Never Overlook San Diego eWaste Drop-off Events

There has been an increase in awareness about recycling and green issues in recent years, but one thing that many people don’t stop and think about often is the recycling of electronic waste, or eWaste. This is overlooked so frequently because most of us don’t think about our electronics as being recyclable. The truth is, there are many individual components of our electronics that can be repurposed or broken down and recycled, and there is no need to throw all that valuable material into a landfill.

Click here to see the next scheduled FREE eWaste Drop-off Event for San Diego

What eWaste Is

The first thing you need to be aware of is that your electronic waste actually contains harmful and toxic substances in many instances, in addition to all of the great reusable materials. You can’t just throw away your computer monitor, television, or printer for this very reason. Heavy metals from these electronics is in danger of seeping into the soil and contaminating our rivers, lakes, and oceans. Exposure to heavy metals can be lethal. That is why it is so important that you turn your old and broken electronics to a company trained to handle the disposal and recycling of electronic waste.

Recycle San Diego

When you need to recycle your electronic waste in the San Diego area, you can turn to any of our green locations in San Diego, or take advantage of our free eWaste events. California law requires you give us your name, address, and phone number along with your old electronics. You’ll get a certificate of recycling that guarantees your old electronics have been properly disposed of and have not ended up in a landfill somewhere.

Safe and Convenient

This certificate releases you or your business from liability regarding the recycling of your eWaste, and it gives you peace of mind knowing that you’ve not only complied with the law, but also given those materials a fresh purpose. Recycle San Diego is properly permitted and fully insured.

When you move you should always have an emergency backpack ready. It should be filled with at least 2 water bottles, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, and a change of clothing. You may be asking yourself, “But I have all of these things in my luggage”? But the truth is, even though you can put them in your luggage, with a backpack you have easy access. These are the items that when you need them, you won’t want to rummage through your luggage for them. For example, you just moved a large screen TV up a stairwell; you need water, just reach into your backpack instead of looking for the boxes where you put the water.

 While cleaning your new home you amass a large amount of sweat. Instead of looking through all of the boxes for your clothes, just reach into your backpack for a new shirt.

 Small TV/Stereo

When you get to your new home there is a chance that you may not get everything settled on the first night. In this case, you still want to be able to relax once you lay down but your big screen TV or entertainment system is still packed away. No worries, just pull out the small TV or stereo you took with you in your car and you’ll be able to relax on your first night even though your major electronics are still packed.

Pre-game

You don’t have to necessarily move everything at one time. If possible, move some stuff before your official moving day so when it comes, you’ll be more prepared. For example, maybe you know someone with a truck and they can move your bed for you before your moving day. If you can do this then you’ll be able to just lay down for a quick rest once you’ve moved in. There’s nothing worse than realizing after a long day of moving that you still have put together your bed before you can go to sleep. With theses 3 tips, your move should become a lot easier.

What’s the right Air Conditioner for you?

You’ve just moved into your new home or a plush apartment but there is one thing missing to help you through those hot summers, an air conditioner. For the ignorant individual, buying an air conditioning unit can seem difficult with the different weight sizes or horse power or volts and Btu’s also know as British thermal units. It can get a little hazy. Before you install a new air conditioner into your new home make sure you have the right one suited for your place of residence. The most notable types of air conditioning units are the window AC, the split air AC, the packaged air conditioner and the central air conditioner.

Window Air Conditioner

This type of ac unit is typically used a single room. You’ll notice these in most bedrooms or dorm rooms.The window air conditioner is normally has all its components such as the compressor, condenser, expansion valve/coil are encompassed in a single box. This unit is usually fitted in the wall of the room.
If you’re looking to cover more than one room, the split air conditioning unit might be the right choice for you.

Split Air Conditioner

The split ac unit is typically comprised of two sections, the outdoor and indoor unit.
The outdoor part of the ac unit is obviously portioned outside the room; inside the outdoor unit are the compressor, condenser, expansion valve and so forth.
The indoor section of the air conditioner contains the evaporator or the cooling coil and the cooling fan.
A slot in the wall isn’t required for this AC. Split air conditioning units are a bit more decorative than other units. It isn’t hard at all to find one that will add to the splendor of any room.
If you are looking to cover a bit more than two rooms, you might be in need to have an ac unit for your house then the packaged air conditioner is the path for you.

