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. 

UPDATE: Somerville Parking (again)

Apparently, Somerville parking office now requires that if you are putting up moving van permits you call and let them know the day you do so. For instance, if you pick up your moving van permit and signs two weeks before your move you must call them the day you put them up (we'll assume the bare minimum of 48 hours in this case). They say that if they do not receive a phone call about the signs going up they will not enforce the signs. So, if you don't call the parking office about your signs and someone is parked in those spots on the day of your move you have no recourse.

We just learned about this today so we haven't given it a go yet, but we'll be calling them soon for some permits we've got waiting to go up. If we learn anything new we'll keep you updated!

Fouth of July!

We're taking the day off on the Fourth of July. No moves will be going on and the office will be closed. We'll reopen for business on the 5th. We hope you all have a safe, happy, cook out and fire work filled (if that's your thing....) holiday!

Image courtesy of destination360.com

Moving Out of the Ordinary Goods

Though our focus is mostly on residential moves, we occasionally get asked to handle goods that are a bit outside the normal list of bookcases, beds and TVs. We relish opportunities like this because its always neat doing something different and we love to put our skills to use in unusual ways.

Photograph is our own.

We once were asked by a regular customer of ours to move the above stone statues. Each statue was so heavy (approximately 400 lbs) the movers had to use dollies and four wheelers to get them to the truck.

We also once moved a megalethoscope. Its a bit like a very large viewfiender you might have had as a kid. Photographs are inserted and, with the help of a large lens and a light source, the illusion of perspective and depth is created.

One of our favorite jobs ever was moving Peter L. Stern & Co., Inc. They are antiquarian booksellers with some truly amazing stuff. We moved there shop from one address in Boston to another. We also help them with the Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair every fall.

Another regular customer of ours had us go down to Rhode Island to get a fire escape for him to put on his new house. It was heavy and bit awkward but it fit in our 26' truck!

We've moved a lot of pianos, from spinets to uprights to grands and even some organs, but we got a do a fairly rare piano one time. It was a Mason and Hamilin Butterfly grand piano. Instead of the cover hinging on one side it hinges in the middle and opens like a butterfly.

This is actually a Wurlitzer, not a Mason and Hamilin. Image courtesy of pianoworld.com

A neighbor of ours in Fresh Pond, E Ink, creates the displays for eReaders like the Kindle and the Nook, among other technology. Another neighbor right around the corner, NK Labs, creates the machines that make the screens for E Ink. We've had the pleasure of transporting those machines for NK Labs multiple times. Not only are the machines themselves interesting, but we get to crate them, which is always a unique challenge.

The Bedford Whaling Museum was getting some large display cases from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and were the lucky ones able to pick up the cases and deliver them to New Bedford. Those cases were quite large and heavy, but what a treat! The staff at both museums were very kind and helpful and it was a joy to assist both of them.

If you have a pieces or pieces that falls outside the "normal" spectrum give us a call. We've handled a vast variety of goods. If we haven't moved your exact item before chances are we've moved something like it! Give us a ring at 617.549.9880 or e-mail us at help@intelligentlabor.com to get a quote. We look forward to hearing from you!

Moving Outdoor Goods

Now that the warm weather is in full swing (fingers crossed), people are moving and bringing their outdoor items with them. Here are a few tips on how to prepare these goods for your move.

Image courtesty of chosensites.us

- Charcoal grill
Prior to the movers arrival empty out any soot and charcoal briquets inside. This saves time and helps insure a clean truck and, therefore, clean goods. The same thing goes for any chimineas, fire pits or similar items.

- Gas grill
We are not allowed to transport the gas tank. Removing it from the grill and giving a quick clean will save time.

- Lawn mower
If you have a gas powered lawn mower please make sure it is empty of all fuel. We are not allowed to take any gas on our trucks. The same thing goes for other gas powered items such as snow blowers.

- Swing sets
This really deserves its own post, but here's the quick run down. If you'll be taking care of any disassembly yourself, make sure that its taken apart and ready to go when the movers arrive. WD-40 or some other lubricant will probably be necessary as the screws holding swing sets together often rust a bit due to being outside of all the time. If you're having us take care of the disassembly we'll have all the tools on hand to take care of it.

- Compost bins
If you have a portable compost bin make sure it is empty so its ready for transport. Most compost bins, even if they're portable, will be too heavy to move with the contents inside.

If you have any questions about this or anything else moving related give us a call at 617.864.0620! We're happy to answer any questions you may have.