Cambridge Lights

Image courtesy of Cambridge Lights

During the holiday season we do deliveries for Cambridge Lights, a Christmas tree delivery company servicing Cambridge, Boston, Somerville, Arlington, Belmont, Brookline and the greater-Boston area.

Not only does Cambridge Lights deliver Christmas trees, they hang lights, wreaths, garlands and other holiday decorations. At the end of the Christmas season they'll even pick up your tree and recycle it for you. They have a lot to offer during the very busy holiday season. The best part is, if you want, they'll string lights on the tree for you, giving you more time to wrap presents and drink some delicious egg nog!

If you'd like to speak to them about a Christmas tree delivery or having some lights hung around your house give them a call at 617.600.3204. You can also e-mail them at info@cambridgelights.com. They'd love to hear from you and we'd love spread some holiday cheer by dropping off a tree at your house!

What is Stretch Wrap?

image courtesy of mcmahonpaperandpackaging.com

If you've ever received an estimate from us before you've seen that we include something called stretch wrap. Stretch wrap is an industrial strength saran wrap that we use to protect your goods during the move. Our movers use it to wrap soft goods like mattresses and couches to keep them clean during transport. Also, the movers use it to adhere moving blankets to your hard furniture like dressers and tables.

We use stretch wrap instead of other materials for a few reasons. We find it works better than tape for adhering moving blankets because there is no sticky residue that might damage your furniture. Also, we find that our movers like it better than mattress bags and other specialty bags because its easier to grip and it fits around the item perfectly, whereas the bags are often loose and slippery. Stretch wrap protects against rain and snow just like a bag would, but because of its grip, the movers like it better in wet weather.

We also have two different sizes of stretch, so we're really able to tailor our approach to your particular goods. And, while the stretch wrap can't be reused, it can be recycled through the City of Cambridge, which we really like.

Overall we feel stretch wrap is the right material for the jobs. If you have any questions about it please ask away!

UPDATE: Somerville Parking (yet again)

In August we were asked by a customer to obtain a Somerville moving van permit for their move. This permit would involve metered spots. Perhaps we haven't had to get a metered spot in Somerville in a long time or maybe there's a new rule, we're not sure.

Here's how it worked when we requested a spot with meters: Fill out the form, including all of the relevant information. The clerk will enter this info and process as usual. However, with metered spots you will NOT receive permit paperwork as you would with a non-metered spot. Somerville will put your request in the system and bag the meters, but you will not receive signs to post or permit paperwork for your files. Also, each meter head is $35 and then there's another fee on top of that for the request. Its a little confusing and kind of expensive, but it worked for us when we had to do it.

If you need a moving van permit from Somerville we would suggest calling them before you go down or just heading over there and figuring it out on site. It seems there's have been a lot of changes, but they don't show up on the website.

Local Businesses We Love

We're back from our hiatus (it was a busy summer!) and ready to blog.

This one isn't about moving, because, after all, all work and no play makes for some cranky movers. Instead, we want to focus our attention on some local businesses we use on a regular basis because we love working with them and/or patronizing them. Definitely check these out when you're in the neighborhood.

image courtesy of google maps

- Cambridge
Iggy's Breads of the World - Delicious. Its almost embarrassing how often we go in here. Sometimes twice a day...
Basil Tree Catering - We moved them into their new space just down the street from us and they have some great breakfast and lunch options
McGeoghean Waste Systems - We've been using them for our dumpster rental for years.
Verna's Donuts - The best glazed doughnuts on the planet.
Newtowne Grill - A regular after work spot for a long time.
Redemption Tattoo - More than half of us have been in here at least once to get tattooed. You can't go wrong with any of the artists.
Porter Square Books - If we need a business related book we call here. If they don't have it, they'll order it and it'll be there fast. Great for all books, not just business!
Bob Slate Stationer - We used to go to their Porter Square location, now we head to their Harvard Square spot. We get everything from binders to custom stamps here.
Middle East - Most of our movers either are in or have been in bands and have played either the Upstairs or Downstairs. Its a great place to see a show and grab some tasty Middle Eastern food.
TT The Bears - Another venue many of our guys have played at.
Plough and Stars - We eat here, we drink here, we play shows here, we see shows here. We're here a lot.

- Somerville
Ace Wheelworks - We've got a lot of cyclists at the company and this is where most of us go to get the best bike stuff around. 
Highland Kitchen - Great specials and drinks, nice staff (we've moved a lot of them) and spelling bees!
Diesel Cafe - There's some hard to resist caffeinated beverages in here, even if it is hard to find a place to stick our trucks so we can run in!
Redbones - Another after work favorite for a long time. 

- Arlington
Dudley Automotive - Ed and the guys do a fantastic job keeping our trucks in great shape. Stop into the Barbecue Barn right next door for some grills and accessories.

This is by no means an exhaustive list or even a greatest hits, just some places we'd recommend you check out if you're new to the area. For more comprehensive lists of local businesses in Somerville and Cambridge check out Somerville Local First and Cambridge Local First.