Occupy Boston

Parked at the camp.

Last night a few of us got the call from Occupy Boston that they needed some help getting goods out of Dewey Square before the midnight deadline. Ezekiel, our owner had previously volunteered our services if they should need it and they took us up on it.

We rolled down to Dewey in one of our big trucks and first helped them load up all the goods from the medical tent. Our truck wasn't anywhere close to full, but given the uncertainties inherent in the situation, no one at Occupy had anything else for us to take at that moment.

Loading medical supplies.

After we finished up with that load and we were heading back to the warehouse we got another call from an Occupier asking us to come back and help with some more goods, which we were happy to do. This time we loaded up all the clothing donations and brought them to an Occupier's so they can be sorted and donated appropriately.

We are so glad we were able to help. The people we interacted with last night, from the cops to the Occupy Boston members were wonderful to work with. The Occupiers were really thankful that we were able to help out and we were pleased to do so. Intelligent Labor and Moving is in the business of moving people in and around Boston, not in the business of politics. As a small business though, we appreciate individuals and small groups trying to create change and start a discussion. We like to help where we can, and showing up with a truck to help Occupy Boston was a small way to help and get involved.

WGBH Radio Spot and Discount

image courtesy of tunein.com

As of yesterday, our radio spot on 89.7 WGBH is up and running again. It will run Monday through Friday from now until March, so listen for it!

We're excited to continue working with WGBH in this way. Not only do people get to hear about our moving services on the radio, but we get to help support something we wholeheartedly believe in, public radio. It doesn't hurt that we already listen to the station, either!

This is also a good chance to remind everyone that as a WGBH sponsor we offer a discount to members. If you have a current WGBH membership card you are entitled to the discount. Its best to tell us about it beforehand so we can make sure the movers know about it. Just show them the card during your move and you get a discount.

Also, just another reminder to call Cambridge Lights for all of your tree delivery and holiday lights needs for the Boston area. Cambridge Lights will come with the tree, set it up and even decorate it for you if you'd like. They also do light installations, hang wreaths, etc.

Happy Thanksgiving and Some Updates/Reminders!

Image courtesy of theblogprof.blogspot.com

Its been a very busy November for us, for which we are very thankful. Its always nice to be busy, but particularly when your traditionally supposed to be slow. A big thanks to all of our customer not just in November but all year. We really do feel very appreciative every time someone chooses to entrust their move with us. Of course, we think we're the best moving company in Boston and we owe that to our customers and the best movers in Boston. Intelligent Labor would be nothing without our fantastic crew of guys, so add them to the list of things we're thankful for this holiday.

In observance of Thanksgiving the whole company has the day off. We won't be answering phones or checking e-mails and no one is going out on move jobs. The office will reopen on Friday.

Don't forget to Shift Your Shopping on Black Friday! You'll find some super gifts at your local, independent retailers.

Also, make sure to call or e-mail Cambridge Lights for all of your holiday decorating needs. December 1st is just next week, so get in touch now to book your tree delivery or holiday light installation!

In the season of giving (loaning in this case?) we're happy to see that some of our Kiva loans are already being paid back. Some of them are even in the double digits precentage-wise! Check out our profile page to check out those that we've loaned to.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Shift Your Shopping

Image courtesy of http://shiftyourshopping.org/2011

Cambridge Local First (CLF) is a fantastic organization we belong to that supports local independent businesses. The idea of CLF is that patronizing your locally owned shops, restaurants, acupuncturists, etc. helps create a strong, vital community and economy.

CLF is also part of a now national campaign called Shift Your Shopping, which started in Somerville and Cambridge in 2009. The idea is to spend your holiday money not at big box stores, but at the businesses owned and staffed by your neighbors and friends. Shopping thoughtfully online is also encouraged and the website gives a lot of great links and suggestions on how to go about it. We think its a great idea and we're so happy to see that its gone national this year.

You can follow both CLF and Shift Your Shopping on Facebook (we do!) to keep up-to-date on what's going on with both organizations. Spread the word!

Mass Movers Association

image courtesy of mymonstermovers.com

Next week we're heading to the Massachussetts Movers Association (MMA) fall business summit in Marlborough. It should be an interesting day and we're looking forward to learning a lot.

The MMA isn't just a professional organization. As a customer, there's a lot of good resources on their page for you to check out. They have a section on moving tips, a list of links to moving resources and you can look up movers through them. When you click on this link the site asks you to enter a zip code. Having tried this myself, it can be a bit misleading. For instance, if you enter 02140, which is the North Cambridge zip code, the first moving company to come up is in Concord, NH and we don't come up at all, even though we're right next door. Typing in your zip code may not give you all of the local options, so just keep that in mind if you're using the MMA as a resource to find movers.

Boston Condo Sales are on the Rise

Here's some good news for the economy, perhaps bad news if you're looking for a deal on a luxury condo in downtown Boston. Between July and September of this year 823 condos were sold, a 22.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Luxury condos did even better compared to the third quarter of 2010, with 171 condos sold for an increase of 27.6%. The areas considered downtown by The Listing Information Network, who compiled and tracked this data, are neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, Back Bay and Charlestown. Allston, Dorchester and Jamaica Plain are not.

Holiday Lights and Christmas Tree Deliveries

photo courtesy of christmaslightsetc.com

I'm not a big fan of how Christmas starts to make an appearance earlier and earlier every year. Miniature Santas sit right next to Halloween pumpkins in stores now and it drives me nuts.

However, I do think its important to mention this holiday related item earlier rather than later (and at least I waited until after Halloween!). We workt with a company called Cambridge Lights. They deliver Christmas trees and will also put up lights on your house or in your yard. Considering what a hectic time of year most people find the holidays Cambridge Lights can be a real life saver in helping you get ready for the holidays.

Give them a call if you'd like to discuss either tree delivery or lighting options. There are a few standard options for trees, but they're also happy to take special orders.

Don't forget to enjoy Thanksgiving in the meantime, though!