Packaged Air Conditioner

The packaged air conditioner can be made two different ways. The first would be where all the components, i.e, compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator are all included in a single box.
The condenser can be air cooled or water cooled.
The cooled air in the first alignment is pushed by a high capacity blower, allowing it to flow through the ducts leading to various rooms of a house.
The second alignment consists of the compressor, the condenser all in one shell. For this section, the compressed gas passes through single units, each of which have their own expansion valve and cooling coil, located in rooms throughout a house or a small building.
Other than these units, there is the central air conditioner. The central AC is used for enormous buildings like hotels or offices.

Central Air Conditioner

If you own a hotel or a giant building the central air conditioner will save you a lot of money. You won’t have to place an air conditioner in every room of the building.
Essentially, it’s a huge compressor that has the ability to make a lot of air conditioning. It will cool a giant mall, big halls, pretty much any huge space.
Hopefully you have a general idea on which is the right air conditioner for you. Before you by one though, ask about Btu’s and the energy efficient ratio otherwise known as EER’s.

Btu’s

British thermal unit’s will run from 5,000 to 18,000 in most air conditioners. Make sure you have the right amount for your place of residence. 18,000 Btu’s might be too much for a studio apartment, just a tad bit.

EER’s

The higher the energy efficient ratio the more affordable the ac unit is to operate.
This is just general knowledge to lead you in the right direction to your air conditioner utopia.

Have you reached that point in your life where it’s just time to move? Do you need to relocate for a new job? did you decide to live closer to your parents? Whatever the reasons are that you have to move, either way, you’re in for a certain amount of stress. While moving is a burden, you can alleviate some of the hardship by having your belongings covered by insurance. Having insurance during your move is not only a smart idea, but an absolute must. You never know if your mover will accidentally break your TV. Make sure for your next move you’re things are properly insured so your moving stress can immensely reduced. Here are the different types of insurances you can get for your upcoming move:

1. Full Value: This, like its name implies, will cover your entire shipment. This is the most comprehensive and expensive plan, but it puts more pressure on the movers to be careful with your things. Under this plan, if anything is lost, damaged, or destroyed, the movers can either offer to repair the item, reimburse you with cash, or replace it with a similar item. Some movers may limit their liability for expensive items (>$100), so make sure to ask them about their policy regarding this. The price for this protection plan varies and is subject to different deductible levels.
2. Released Value: This is the most affordable option, but it leaves you the most vulnerable. Under a released value plan, movers are only responsible for 60 cents per pound per article (intrastate moves may differ). So let’s say you packed your new iPod that weighs 5 ounces, if it breaks during transport, the mover is only liable to reimburse you approximately 20 cents. So you see that this type of insurance does not really do much in your benefit. The only plus side is that it comes at no additional cost to you. But be wary; if you do not say you want released value insurance, the mover will automatically give you full value.
4. Third-Party: If you choose released insurance, some movers may allow you to obtain third party insurance. This is an additional cost that must be purchased separately by you. With this coverage the mover will be liable for the 60 cents per pound per item. The additional losses can be recovered from the third party company that you purchased the insurance from. If this insurance is purchased through the mover, they are liable to present you with a written record of this purchase. If you use an outside company, check to make sure that your homeowner’s insurance doesn’t already cover you.

Keep in mind that there are some actions that may limit the mover’s liability of your things. These include:

• Packing hazardous or perishable items without informing the mover.
• Packing your own boxes.
• Choosing Released insured.
• Failure to notify the mover about expensive items (>$100).
• Language in your contract that relinquishes the mover from any liability.
• If you wait over 9 months to issue a written claim of your losses.

So now that you know your options, play it smart and always make sure that you’re covered from any accidental and purposeful damages. For more information, visit the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) article on this topic: Understanding Valuation and Insurance Options.

Vacation rental homes are a time honored tradition among American families, especially during the summer months when the kids are off from school and can enjoy themselves at the beach. Many vacation homes have weekly or even monthly rates, but a majority of these vacationing families rent the house for a month or more. While many of your personal belongings will be left behind, unattended for long periods of time and without any supervision, it is important to make arrangements for a neighbor or family member close by to act as a caretaker to ensure you come back to your home in the same condition as when you left. If you do not have anyone to do you this favor there are companies available, for a fee, that offer personalized home care services.

