Latest news with #movingcompanies
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State denies license renewal of Broward mover accused of fraud, extortion
The Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services has denied license renewal for moving companies linked to a South Florida man who has left a trail of consumer complaints up and down the state. And, a report out of the Orlando area says the Ag Department also has filed an administrative complaint against Shawn Thompson's companies. An online search of the Ag Department site says intrastate moving license No. IM3311 for Thompson Nation Holdings was 'denied.' Thompson Nation Holdings also does business as Pompano Beach's One Man One Van and Orlando's All Stars Moving and Storage; Next Door Relocation; Todays Move Movers; and Two Man One Truck Movers. That covers moving between counties inside the state (intrastate moving). None of the other 18 companies that trace back to Thompson have state movers license. A search of U.S. Department of Transportation licensing turns up no license for any of the Thompson companies for moving state to state (interstate moving). The above companies are the listed on the administrative complaint shown in a Monday report by Jeff Deal of Orlando's WFTV-Channel 9. Administrative complaints often start a discipline process. The Ag Department's punitive bite in these cases is limited to a cease-and-desist order with fines up to $5,000. When a Herald reporter texted and emailed questions about this to Thompson Sunday, he berated a reporter for contacting him for his response. These are the first state actions against Thompson's companies after years of customer complaints about extortion that starts with a low estimate; includes charging for packing services not requested; progresses to a cascade of new charges once the possessions were on the truck; and ended with the demand to pay the new charges or have their stuff taken to a storage unit for more extra charges. County courts in Orange and Miami-Dade counties entered judgments against Thompson, with Miami-Dade Judge Michael Barket flatly saying Thompson 'extorted' his client in a Miami to Gainesville move while being a 'direct participant in this unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent scheme.' Consumers have successfully gained those judgments. They've successfully sent complaints to the Better Business Bureau, Ag Department, Florida State Attorney's Office and various online forums. But, they've been unsuccessful in getting a state agency to take action against any of the companies that trace back to Thompson, an unincorporated Palm Beach County resident. Various other companies branch from those above. Including companies registered with the state under fictitious names, 18 active companies with addresses from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando trace back to Thompson. The layers of paper that conceal the connection to Thompson for consumers doing cursory checks provide a paper trail to Thompson for those who go a little deeper. As an example, Deal interviewed a Stellar Relocation customer who said his estimated $850 move turned into $3,400 once his goods were on the truck. Stellar Relocation is a fictitious name company owned by One Man One Van. One Man One Van's manager and registered agent: Shawn Thompson. Consumers feeling defrauded by moving companies or any other business regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture can file a complaint through the agency's website.
CNET
16-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Is It Cheaper to Hire Movers or Do It Yourself? Let's Find Out Together
A recent CNET survey found that 36% of people who have put off moving cited inflation as the cause, so it's clear that increasing costs are a concern for many. With that in mind, those who do move are usually looking at ways to make it cheaper. It won't come as a shock that renting a truck, packing it yourself and driving it to your new home is cheaper than hiring someone else to do so. But what might be surprising is how much cheaper that approach is when compared to having the professionals do it. After getting quotes from three different moving companies for a variety of house moves, I found that doing it myself would save me about $1,000 for a local move and as much as $5,000 for a cross-country relocation. Sure, lugging your furniture around as we move into the warmer months doesn't sound like a good time, but is it worth a few thousand dollars to avoid it? In general, you have three options for moving your belongings: rent a moving truck and do everything yourself, pack a moving container and have it shipped or hire a professional moving company to do everything. To determine the cost of each option, I collected quotes for moving a two-bedroom apartment over a variety of distances. Keep in mind, moving quotes are highly personalized -- especially when it comes to hiring professionals -- and you'll probably need to provide a moving company with a detailed inventory or conduct an in-home tour to see exactly how prices will break down for your move. Rent a moving truck and do it yourself Move distance Average truck rental Gas cost Total cost 10 miles $44 $4 $48 100 miles $343 $36 $379 500 miles $799 $182 $981 1,000 miles $1,036 $364 $1,400 3,000 miles $3,102 $1,092 $4,194 These truck prices reflect the cheapest options available from three of the most popular rental companies. These are the simplest packages available for a 15- or 16-foot truck rental -- no insurance, no packing supplies and no car towing. (Learn more about picking the right rental truck size here.) The amount of time you have with the truck typically depends on how far you're going. For a move from Seattle