The public service online resource will feature a directory listing top-rated moving service firms and links to Better Business Bureau that acknowledges the legitimacy of the companies. However, Hill has stated that it is not only BBB ratings that are being used by the site to determine whether a moving firm should be recommended to consumers or not.

According to him, companies will also be listed in the site's directory and their advertisements will appear on the online resource only after they have satisfied the guidelines established by Moving Guardian. The Web site will also include a section dedicated to reviews of relocation moving companies where consumers can post feedback on the firm that handled their relocation and moving concerns.

On top of these important features, the MovingGuardian.org site will also provide a free moving guide and relocation service calculator. Hill claims that the Web site will serve as a non-stop shop for people and companies that are planning to relocate. The aim, Hill adds, is to make moving a safe and stress-free activity. High visibility labels meant to prevent loss of property and Simple Language contracts for relocation firms are also featured in the site.

Hill reveals that his very first job after graduating from college was with a relocation service firm. He admits that the actual experience was quite distressing, with fake moving companies competing with reputable relocation service companies in almost equal number. He recounts seeing fraudulent companies driving auctioned off moving trucks and vans with the name of legitimate and trusted companies emblazoned on the vehicles, only to cheat unsuspecting customers who thought they were dealing with legitimate movers.

With the launch of MovingGuardian.org, Hill hopes to separate the legitimate and honest relocation moving companies from those who are only in the business to scam customers who are already stressed with moving concerns.

Web Site to Help Consumers Find Legit Relocation Moving Companies is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.

The firm is planning to relocate to Detroit, Michigan in August to better handle its expanding business. Officials are expecting employees to grow to as much as 100 by 2011 as the firm tries to secure more brokerage licenses in various areas of the U.S. on top of the states where it is already operating. These states include Texas, Florida and Michigan.

The projected expansion will bring more referral fees to the company as it refers more clients to partner brokers. In-House is also planning to improve its online presence and allows people to better understand the nature of real estate which has been quite confusing following the foreclosure crisis and the onslaught of short sales.

Among the many services offered by the brokerage are mortgage approvals through its Quicken connection, credit reports and scores and services typically offered by a relocation company, such as relocation van rentals, auto and homeowners insurance and utility changeovers. It is also known for providing home purchasers title insurance, home security services and reverse loan mortgages.

According to company officials, the business model adopted by In-House effectively provides a real estate client with a one-top shop type of service. This makes it easier for them to handle real estate deals and at the same time, allows the company to generate more clients and profits for its affiliates. The firm is reportedly planning to acquire broker licenses in ten states by the end of 2010.

Officials from the broker and referral firm also denied certain assumptions that an expansion can hurt the company's operations since it would put them in competition with real property brokers who serve as their sources of referral fees. Executives have said that the diversity of the business, including being a part-time relocation company, will ensure that the firm will continue to thrive in expanded markets.

Real Estate Brokerage Firm Doubles As Relocation Company is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.

The firm has an escrow for a building purchase at East Lake Boulevard in Redding. The company is planning to expand and move its headquarters from Banigan Road to a 25,000-square foot East Lake premise. Hemsted's has been based in Banigan for almost 10 years. According to the owners of the firm, the moving services industry has been affected by the housing crisis, with less people purchasing houses and even fewer households relocating or moving to new homes.

Despite the general poor condition of the country, Hemsted's is not stopping its plans for expansion. The plan of the firm to relocate has already been approved by the Redding Board of Administrative Review. The company is aiming for a move to its new home in fall. Owners of the firm have stated that the relocation is part of their plan to centralize their operations. They further reveal that the new location presents more opportunities since it is easier for potential customers to find.

A big number of relocation moving companies in the state have lost profits or folded due to the recession and the housing market problem, but Hemsted's reveals that expansion is not impossible even at this time. The owners have stated that they are planning to transform the company into a one-stop shopping service business in an effort to make it more competitive.

Long term plans for the company also include opening a Penske franchise where customers can take care of their own relocation concerns with the help of moving trucks for rent from the firm. The plan is expected to suit the preferences of some customers who want to save money by renting a vehicle and moving their belongings themselves instead of getting the help of a full-service moving company.

Some operators of relocation moving companies in California have admitted that more people are now opting to hire trucks and take care of the relocation themselves since this is cheaper than hiring a full-service relocation company.

One of California’s Relocation Moving Companies Is Set to Move is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.

According to Houston resident Van Tran, she saw the company Miracle Movers from Craigslist when she was perusing for a moving service firm that will move her parents' belongings to another location. She said that the advertisement stated that a truck and two men will be provided for an hourly price of $34.95. However, Tran revealed that when she signed the contract, she was left with only two choices – either pay a very high fee or take the chance of having the firm confiscates her parents' things.

Tran revealed that the contract had provisions inserted in the small print, such as an additional $80 fee for wrapping items in plastic. She said the firm wrapped all her parents' belongings, including things that she did not tell the company to wrap. All of these were then put in a Budget truck.

