All My Sons Wants To Move YOU!

Moving Tips - 3 Weeks to Go!

2009-05-12T23:25:00.001-05:00

The week is rolling along, and it’s time to check in and see how your moving plans are progressing. Check the blog history or this moving checklist for tips you may have missed, and get ready for the 21 days until summer moving season to pass quickly.

Now that some moves may be three weeks away, its time to gather some high-quality moving boxes. Beware of boxes pulled from dumpsters or otherwise used. These moving boxes can be structurally weak, increasing the risk of collapsing under the weight of its contents. If you do utilized used moving boxes, make sure they are sturdy. Dallas moving companies like All My Sons often keep gently used boxes on hand for the convenience of our customers.

For ease and peace of mind, request an assortment of moving boxes from your moving and storage company. Many, like All My Sons, will deliver a variety of boxes right to your door at no charge. Use what you need, and the supplies will be included on your invoice.

There are a few types of moving boxes ranging in sizes small to extra large. Remember to request wardrobe boxes for clothing, dish packs to protect your china, and a variety of moving box sizes to pack everything from bedding to DVDs and CDs.

Once you have your boxes, start packing! You'll find many items you can live without until you unpack in your new home.

Taste Addison This Weekend

2009-05-09T00:03:00.004-05:00

Need a break from your move this weekend? How about some tasty food? Taste Addison is happening this Saturday and Sunday in Addison Circle Park! You'll have your pick of discounted food from over 200 area restaurants, and don't forget to top it off with an icy beverage. Craft vendors will be on hand for your Mother's Day shopping needs as you move to the beat of great bands like Bowling for Soup and Foreigner (main stage Saturday).

Bring the kids for carnival rides, games and intriguing demonstrations that will leave you salivating. Come out and mingle with your North Dallas neighbors!

Cinco de Mayo - Celebrate Diversity!

2009-05-05T20:57:00.002-05:00

While it is a Mexican holiday celebrating the defeat of the French army in the Battle of Puebla, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated throughout the US with food, music and lively gatherings.

Cinco de Mayo is a great example of our country’s respect for other cultures. The staff and movers of All My Sons Moving & Storage carry on that tradition by creating a richly diverse, harmonious workplace. In addition to making All My Sons a great place to work, the appeal reaches our equally diverse customer base. We make it a point to make diversity a priority while adhering to our strike hiring rules to ensure our Dallas movers are the best of the best.

Embracing our individuality is our common goal…well, that and providing the best moving services in the DFW area!

Your Family Traditions

2009-05-01T17:42:00.000-05:00

You’ve heard all about how All My Sons Moving & Storage is a family moving company and how our professional moving services are like family traditions. Each year of the four generations All My Sons has been in business has strengthened our family. Our traditions keep us accountable to our neighbors and customers as our family grows.

What family traditions do you have? Outside of the moving company, my family has always made time to gather for a family dinner with minimal distractions several times a week. This tradition keeps our family strong and opens lines of communication.

If you have a long-lived family tradition, I encourage your family to keep it going! If not, why not start one? Who knows, it may become a tradition that outlasts generations! Whether its game night, movie night, a meal or a weekend trip, traditions are at the heart of what keep families going.

Swine Flu Can't Stop These Movers!

2009-04-29T18:25:00.000-05:00

I wanted to let our customers know that the staff and movers of All My Sons Moving & Storage are prepared to take extra precautions in light of the rising swine flu scare. Already, our Dallas movers are utilizing hand sanitizer and gloves at all times to protect themselves and their customers from the spread of germs during a move. Additionally, we do not send movers into the field if they are feeling ill.

Should the threat of swine flu rise significantly in the coming weeks, All My Sons is prepared to protect our customers and their belongings at all costs. While we do not anticipate a problem, we are prepared to deal with whatever comes our way. Rest assured your moving plans will not be disrupted. For questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to us!

New From All My Sons: Book Your Move Online!

2009-04-24T16:18:00.007-05:00

There isn't much you can't do online. You can order groceries, order pizza and now book moving services online through All My Sons' online booking system! This online quoting and booking system allows users to get a quote and even book their move online 24 hours a day.

Of course, our convenient booking system is in addition to our helpful moving staff and consultants. My coworkers and I are here to answer your moving questions and fill in the details of your local or long distance move.

We hope you find our online booking system a helpful, convenient tool. For now, it's back to work as we develop even more ways to make your moving and storage experience hassle-free.

Essentials for Kids on the Move

2009-04-21T22:03:00.001-05:00

While I was lucky enough to experience my first move at the ripe age of eighteen, a move for children of any age can be a scary, unsure experience. I’ve seen a lot of anxious looks on the faces of our younger customers, and part of my job at All My Sons Moving & Storage is to make sure every member of the family has a safe, happy move.

There are a few things to keep in mind when moving with children. Comfort is what is at stake when changing homes. Even if you’re only moving a short distance (i.e., a local move), make sure to pack a bag for each child. Fill the bag with the comforts of home: a few favorite toys, blankets, books, CDs/MP3 player, games, a change of clothing, and snacks. Adjust the contents of the bag to include extras like a pillow and toiletries for long distance moving.

Once your family arrives at your new location, unpack a few boxes in each child’s room to personalize their new space. If you’re short on time, set up a corner with your child’s favorite items. If you move with All My Sons, our movers will set up beds. Pack clean linens in a clearly-marked box and make up the bed. It will really add a sense of comfort to a new bedroom!

Children need a lot of extra attention during a move. Establishing a sense of comfort as soon as possible after your arrival will make them feel at home.

Get Your Kids Involved in Your Move!

2009-04-19T14:59:00.002-05:00

Many parents meet a brick wall when it comes to getting children involved in a move to Dallas. While moving is a stressful event, especially for children, there are many things you can do to get them more involved and more comfortable with your moving plans.

All My Sons Moving & Storage recommends creating a simple color-coding system to help identify box contents and made unloading a snap for your family and your local movers. Invite your kids to help create a fun, easy-to-follow coding system. And remember, you’re not limited to colors! Take a trip to your local craft store and stock up on colorful stickers with a common theme. For example, you can purchase a variety of stickers featuring animals, flowers or whatever you prefer. Let each child choose an animal, flower etc to represent their room and belongings. Add a sticker to each box in a visible location. Try to place stickers in the same corner or area of each box so the movers and your family can locate your belongings easily during the move.

If you have the time, encourage the kids to make their own box labels using colored paper or markers, scissors and tape. Cut paper into shapes or letters and tape them to moving boxes to indicate which boxes go to which rooms in your new home.

With a little creativity, you can give your children peace of mind about your move to Dallas.

Yelping in Dallas

2009-04-16T19:02:00.001-05:00

Do you Yelp? If your response is along the lines of “What?!” then you need to take a look at Yelp. This fun, community-oriented site is part sounding board, part forum and all DFW fun. DFW is a community of real people from the area that share reviews of restaurants, shops, and local service providers like Dallas moving companies. Community members work as moderators and are given the power to “flag” questionable reviews and petition the Yelp authority to remove any false reviews. Therefore, you can rest assured you’re getting an honest opinion!

Websites like Yelp help businesses like All My Sons Moving & Storage serve their customers better by pointing out what they do write and commenting on what areas need improvements. Additionally, your Dallas movers will likely hand you a survey form where you can comment on your opinions of your service after your local and long distance move. This way, your opinions land directly in the hands of my coworkers and me. While we actively like to search the web to see how well we are servicing our moving customers, sending your comments to All My Sons is a great way to help us better serve you.

If you like to frequent new places in the DFW area and tell others about your favorite locations, Yelp is a great community for you. Check it out!

Moving is Tough, so take a break!

2009-04-11T19:13:00.002-05:00

If you are completing a move this weekend, chances are you’re going to be a bit worn out! Even if you hire professional movers in Dallas to lend a hand or two, you’ll still be a little drained from all of the hustle and bustle of the day. Here are a few tips to get you from zero to relaxed during your breaks, however short they may seem!

You have probably heard moving companies like All My Sons Moving & Storage suggest packing a bag filled with your essentials during a local or long distance move. Don’t forget to toss in a few things that will make you nice and comfy. For a quick pick me up, freeze a bottle of water or your favorite non-carbonated beverage. After a few hours of moving, that cold drink will taste like a little bit of heaven! For a little escape, pack a good book or your favorite music on a portable music device. If the weather is chilly, add a cozy sweater or a small blanket to curl up in for a quick cat nap.

Try to unload and set up beds and chairs first so you’ll have somewhere to sit and rest during the move. Bring a favorite snack to give yourself an energy boost when the going gets tough.

Moving isn’t easy, but paying attention to the little details can make all the difference. Here’s wishing you a safe, happy move!

Plan Ahead for a Smart Move

2009-04-09T18:51:00.001-05:00

So you have your moving folder and all of the paperwork you need to start planning your hassle-free move to Dallas. To get ahead of the moving game, why not begin packing? Packing is one of the most time-consuming and difficult tasks of the entire moving process, so a head start will benefit your move in many ways. Have you ever packed in a rush? It is stressful and often leads to damaged items that were not properly packaged for the move.

Of course, the easiest way to pack is to have some else do it! Dallas movers can take care of your packing months, weeks or even days before your move. This professional service can be accompanied by various levels of insurance to protect your belongings in the event of any damage. Utilizing professional packing services also decreases the risks of damage. High-quality moving boxes and packing materials are used (at least with All My Sons!), as well as tested techniques that leave even dishes and glasses intact.

Should you want or need to pack on your own, however, local movers recommend beginning ASAP! You can get new or gently used boxes from your local moving company. Then, make it a point to pack a few boxes, or even just a few items when you have a spare minute around the house. There are many items in your home that you may not need for the next month or two. These items can be packed and safely stored until moving day. After designating an area to store your packed boxes, load up off-season clothing, home décor, house keepsakes and anything else you won’t need in the coming weeks. Make sure you label each box!

With such a large head start, your move to Dallas will be smooth and easy!

Kick off Your Summer Moving Plans with All My Sons

2009-04-04T13:40:00.001-05:00

With school ending for many in a mere two months, the summer moving season will soon be upon us! All My Sons Moving & Storage offers free tools and tips to get you ready for a fast, hassle-free move to Dallas. Whether you plan on using our professional Dallas movers or not, there are a few things you can do right now that will make your summer moving plans go smoothly.

First, designate a “moving folder” that will hold your moving checklist, Dallas moving company documents and receipts for moving-related expenses. Depending on the reasons for your move to Dallas, some or all of your expenses may be tax deductible. A quick query on the internet will help you identify tax deductible moving expenses.

Make a list of people and companies you need to notify about your move to Dallas. You can separate the list by priority or category, including space for family, friends, healthcare professionals, employers, creditors, subscription services and more. Put this list into your summer moving folder.

Begin to sort items you will be moving, donating or storing. Making a list of these items will help you determine the size of your move and the amount of storage space you may need. Plus, you can make your storage reservations now and even get those items out of your way so you can focus your attention on your move to Dallas.

Balancing your summer moving duties will help prevent a real headache during the last few days leading up to your move. Feel free to contact All My Sons for more tips and tricks about local or long distance moving.

Is Your Moving Day Weather-Proof?

2009-03-31T21:50:00.001-05:00

You’ve done everything right in planning a successful moving day: gathering packing supplies and moving boxes, organizing your family’s belongings and settling on a convenient moving date. But what happens if moving day brings something unexpected? Rain, wind, ice and other weather can really put a damper on your moving day plans, but not to worry! All My Sons Moving & Storage is prepared for DFW’s unpredictable weather.