to Bakersfield, for example, U-Haul gives you five days and 1,218 miles. Other companies, like Penske, give you unlimited mileage for long-distance moves. I also factored in current average gas prices ($3.64 per gallon) and fuel efficiency for a 16-foot truck (about 10 mpg). For a 3,000-mile move, you'll need to factor in an extra $1,092 for fuel. Cost of renting a moving container Move distance Average cost 10 miles $578 100 miles $1,350 500 miles $1,459 1,000 miles $2,371 3,000 miles $3,238 Moving containers split the difference between a DIY move and hiring professionals. The company drops off a portable storage unit at your home, you fill it with your belongings, and the company ships it to your new home. Most moving containers like PODS and U-Box also offer loading and storage services that will add to the final cost. Cost of hiring professional movers Move distance Average cost 10 miles $1,407 100 miles $1,617 500 miles $4,398 1,000 miles $5,641 3,000 miles $9,061 The prices above show the average quotes I got from three different moving companies for full-service moves. You pack, and they load, drive and unload. There are a number of other factors that can impact these prices (more on that below) but these are the ballpark figures you can expect to pay when hiring professional movers. So, what's the cheapest way to move? Move distance Moving truck Moving container Professional movers 10 miles $48 $578 $1,407 100 miles $379 $1,350 $1,617 500 miles $981 $1,459 $4,398 1,000 miles $1,400 $2,371 $5,641 3,000 miles $4,194 $3,238 $9,061 Unsurprisingly, the cheapest way to move involves lifting those heavy boxes and furniture yourself. For almost every distance of move, renting a moving truck and driving it yourself is going to save you the most money. The one exception to this rule is for long, cross-country moves. If you're going from one coast to another, using a moving container may end up being slightly cheaper than renting a truck and driving it yourself. That's largely because you're paying for gas out of your own pocket when you rent a truck, which can add more than a thousand dollars to your final cost. Other cost factors to consider when moving Add-on Cost Packing supplies $200 Packing services $500 to $1,800 Moving insurance 1 to 2% of total coverage Truck rental coverage $14 to $235 Hotels $206 to $618 Car towing $69 to $511 Car shipment $700 to $3,400 Tip for movers 10 to 20% of total bill Unfortunately, moving expenses don't end after you put the deposit down with your moving company or truck. Here are some additional costs you'll want to budget for as you're comparing your options. Packing supplies : U-Haul and Lowe's sell two-bedroom moving kits for about $200, and they include everything from boxes to packing tape to mattress covers. You can cut down on these costs by hunting for free moving boxes or using towels and bedding as cushioning instead of foam or bubble wrap. : U-Haul and Lowe's sell two-bedroom moving kits for about $200, and they include everything from boxes to packing tape to mattress covers. You can cut down on these costs by hunting for free moving boxes or using towels and bedding as cushioning instead of foam or bubble wrap. Packing services : Most professional moving companies offer packing services for an extra fee. Packing services added on between $500 and $1,800 to my moving quotes for a two-bedroom apartment. : Most professional moving companies offer packing services for an extra fee. Packing services added on between $500 and $1,800 to my moving quotes for a two-bedroom apartment. Moving insurance : Every moving option I looked at offered some sort of moving insurance add-on. Interstate movers are required to insure your belongings by the monetary value of their weight -- 60 cents per pound -- but you can also opt for extra coverage. : Every moving option I looked at offered some sort of moving insurance add-on. Interstate movers are required to insure your belongings by the monetary value of their weight -- 60 cents per pound -- but you can also opt for extra coverage. Truck rental coverage : Your credit card or auto insurance policy probably doesn't cover a rental truck. U-Haul offers two protection packages: $14 or $28 for a local move, and $168 or $235 for cross country. : Your credit card or auto insurance policy probably doesn't cover a rental truck. U-Haul offers two protection packages: $14 or $28 for a local move, and $168 or $235 for cross country. Hotels: If you're driving a moving truck across the country, you'll want to factor in the price for lodging as you go. Average hotel prices are currently $206 per night, according to the travel site Hopper. If you're driving a moving truck across the country, you'll want to factor in the price for lodging as you go. Average hotel prices are currently $206 per night, according to the travel site Hopper. Car towing : If you rent a moving truck, you'll have the option to tow your vehicle behind it for the length of the trip. Depending on the type of car and distance, this can add on as much as $500 to your moving costs. : If you rent a moving truck, you'll have the option to tow your vehicle behind it for the length of the trip. Depending on the type of car and distance, this can add on as much as $500 to your moving costs. Car shipment : The cost of shipping your car can vary considerably based on its size, the distance it's going to travel and whether you choose enclosed or open shipment. : The cost of shipping your car can vary considerably based on its size, the distance it's going to travel and whether you choose enclosed or open shipment. Tip for movers: How much you tip movers is a personal choice, but a good rule of thumb is to plan on spending between 10% and 20% of the total bill. Bottom line: Moving is expensive No matter how much of the heavy lifting you do yourself, it costs a lot of money to get your life packed up for somewhere new -- especially if the new place is all the way across the country. In those situations, you might be better off selling or donating furniture before moving so you don't end up paying more to ship your old couch than it's worth. For more tips on reducing costs, check out these six tips for moving on a budget.