A great option to consider is self storage or even seasonal storage facilities where you can save money over a house sitting choice and store your most prized possessions in a secure, climate controlled environment that has full CCTV (closed circuit television) security systems and twenty-four hour watchmen patrolling the premises. Depending on the amount of storage space you need, this could range from $40.00 to $300.00 per month in fees.

There is never any contractual obligation or lease involved with renting a storage space; this is a month to month agreement with payment due usually at the beginning of the new month and notification of cancellation required 2 weeks prior to moving your stuff out. Upon renting your storage space, most facilities offer either a complimentary rental truck for do it yourself moves or they have relationships with several local moving companies that can help you by doing all the heavy work.

Storage options don’t have to be just relegated to the renters themselves, the owners of these vacation homes can benefit greatly as well from having reserve furniture, carpets, extra appliances and more in storage, near at hand for any emergency and readily available for seasonal changes.

Hi Linda,

I have recently used your company to move my furniture from Las Vegas, Nevada to Flemington, New Jersey.  I have had the pleasure of dealing with Karen Snyder, one of your agents, who has taken care of the move from the start.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to tell you what a pleasure it has been to work with her.  She is professional and courteous and I am sure she goes far beyond her job description to help people.  It is quite a stressful experience to move your belongings across the country and as you probably know, many things can go wrong.  Karen was right there to assist me with a small glitch and made sure that everything was taken care of quickly and efficiently.  Her follow-up is truly impressive.  I, too, am in the "client service" area and can appreciate a job well done.   I truly can not sing her praises enough!

In this day and age when there are so many people ready to complain, I thought it might make your day to know that you have a wonderful employee in Karen.  Every step of the way - from the quote - to the walk through - to the crating - to the actual move, I can honestly say went effortlessly.  She even provided her personal cell number over the weekend to ensure that my order would be completed before I had to fly back to  NJ.  Too little times are people acknowledged for the good things they do.  I know that Karen is probably paid according to your company policies but I can assure you she is not paid enough.   As far as I am concerned, she went above and beyond what she probably needed to do.

I hope this letter will be put in her file for future consideration when raises come due.  Because of her excellence in dealing with my entire move, I would recommend your company very highly to anyone I know who would be making such an extensive move.  Peace of mind is a wonderful thing!  This may sound silly, but she was so kind and I will miss talking to her when our business finally comes to a close.

Thank you for your attention,
Joan Bracchi

As you know, clutter can often make or break a sale! Let’s work together to educate your clients on the best ways to de-clutter a home. You’re the real estate expert and we’re the storage expert - so this e-mail, part of our e-mail series on working with movers, offers some “home de-cluttering” tips that you can modify or update, and then share with your clients.

 

3 Quick Ways to De-Clutter Your Home

 

1. Have a Garage Sale:

   Before putting your home on the market, think about having a garage sale. There are more advantages than just getting rid of items that are cluttering your home, you'll pocket some extra cash to off-set your moving costs and it will lighten your load on moving day, which could save you even more money!

2. Ask an Expert:

   Your real estate agent will help you by doing a walk-through of your home to identify any problem rooms or areas that need to be de-cluttered.

3. Use Storage Services:

   Want a surefire way to make a small room look larger? Storage could be your answer. Working with your real estate agent, you should determine which rooms would benefit from furniture storage. By eliminating large pieces, you will be able to open up your floor plan and make your house look noticeably larger!

Move to the island paradise of Hawaii or back to the continental US with Oakley Relocation.

We are here for your interstate move from California to Hawaii or Hawaii to California. With our expertise, we can help your high-quality relocation and provide storage for your valuables until you arrive. We can keep our competitive so you can enjoy your new home. We offer a full range of moving and storage services so that your move can accommodate your unique needs. Our Hawaii moving services include, but are not limited to:

• Free In-Home Estimates
• Free Residence Protection
• Packing Options
• Custom Crating
• Systematic Loading/Unloading
• Relocation of Medical Beds, Wheel Chairs, Sub-Zero Refrigerators, Safes, etc.
• Piano Shipping
• Vehicle/Boat Shipping
• Short and Long-Term State-of-the-Art Storage
• And, So Much More!