Our Dallas movers are always ready and willing to act fast to protect your belongings from the elements. Whether it’s making sure your belongings are covered in waterproof materials or taking extra care while moving during a windy day, All My Sons will take care of your move no matter what the weatherman says.
If a stormy forecast has you down, here are some things you can do to protect your belongings before moving day:

1) Avoid stacking your moving boxes near the front or back door on a humid or rainy day. Cracks around the door frame, especially at the bottom, can leak humidity into your home and dampen cardboard boxes.
2) Make sure your moving boxes and packing supplies are new. Used boxes are weaker and may not hold up during a downpour. Consider asking your Dallas movers for reusable, plastic bins to protect your belongings from the elements during a move.
3) Cover hardwood or tile entryways with a non-bunching covering if rain is in the forecast. Wet, hard floors and Dallas movers carrying heavy loads of your belongings are a bad combination!

With these tips and some help from your Dallas movers of All My Sons Moving & Storage, your moving day plans will be a success!

Our Customers Call us the Best Dallas Movers

2009-03-29T13:47:00.002-05:00

Like many Dallas moving companies, All My Sons Moving & Storage strives to offer the best Dallas movers in the country. However, unlike many Dallas moving companies, we’ve been in business for over four generations. We are decades ahead of the competition, and our drive to be the best Dallas movers around hasn’t let up since the very beginning.

My fellow coworkers and I know that our efforts are in vain without the presence of our wonderful customers. These days, it often takes a lot of faith on the part of a customer to let a local moving company handle their move to Dallas. And with all of the horror stories you hear about rogue movers, it’s no surprise that some customers are a little wary.

But when they see our Dallas movers in action, providing quality moving services while handling each box and piece of furniture with the utmost care, they know that All My Sons truly earns the trust of each and every customer we serve. We can call ourselves the best Dallas movers until we’re blue in the face, but the words are meaningless without our thousands of satisfied customers to back them up!

Borrow Some Time from All My Sons

2009-03-09T22:38:00.006-05:00

Did day light savings time throw you for a loop? I was definitely taken aback when I woke up for work on Monday to a dark world! Not to mention the lost hour of sleep or, in my case, unpacking. (I KNEW I should have requested unpacking services from the professional Dallas movers of All My Sons Moving & Storage!)

It seems like we're always rushing around and running out of time these days. I don't know about you, but my to-do list is always growing longer. The sooner I cross off a task, the more tasks I think of to add. Moving to Dallas is a lot like that, too. There is so MUCH to think about! Where are you going to get quality moving boxes? How will you find time to pack everything? What packing supplies will you use? Will you have to rent a dolly? Or padded blankets? And how on earth are you going to get your piano, pool table or large aquarium out of the house and into your new home safely and with time to spare?

I'm not saying All My Sons of Dallas is a miracle. Well, maybe I am saying it! My team can provide answers and services for all of those moving and storage questions. We can also take care of the moving details you haven't even thought of yet! With a team of professionally-trained, knowledgeable Dallas movers, you'll be crossing items off of your to-do list left and right!

And the less items on your list, the more time you have! Its like have your own special daylight savings time. You get more done in a few hours that you can do in one week!

With All My Sons, time is on your side.

Moving History in the Making!

2009-03-06T09:50:00.002-06:00

Did you know that the Alamo fell to Mexican forces on March 6 in 1836? If you’ve been in Texas for even a few weeks, you already know how important this moment was in the history of Texas and its people. History tells us a lot of things, from helping up predict similar outcomes to reminding us of mistakes to avoid in the future.

Any business, especially a fourth generation moving and storage company like All My Sons, can learn a lot from the history of their industry and the history of their company. All My Sons Moving & Storage has come a long way from our very first move, performed with an ice truck and the careful hands of our founder and his son. We’ve grown with the industry throughout the years, and our Dallas movers understand the ebb and flow of our surroundings and are flexible enough to adjust to whatever life brings our loyal customers, neighbors and friends. All My Sons has consistently led the way in innovative moving and storage services that only get better and better with each new year. We’ve grown our business based on a family-centered foundation of hard work and honesty exchange, and we’ve also expanded our services to cover virtually every moving and storage need for you.

These are exciting times despite what the news says about the economy. Innovations are driving our country to bigger and better things, and our Dallas moving company is at the head of the line in the moving and storage industry. I’m here to answer all of your questions about what All My Sons Moving & Storage can do for your family during your next local or long-distance move. Rest assured our Dallas movers have the skills and talent based on a long history to make you a customer for life.

A Fully-Customized Move to Dallas Saves You Money

2009-03-03T14:16:00.001-06:00

Now that yet another stimulus package has passed, we are all crossing fingers in hopes that said package will bring some kind of relief. As a local moving company, All My Sons Moving & Storage has seen first-hand the effect the economy has on our neighbors, friends and customers. My coworkers and I want you to know that our Dallas movers are here to help in any way we can. We are all in this together, so please don’t hesitate to call me and ask for some great money-saving tips to make your move to Dallas easier on your family and your budget.

All My Sons is flexible when it comes to helping you plan your move to Dallas. Since each move is customized to fit your specific moving and storage needs, you can control the extent of services you need. All My Sons specializes in providing full-service local and long-distance moves, which means we plan and implement every step of your move, from packing and loading to unpacking and setting up your new home. Although our full range of services offers the best value for your money and the best protection for your belongings, I understand that my customers are fully capable of covering some steps of the move yourself.

To save money and still get a quality move to Dallas maintained by our high standards, decide what services you can’t live without, and what services you may be able to complete yourself. Maybe you’re a seasoned packer and can safely pack your belongings for the move. Perhaps you want the professional Dallas movers to pack your fragile belongings like dishes and framed art, but you can cover other items like clothing, books and other items. Many of our customers trust All My Sons to do the heavy lifting and unloading, but prefer to unpack themselves.

When your move is fully-customized for YOU, it’s easy to ensure that you get exactly what you want from your Dallas moving company. Why have it any other way?

Get a Professional, In-home Estimate for Your Move in Dallas

2009-02-26T09:01:00.005-06:00

You already know that All My Sons Moving & Storage uses all sorts of tools and techniques to make sure our customers get more move for their money. Another way we ensure a quick, hassle-free move to Dallas is to prove an accurate, detailed estimate for the customers we serve.

Many moving companies in the DFW area use a hit-or-miss approach to providing an estimate that can be hundreds of dollars off of your actual cost. Think of the headaches of going through your move to Dallas, only to find out the cost is a lot more than you bargained for! All My Sons Moving & Storage utilizes a systematic approach to ensure your moving estimate is accurate.

When you first contact us in the office, we'll ask you a series of questions to make sure we fully understand your moving and storage needs. You may find this exhausting, but my coworkers and I want to be sure that you get exactly what you need for your move to Dallas. This includes equipment and the number of Dallas movers, trucks and storage units. We'll ask questions that vary from the size and number of rooms in your home to if you use your garage for storage or parking. We get the details to make sure we don't miss a beat.

Many of our customers choose to recieve an in-home estimate from a qualified All My Sons estimator. Often, my coworkers and I will recommend an in-home estimate if your move includes a large home or is complicated by multiple pickup and delivery locations. Your friendly estimator will arrive at your home at a time convenient for you. They will walk through your home, noting major contents like furniture, pianos or even pool tables. Having a look at your household will help the estimator figure the total weight of your belongings, the number of professional Dalls movers you will need and the length of time it will take to move your belongings safely and efficiently.

I know that to ensure my customers are happy, I have to get the details right the first time. At All My Sons, we go the extra mile to make sure your move is fully-planned and perfected, even before lifting the first box.

Trust is a Virtue, Especially for Moving Companies

2009-02-24T16:55:00.002-06:00

By the time you reach the ripe old age of adulthood, you’ve probably had a broken heart or two. At the basis of many relationship slip-ups is the issue of trust. It’s common knowledge that trust is a foundation for almost any relationship, romantic or not. As an employee of a Dallas moving company and a small, family-owned business to boot, I know that trust plays a major role in establishing a healthy relationship with customers.

Think about it. Your moving company has your entire past, present and future in their hands! Your furniture, your family heirlooms, personal files, pictures and clothing…everything! All or at least most of your worldly possessions are involved in a move, and a move to Dallas is not the time to take chances or risk damaging your possessions. As nice as your neighbors are, or as reliable as your friends may be, recruiting inexperienced hands to move your pricey and priceless belongings could result in serious damage. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve heard customers tell me that “Last time, we ruined our plasma TV” or “We had to buy a new set of dishes.” Are you really saving that much money if your spending hundreds, even thousands of dollars replacing a TV or set of china?

All My Sons Moving & Storage has been operating in Dallas for over 10 years, and our family has been providing moving and storage services for over four generations. I invite you to call my coworkers at the office. You’ll see why we are easy to do business with. I focus on establishing trust on a sturdy foundation, not by simply telling you what you want to here. I tell each customer I speak to that All My Sons has the best movers in Dallas because I see the great work they do each day. All My Sons offers a solid, trustworthy business relationship. We want to be your Dallas movers today and for years to come.

Déjà vu in the Moving Business?

2009-02-20T08:58:00.003-06:00

“Wait a minute, don’t I know you? Yes, you were that wonderful family with the twins that we moved a few years ago! Glad to have you back with All My Sons Moving & Storage!”

When you’ve been in the moving business for as long as my Dallas moving company has, you establish a reputation for being reliable, efficient and fair. All My Sons Moving & Storage has served the communities of Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas for over ten years now, so our reputation precedes us in many cases. If our name is familiar, perhaps you’ve seen our green and white moving trucks in your neighborhood or heard some compliments from neighbors and friends about our full-service moves to Dallas. Either way, our customers know that when All My Sons organizes your move, they can relax in the peace of mind that comes with knowing their move to Dallas is in expert hands.

And that’s exactly what keeps our great customers coming back to All My Sons again and again for their moving and storage needs. The average person moves multiple times in their life. I’ve moved nine times in my life, and I know there are a few more moves in my future! From a personal point of view, I can definitely tell you that moving with All My Sons is light years above moving yourself, using other, less-established moving companies or hiring laborers to help. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING matches the experience and care of an expert team of Dallas movers. Our professional movers are well-trained and prepared to handle anything that comes along when it comes to your move. That’s why we are so proud of our status as a full-service moving company in Dallas. From pianos and pool tables to navigating stairs and taking care to protect your walls and floors, All My Sons covers all of the details of your move to Dallas. The less you have to worry about as you plan your move, the better!

Does Your Moving Company Have Psychic Powers

2009-02-17T19:28:00.004-06:00

Don’t look now, but the Dallas movers of All My Sons Moving & Storage might be reading your mind! Is it magic? Or maybe the full moon? Do our professional movers simply have special, super-human powers?

Not exactly, but it’s easy to compare our hardworking Dallas movers with the likes of super heroes. As a truly talented, fourth-generation moving and storage company, All My Sons provides expert services and quality customer care. We’ve been doing this so long, in fact, that we often can anticipate a customer’s needs before they even realize it.

That’s not to say we generalize our moving services. In fact, our Dallas movers are perfectly aware that each move to Dallas or Fort Worth is special and requires a different combination of quality moving and storage services. However, our job is to think outside of the moving box, so to speak! What sets this Dallas moving company apart from the others is our ability to anticipate your needs before you have to ask us, or even before you realize you need a specific service! This helps us (my coworkers and I) know that we have every detail of your move covered. Chances are, you’re stressed about the very thought of moving to begin with, and your mind is racing every which way to cover all of the details: officially changing your address, notifying friends and relatives, preparing your family, and several other steps you need to take to pull off a successful move (click here for our handy moving checklist to help organize your move). You need a Dallas moving company with the brains AND the brawn to take your moving needs and put a plan into action.

I know it is my job to see to it that your moving needs are met, and that means taking the initiative when I see there is missing information for your move. That’s why when you call All My Sons, we’ll ask you a series of questions to make sure we have every detail down. You may think we’re nosy, but that’s not it at all! We simply need to know all of the details up front, so when our green and white moving truck pulls up to your door, you’ll be amazed at our efficient methods and high quality moving and storage services. It’s what we do best at All My Sons!