CNET
13-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNET
Make Your New Rental Feel Like Home With These Decor Tips and Tricks
You've finally made it into your new place -- and there's no doubt it was hard work. Now comes the fun part: making it feel like home. Don't worry, decorating doesn't have to drain your wallet, especially if moving already put a strain on your budget. With a little creativity and a few smart moves, you can turn your new space into something that's totally you -- without spending a fortune. From giving tired walls a fresh coat of paint to doing a deep clean before unpacking -- there are plenty of easy, affordable ways to make your place feel cozy and personal. We've rounded up some of our favorite tips to help you settle in and style your space with minimal fuss and maximum charm. For more moving tips, check out the best moving companies for 2025 and six common moving day mistakes to watch out for. Clean, clean, clean If you're fortunate enough to move into a spotless apartment, consider yourself lucky. However, that's not always the norm. More often than not, your new place might be a bit dusty or slightly grimy. CNET Before diving into unpacking boxes or tackling that stack of flat-pack furniture, take a moment to give your space a thorough clean. Sweep or Swiffer the floors, wipe down the windows, scrub the kitchen counters until they shine, freshen up the bathroom and finish with a solid vacuuming session. This is the start of a new chapter -- don't let it begin with someone else's mess. Give your walls a new layer of paint or some wallpaper When I moved into my new home in Florida, I knew white walls would not suit the stunning beach vibes of my new neighborhood. Now, my walls are blue and orange and gray -- and perfect for my bungalow. Simply painting the walls was a simple fix that breathed new life into the home and made it feel like this was my space, not just another rental. With your landlord's approval, try switching up the vibe of your new place with colors that reflect who you are and what you want your apartment to be. Don't succumb to the wall colors given to you -- seek out funky wallpapers and compelling tones to make this space yours. Note: If your landlord agrees to let you paint, it'll probably be on the condition that you paint the walls back to their original color when you leave. Simply painting the walls can be a simple fix that breathes new life into the home. Getty Images Add scents that remind you of home Candles can be an easy way to make your rental feel more like yours. Getty Images Create a space that feels like home with scents that take you back to your old one. Maybe that means adding a sugar cookie scented Yankee Candle to your shopping cart for old times' sake or plugging your Glade clean linen air freshener into that living room outlet. This tip also works if you're trying to get a pesky stench out of your apartment. Rugs, curtains, mirrors and throws Liven up your new home with special decor. Getty Images A few key home decor pieces can instantly liven up your space with minimal effort. Adding curtains to your windows can bring warmth and personality to an otherwise plain living room or bedroom. For smaller apartments, strategically hanging mirrors in bright areas can make the space feel larger and help natural light bounce around. To add a personal touch, try incorporating vibrant rugs and patterned throw pillows that reflect your style. Light it up The general rule, according to interior designers, is to have three to four sources of light per room. Getty Images To give your rooms a generous warm glow, consider adding multiple layers of light. Don't solely rely on that overhead light or desk lamp. The general rule, according to interior designers, is to have three to four sources of light per room. Some of these sources can be purely functional, and others can add some personality, character and funk to the space. For smaller spaces, consider smaller light sources, like desk lights and floor lamps, while larger spaces, like a living room or kitchen, could require overhead lighting fixtures instead. Don't forget dimmers -- use them to control the ambiance of your room by dimming your lights based on the time of day and the vibe of your space. Hang it up Decorate your walls with your favorite artwork and photos. Getty Images Add personality to your space by decorating your walls with your favorite artwork and photos. Print out cherished family pictures or pieces you love, and use them to transform blank walls into something uniquely yours. A little wall art goes a long way in making your home feel truly personal and lived-in. Liven it up with plants and cacti Plants can add beauty to your space, while also boosting your mood. Getty Images Not only do plants and cacti add some life and green to your apartment, but they also purify your air and can boost your mood. Choose plants that suit your plant caretaking style. Opt for an unfussy pothos if you kill any plant you buy, or go for a funky cactus or string of pearls succulent if you're an intermediate to professional plant parent who is very attentive to your flora. For more home tips, here's how to lift heavy boxes and furniture and not hurt your back, and here's what you should know before you move.