The relocation company allegedly refused to unload the belongings until they paid $5,000. Tran called the police but was told that there was nothing they could do since she signed the contract. She negotiated and the firm allowed her to pay $1,000 and to give the movers a laptop and a washing and drying machine. Tran stated that she was not angry that she and her family had to pay $1,000, but was upset because she felt robbed, with the police not being able to do anything about it.

Tran revealed that some of the furniture were damaged during the relocation and that the owner of the firm cannot be contacted after the job was finished. She stated that she initially talked with the owner of the firm himself who told her that he was from Washington. After the relocation, Tran tried to contact the owner but she said her calls just went to voicemail.

Tran and her family have warned other Houston households to be careful when hiring a relocation company. She advised families to check the fine print and to check the legitimacy of the company first before signing anything.

Houston Resident Warns Households About Relocation Company is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.

The American Association of Moving and Storage has reported that household relocations rose in April 2010 for the first time in two years. The increase is less than ten percent, but relocation businesses are still happy with the upward trend and are predicting that higher increases will be recorded in the sector in the coming months.

Local companies that offer relocation services reveal that corporate clients account for majority of the contracts they handled during April. The highest percentage of moving activities are recorded in the biotechnology and high technology industries, with companies in these two sectors either moving in to San Diego or moving to another location, including overseas headquarters. One local operator reported handling 90 corporate relocations during the month; almost double of the activities handled in the same month of the previous year.

On top of corporate and household moves, relocation companies are also benefiting from military moves. A steady stream of military supplies and personnel coming home or being sent to assignments also offer moving companies huge opportunities to increase their bottom lines. Students seeking residences in the city also add to relocation activities.

However, moving companies have reported that half of relocation activities are out of San Diego, with some people who have lost their jobs seeking better opportunities outside the city or in other states. They also reported that the cost of moving poses difficulties on some households, with many of them selling part of their belongings to have more money for the service and to lower baggage costs.

Households are also taking advantage of the school break. With most kids home for the break, families are taking the opportunity to complete their long-planned relocations. Despite the high moving activities, households still face the usual challenges; like finding jobs at a new place and selling properties they left behind.

San Diego real estate analysts have claimed that the city’s economy is recovering faster than other big city areas, making it an ideal destination for households and workers who are relocating. This trend is expected to further improve the status of relocation companies in the coming months.

Relocation Companies Expect Improved Business in San Diego is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.

According to AMSA, May is usually the period when American households start their plans to pack some of their things and move them to another place. The organization estimates that around 35 million households in the country usually complete their arrangements to relocate to another place during this month since children will be on their summer vacations by this time. That is why service and product suppliers involved in the relocation business also recognize May as the moving season month in the country. May is also in between Labor Day and Cinco de Mayo, holidays that allow most workers to stay in their homes.

The observation from suppliers is supported by several consumer groups, including the Council of Better Business Bureaus. These groups report that May is when the number of relocation activities rise in the country. Relocation usually starts among U.S. households during the spring season. Authorities have warned though, that this is also the time when fraudulent activities in the industry become quite common.

They warn families who plan on relocating not to trust anonymous national moving companies that advertise their wares in the Internet unless they have thoroughly checked these companies’ backgrounds. According to state and federal officials, not a lot of people relocate frequently, so they are mostly unfamiliar with the criteria that should be used when choosing a moving service firm. This tempts them to use the Internet, a very accessible and easy-to-use tool, to find a moving service firm.

AMSA and other legitimate industry members warn households not to base their choice merely on service price quotes. The products and services of each company they are considering should be examined thoroughly before making a final decision. Lists of factors that should be considered in choosing the right moving company are available at legitimate industry members’ websites to help households avoid getting duped by fake moving service businesses.

Stories of relocating families that have been victimized by fraudulent moving services firms are quite common during the month of May. Some families reportedly lost their household valuables to these companies or suffer damages to their priced possessions. Others have recounted experiences of having their household supplies held hostage by unlicensed movers who kept holding out for higher fees. Majority of these fraudulent activities, industry members have reported, are illegal transport companies that advertise their wares in unregulated portals in the Internet.

Legitimate moving industry businesses remind households to plan for their relocation early on and to develop a plan on when to move and which household supplies to move. This will ease some of the stress of relocation and will also give them ample time to find a legitimate moving firm. They also suggest making calls to local authorities to check the legitimacy of national moving companies that they have on their short lists.

May Is National Moving Companies Month in U.S. is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.

While there are many other websites that you can visit, such as the site of the Households Goods Forwarders Association of America and the sites of state moving associations, consumer groups, chambers of commerce, trade associations and offices of attorneys general, the three websites are sufficient. For people moving out of the country, however, it is helpful if you also check the HGFAA website.

BBB is an unbiased organization that gives accreditation to business organizations and charities that adhere to ethical business practices. It was established in 1912 and it has spread out into branch organizations across the U.S. and Canada.