All My Sons is a Serious Moving Business

2009-02-13T15:12:00.002-06:00

I am a big fan of supporting local, independent and family-owned businesses. I understand the convenience of supercenters like Walmart, but small businesses add something more than the “supercenters” of the world could ever come up with. Whether it’s a unique item, more personal service, a better product or all of the above, supporting local businesses is the best thing you can do to ensure a healthy balance of competition in today’s sensitive economy.

As a family-owned Dallas moving company, All My Sons Moving & Storage understands that many of our customers choose our Dallas movers because they know they can trust us. We provide our contact information so you can always get a hold of us, but we also proactively contact our customers to make sure they get the best moving services at a great value.

But we also understand that some small moving companies leave a lot to be desired. Maybe their knowledge of the local moving industry is limited, or they don’t know how to support customers through the ebb and flow of the economy. Perhaps they don’t have a solid training program for their Dallas movers, or think that background checks on each employee hired are too time consuming and expensive.

It’s moving companies like these that lower expectations for family-owned Dallas moving companies. All My Sons Moving & Storage has worked hard to establish our reputation as a full-service local and long-distance mover, and we didn’t solidify that reputation by only offering a handful of moving services and a rag-tag team of inexperienced movers. We carefully screen each new employee that comes through our door, knowing that you trust our Dallas moving company to handle your household of belongings, so we must trust our Dallas movers to ensure your items are regarded with the utmost care.

To top it all off, we handle international moving as well as short-term and long-term storage services with convenient pick-up and delivery service. We make it easy while making you feel right at home with our professional movers and staff during your move to Dallas.

Make a Move on Valentine's Day

2009-02-10T20:43:00.003-06:00

February 14th falls on a Saturday this year, making it the perfect day to move to Dallas! Although enjoying moving and storage services may not be your idea of a romantic date, at least you’ll know the Dallas movers of All My Sons Moving & Storage will be here for you all weekend!

Valentine’s Day is always an occasion for stress around here. Being a successful Dallas moving company requires some backbone in this rough business, and sometimes our professional Dallas movers need a nudge in the right direction when it comes to surprising that special someone. Here are a few ideas that can make this holiday memorable for anyone.

Many of our Dallas movers have children, and if you’ve ever had to find a baby-sitter on a holiday known to include a big date night, you know how hard it can be! A few of the moving staff at All My Sons have realized that spending Valentine’s Day with the entire family is a great way to celebrate. How about taking in a show, and maybe not just a movie? The DFW area is full of theater troupes and beautiful stages, like the Studio B Theater. Head over on Valentine’s Day to take in Willy Wonka, a live production featuring an all-kids cast.

If you still crave an evening with your special someone but don’t want to leave the kids out, how about a Friday night family outing on February 13th? Cheer for your Dallas Stars as they take on the Canucks at the American Airlines Center.
Then, take your special someone out for a romantic dinner at the Melting Pot. This fondue feast includes a four course dinner in honor of Valentine’s Day. Dip your way through luscious cheeses, take a break with a tasty salad, bite into succulent selections of meat, poultry and seafood cooked right at your table. And no one does dessert like the Melting Pot! You’ll get a variety of treats (brownies, cakes, marshmallows, cheesecake, fruit) to dip into a pot of warm chocolate. Now THAT is a celebration.

Whatever your plans are, the Dallas movers of All My Sons wish you a very happy Valentine’s Day!

Office Moving Blunders

2009-02-07T12:53:00.005-06:00

Sure, you could experience an office move without All My Sons Moving & Storage’s expertise, but why would you want to? With all of the planning and interruption to your business, a mismanaged, disorganized move is a risky bet to take. Should you venture out on your own or with another moving company with less experience and a severe lack of certified moving consultants, here are a few things to avoid.

Try to avoid relying on cardboard moving boxes, used or new. Your office equipment will be much safer in the protection of professional-quality moving boxes made specifically for computers, printers, laptops and more. And throwing your paper files and documents into a pile in the bottom of a moving box is sure to have one frustrating result: wasted time spent reorganizing the files you already worked so hard to organize.

Have as many professional Dallas movers on site as possible. The only thing worse than having your employees deal with an interruption to their workspace is forcing them to help with the move over the weekend. You'll run the risk of incurring more damages, not to mention lowered morale!

I like saving money as much as the next person, and I'm sure you'll feel like the office hero if you rent a uhaul and offer to drive. But keep in mind that complex, costly equipment like fax machines, copiers, printers, mailing machines and computers can easily be damaged but common bumps and potholes in the road. Your best bet is to rely on an experienced driver in a truly professional moving truck to navigate the Dallas roads and highways.

I understand times are tough, but hiring a professional Dallas moving company like All My Sons Moving & Storage is a far better value than losing even one fax machine or personal computer. We are the best Dallas office movers around!

All My Sons Provides Quality Office Moving Services

2009-02-03T20:57:00.002-06:00

Did you know that All My Sons Moving & Storage also provides office moving services for all of your commercial moving needs? It’s true! No job is too big for our professional Dallas movers. There are several reasons why All My Sons is your top choice for the best office move in Dallas. Here are three of those many reasons!

1) All My Sons has certified moving consultants (CMC) – A CMC is a certified, professional consultant that knows a thing or two when it comes to moving your office in Dallas. Our CMCs are thoroughly trained to manage your complete move. They coordinate your move by planning each detail, providing additional training or information specific to your move to each moving crew, and staying in close contact with your company to make sure your needs are covered.

2) Your CMC is prepared with several moving plans to ensure your office move is as efficient and simple as possible. For example, Round Robin Deployment is a great time-saving tactic that is frequently used to maximum the efficiency of moving teams and equipment during an office or other commercial move. With Round Robin Deployment, one team of professional Dallas movers unloads a moving truck at the new site, while another truck is loaded by another team of movers at the original location. The trucks then switch positions, and teams of movers are always loading and unloading simultaneously, with minimal waiting in between pickup and delivery.

3) All My Sons offers our commercial customers an environmentally-friendly move, with plenty of options to satisfy your moving needs. You can choose the boxless move, which utilizes sturdy and stackable plastic bins that can be packed right on the dolly. Say goodbye to heavy-lifting! Even if you do take advantage of our professional moving boxes and packing supplies, All My Sons will be happy to pick up your used and discarded moving boxes and deliver them to the closest recycling center. Our Dallas movers always do their part to help the environment.

All My Sons has everything your company needs for your local or long-distance office move to Dallas.

All My Sons Keeps Moving Along!

2009-01-31T14:54:00.001-06:00

Few Dallas moving companies have had the pleasure of helping the moving industry grow and change with each new year. All My Sons Moving & Storage has been around for a long time, and we’ve enjoyed pioneering new methods and techniques to meet your moving and storage needs as the world around us grows and changes. Just how much progress have we made over the years? Let’s take a look at the All My Sons timeline.

1st Generation of All My Sons Moving & Storage – All My Sons Moving & Storage begins with one very helpful family and their trusty ice truck.

2nd Generation of All My Sons Moving & Storage – The local moving company is well-known as a family-friendly, family-owned neighborhood moving business. Two moving trucks now replace the old ice truck.

3rd Generation of All My Sons Moving & Storage – All My Sons Moving & Storage is among the first moving companies in the moving and storage industry to offer FREE protection of all furniture using quilted blankets and pads. This free service becomes a company staple and is still offered to our Dallas moving customers today.

4th Generation of All My Sons Moving & Storage – All My Sons builds a solid reputation as a local and long-distance moving and storage company. Past, present and future moving customers rejoice!

1998 – All My Sons Moving & Storage of Dallas is born. A security-monitored, climate-controlled storage facility, a professional training facility and a fleet of professional moving trucks opens to serve Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas.

All My Sons has come a long way—from one ice truck to a fleet of trucks available for your local or long-distance move to Dallas. In addition, we continuously upgrade our professional moving boxes and packing supplies and keep our Dallas movers on a continuous training program.

It takes a strong organization to survive over four generations in the moving and storage business. But All My Sons has pulled through thick and thin. We are committed to continuously improving our services for all of our customers.

Moving Professionals that Care

2009-01-27T18:17:00.004-06:00

I’ve been known to be a little stubborn at times. Back in the day, when I was young and naïve, I insisted on moving myself. And by moving myself, I mean I insisted on enlisting friends and family to help me move from home to home. I guess I didn’t realize the risk of having helping hands that weren’t trained at providing help. Over the years, I lost several dishes and found several scratches and scrapes on my furniture. No big deal, right?

When my wooden bed frame (complete with headboard and footboard), which had been moved at least 4 times, completely collapsed as my friends and I were trying to put it back together, I decided to casually look around for ways to hire a few professional movers for next time. But when I discovered that the screen of my television was ruined, I KNEW things had to change.

Moving with true, professional Dallas movers is not only more convenient and hassle-free. The value is priceless. All My Sons Moving & Storage has access to high-quality moving supplies like moving boxes, sturdy tape, cushioning packing materials and much more. If you add full-service packing to your move to Dallas, you’ll be sure your items are fully-protected as they are carefully packed by industry professionals. Our Dallas movers wrap all furniture in quilted padding before anything leaves the house, so your furniture is safe from even minor bumps and scratches.

No matter how often you’ve moved, All My Sons takes the cake when it comes to experience. We have four generations worth of moving and storage experience, and a professional training program that blends our traditional standards of service with new techniques and technology available today. We even have a simulated moving environment where our certified moving consultants teach each mover the secrets to providing a hassle-free move.

Working with professional Dallas movers makes everything easier. You’ll enjoy peace of mind and lots of extra time when All My Sons plans and delivers your move to Dallas.

Let our Dallas Movers Handle Your Life-Changing Move

2009-01-24T08:15:00.003-06:00

Normally, you wouldn’t think of a Dallas moving company as a life-changing business. But all of the promises that a new year a new president bring have me thinking how different events truly change our lives. All My Sons Moving & Storage is in the business of changing lives, and for many reasons.

If you’ve moved even once before, you know that changing your home or office setting is a rather large life change. Our moving and storage services often help to usher in a new era for our customers, as many moves are accompanied by a new job, an addition to the family, a transition to young adulthood or various other major life events most of us have faced or will face in the future.

That’s why our Dallas movers understand how important it is to be more than just a team of talented movers when they arrive at your home to perform quality services. Whether the move is a positive or negative change, it usually comes with the same stress and burdens associated with the moving process. My team at All My Sons likes to take a very proactive approach to moving so you DON’T get that sense of panic when the movers arrive. We start planning a move from the first phone call.

When you call All My Sons, make sure you have a few extra moments to give us all of the details we need to plan your move to Dallas. We don’t want to miss anything, and careful planning will make your move go quickly and seamlessly. We will ask all sorts of questions ranging from the size of your home to what floor your apartment is on! The more we know, the more our movers can prepare before they ring your doorbell.

Once at your home, of course, our Dallas movers offer more than just a fast, safe move. They offer kind smiles, professional moving boxes and packing supplies, answers to your questions, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your belongings are in good hands. No matter what life brings you, your move to Dallas is one less thing to worry about with All My Sons.

The First Family Moves to the White House

2009-01-20T22:16:00.004-06:00

After a beautiful inauguration ceremony, no doubt the 44th President and his family are ready to settle down in the White House. What will the new administration bring? The new president has a host of hot topics that demand attention. What's topping my list? I want to know about the economy. No doubt these are tough times, although most of Dallas has stood strong when the rest of the country experienced trouble.

Now, more than ever, it's important to get more for our money. But the line between quality and value is thin, and many consumers are led astray by Dallas moving companies who are cutting corners and sacrificing quality for quantity. It is important to safe-guard your family and belongings against danger. When it comes to your move to Dallas, that means you may not go with the lowest quote on your move. Good thing you know that many moving companies will provide a low quote just to real you in, right?