CNET
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- CNET
Don't Make This Costly Moving Mistake: Find the Right Moving Truck Size
I recently moved across states and made a classic moving mistake: I underestimated how much space I'd need in the rental truck. Everything seemed to fit in my head, but once I started loading boxes and furniture, it was painfully clear: I had rented a truck that was way too small. I ended up scrambling to find a second van, which cost me extra time, stress and a lot more money than I had planned. Trust me, it's not a situation you want to find yourself in. This kind of mix-up happens more often than you'd think. But with a little planning, you can avoid it entirely. Before your move, take the time to ensure the truck you rent has enough room for everything. We've put together this guide to help you choose the right size moving truck based on the amount of stuff you have. And if you remember only one thing: When you're torn between two truck sizes, always go with the larger one. It's far better to have a little extra space than to find yourself stuck and shelling out good money for a second vehicle like I did. For more moving tips, check out the best moving companies of 2025, how to lift heavy boxes and how to clean a new home or apartment. Which companies rent moving trucks? There are countless local and national companies that rent moving trucks, but a few large companies dominate. For the cheapest rental trucks with the widest selection of sizes, some of your best options are: If you're embarking on a long-distance move, most of the larger trucks at these companies will let you tow a car behind them for an extra fee. How do I know which size moving truck I need? Start by estimating how much stuff you plan to move. Since you'll likely need to book your rental truck before everything is packed, walk through your home and make a list of all your furniture and any other large items that won't fit in boxes. Once you've tallied up your larger items and have a rough idea of how many boxes you'll be taking, you can use an online tool to determine the right truck size for your move. Tools like UPakWeShip's Volume Estimator or Penske's Truck Wizard are helpful. As a general guideline, allow for 150 to 200 cubic feet of truck space for each furnished room in your home. If you're unsure about your estimate or want a second opinion, call your rental company, which can assist you with picking the right truck based on your inventory. What are the typical sizes of moving trucks? Some companies offer unusual sizes of moving trucks, but these are the standard sizes you can expect to find. Cargo van (about 250 to 320 cubic feet) Consider renting a cargo van if you only have a small load to move. A cargo van can fit a queen-size mattress and is a great option for studio or one-room moves. 10- to 12-foot truck (380 to 450 cubic feet) Movers use a 10- or 12-foot truck for studio or one-bedroom apartment moves. Depending on the moving company you use, this truck can fit a king-size or queen-size mattress, around five medium-size furniture pieces with leftover room for other boxes. 15- to 16-foot truck (650 to 800 cubic feet) Consider a 15- or 16-foot truck if you're planning on moving from a one-bedroom home or a two-bedroom apartment. This size truck easily fits two to three rooms or around 10 medium-size furniture pieces. A king-size mattress, a washer and dryer, a fridge, dressers and a three-seat sofa can all fit into this truck size. 17-foot truck (up to 865 cubic feet) This oddly sized option available at U-Haul is best for larger apartments, condos or two-bedroom apartments that need a little extra room. The 17-foot truck fits two king-size bed sets, a three-seater sofa, a four-person dining table set, a love seat, a TV stand and a coffee table. 20- to 22-foot truck (1,000 to 1,200 cubic feet) Consider a 20- to 22-foot truck, one of the larger sizes of moving trucks, if you're moving from a one-bedroom to three-bedroom home, a three-bedroom apartment or a place with three to five total rooms. These trucks can fit two king-size mattresses, a six-person dining table set, dressers, a sofa and end tables, all while having room to spare for additional boxes. 