Folks are taking bets as to whether or not this is a staged video…  As experts, our opinion is, YES, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a view (or three)…

or if you prefer the url directly:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo3ohNxEGkM&feature=PlayList&p=7A3B101C746375E6&playnext=1&index=3

Name: Matt Robinson

Title: Operations Manager / Warehouse Manager/ Local Dispatcher

Years in industry: 17 years

Years at Exodus: 3 years

Place of Birth: Sundance, Wyoming

Fun Fact: Loves the outdoors (tubing boating fishing).

Strangest item you have ever moved: An old wooden outhouse.

Favorite part about working with Exodus: Feels like a family.

Tip to share with people who are moving:  Be prepared. Every move is different.

Name:  Jake Atchison

Title:  Vice President of Sales

Years in the industry:  12, worked up from crew as his first college job

Years at Exodus: 7

Place of Birth:  Boulder, Colorado

Fun Fact:  Outside linebacker during college (Mesa State Mavericks)

Strangest item you have ever moved:  3,000 lb. printing press

Favorite part about working with Exodus: the work environment is awesome

Tip to share with people who are moving:

Preparation is KEY – the more prepared you are the less your move will cost.

Name:  Lisa Bernhardt

Title:  Vice President of Finance

Years in the industry:  28 years in finance and accounting

Years at Exodus:  6

Place of Birth: Scotts Bluff, Nebraska

Fun Fact: Member of the University of Nebraska Flag and Dance Corps (and all attempts to find photos and videos by her fellow employees have been futile)

Strangest item you have ever moved: Nuclear laser for CSU valued at $1,000,000.00.

Favorite part about working with Exodus: finding values for bizarre items.

Tip to share with people who are moving:  If it is truly priceless, and you can move it yourself, do so.

Name:  Ilan Levy

Title:  President/Owner

Years in the industry: Started in 1986

Years at Exodus: Formed Exodus Moving and Storage in 1996 in upstate NY

Place of Birth:  Rachvot, Israel

Fun Fact:  Served in the Israeli Army driving tanks – a great base for running a company as you must constantly solve problems and create order out of chaos

Strangest item you have ever moved:  8 million dollar telescope

Favorite part about working with Exodus: Enjoys working with people

Tip to share with people who are moving:  People don’t realize how stressful moving can be, particularly on an elderly person.  We can take care of the physical stresses, but finding a new community, new grocery store, and new schools will take a toll on your emotions. Realizing that and planning for it will make the transition easier.

Come learn about the amazing team at Exodus!

We will be posting bios for a team member each day, starting tomorrow with the big man himself, owner and entrepreneur Ilan Levy .  Come back each day for to see a new bio and learn the craziest thing each employee has personally moved, as well as tips and tricks to a hassle free move.

Moving into your first place is exciting. Lots of new things to experience, being away from home or the dorms for the first time is important to organize, plan, budget and savor the experience. Here are a few things to consider.

How Much Can You Spend Each Month on Rent?

This first step is the most important. The brutal reality question is–can you afford to move to your first apartment? A lot of new renters may not know exactly what paying bills involves. It includes more than rent–you need to consider your electricity, parking, transportation, cable, water, trash, telephone, HOA (homeowners association). Also, you need to look at your personal costs. Entertainment, food, gas, etc. If you need to know how much that might be, then write down everything that you currently spend on each of these. For the things you haven’t spent yet, like utilities, check out the average cost of them in your state or call your local utilities companies to get an average estimate for the size of apartment you are looking to rent.

Additional Costs

Rental Deposit

Most apartments/houses for rent require both first months’ rent and last months’ rent when you sign the lease. So even before you move-in, you’ll already need double the amount you’ll be paying each month. Also, to be safe, you should always have at least three months worth of rent and living expenses in your savings account. This protects you should any emergency arise, such as unemployment, illness, etc…

Security Deposit

This varies from building to building. Some places will require anything from $500 to an additional months’ rent. Ask before you sign the lease. Also, make sure you’re clear on what is considered damage versus day-to-day wear and tear.

Pet Deposit

If you have any pets, a pet deposit is becoming more common. These monies are in place to pay for any damage or loss of revenue to the building owner due to animals on the property. Again, ask your landlord what they consider “damage or loss of revenue” to ensure you receive the full amount when you move out.