At All My Sons, we may not always offer the lowest price, but we will offer the most reasonable, fair quote for our high-quality services. With a quote from All My Sons, you can count on getting much more "move" for your money. Our quotes are simple and straight-forward. All of the costs are listed clearly on your invoice with no "surprise" fees or hidden charges. And of course, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing our professional Dallas movers will keep your furniture and belongings safe while in transition. That beats costly repairs and replacements from the mishandling of your belongings by inexperienced, hired-hands any day!

So let the economy have its highs and lows. One thing is for certain: All My Sons will provide a quality move at a fair, reasonable price. In times like these, you can count on our professional Dallas movers!

All My Sons Celebrates MLK Day

2009-01-18T09:35:00.006-06:00

Washington, DC is already gearing up for the millions expected to attend the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States. But before the excitement of this historic event takes place, the nation pauses to reflect on a fallen champion of civil rights, peace and unity.

Although All My Sons Moving & Storage will be busy with a full schedule of moving services for this week, some of our Dallas movers will have time off to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr Day with their families. If you also find yourself enjoying a three day weekend, there is a great event going on in Dallas that the entire family will enjoy.

The 22nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr parade will begin at 10am on Monday, January 19th. The parade begins at Forest Avenue and Lamar Street, moves east along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and ends at Robert B. Cullum Boulevard at Fair Park. After the parade, your family will enjoy the Elite News King festival from noon to 6pm. Enjoy entertainment, vendors, health screenings and activities for all ages in Fair Park's Automobile building. For a schedule of more events for MLK Day, visit this website.

At All My Sons, we strive to emulate the sense of solidarity that Martin Luther King, Jr imparted to America many years ago. Our friendly staff and professional movers work together to make sure the quality of your move to Dallas exceeds all of your expectations. All My Sons is committed to a diverse work environment, as it takes many employees to achieve our goals and continue to provide the best moving and storage services in Dallas. On behalf of my team here at All My Sons, happy MLK Day!

What is the All My Sons Difference? It’s All in How We Move!

2009-01-12T20:44:00.002-06:00

Can you believe this weather in North Texas? One day it’s nearly 80 degrees, and the next a cold front knocks the temperatures to the thirties! Our Dallas movers have to have a full-season wardrobe on hand just to keep up. It’s a good thing All My Sons Moving & Storage delivers great moving services, rain or shine—or even sleet!
Even if the weather is unpredictable, one thing in Dallas is dependable. All My Sons is a Dallas moving company that cares about each customer and our commitment to providing them with the best moving and storage services when and where they need them. It’s our dedication to our customers that sets us above other Dallas moving companies.
What we offer customers is more than just a typical, unpredictable move. We are fully-staffed, which means an entire network of qualified staff members and local moving professionals are at your service and working on your move to Dallas. From the friendly employee who answers your phone call to the hard-working team of professional Dallas movers that execute your hassle-free move, All My Sons works as a team to make sure all of your moving and storage needs are covered.
And of course, we are fully licensed and insured, which is the first thing you should check on when searching for a local moving and storage company. More often than you’d expect, moving companies are not licensed, which means your move isn’t protected! And when it comes to your entire household of possessions, you want to make sure everything is in good hands. For more information on our licensing, you can visit the Better Business Bureau’s company profile for All My Sons of Dallas .
One more characteristic (of many!) that makes All My Sons so unique is this: we have over four generations of moving and storage experience under our belts! That is a lot of years to perfect our services, and that’s exactly what we’ve done. We know this industry so well, that your move to Dallas can’t help but go smoothly. We can break down your move to make sure each step is covered, explain your moving paperwork in a clear, concise manner, and fully protect your belongings using professional packing procedures and high-quality moving boxes and materials.
All My Sons has just what it takes to provide a move to Dallas at a level of quality that other moving companies simply can’t reach.

A Resolution For YOU from Your Dallas Moving Company

2009-01-10T14:59:00.004-06:00

This week, the hard-working movers of All My Sons Moving & Storage are sharing their New Year’s resolutions with you. We’ve already resolved to do an even better job than before at the tasks we encounter each day at our Dallas moving company. Even though that ultimately results in better moving and storage services for each customer we serve, we believe our customers deserve a resolution solely for them!
This year, All My Sons resolves to take our customer-centered focus to new levels! We’re committed to looking into each detail of how we serve our moving and storage customers in the Dallas area and beyond. We’ll take each service apart to see how we can increase efficiency and make your move even more hassle-free than before.
Our professional Dallas Movers are the front-and-center representatives of our local moving company, and they are committed to making 2009 the year of stress-free moving! Whether its rewrapping a fragile set of dishes or a family knick-knack in extra layers to make sure it remains safe; or making sure we’ve done everything we possibly can to make sure you feel at home in your new home, All My Sons will not hesitate to offer the very best to our valued customers.
And our office staff is in on the commitment, too! From everything to answering the phone one ring faster to making sure we offer thorough answers to all of your moving needs and requests, All My Sons is 100% dedicated to your happiness. We have your back during your move to Dallas or anywhere in the country. Consider us your personal moving genie, because your wish is our command!

All My Sons of Dallas Welcomes the New Year!

2009-01-06T20:16:00.004-06:00

Hello 2009! It’s back to business this week at All My Sons Moving & Storage of Dallas. We’ve all had a great time celebrating the holidays with family and friends and even took a few moments to reflect on our goals for the New Year as a Dallas moving and storage company. We’d love to share a few with our customers!
As an employee of All My Sons, I always make a resolution to be better at my job than last year. It’s simply the way our moving company works! After ten years, we are truly excellent at what we do for our moving and storage customers, from our friendly staff to our professional Dallas movers. My job involves many tasks: communication with our movers, staff and customers, resolving issues, scheduling each move with a great moving team and much more. I resolve to always go the extra mile—just like our Dallas movers—in each task I encounter at All My Sons. By making sure I maintain high standards for my job performance, I can be sure that each customer receives only the highest-quality moving and storage services when they move with All My Sons of Dallas.

All My Happy Customers

2008-10-10T16:14:00.000-05:00

"All My Sons Moving and Storage of Dallas moved my back in 1998 to Santa Fe, NM; given the chance again I will use them every time. The crew was very pleasant and kind and very prepared when they showed up. Just keep doing what you are doing, All My Sons is a treasure."

S. Allen

"I chose All My Sons of Dallas because they are family owned and have been in business for a number of years. They had all equipment to make my move easier on me. They were very helpful, courteous and highly efficient. Jerry & Chris were extremely knowladgable and worked well together. I highly recommend them."

B Woodall

"I live in the Denton area and see All My Sons trucks all over town. The men were careful to not damage any walls, floors, etc. They worked quickly and were very friendly. I will definately recommened All My Sons to anyone who is looking for a mover.

H. Smith

"I chose All My Sons of Dallas because they were affordable and available in the short notice I needed to get a mover. True, Philip, Kim and Charleston showed up on time were friendly, efecient adn did the mvoe in a timely manner. Keep up the good work!"

F King

"I went with All My Sons of Dallas for their great service, knowledgable phone staff and their price. The crew showed up on time, were helpful and friendly. Thank you All My Sons."

L. Pruett

"Woody Clayton is a personal friend of mine and I chose All My Sons because of his professional courteousy. They men showed up prepared for the move on time and move me quickly and on such short notice. They were great."

R Novack

All My Sons of Dallas is Turning 10!

2008-08-05T10:58:00.002-05:00

It may not seem like a hard task to accomplish for a company to reach their 10 year anniversary. However, when you think about it it actually takes blood, sweat and tears of many people to get to that point. Not only does it take determination, a strong work ethic and orginization; you need a strong back bone and supporting cast. I have worked for All My Sons of Dallas for a little over two years now and with new branches opening up all the time it got me a little curious as to when we opened up our doors here in Dallas. After a little digging and minor investigation I found that our first jobs were completed on August 18,1998. Just like any other 10 year olds birthday party there will be food, fun, birthday cake and presents.

Birthday's and anniversaries are a time to look back and reflect on the last year and see how much you have grown and
accomplished. We have had our ups and downs, bumps and bruises, said goodbye to old faces and welcomed new ones; all in all
it has been a good year for here at AMS Dallas.

Happy Birthday Dallas!

July 4th Around Dallas

2008-06-27T11:32:00.006-05:00

Summer time is here and in full swing, the kids are out of school and looking for entertainment. With July 4th right around the corner and if you are not traveling out of town to visit family there is plenty to do around town. Amongst the abundance of shopping centers, water and theme parks, shows and concerts, there will be plenty of firework displays throughout the cities. Addison’s Kaboom Town is one of the most phenomenal parties of the season. Most cities in the area have their own fireworks display, however they are unparralled to Kaboom Town's for the simple fact that this show is choreographed to music. This "nationally" recognized show can be seen from pretty much any place inside the Addison city limits. There are many Kaboom Town watch parties that you and your family can attend. The place that most people are going to want to watch from is going to be Addison Circle Park watch party.Besides the fireworks there is plenty of great food, live music and even historical warplane fly-bys performed. Loof for rock climbing walls, giant slides, fun inflatables,sand art,an obstacle course,a massage area for when you need little break from the day and much much more.

For the theatre lovers out there Shakespeare Dallas
is performing Othello and All's Well That Ends Well. Each play runs on a different night and from waht I hear tickets are going quickly. For those of you that have high schoolers or are in high school I recommend going to see them since you are probably going to be reading them in school at some point.

Summer time tends to be a relaxing somewhat lazy time of the year, and even though it is very tempting to just lay out by a pool or go down to the beach, take sometime this year and check out some of the art shows, plays, concerts and other family oriented events that the cities are sponsoring. Check out our local lakes in Lewisville or Grapevine, rent a boat or have a picnic on the banks. Remember to have fun, be safe and don't forget the sunblock!

All Our Happy Customers

2008-06-20T13:32:00.004-05:00

“My daughter recommended All My Sons Moving and Storage of Dallas to us after they moved her. We called to get a quote and were able to schedule our move for the very next day. We were very pleased with our moving crew that showed up and their courteous business like manner made our move go that much smoother.”

~ P. Collins

“You’re doing great! I chose All My Sons of Dallas because they were close and were able to schedule my move quickly. The crew showed up on time, were friendly had a great attitude and wasted no time in getting started.”

~J. Turner

“I saw the commercial and decided to go with All My Sons. The crew was excellent showed up on time and did everything I asked.”

~J. Varghese

“I used All My Sons two months ago and they did a wonderful job. I would recommend them to anyone.”

~Missy

Your Bill of Lading

2008-06-12T16:06:00.002-05:00

The bill of lading is the contract between you and your mover. All Dallas moving companies are required by law to prepare a bill of lading for every move they handle. The information on your bill of lading should be the same information as the ones on your written estimate, if you received one. The crew leader on your move (driver) should give you a copy of your bill of lading at the time of them loading your furniture.

As the customer it is your responsibility to read and understand the bill of lading before you sign it. If you do not agree with something or understand it then do no sign it until you are satisfied with the correction or have an understanding. Call the office and discuss any and all questions with someone, the is the best way to make sure you are getting what it is that you requested from the movers. The bill of lading requires that the moving company you hire to provide the services that you have requested; you are also required to pay the charges that are set forth on the bill of lading.

The bill of lading is an important document. Do not lose or misplace your copy.