26-foot truck (1,700 to 1,800 cubic feet) The 26-footers are the big mommas of moving trucks. Consider the 26-foot option if you and your family are moving from a home with three to five bedrooms, five to seven total rooms or around 15 medium-sized furniture pieces. Three king-size mattresses will surely fit, along with nightstands, dressers, a larger sofa, kitchen equipment, washer, dryer and more. What is the cost of renting moving trucks? The cost of renting a moving truck depends on the rental company, the size of the truck and how far you're traveling. For local moves — where you pick up and return the truck to the same location — you typically pay a daily rental fee and a mileage charge, which usually ranges from $0.50 to $1.50 per mile. Smaller vehicles like cargo vans and 10- to 12-foot trucks generally start at $20 to $30 per day, though trucks may come with a slightly higher per-mile rate. Larger trucks, like 20- to 26-foot models, usually cost between $30 and $50 per day, but prices can vary significantly, especially for 26-foot rentals, so it's worth comparing rates. If you're dropping the truck off at a different location, expect to pay more, not just for the extra miles, but for the one-way rental. According to MyMove, renting a 16-foot truck for a shorter 30-mile move can cost anywhere from $62 to $149. For long-distance moves, the factor is how far you're driving. Most major rental companies offer free quotes based on your starting point, destination and truck size. Average long-distance rental costs range from $500 to $700 for a cargo van or $1,200 to $2,200 for a 26-foot truck, according to Yelp. For more moving tips, check out the best moving companies for 2025 and six common moving day mistakes to watch out for.
CNET
08-05-2025
- General
- CNET
12 Essential Tips to Streamline Your Next Move and Reduce Stress
Relocating to a new home is an exciting chapter, but the process of moving can often feel like a daunting task. From packing up years of belongings to coordinating logistics, the challenges can quickly pile up. Regardless of whether this is your first time moving or you're a seasoned pro, you might already know the basics: how to pack all your belongings in boxes; how to transport those boxes (maybe even with the help of movers and a moving truck) to your new space; and how you should unload everything once you get there. But with all the hustle and bustle of a move, it's easy to forget to take care of some crucial home projects before pulling up in your moving van. However, with careful planning and the right strategies, you can transform your move from a stressful ordeal into a manageable and even enjoyable experience. One of the most effective ways to ease the moving process is by starting early and being organized. In this guide, we've compiled 12 expert-approved tips to help you navigate your move with confidence. Whether you're moving across town or across the country, these strategies are tailored to simplify your relocation and help you settle into your new home with minimal stress. For more moving tips, here's how to properly pack boxes. And check out our picks for the best moving companies, and here are seven apps that make the moving process less stressful. CNET Transfer utilities and change your address Changing your address and updating your utilities may seem obvious but can be easily overlooked when you're busy with the home-buying process. Make sure you have utilities and core services set up to be active in your new home before you move in. What a bummer to spend your first night in your first home with no power. Don't forget to also transfer mail, the internet, TV services and any regularly scheduled deliveries to your new home address. The floor is just one spot you should clean in your new No matter whether your new home looks spotless or is visibly dusty, it's a good idea to give it a deep clean before you settle in. The previous owner probably left some dirt, pet hair, dust or other grime behind. Whether you see it or not, it's best to start fresh. Before moving in, you'll want to clean these spots. While scrubbing, take a moment to replace your air filters and check your smoke detectors, too. 1. Kitchen 2. Cabinets 3. Stove 4. Refrigerator 5. Bathroom 6. Shower heads 7. Toilet 8. Floors, walls and baseboards 9. Ceiling fans and light fixtures 10. Washing machine 11. Dishwasher Before you move in, you'll want to vacuum, wipe down and scrub your new home. Brian Bennett/CNET Must-have cleaning equipment Deep-cleaning your entire home is easier when you have the right tools. CNET puts many products to the test, and these are some of our favorites: Don't like the color of a room? Paint it. ThePaint Painting can transform a space. Do you hate that purple dining room or the jet-black bedroom formerly occupied by a teenager? Best to get it done before you get settled. It may not be as intrusive as other major home updates, but you will have to move all your junk to the middle of the room, provided there's space. Also, paint sprays and splatters, so if you do have belongings in the room you'll need additional protection by way of plastic sheeting or drop cloths. Pro tip: You can paint walls or rooms before doing flooring updates