Learn more about the services we offer by clicking on the following links:

Local Moving: A local move handled by the professionals at Oakley Relocation can be as cost-effective as doing it yourself.

Intrastate Moving: We can move goods all throughout the island of Hawaii quickly and on-time.

Long Distance Moving: Securely transport your goods cross-country with Oakley Relocation.

International Moving: We are the international moving company of choice.

With Oakley Relocation, you're making the right move. Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities as an Hawaii moving company, serving the city and surrounding areas for residential or commercial moving needs. We are proud to offer complete Hawaii moving and storage services for local, nationwide and global relocations. Fill out our online quote form today for your FREE moving estimate, or Contact Us today for more information.

You spent your life savings paying for your home and used your rainy day fund to pay the moving company. Trying to figure out how you can afford a few furnishings? Luckily, interior decorating isn't just for those who have the money to pay professionals. In fact, really good home décor - getting your home to reflect your personality - is in some ways easier to do when you do it on the cheap. When your financial resources are limited you have to make up for it with creativity: use your own, inexpensive interior decorating ideas and combine them with some used furniture and discount paint to make the space come alive.

Don't be hesitant if you don't know where to start. Before you begin decorating your home it's best to ask yourself a few important questions. Do you plan to be in the home over the long term, or is it just a starter home? What furnishings can't you live without? What home décor ideas have you seen elsewhere and might like to adapt to your home? The answers you come up with should guide your interior decorating ideas. Once you've got your home décor ideas all lined up, it's time to pull together the materials.

Since you can't afford Pottery Barn, or even Pier 1, you'll have to find inexpensive, unique furnishings and discount furniture somewhere else. Check out the following tips to find out where to shop:

Shopping for Discount Home Décor

• Consignment shops - stores where private owners sell their used furniture - are becoming more and more popular. Check if there are any in your area. The inventory is one-of-a-kind, so if something catches your eye be prepared to buy. If you get to know the manager they can let you know when the sort of home furnishings you're looking for come in.
• If your new home is in a pre-planned community, check out the developer's model home for pieces you like. They may be a bit worn, but often the developer will sell off the home's furniture after a period of time. It's a great way get room sets that are already coordinated.
• Many big furniture stores have scratch and dent rooms: sections where they keep slightly damaged (but very inexpensive) models. Also keep in mind that most furniture stores periodically sell off used furniture (again, comparatively cheap) when they get rid of "showroom samples" or "floor models." Ask about both possibilities when you shop retail.
• If you have any wholesale furniture warehouses in your area, consider stopping by. Buying wholesale furniture is almost always cheaper than buying retail.
• When looking at used furniture - or any used furnishings - don't think of what they look like now, but what they could look like with a little refurbishing. Maybe that coffee table wouldn't fit your living room now, but sand it down and add a coat of stain and it might not be so bad.
• Flea markets can be a great source of inexpensive, one-of-a-kind interior decorating materials. But finding a bargain at one can involve a lot of time and a lot of effort. Preparation always smoothes the way. The next few tips show you how.
• Nowhere is the expression "the early bird gets the worm" more apt than at a flea market. Vendors' best used furniture and bargain furnishings often go quickly, leaving late arrivals with the leftovers.
• Some flea markets can be huge and it's easy to lose focus. Take along a list of the furnishings you want before you set out. It also helps to take along sketches of the rooms you need to decorate, complete with dimensions and a tape measure to see whether the furniture in front of you will fit with your plans
• If you fall in love with a piece of discount furniture at a flea market, bear in mind that moving it can be an issue. Some vendors will deliver, but only at the end of the day and only for an additional fee. Thus, you'll want to bring the biggest vehicle you have available (i.e. a pickup truck or a van) or consider renting one.
• When you're moving a piece of furniture home from a flea market, you'll want to take all the packing precautions you normally would when moving furniture. Before you head out to the flea market, make sure to bring a few old boxes, blankets, tarps, tape, twine, bubble wrap and a box cutter with you for the ride home.
• People selling antiques out of the back of van usually don't take MasterCard or Visa. When you're going to a flea market, bring cash.
• Don't be afraid to bargain. Flea market vendors expect it, and with a little negotiation inexpensive items can become even cheaper.
• When perusing home furnishings, try to think outside the box. You might not want to eat off that set of ceramic dishes, but they might make colorful, unique wall hangings.