The bill of lading must have the following 14 items:

1. Your mover’s name and address.
2. The names and addresses of any other motor carriers, when known, who will participate in the transportation of the shipment.
3. The name, address, and telephone number of the office of the motor carrier you must contact in relation to the transportation of the shipment.
4. The forms of payment that your mover will honor at the time of delivery.
5. Your name, address, and telephone number where the mover will notify you of the charges.
6. For non-guaranteed service, the agreed upon date or period of time for pickup for the shipment and the agreed upon date or period of time for the delivery of the shipment. The agreed upon dates or periods for pickup and delivery entered upon the bill of lading must conform to the agreed upon dates or period of time for pickup and delivery entered upon the order for service of a proper amendment to the order for service.
7. For guaranteed service, the dates for pickup and delivery and any penalty or per diem entitlements due you under the agreement.
8. The actual pick up date.
9. The identification number(s) of the vehicle(s) in which your mover loads your shipment.
10. The terms and conditions for payment of the total charges including notice of any minimum charges.
11. The maximum amount your mover will demand from you at the time of delivery for you to obtain possession of your shipment, when your mover transports under a collect-on-delivery basis.
12. Your movers level of liability should any damage occur to your household goods or residence.
13. Evidence of any insurance coverage sold to or procured for you from an independent insurer, including the amount of the premium for such insurance.
14. Each attachment to the bill of lading. Each attachment of the bill of lading is an integral part of the bill of lading contract.

A copy of the bill of lading will accompany your shipment at all times while in possession of your mover or its agents. Your moving company will keep a copy of your bill of lading on file for twelve months, and so should you in case you have any issues or need to file a claim.

Glossary of Moving Terms

2008-05-30T14:41:00.007-05:00

Accessorial Charges
Fees for accessorial services. Also called Additional Services.

Accessorial Services
Those services other than transportation of household goods, including, but not limited to elevators, stair carries, bulky articles, etc., that are necessary to complete the relocation or that are requested by the shipper.

Actual Charges
The total cost of the move from start to finish.

Addendum
Revisions made to the Bill of Lading after it is signed by the shipper and the carrier.

Agent
An independent moving company that is under contractual agreement with a van line. Agents usually perform local moves, intrastate moves, packing, storage, and other services.

American Moving and Storage Association
An alliance of moving companies dedicated to the advancement of the moving and storage industry.

Appliance Service
Preparation of appliances (washers, ice makers, etc.) to make them safe for transportation. This does not include the disconnecting of any plumbing or gas lines.

Arbitration
A dispute settlement program, where two parties unable to resolve their differences submit their dispute to an impartial third party rather that the court system.

Assembly/Disassembly
The process of taking household goods apart for transportation and reassembling them at destination.

Bill of Lading
The shipping contract between the carrier and its shipper, that lists the dates, services, and actual charges involved in a move and receipt for the shipper’s belongings.

Binding Estimate
The charges are based on an estimate, given not more than 60 days prior to loading, specifically stating the required services and their corresponding charges. This barring any additional charges at destination, which cannot be bound, will be the final price that the shipper or account pays to have household goods relocated.

Booker
The agent who has sold the move and registers it with the carrier.

Booking
The registering of an order with a carrier to provide transportation.

Bottomline Discount
This pricing option allows the charges to the customer to be discounted equally based on actual weight and services, except, valuation, storage-in-transit, and third party service.

Bulkhead
A cargo restraining separation within a vehicle or container used to prevent shifting of the cargo during transit.

Bulky Article
A charge to the shipper for articles that require excessive space in the van or container. The item must be specifically listed on the inventory in order to apply the charge. Such articles could be motorcycles, doghouses, riding mowers, or grandfather clocks.

Carrier
The company with a certificate of “Public Convenience and Necessity” or the authority to transport shipments, either Intrastate or Interstate. Also called a contract or common carrier.

Carrier Liability
The financial liability for loss or damage of goods by the carrier based on the physical transportation and handling of the goods.

Cartage
The service of or rate charged for transporting goods.

Claim
A written report a shipper files with a carrier requesting payment for loss or damage to property alleged to have been damaged while the shipment was in possession of the carrier. Claims may also be filed for an excessive delay in picking up or delivering a shipment.

Common Carrier
A carrier with Interstate Commerce Commission (now DOT) authority to transport goods.

Consignee
The person at destination named as the receiver of the shipment, usually the shipper.

Contract
A written agreement between two parties (company and carrier) to achieve the transportation of numerous shipments for more favorable terms.

Cube
A common measure of the capacity or cubic space available in a container or truck. The industry average is 7 pounds per cubic foot of space.

Department of Transportation
The United States government agency that regulates all aspects of the transportation industry.

Destination Agent
The destination contract for a shipment. Also, the agent with whom goods will be stored if necessary.

Estimate
An approximate calculation of the costs and services that are necessary to complete the movement of freight or effects.

Estimated Cost of Services
A written document used by origin agent as a preliminary contract for a shipment to determine approximate charges for weight and services required.

Estimated Weight
An approximate weight of a shipment determined by multiplying the cubic footage by an expansion factor.

Full Value Protection
A valuation option which holds the carrier liable to the customer for repair or replacement at current market value for articles lost or damaged while in the carrier’s custody.

Hauler
The driver that actually performs the service of transporting the goods or effects.

Intrastate
Movement of goods within the boundaries of a single state.

110% Collection Option
On a C.O.D. shipment, if the actual cost of the shipment exceeds the written estimated cost, the carrier may collect the estimate plus 10% from the shipper before delivery. The remaining balance is due within 30 days. This does not forgive the shipper’s debt, but prevents a driver from holding a shipment hostage.

Order for Service
A written agreement between the C.O.D. customer and the carrier, authorizing the carrier to move the shipper’s goods. This is not the contract, but is used as supporting document to the Bill of Lading.

Overtime
A charge to the shipper where, because of shipper convenience, laws or ordinances, the shipment is delivered after normal business hours of Monday-Friday, 8:00 to 5:00. Overtime cannot be charged if the delivery is made at carrier’s convenience.

A Few of My Favorite Places in Dallas, TX

2008-05-20T10:03:00.004-05:00

Growing up as the only girl between two brothers I have a sense of appreciation for sports that some do not. Above all others I would have to say that baseball is my favorite sport to play and watch. My grandparents used to live in Richardson, a suburb of Dallas,so I was here all the time for summers; in between baseball tournaments for my brothers. Since we lived near Houston, TX I frequented the Astro Dome, when it was home to the Astros. Now living here one of my favorite places to go is the Ballpark at Arlington to watch the Texas Rangers play. I still love my ‘Stros, but I have a passion for baseball so I like going to the ballpark to watch any team play. If you like watching baseball then you have to go and watch a game at this stadium. Believe it or not there is not a bad seat in the house you can pretty much see everything no matter what angle you are at.

Besides watching baseball another one of my favorite things to do in Dallas is going to the Texas State Fair. Even though it only happens once a year I love going. There is just something about going and eating your way around the fair grounds, from the corn dogs to the funnel cakes there is nothing like it. You walk in and there is the giant man, Big Tex, greeting you, hundreds of people walking around playing games, watching shows, riding the rides it makes you relive your childhood.

Shopping and Dallas go hand in hand, so naturally it is one of my most desired past times. I do not get to do it as often as I would like to but when I do I spend hours doing it. I get to spend the most time shopping when my mom comes to town. Her favorite malls to go to are North Park, Willow Bend in Plano or Grapevine Mills. There are many shops to choose from at each location so any budget can handle it. Anyone who knows how to shop knows that eating out comes with the territory. One of my most loved memories is when my grandmother would take me to eat lunch at the café inside the store, and then afterwards she would let me pick out something small from the store. Even though it is a long trek from any of these malls, if you love Mexican food then you have to go to Tejano’s in Oak Cliff. It is one of the last restaurants in this area that still serves authentic Mexican food. So if you find yourself in the area and wanting Mexican food, be sure to check out Tejano’s and try their puffed tacos or enchilada’s.

There are multiple attractions in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth area these are just a few of my favorites. If you are planning on visiting family or coming to Dallas for business or pleasure take time to go out and visit some of our unique hot spots.

Now Introducing All My Sons of Dallas Staff

2008-05-09T12:54:00.005-05:00

I have been writing this blog for a couple months now and thought it was about time that I introduce some of my fellow members of All My Sons of Dallas. It was kind of a hard choice to only pick one but I finally decided to tell you about one of our lead estimators, LeVanuel Montgomery. LeVanuel has been with All My Sons for a little over two years now. He came to us from his own moving company and started training to become a salesman. His job is to go out and be the face of All My Sons of Dallas. He specializes in local and long distance moves. What he does is come out to your residence, do a physical walkthrough of your home, and based off the information you give him he gives you a written estimate for your move.

LeVanuel recently got married this past December and lives in Desoto, TX with his wife. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and a very proud Longhorn fan. Not only is he one of our top salesmen every week,he works very hard at his job and building that personal relationship with each and every one of his customers. One principle I have tried to install in our salesmen is that once you make contact with the customer they are yours until the end. LeVanuel takes this to heart from the first time he speaks with you. You are his responsibility and he makes sure that he does everything in his power to make your move as smooth as possible.

Why I Love Working For All My Sons of Dallas

2008-05-02T09:51:00.003-05:00

I have worked for All My Sons of Dallas for a little over two years now and I have to say the best thing about working here is the people. This is the first time in my life that after working in one place for this long I do not wake up each morning wishing that I did not have to go in. Even though we are one of the busiest Dallas movers, there are only five of us in the office. I started working here as an administrative assistant and worked my way up to being the office manager which brought on many new responsibilities. That is another thing that I love about my job at All My Sons; I constantly get new responsibilities, like writing this blog, as well as others, book keeping, payroll, and much much more.

Writing this blog as been a little difficult for me, every time I start writing it, it sounded ridiculous. However, I really do love my job and what I do. It is by no means what I planned on doing as my career but it is funny how things happen and you seem to just fall into something you did not even know you would love.

AMSA Launches New ProMover Program

2008-04-25T11:56:00.002-05:00

The American Moving and Storage Association initiated a new program with the start of the moving season this year, ProMover. A ground-breaking new program intended to protect consumers and help guarantee they are hiring a legitimate, professional mover when they need to move their household belongings.

In this industry, just like many others, we have what are known as “rogue movers”- wicked people who pose as genuine movers in order to deceive consumers. It is hard to say how many rogue movers are out there since local law enforcement views it as a contractual dispute between the two parties. This new program that the AMSA has implemented is meant to be a deterrent for these individuals from here on out. Each member of the AMSA will be a ProMover and in order to be a ProMover you must be a member of the AMSA. This comprehensive program will include a pre-screening portion, annual reviews, and a firm revocation process for movers who do not sustain the program’s high principles. This status will represent a new standard for professionalism and merit and a “must have” credential to be acknowledged as a reputable and proficient mover.

Once this program gets into full swing you will see a ProMover logo on our website, as well as many other All My Sons websites. This logo is meant to let the customer know that they are dealing with a licensed and certified mover. There will be a link to the site that allows you as a consumer to see a list of current ProMovers, as well as being able to report criticism through a toll free number and a dedicated e-mail address.

The AMSA has a projected date of January 1, 2009 for this program to fully implemented, with the initial screening process to begin this fall. Now with this new program Dallas movers, moving to Dallas as well as moving from Dallas, will know that they have hired an honest, responsible, licensed and professional mover.

So look for the logo on our website real soon, as we are a proud memeber of the AMSA and can not wait to be a founding member of the ProMover Program.

Will This Be the Year You Finally Go Green?

2008-04-17T10:32:00.007-05:00

All My Sons is going green. Not only is it our trademark color it is part of our mission to help the environment. We have all heard the latest and greatest thing is to Go Green. To go green is to change the way you live your life. You have to rethink almost everything that you do in order to help preserve our way of life. All My Sons of Dallas is doing our part to help out, and little by little we will make a difference.