so you don't have to be as concerned with getting paint on your new floors. If you're going to replace or refinish an existing floor, you definitely want to get that done before moving in. Getty Images Replace or refinish flooring Everything in your house that isn't attached to a wall is going to take up floor space. If you're going to replace or refinish an existing floor, you definitely want to get that done before moving in. Anyone you hire to do the work will require the affected rooms to be empty, so there's no reason to fill them up beforehand. Even if you do the work yourself, you'll need to shuffle your belongings around, and that will drastically lengthen the time it takes to complete the project and make it harder on yourself. Plumbing and electric updates If you're buying a home that is a bit dated and needs major updates to core systems like plumbing or electrical, you might consider getting these projects done before your move. If you do have major updates taking place, there's a fair chance the work involved will include cutting out sections of drywall or flooring to make pathways for updated pipes or wiring. The demo and subsequent drywall repairs will create quite a bit of dust, so you'll also likely be painting walls or repairing flooring. Cutting out sections of drywall can create a lot of dust, which might require you to repaint walls or repair flooring. Getty Images Kitchen remodel If you're planning on remodeling or renovating your kitchen, it's better to do it before moving in. Going through a total kitchen remodel can upset the day-to-day flow in many ways. Not only will you not be able to prepare food, you also won't have any space to store food, especially if appliances need to be moved or unplugged. You'll need space to store all of your dishes and kitchen gadgets, plus all of the debris and materials for the kitchen renovation will have to go somewhere as well. Bathroom renovation Another inconvenience is a total bathroom remodel. If you have multiple bathrooms, it may or may not be a huge issue depending on how many people live in your home. If you only have one full bathroom, being without it for days or weeks will be a pain. In either circumstance, if you're paying to have the work done for you, it's wise to factor in more time than your contractor estimates and be prepared for limited bathroom space. Luckily, replacing major HVAC components isn't usually too lengthy of a process. CNET Replace HVAC This one can depend on the timing of your new home purchase. Replacing major HVAC components isn't usually too lengthy of a process, nor does it normally require much renovation to other parts of the home. If you live through sweltering summers and arctic winters, you may want to have this work done before moving in so you won't have to expose yourself to extreme temperatures. Change locks and install home security It's never a bad idea to change out locks on a new home or put home security elements in place before moving in. Changing out your locks ensures the previous owner no longer has access to your home, while home security cameras and video doorbells deter would-be burglars and let you keep an eye on your property no matter where you are. Every home is different, so there's no one-size-fits-all rule on security camera placement. Some common places to put them are by front, back and side door. Whatever you do, avoid putting cameras in places that violate your or your neighbor's privacy like bedrooms and bathrooms. If you're still wondering where to put your new security cameras, CNET lays out the best and worst spots for them. Make sure to pet-proof your home before bringing in your furry friend. CatherineChild and pet-proofing Safety can go beyond locks and security cameras. If you have small children, you may want to put child safety devices in place before having them in the home. Likewise, if you have pets, you may need similar safety precautions inside or a fence around your new yard. This is also a good time to walk through your home and make sure you know where the main electric, water and gas shut-offs are, as well as any other safety features. This lets you start thinking about your family's home safety plan in case of an emergency. To recap, any of these tasks can happen while you're already moved into and living in your new home, but you're likely to be less stressed if you make sure these are checked off beforehand. You'll be much more likely to start off loving your new home than being frustrated with how it's complicating your life. While you're at it, check out this list of tools you'll need for maintaining your new home. Plus, here's how to become friends with your new neighbors and how to turn your new house into a home.