To check moving firms, visit the BBB website of your state. If you are looking for a certain BBB, go to the national site bbb.org and click Find a BBB. You can check the moving company you have in mind or you can see a list of accredited moving companies operating in your state. From this list, you can choose one and then check on its BBB status and if there are complaints filed against this certain firm.

On the AMSA website, you will be led to its moving.org site, where you can check the reliability status of your chosen moving firm. If you are still looking for a mover, you can fill up an online form to get in-home estimates from six ProMovers firms. ProMovers is the mover referral program of AMSA.

The AMSA website also shows links to the J.D. Power customer satisfaction survey which listed Mayflower Transit, Allied Van Lines and Two Men and a Truck as among the best-rated full-service moving companies in 2009.

The FMCSA site, protectyourmove.gov, is one of the most helpful sites for people planning to move. It allows you to search interstate moving companies and view their complaint history. It offers you useful tips that start from moving checklist to choosing a mover to insurance options and cost estimates. As FMCSA says, its mission is to prevent moving fraud and to help movers plan and execute a successful move.

If you have visited these three websites and checked the moving companies you have in your short list and have followed relevant guides, you can have a successful move.

Moving Companies – Three Websites to Check Reliability is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.

Texas has been topping the annual relocation report of Allied Van Lines since 2005. Its net relocation gain for 2009 was nearly 2,000, higher than its gain of around 1,900 in 2008.

Allied Van Lines, founded in 1928 and one of the largest moving corporations in the world, ranks destination states by estimating net relocation gain – number of inbound moves minus number of outbound moves done by the firm. It has been issuing its annual report on the top magnet states for the past 42 years.

Ben Hurwitz, head of Houston-based Westheimer Transfer and Storage, one of the top international and domestic agents of Allied, said that his company moved a diverse group of people to Texas in 2009, including retirees, singles and families from various backgrounds. He added that Texas welcomes different ethnic and cultural groups.

Bill Hammond, head of the Texas Association of Business, said that Texas is still the best state in the country to work, raise a family and live.

His statement was affirmed by Bill Jones, head of the Texas Association of Realtors. Jones added that the state has wide spaces for businesses and housing development, has various fine arts facilities and recreational opportunities and has affordable housing for families and individuals.

According to Hurwitz, his moving company also helped a lot of corporations move to Texas, showing that the state is among the friendliest states for businesses.

Texas had nearly 8,800 inbound shipments, second only to California, which had nearly 11,000 inbound shipments. Florida ranked third with more than 8,600 shipments. California was cited as the most mobile state because it posted the highest number of total outbound and inbound shipments.

Michigan had the biggest net relocation losses in 2009, with its 2,210 outbound shipments overwhelming its 1,019 inbound shipments. The troubled auto and housing sectors of Michigan may have pushed residents to move out of the state.

In 2009, Michigan ranked eighth in foreclosure rates among states, posting more than 118,000 foreclosure filings during the year. The three other states with the biggest net relocation losses were Illinois, Pennsylvania and California.

Moving company Allied also reported that the three other states with the biggest net relocation gains were Arizona, with a net gain of 566; North Carolina, with a net gain of 564; and Colorado, with a net gain of 508.

Moving Company Says Texas Was Top Destination in 2009 is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.

Las Vegas has been the personification of high life, according to all those movies. It is a place, to which every person longs to move into. Ask the movers and they will tell you this. Hey, don’t panic. There are moving companies in Las Vegas too! So, if at all, you save enough to live life, to its fullest, and have fun all day, every day, make sure you move into Las Vegas. However, coming back to the point, these movies have portrayed Vegas in a fairytale manner. Of course, there are movies such as 21, where people get screwed up at this paradise. But, hey, it happens in real life as well. The point I want to make here is, Vegas has become the hotspot of the entire world, for getting high on life, and non- stop party action, replacing Alps, Hawaii and those other exotic destinations, as the most desirous vacation of many around the world. Least do these people know, they stand to lose more than make a quick buck, at the world renowned casinos of Vegas. But, I guess the experience is a wholesome one, and losing money is a part and parcel of this place. Damn! It sounds friggin’ cool! I will make it there one day!

Movies and Las Vegas is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.

I came out to my house balcony. Ah! A sight to watch, a nice way to kill time. I ran inside and got out my high zoom Binoculars. The neighbors were moving. A truck with the peculiar name stood at their porch. It was probably owned by the moving company. Boxes after boxes were rolled out of the house and stacked into the truck. As I kept zooming in, someone came closer to me from the neighbors. It was the neighborhood chick (pardon my language, but she was one!). ‘Uh. Mm… Could you give us a hand with the piano?’. She looked great. What would any guy possibly do here? I did the inevitable. Dropped my binoculars, jumped over my balcony and went across the street to her house. I was looking for at least 4 people, as it happened to be a big one. But, found only 1 puny guy across the other end of the piano. ‘Ready?’ he smiled. I nodded and puffed all my breath out while lifting my end of it. A few minutes later, it was inside the truck, and I had a twisted backbone. ‘Thanks! That was sweet of you.’ That’s all I got. Movers and their lame tricks!

Killing time is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.