A couple of ways we are doing this is by reusing our paper in the office. We print lots of paperwork on a daily basis, so for starters we us recycled paper but if we do not use it for a job then it becomes a label for a storage vault or it becomes part of a writing pad to keep notes on. As part of our expansion we have added an office and industrial estimator, we now use office crates instead of boxes for them to pack their files and books in. The boxes that we use are made out of recycled material and we do offer box pickup for our customers after we have moved them and they are finished unpacking.

I am always looking for new things to do on the weekend; and one thing I plan on checking out is the Green Apple Festival in Fair Park this weekend. The Green Apple Festival works with the Earth Day Network. It looks like it might be really cool; they are going to have free concerts, organic foods, art, and educational environmental programs. Hopefully it will help give ideas to people, who go just for the music and food, about how they can help out just by doing the little things.

All My Sons Gives Back to Dallas

2008-04-16T11:46:00.004-05:00

In my two years working for All My Sons Moving and Storage, we have done a lot to help out in our community. Every year we sponsor local schools so they can get new uniforms or equipment or whatever it is that they need for that school year. We help out our local chapter of Habitat for Humanity in moving the new families and getting them set up in their brand new homes. A first for us this year though, we sponsored a friend in the 2008 March of Dimes Walk for Babies. We also donated the use of our trucks for a local school auction, so they could pick up the donations and get them to where they need to be.

I try to get us involved as much as possible in helping within the community, and every time we do it makes me feel as if I did a little something to help someone who really needs it.

Your Baby Bird Has Flown the Coup

2008-04-10T13:39:00.009-05:00

Do you remember waking up as a child in the middle of the night because you think you heard a noise, calling out to your mom and dad for comfort. Now fast-forward to a couple of years down the road to your first night alone in your new apartment, you hear a noise and call out to…??? Then you remember you are all by yourself in your very own apartment. How exciting! Except for that strange noise you just heard. There is no question that you have heard the expression “empty nest syndrome” this usually refers to what parents go through when one or more of their children move out of the house; leaving just them. It generally describes the loneliness or “emptiness” they will feel, but did you know that we as children moving out for the very first time can go through it too. We are used to having someone always there to help us out if we need it, do our laundry, make us meals, do the shopping and pay the bills. We are not used to the fact that we are considered “adults” and now have to do this all on our own.

Moving out on your own as a high school or college graduate is an exciting time in your life because it means that you are in charge of you, and you are able to decide what path in life you are going to go down. Hopefully, your parents will let you live with them for a little while longer while you try to save up enough money in order to move out. A good rule of thumb is to try and save at least three months of rent and bills before you move out so that if something comes up unexpectedly you can handle it. Although a little scary at times there are many things you can do to make sure that when you do finally move out on your own it will be a rather painless and smooth transition.

First, try to find a roommate; doing this will help you when it to making the rent and paying bills. With any luck you have someone that you are willing to share this experience with as well as your new home.
Second, do not wait to long to act. You need to start getting quotes from moving companies, unless you are going to do it yourself. The more local movers you call the better off you will be.
Third, a well paying job would not hurt to have either. This usually helps in keeping yourself a float when you are trying to adjust to your new surroundings and situation.

Now that you have found your dream apartment, a roommate if need be, and have saved all your money it is time to get movin’.

Moving in Dallas is a lot easier than you think, it is one of the largest markets when it comes to housing and movers. As always the more you do in preparation the better your moving day will go. Since this is your first time to be on your own, you have to get all your utilities set up and all your deposits made. You undoubtedly have started packing your boxes and luggage; and a little piece of advice from me to you, pack at least a weeks worth of clothes, your toiletries, and easy to cook food, just in case it takes you a little longer to get unpacked than you had planned.

Moving is always a stressful time, whether it is your very first time or if you have moved countless times. I remember the first time I moved out was to go to college. I moved into an off campus dorm, so it was like a small furnished apartment. My parents and I packed up all the things, loaded up my mom’s car and the back of my dad’s pick up truck. We had to be at the dorm at 6 a.m. in order to get in line so it would not take all day to move in. What an experience that was. Then after we got all of my stuff up to the 6th floor my mom and I went shopping to stock the cabinets, refrigerator and bathroom. I remember vividly the feeling of sheer exhaustion when everyone left. My roommate and I were so excited to be on our own finally and were going to go out for our first night on the town. We made it about a block down the road to a restaurant to have dinner and went right back to our room, took showers made the bed and went strait to sleep.

So to all you little birdies that are getting ready to fly off into the great unknown remember to always be nice to your parents since they are the ones who are going to help you out when you need it;and to all you parents out there who are getting ready to have an empty nest remember to be nice to your little birdies so they will come back home every once in a while.

Calling All Art Lovers to The Dallas Design District

2008-03-27T13:05:00.011-05:00

Calling All Art Lovers to The Dallas Design District

I listen to the news every morning as I get ready for work just like most people and for the most part it is there just as background noise and so I have an idea what the weather and traffic for that day will be like. However, this morning something caught my ear, the Dallas Design District is booming and is promptly becoming on of the “IT” places to be. Hearing this peeked my interest so when I got to work this morning I started to do a little research and found out not only is Dallas growing artistically we are growing by leaps and bounds in growth.

According to the Census Bureau, four Texas cities are among the biggest population gainers as America continued the journey to the Sun Belt in 2006 and 2007. Dallas-Ft. Worth alone added 162,000 within the last year, which as it turns out is more than any other metro area listed in the census; Houston, San Antonio and Austin were also among the top 10. Experts believe much of this expansion in the South is due to reasonably strong local economics and housing prices, which by the way are amongst the most affordable in the U.S. A state demographer from Texas recently gave an interview in which he stated, “People are running away from unaffordable housing, from the economic slowdown. I would expect Texas to stay at the top of a slowing game.”

Having read that I now understand why the Design District is growing with all the galleries moving down there. That area is also starting major renovations and will be gaining restaurants, shops and apartments. In one article I read they are expecting to have over 1,000 apartment units ready completed and ready for tenants by the New Year and we should start seeing progress within the next 30 days. These projects should really start to rejuvenate the area, which does not mean that the developers foresee or want the design and creative firms to pull out. In the Dallas art world it is the year of the Dragon….well Dragon Street that is. Just a few miles east of the Trinity River lies the funky warehouse district on or near Dragon Street. This migration of art galleries to this area is creating an easier road for them to reach their dreams. In the land of Dragon the art galleries are able to afford much larger galleries; and on a typical Friday afternoon in March the showrooms are virtually empty. Giving the viewer the feeling of having their own private art collection and allowing them to wander around the walls, the sparse nature of it all is part of the appeal.

Mr. Craighead, owner of the Craighead-Green Gallery, is thrilled with the journey the other art galleries are making to Dragon Street. He has said that he has always wanted his home town of Dallas to be more like the art scene in Los Angeles or New York. It seems that art dealer around the world, and even more so within the U.S, are taking notice of the Dallas Design District. Mr. Craighead attended a conference not to long ago in Santa Fe, N.M., where he says the focus was on Dallas and what has been happing here on Dragon Street. “I must have been asked a 1,000 times, ‘What the heck is going on in Dallas?’” Mr. Craighead, having moved to this area two years ago after having his gallery in the Uptown district for fifteen years prior, has said that the funkiness of the Dragon Street area is a sort of a bohemian blessing.

Part of the appeal to moving from Uptown down to the Design District seems to be that there is more free parking, a smaller amount of conflicting interests, and even a feeling of solidarity has flared up between the galleries. It seems from what I have read and found out the owners of the galleries have found a home on Dragon Street and do not plan on leaving it any time soon. Every six to eight weeks on a Friday or Saturday night you can go down and walk through the opening of a new exhibit, mingle with your friends, the artists themselves which tend to be local ones, or just walk around by yourself admiring what is happening to our great city.

More Happy Dallas Movers....

2008-03-26T14:15:00.002-05:00

“John and Dell were very nice and efficient, be sure to pay them what they are worth. They did everything to please me and were prepared when they showed up for my move.”

G. Valdez

“All My Sons of Dallas moved me about nine years ago and did an excellent job so I called you again. All the men were very polite and respectful of my and my belongings. They showed up on time and ready to move; and everything was handled very professionally with excellent service.”

D. Day

“I chose All My Sons because of an advertisement. They showed up on time and ready to move me. Everyone was pleasant and helpful and all went well. The thing I liked best about the move is how fast and easy it went. Thank you!”

M. Trimpe

“True and Larry were awesome. Their aptitude in moving was first-rate and they did a great job.”

Anonymous

“My daughter had used you before and was very pleased and now I see why. They guys were good, friendly and helpful. I liked all of your services.”

W. McComman

“I am very satisfied by All My Sons of Dallas. I was referred by a friend and very delighted I listened. They guys were very careful and very courteous. They showed up prepared for my move and I was impressed by the overall service I received from the entire staff.”

L. Breaux

A Day In My Life At All My Sons of Dallas

2008-03-19T12:49:00.007-05:00

Ever had one of those days in the office where you look at the clock and realize it is one o’clock and you have not even thought of lunch? I know I have had many of those days working at All My Sons. You know that saying “He has a case of the Monday’s”, meaning that you are not looking forward to starting your work week. Since we are in the service industry Monday’s seem to be the busiest day of the week for us. I absolutely love my job and would not change it for the world and could not imagine right now doing anything different. I like working in an environment that constantly changes, so last Wednesday when someone asked me how my day was going I replied “It’s a Monday.” I was extremely busy and it did not seem like I had already been at work for two days.

Let me explain a little of what my day is like being office manager for All My Sons of Dallas. For starters we are one of the largest moving companies in the area as well as within our family of movers. I walk in to work at about 7:45am each morning, this gives me just enough time to get my coffee together, some breakfast and catch up on what has been happening since 6 am. However, last week I had no such luck. Upon walking in the door the phones were already ringing off the wall, crews were calling in on the radios and we already had a visitor in the office. It was chaotic, to say the least, but I thrive off the fast pace of this business, I have to be prepared for anything and everything when I come to work.

So back to the chaos…we had a new trainee in the office, and if you have ever had to train someone you know that they have no indication about what is going on or how to help. They are basically there to watch and observe. He is sitting in the “captain’s chair”, which is the chair that sits right in front of the owner’s office, right smack in front of the computer and credit card machine, and looking completely mystified by what is going on. Even now as I try to write this blog I am juggling a Monday, and am constantly having to lave and come back to it, morning time seems to be the eventful time of the day for us. We have all heard the news stories about how a majority of employee’s time at work is spent taken care of personal stuff; from paying bills to scheduling doctor appointments to calling to get quotes on moving. Everyone is back to work and trying to get some things taken care of before they get their day started, which makes my morning’s pretty jam packed. On a normal day there are two people in the office, the operations manager and myself, on this day there were about four of us with our two trainees. As I am trying to get settled and figure out what is going on and how I can help out in walks our first guest, Building Maintenance and they need to do a walk through to make sure we are up to code which requires on of us to walk around with them. So as the operations manager is taking care of that I am left with the office and handling the guys when in walks our second guest of the day Texas DOT.

It is no surprise in our line of business if TxDot walks into our office to do an audit. As this gentleman is waiting in our office waiting on the owner to come out of his meeting to meet with him I begin to feel like I am on point. It is as if I am on a stage and expected to play a part and portray something and someone without flaw. I can do this job in my sleep but when an outsider is watching you and seems to be scrutinizing your every move it tends to wear on your nerves a little bit. All in all it turned out to be an amiable meeting and agreement between us and TxDot. He had a few changes for us to make and we made them right then and there and implemented them that very moment, and our agent from TxDot walked out of here in record time and completely happy. Ok so let’s check the time now, I walked in at 7:45am and by now it is probably 10 am; so we have already had a building inspection from the city and a policy inspection by the state. What more could have possibly happened you ask, well since you asked? Back to my regular work schedule I now need to start calling the customers we have scheduled for the next day and get their paperwork together, start getting the estimators work orders together and making their appointments. For the rest of the day I will do my daily duties and make sure the day goes smoothly.

