saying but many people store foods in units every year. This is the most over-looked safety rules when using a storage unit. It attracts all sorts of insects, rodents and other bugs that will destroy your personal belongings.
• Plants – Just like pets, this includes plants as well. If you can’t take your plants when you move, please leave them with friends or someone you know or just donate them to a charity etc.
• Stolen items – Yes, another no brainer but people do this all the time. It’s a no brainer but think about it, it’s illegal and if authorities know, they will confiscate it and you will be arrested.
• Hazardous materials – Anything that can create substantial damage if open is prohibited. Don’t store aerosols, acids, gases, gasoline, pesticides, weed killers., propane tanks (most stored that shouldn’t be), paint thinners, cleaners, car batteries etc.
• Scents, wet items – The type of items can attract rodents and vermin. Make sure that all of your items stored are dry.
• Valuables – Storage units overall are pretty safe but don’t risk it with high-valued items.

Safe moving!

Rainier Overseas Movers Inc. employees are always honored to give back to the community and this year is no exception. Since 2015, Rainier has been involved with a nonprofit organization called DAWN, which stands for Domestic Abuse Women’s Network. The organization is run mostly by volunteers and during the holidays in November and December, they implement a program called “Adopt-a-Family” where they provide gifts and other items to survivors of domestic abuse and their family.

Rainier is proud to take part again in this unique and effective program. Spearheaded by Rainier’s Carrie Bredeson, employees were assigned a specific family to provide gifts and other much needed items so they too can look forward to the holidays this season.

“DAWN is such a special nonprofit for us to support every year and we are delighted again to assist a family in need and give gifts that will make the holidays special for them,” said Rich Haas, president of Rainier Overseas Movers. “Holidays can be a stressful time for many especially those that go through trauma – this is just an awesome way to give back and ensure a family has everything they need including gifts for their children.”

Last year, DAWN sponsored more than 145 families or 450 individuals with the assistance from 60 donor groups and individuals. Rainier employees donated their time with individual shifts to ensure Adopt-a-Family family were provided specific items they requested along with unique presents.

“We are always excited every year to be assigned a family from the Adopt-a-Family program and we plan to continue to be involved with the organization and programs for years to come”, said Haas.

Rich Haas is the president and CEO at Rainier Overseas Movers Inc. He can be reached via our website  or you can call him 800-426-9928. Please visit their website at http://www.rainieros.com/.

This week, I’m going to talk tips of selling your personal belongings and goods online before and during your move.

I always have stated in previous blogs that when you move, it’s the time to do some house cleaning and get rid of items you don’t want or need anymore. And when you do, why not make some money online from your personal belongings that you won’t be tasking with you, and at the same time, “lightening the load” of your move so it’s not as expensive as well.

Selling your belongings online is considered one of the best ways to reduce the number of items you have for transportation. The less stuff you have to move, the less the weight of the entire shipment will be, and consequently, the less money you will pay out of your own pocket for transportation costs.

If you’re not utterly convinced that selling your stuff online before you move is one of the greatest cost-saving techniques out there, you can at least trust the experience and judgment of countless moving experts (including myself of course) who never seem to be tired of advising people to purge their homes of no longer needed items before moving away to another home.

Tips selling your goods and personal items online:
• Selling some of your items that still have market value will make you a multiple winner. This way, you will lower the shipment weight, and that automatically means a lower relocation bill as well. Secondly, the online sale of your personal belongings will earn you fresh cash which you can gladly add to your overall moving budget and then some.
• If you don’t have the time or the resources to hold a garage sale, then selling your stuff online remains the other excellent alternative.
• Sort out all of your items, categorize them, price them, and prepare them for sale. Go online and check to see what your items are worth approximately, set a fair price and post (eg. eBay etc.).
• Make sure to clean and fix some minor defects or damage to your items to increase their value.
• Take good-angled photos of your belongings so they are attractive to potential buyers.

To sell your goods and personal belongings online successfully, you do need to follow proven steps that will guarantee quick and profitable online deals. Good luck!

Safe moving!