Settle In

There are so many things you’ll need in your first home. These things may seem small and trivial, but their costs can add up quickly. Go through each room and think about the things you need on a daily basis. For the kitchen make sure you include small appliances, pantry supplies, spices (these really add up), dishes, flatware, towels, soap, dish rack, food staples, pots and pans, containers, garbage can, etc…

Selling your home? If you want to maximize your profits, then you need to look at it from the buyer’s perspective. Here’s how:

Stop Thinking of it as Your Home You know every nook and cranny, every memory, every renovation. But now it is time to look at it as if you were buying it. Make sure to clear a path of your things and put away as much as you can so that the person coming to look can visualize living in your home and having their things around. Things that are very personal may be a good idea to pack away while you are showing the home. Also, makes sure that everything is clean and well kept. Make sure your windows, blinds, floors and even porches are cleaned off. A potential buyer needs to be impressed with the entire home, so thinking of everything as important is key. This is now an asset to you, not your personal home.

Know Your Competition Its important to know how your home stands up against the competition around you. You can feel confident in what you have to offer, and also now where people may be checking things out and what they are thinking. You can go as far as hiring an inspector to come in and describe to your what people will see as defects in your home. This way you are not caught off guard and will be able to provide a plan or explanation.

Fix Issues Replacement is one of the most important things to consider and to do when you are amping up to sell your home. If it needs new carpet, faucets or paint job, make sure that you complete these. These items can make a great home look dumpy and will make it sell for much less. Take out the money beforehand and reap the benefits later. Offering credits, which is sometimes done, isn’t a great option if you are thinking like a buyer and trying to maximize profits. Rather than credit the buyer for things like floor or appliance allowances, actually fix and repair the things that need to be done in advance so that you remove that objection from the outset.

Stage the House Check out this super helpful video to help you learn how to stage your home.

Caring for a senior is often no easy task. The emotional and physical demands that it can take on an individual (both caretaker and giver) can be great. Many times we are faced with the decision of whether to put a loved one into an assisted living retirement home. Although this decision may be the best for all parties, it is important to know that it will be emotionally taxing for everyone as well. When making the jump with a loved one into this situation there are a number of things to keep in mind.

1. Make sure that everyone in the family has a chance to address and clarify the way that they are feeling about the decision. This is not only a hard transition for one person–it usually weighs on everyone involved so its important to stay open.

2. Let it be. If your family member is upset by the move, allow them to feel the way that they do. Be there as a sounding board to absorb their frustrations. Sometimes its ok just to listen and empathize.

3. Make sure to reassure them of your presence in their life. Let them know that just because they will be living somewhere else, doesn’t also mean that they will lose you. They need this reassurance at this time.

4. Remain calm. Raised voices or outward displays of anger will only leave both parties feeling hurt. This is a highly emotional time for both of you; recognize it, but try not to let it enter the conversation.

5. Let them make decision that are important to them. Things like choosing the facility, their room, colors that will be in their room is very important for them to retain control over. This is a tough time for them in feeling loss of control. This will help.
6. Let them know calmly why this is the best decision for them practically. Try not to add an emotional element into the mix as it may lead you down a slippery slope. Stay positive and let them know all of the positives of their new life.

7.  If you’re family member is having a difficult time accepting this decision, allow them time to absorb the news. You may also consider seeking professional help, such as a counselor or a senior moving specialist. Sometimes it helps to have a neutral outside party to talk to.

8. Don’t be hard on yourself; try not to feel bad about this decision. Be good to yourself and know that this is the best thing for the entire family. Dealing with your emotions outside of the decision will help ensure that your conversation remains calm and focused.

No matter what the circumstances or situation moving can be tough and always seem to be at a bad time. There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to making a move and getting out of dodge. Before you hastily pack up some boxes and get into a new place, make sure that you are moving the best time for you and/or your family.

When we are talking about kids we are talking about a school schedule: their life. Kids do really well on schedules and given expectations and routines. Taking them straight out of their routine at school and then tossing them into a completely new schedule can be daunting and painful for a child. If this sounds like you, consider planning your move around the school calendar so that your kiddos can have the least amount of pain and transition with ease. Summertime is a great opportunity to move with kids, as for the most part there is good weather nationwide and they are out of school.

A time NOT to move would be on holidays. Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving or Ramadan is all holidays that include family. Use them to spend time with family, not to pick up your life and shift. Not to mention that resources and people are just not readily available these dates. Instead, why not move right after a holiday to make the holiday itself a time of goodbyes and farewells to family and friends. It is important to plan this special time for yourself and the people in your life that you care for most.
Another less ideal time to move would be wintertime. Besides the obvious: snow storms and blizzards, hail and wind, wintertime has a slew of other issues when moving. Factors like your items freezing/getting damaged because of the weather are a large risk when moving at this time. Also, when you consider what kind of freezing and thawing process may happen as a result of climate change from one location to the next, ultimately resulting in water damage.

No matter where you move or what you have to take with you, taking the time to consider the dates of your move could be the breaking point between a successful move and a disastrous attempt.