My days are always eventful and I would not have it any other way, I am partial to the commotion that comes with the title and all that it entails. Sometimes I wish I had time to catch up on personal emails, phone calls, go out to eat for lunch instead of eating at my desk, or spend time really learning a new aspect of this industry…maybe one day.

Hitting Close to Home

2008-03-10T14:02:00.005-05:00

Since I started writing this blog I realized I have been focusing on the fact that we move household goods and nothing else. All My Sons of Dallas does so much more than just moving your home, we can move your business. We moved ourselves, along with our corporate office, about this time last year. Believe me it was an undertaking. Our office was not that enormous but we had so much stuff to move. From files to computers to our warehouse crates, it seemed like it was a never ending process to go through. I thought it would be so easy to get a Dallas moving company moved, right? Well you would think so, but after working a full day the last thing you want to do is go home and pack your house up…well the same goes for packing up the office. I procrastinated until the very last possible second to get everything packed. I was lucky that I worked for a Dallas mover and had all the resources I needed at my fingertips. We managed to get our entire warehouse, office and corporate location moved within a week’s time. Unpacking, however was another story. Getting everything set up and in its new place harder than I could have imagined, not to mention I had to unpack all of our files and put them back up. Granted I could have left everything in the drawers and filing cabinets but since we were moving into a new office and it was the beginning of the year why not kill two birds with one stone and get the packing and archival process underway. We moved into a much larger warehouse and office space, and it was a little nerve wracking in the beginning to get it all set up. It was a chance at something new and I did not want to mess it up right from the get go. Over the past year we have grown into our new place and it seems sometimes that we might have even outgrown it.

One of my best memories about moving our warehouse is the cleanup process, making sure that the floor was clean and that all the lights were working. Some of the bulbs had gone out and our Operations Manager had to lift the Owner up on top a crate so he could switch out the bulbs. Nothing like seeing a grown man sitting on top of a wooden box putting up lights about 300 feet in the air. Although my greatest memory has to be the day we were in the office sitting at our desks eating lunch, when all of sudden we heard all this yelling and cheering and engines revving. We looked on our cameras and the construction crew the new tenant had hired was having fork lift races. It was absolutely hilarious.

Since then All My Sons has grown and realized how much of an undertaking it was to move ourselves, we now have an All My Sons Commercial Division; working with small offices to large industrial relocations and have a Certified Office and Industrial Consultant that can help with the design to the implementation of any size move. All My Sons starts with a simple needs analysis and then customizes the move plan to fit each client. You can choose from a menu of turn key solutions that make the time and motion of your move more efficient. We can even help you move your warehouse.

A few aspects of this set up are as follows:

Boxless Moving- Use of plastic crates, part of our Going Green campaign.

I T Services- All My Sons can help your IT Department with any pulling of cables, taking down and putting back together your equipment.

Modular Services- The taking apart and putting back together of cubicles, desks, partitions etc.

New Furniture and Design Layout- We can help you set up your new office to be more efficient and be up and running quicker after your move.

Space Layout Design- All My Sons will help you with the special layout of your new office.

Furniture Renewal- Helping you give some of your favorite pieces a new look.

Archive Management- Moving is chaotic enough without the extra hassle of wondering what you are going to do with all your old files. All My Sons can store your files for you and help alleviate some of the unpacking and storage issues.

Cleaning Services- All My Sons will send a crew to do basic clean up of your office. We will vacuum, wipe down counters, mop, windows, dust, and any other minor interior touch ups.

Project Management- All My Sons will have on site a supervisor that the crew leaders will answer to. This project manager will be the salesperson that gave you your estimate. He not only will be there for the entire move but he will be with you step by step throughout your entire moving process.

Questions To Ask Your Mover

2008-03-06T11:11:00.011-06:00

Find Moving Tips!

In an earlier blog I gave you some tips to help make your move as smooth and as quick as possible. I told you what to ask but I did not tell you what you should be hearing as the answer. So I am going to list some questions you should undeniably ask your local moving company when you call to get a quote and what you should listen for. The moving industry also has a language of its own, like most professions if you are not in it we can not decipher what they are saying. You get confused and end up kind of brushing it off your shoulder and hope for the best; therefore I will give you a little description or definition to what we are actually saying to you.

1. Are you licensed and insured/bonded? YES! We are licensed and insured, but we are not bonded.
Bonded: Refers to a type of surety guarantee that a specific project, service or act will be financially covered if performance is not complete or satisfactory. A bonded company has protected funds (controlled by the state) that are accessible for consumer’s claims against that company. The money is directly accessible to you for an assortment of reasons as controlled by a state agent. Bonded also implies that we are able to move military.

2. Are your employee’s full time or hired day labor? No. They are all full time professionally trained employees; we do not hire any day labor or hired help. My men show up in uniforms with their names and our logo, so you know that they are my guys. They carry their own tools on the truck so that they are able to do any minor disassemble and reassemble.

3. Can you give me a “Price Guarantee”? Unless you have received a written estimate from a salesman who came out to see your home, then no I can not give you a PRICE guarantee. Any local moving company that says they can and do give you a specific cost without getting a detailed inventory or sending someone out be ware. It is almost impossible to give someone an exact quote on moving without seeing their belongings or where they are moving from. Any company that does this can be considered a rogue mover. Rogue movers: Typically a rogue mover is going to work like this: They are going to decline coming out to see your belongings even if asked. They will give you a low ball estimate and then once they have all your items loaded, they will demand more money and essentially hold your items ransom until you pay what they are asking. They demand payment in cash only or require a large deposit up front. This can get particularly scary and upsetting when you have moved out of state and need your household goods.

4. Are there any additional fees? When you move with All My Sons of Dallas what you are responsible for is any time the men are working for you (time it takes to load you on the truck, drive to your destination, and then unload you into your new home) plus a one hour trip charge, which allows our men a half our from our warehouse out to you and a half hour upon completion of the job back to our warehouse. Any packing material used there will be an additional charge or specialty items (i.e. plasma tv’s, pool tables, glass or marble) that require special attention there will be additional costs accessed.

5. How do I pay for my move? All local movers should accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and American Express) cash, cashier’s check or money orders. When it comes to corporate moves it is best to get it approved if you wish to pay with a company check. Once again, if the company only wants you to pay in cash then you need to watch out.

6. If there are any damages how long do I have to file a claim? In Texas you have 90 days to file your claim. The best thing to do once you notice any damages to your home or belongings is to make the crew leader aware, write down any and all damages on your bill of lading. Go ahead and call your moving company and get the claim process started. Remember you have 90 days to get all the paperwork in so take your time and go through all of your belongings to make sure all is well.

7. How much notice do I need to give my moving company when booking? In the perfect world once you have a firm moving date the best thing to do is call and get your move scheduled. Two weeks in advance is a good rule of thumb however, most moving companies will be able to work with you if you book your move at the last minute.

8. Are there any penalties accessed if I cancel a move? Yes and no. We are in the moving business so we understand completely about closing not going through, apartments not being ready and any other uncontrollable circumstances that may come up. All My Sons does not penalize you if this happens. The only thing that could be considered a penalty is the day you want to reschedule for may not be available, not really a penalty just an inconvenience.

9. What times will my move start? There are two positions in a moving companies schedule, a starter and hanger. Starter: Our morning position. Starters get started between 7:30am-9am, depending on that morning’s traffic and weather. Hangers: Our afternoon position. Afternoon positions are just that they are after noon. We typically try to get them started between 12 and 2 pm, but it really does depend on what time the crew gets done with their morning job.

10. Do you offer storage? If so how much is it per month and is it climate controlled? All My Sons of Dallas does offer warehouse storage and it is climate controlled. Since it is warehouse storage everything is kept in vaults. A vault is a wooden container usually 7 ft tall by 5 ½ ft wide and 7 ft deep. This container is used to store your household goods. Storage fees are dependent upon the season and are charged on a per crate per month basis.

Above all make sure any and all of your questions are answered, and that any and all of your concerns are addressed.

Your Mover’s Accountability for Loss or Damaged Property

2008-03-03T15:32:00.009-06:00

One of the highest priorities on your checklist of moving is how indispensable your items are to you. Everyone has those items in their homes that are extremely expensive as well as those that have more sentimental value that monetary worth. So, among the list of qualities in choosing a mover their level of liability is something you should beyond doubt check on.

If you are moving in Texas there are three options you have to select from. These selections are explained in detail in Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move in Texas, as well as below. One thing you should always keep in mind is that valuation is NOT insurance; it is a distinct level of carrier liability. The mover of your choice is not selling nor are you buying insurance on your household goods.

Option #1 Standard Level of Liability: The standard level of liability for Dallas movers is $.60 cents per pound per article. This coverage is already included, at no additional charge to you with All My Sons of Dallas . What this means is if you have a table that weighs 100 pounds and it is lost or damaged in any way, then your mover is accountable for a maximum of only $60. Now, the moving company can not reduce this amount they can always decide to go above and beyond this based on the situation.

Option #2 Full Value Protection: This level of liability is going to be based off how much you (the shipper) think your items are worth. One way to estimate this is to multiply each room in you room in your home by $10,000 or if you have obtained a written estimate from a Dallas mover then you can multiply the weight of your shipment by $10.00. Either mode you choose the total value of the protection you chose MUST equal 100% of the replacement value of protection of all your belongings being shipped.
Once this value has been decided then you can choose a deductible to go with. Just like all insurance companies you will have a range of deductibles to choose from it just depends on what you will be comfortable with.

All My Sons of Dallas works with the local agent Bakers International. This policy must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance and covers just about any event that can happen in the moving industry.

Option #3 Your Homeowners Policy: Each and every homeowner’s policy will be different. You will need to check with your local agent to find out what level of coverage you have.

Of course thinking about your items being lost or damaged when moving is something that we would rather not think about, but it really is something that should be considered. Each and every Dallas mover should make you aware of their level of liability and ought to give you the option of obtaining additional liability coverage if you want it. You already have enough on your mind this should be one thing you take care of and forget about it unless you need to use it.

Pinnacle Mover of Dallas

2008-02-29T16:37:00.002-06:00

You have been hunting for your perfect new home for months and you have finally found it. You are getting everything in order and have decided to us a Dallas mover. One thing you should consider when deciding on a moving company is their accreditations. A big one in Dallas is being a pinnacle mover. What is a pinnacle mover you ask?

“To achieve pinnacle mover status, a company must meet all required standards and criteria.” They must have a devotion to be a paramount in the moving industry. All My Sons of Dallas has achieved this status and maintained it for many years. Some of the basic requirements to do so are:

• Maintain membership in good standing with Southwest Movers Association
• Maintain a satisfactory U.S. Department of Transportation Safety Rating
• Have no unresolved Better Business Bureau claims on record
• Comply with all other state and federal regulatory requirements

To obtain this honor a Dallas mover must meet all necessary standards and criteria, in addition to earning 150 points from a menu of criteria. There is an outstanding list of options to choose from in order to earn those points. All My Sons of Dallas not only meets and exceeds these requirements. We maintain and enforce a dress code for all our movers; we implement a formal associate conduct policy as well as a formal safety program. All of our employees are full time trained employees and receive a safety manual. All our movers go through a training program and we recognize the ones who consistently do an outstanding job.

All of trucks and 18 wheelers are under the ten year requirement; as a matter of fact not a single truck is over five years old. We have achieved many credits from the American Moving Association as well as Southwest Movers Association. One thing we like to brag on here is that our claims ratio is quite low.

While it seems quite easy to attain this status, it is another thing to keep it. It is an ongoing process to make sure that All My Sons is one of the best Dallas movers out there. Our owner/president is on the board of the SMA and makes sure that we remain with this title.

The Cost of a Self Move

2008-02-29T14:14:00.008-06:00

The moving season is upon us. Whether it is a small move or a sizeable one the notion to move yourself has crossed everyone’s minds. We think it will be the most cost friendly choice to our pocket book than actually hiring someone to do it for us. In some, not all, instances yes it would be cheaper to move myself than hiring a local moving company. However, one thing I have learned working in this industry, just because I think that it might be cheaper doesn’t mean it will. The AMSA (American Moving and Storage Association) has a link on their website that helps you figure out the cost of doing it yourself. Just go to AMSA, click the link to evaluate the cost of a self haul and follow the instructions.

I used my apartment, a one bedroom on the second floor, as an example and filled out everything and came up with a grand total of moving myself of $743.00. Expensive, huh? That is what I thought too. Here is how I came up with this total.

I looked up a local truck rental place and found out how much it would cost me to rent a truck for a day. I chose that I would need my rental for twelve hours since I know it will take me all day to do it myself I figured if I picked it up at 8 am then I should (hopefully) be done by 8 pm. I also rented two furniture dollies and one appliance dolly as well as five dozen furniture pads to wrap all of my belongings. I used their prices for packing materials and just went with the amount of material that they had suggested. It also asks you how much it will cost for me to drive my own car around for the day as well as feeding myself and anyone who helps me. I also allowed myself a $100 miscellanous expense in case any last minute emergencies came up on that day.

My breakdown of the charges:

Truck rental $39.95 plus $0.79/mile

I estimated that I would be traveling 20 miles in the truck that day.

Total $65.00

Utility dolly 2 @ $7.00
Furniture pads 5 dozen @ $ 10.00
Appliance dolly 1 @ $10.00
Ropes & Tie downs 1 @ $24.95

Total $99.00

Packing materials $339.00 (which will be shipped to me in 5-7 business days)
The Dallas movers I choose will bring them out in advance or the day of my move and pack for me. At no additional cost all I am responsible for is the cost of materials.

Driving my own vehicle (cost of gasoline per gallon) $3 for 20 miles $60.00
Cost of feeding myself and whomever helps me $20 per person per day $80.00

Ok...so either way I can not get out of driving myself or feeding the people who help me.

Miscellaneous of $100 (in case of emergencies) Total $ 240

This could be used for the cost of gas and feeding everyone istead of an additional "what if" cost.

This gives me a grand total of $743.00 to do it myself. Not to mention I have already had to pay all the transferal fees of my utilities to my new place, any deposits for the new apartment as well as the first months rent. So I am easily up to over $2000.00 to move myself. I don’t know about you but I would much rather hire a certified local moving company to move me instead. Having two trained professionals come in, wrap and load all of my belongings and potentially get it done in three to four hours sounds a lot better than doing it myself.

Ok…having gone through all that I am a little shell shocked about moving. I know that hiring a moving company could easily be a costly undertaking. However, when I really truly think about it, it is almost always the better choice. I do not do this everyday for a living, why would I not want to hire a mover who does? They are going to be trained and knowledgeable about moving my belongings. Nowadays most homes have specialty items, i.e. plasma tv’s, pianos, antiques, large marble or glass pieces. I am no expert and while I know I would handle my stuff with care I know inevitably I would damage something.

It really is worth it to take the time and do the research about moving yourself versus hiring a moving company. Some of the minor details that you might forget to consider, until last minute like me, have already been taken care of because it is standard for the movers. The day of your move you really just wake up have a cup of coffee, show the movers what to move, watch them load, lead them over to your new house watch them unload everything, and even put your beds back together for you. Pay the bill and wave goodbye…or you can do it all by yourself and depend on the kindness of your friends and family?

Having this knowledge about moving has made me realize that hiring a professional mover is the best, and the most cost efficient way to go.

All My Sons of Dallas's Tips for a Smooth Move

2008-02-15T13:15:00.009-06:00

1. Have an estimator out to get a written estimate. Be cautious of over the phone estimates. That is just what they are, at best, an educated guess. It is best to get at least three in home estimates. Two out of the three will be very close in cost, weight and services provided. Decide on one of these. The other proposal will either be very high or low. Avoid that carrier, more than likely they are not revealing all the cards in their deck.

2. Ask questions. At any time if you do not understand something that is told to you over the phone or in person, ask. The moving industry is very intricate and has a language of its own. If you are not pleased with the response to your question(s) or if the moving professional pauses before answering you, talk to someone else.
Some questions you should ask:
Are you licensed?
Are you insured?
Are you a member of the BBB (Better Business Bureau)?
Can you get a “Price and Time Guarantee”?
Are you men full time employees, or day laborers?
Can you provide me with current references?

3. Be reachable by phone. A couple of days prior to your move as well as the day of your move are assessable for the movers. This can save time and ensures that you will be given all information before your move starts, and not at the time of arrival. Also, give the crew leader a contact number in case you are separated anytime during the day while traveling; in addition to getting a number for the driver.

4. Take ALL valuables with you. All My Sons of Dallas does not require that you remove all items from filing cabinets and dresser drawers. What we do ask is that you take anything out that is precious or breakable, such as cash, jewelry, important personal papers, photographs, or anything you deem important.

5. Carefully ready all documents. Read and complete the Bill of Lading. This is a legal contract with you and your local mover, treat it so. Also, read thoroughly your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move in Texas.

6. Do a walk through before leaving. Make sure you do a complete walk through of your home with the crew leader. Checking all closets, drawers, pantries, attics and or basements to make sure nothing was missed.

7. Try to relax. The more prepared you are the better, however no matter how prepared you are things sporadically go wrong. Moving is one of the most stressful yet exhilarating times in your life. Get a good night sleep the night before, be patient and remember to breathe.

8. Be available. Movers will have questions. Try to arrange all closings for a day or two before your move. This will help to relieve some of your stress during the move if all you have to do is concentrate on the move and nothing else.

9. Have estimated funds on hand. You will have to pay the movers preceding the offload of your items at your new home. Make sure you have the money available in cash, certified check/money order or credit card.

10. Supervise unloading and unpacking. It is always a good idea to be there when the crew is unloading the truck into your new home. This way you can let them know where they are to put them, as well as inspect them for any damages that may have occurred during the move. Be sure to make note of any damaged or missing items before the movers leave. Check the truck as well before they are ready to go.

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All My Sons Moving of Dallas Help’s out in the Community

2008-02-08T14:17:00.000-06:00

It is the beginning of a new year and everyone makes at least one resolution to try and better themselves. Whether, it has to do with loosing those pesky holiday pounds, spending more time with friends and family or maybe to become more organized. All My Sons of Dallas has made such resolutions. However, the one thing that we have always done is try to be an active and contributive member of the community.

One way we have done so is helping out the Habitat for Humanity of Denton County. Habitat for Humanity of Denton County is a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity and good nature of the citizens. It is always an exciting time when you move into a new house or apartment. We have worked with them multiple times just in the past couple of months. All My Sons of Dallas has always tried to help out with local schools, churches, businesses and other organizations. Donating a few men and a truck is the least we can to help them out.

All My Sons of Dallas even helps out other moving companies. We moved the national director of a local company and received a rave review.

“I needed to move quickly and saw your ad in the phonebook. Your men were extremely kind and the entire experience was fantastic. I really could not suggest anything to make it better. I have been in the moving business for 22 years and have never been so impressed with overall service like I was working with All My Sons. I would not hesitate to recommend All My Sons of Dallas to assist any of my clients with local moving service. Thank you so much.”

B. Snyder

Texas Movers...All My Sons of Dallas We Keep Em' Smilin

2008-02-01T14:35:00.000-06:00

“I was referred by a friend to use All My Sons of Dallas. The crew was prepared, courteous, friendly and professional, and took care with our items. Keep up the good work!”

~C. Shaver

“I was impressed with the excellent moving ability of the crew and how equipped they were.”

~Unknown

“I was delighted in the fact that my crew showed up on time and how professional they looked.”

~M. Hoover

“I liked the free in home estimate I received from the estimator that came out, and ultimately I decided to go with All My Sons because of the size of the trucks. The crew came absolutely prepared and ready to move. They were very considerate and careful with the furniture and everything. The guys were really great!”

~S. George

“I chose All My Sons because I trusted them and their availability. They got me moved in a timely manner and the crew’s attitude was first-rate the entire time. Even though I could have gone with a cheaper mover, I’m glad I did not.”

~H. Porter

“Your men did a great job on the move of our family last Friday. They were friendly, accommodating and very efficient at their jobs. If you ever have to impress a client with one of your best crews, I could not give a higher recommendation than sending Dave, Roy, Jimmy and Antoine. They were fantastic.”

~M. Kravik

Moving with All My Sons

2008-01-25T10:07:00.000-06:00

I have not moved too many times in my life and every time I have moved I have done it myself with friends. I dislike moving. There is nothing fun about packing boxes, loading the pick up truck and then unloading once I reach my new home. You spend tons of time packing up your life and putting it into boxes and then moving them around Dallas.

The last two times I have moved I have waited until the last possible moment to do so. The first time I had to get a public storage for all of my belongings. I am by no means an expert in moving, and trying to place everything inside the storage unit was somewhat of a task. Looking back on it now I wish I would have hired movers to do it for me. I know that when you put all your possessions into a storage facility, let alone a public one, you tend to worry about them. I know I did. There is no protection on them besides one little lock and fence. Looking back I would do it differently. I would have chosen a local accredited moving company that offered an all inclusive service. Moving and storage. I now want something like All My Sons offers, a climate controlled warehouse that has a monitored alarm system.

I am lucky, I have friends that always like to help but it takes us at least three times as long as it does the local moving company. I work for a moving company and have seen them in action only a couple of times. The first time I was amazed at how quick and efficient they were. My friends only moved Lewisville to Lewisville with only a couple of miles in between. I almost felt bad watching them move everything and we just stood out of the way and pointed where to put it all. But that is what you get when you hire a moving company, it is so quick and easy I can not believe it.

It is almost a little embarrassing to admit but after my moving experiences I know I would hire a mover to do the smallest of jobs for me.

Let our family move yours

2008-01-21T15:55:00.000-06:00

Hello, my name is Amanda and I am the office manager for All My Sons Moving and Storage of Dallas. I started here in 2006 hardly knowing anything about the moving industry, working on the other side has allowed me to have an appreciation for the art of moving. We are a rather small operation in the "Big D", let me introduce you to the family. Our President/Owner Ron Clair has been here since 2002. Coming to us from North Carolina he has brought to the Dallas branch a sense of raising the bar when it comes to customer service. Dax, our Operations Manager and dispatcher, has worked for All My Sons first as a mover and then working his way up since 2003; our night manager James has been with us for three years now. And without a doubt our most essential employees, and the back bone of our company, our movers.

My guys love what they do and it shows. Moving is hard work and yet they are devoted to showing up day after day, rain or shine. Like most valued employees some have worked here virtually since the doors opened in 1998.

All of us at All My Sons of Dallas take pride in what we do and make every effort to do it better day after day; as well as surpassing the next guy. I know it seems like there is a never ending list of movers to choose from in the Dallas area, and when it comes right down to it you want the one moving company that cares and in fact shows it. From your very first phone call (or internet search) we strive to make your moving experience the finest it can be.

Moving is hard and we know it. We have all sweated through it at one time or another in our lives, whether it is helping a friend or moving ourselves, moving is not the first thing that comes to mind when we think of ways to spend our free time. That’s why you hire movers.

All My Sons Moving offers almost every service you can think of when it comes to moving. From the free in home estimate with one of our certified moving consultants to setting up the cleaning of your previous home, you name it and we will do our best to get it done for you. We specialize in moving household goods, from the most extravagant of homes to the smallest of apartments, we can get you moved locally, long distance and even internationally.

This is the season for moving and All My Sons Moving and Storage of Dallas is ready and waiting to lend a hand.