It’s frustrating when you’re trying to watch your favorite show and it buffers, or you’re on an important video conference and the screen freezes, or even if your mobile device moves slow when connected to WIFI. What causes your WIFI internet connection to be slow and how can you fix it?
Number of Connected Devices
How many devices are connected to your network? How many people in your household are using the internet? It may seem simple if you say “it’s only me and my couple of devices.” But consider everything that is connected…cellphone, laptop/computer, tablet, smart TV(s), security system/cameras, gaming system, smart devices (appliances, thermostats, Alexa/Siri/Google devices, etc.). The more devices you have the more the speed will be hindered.
Fix:You likely have more devices than you realize connected to your network. It’s best to disconnect any that are not being regularly used. Also clear out your WIFI connection history to clear the congestion of past users who connected to your internet (think friend who used your WIFI last time they were visiting). If these solutions don’t fix your speed, you may require a faster speed (Get a Faster Speed)
Home Layout
The layout and structure of your home could be interfering with your WIFI connection. Some of the factors that contribute to this include:
Large home size
Long layout
Wall construction, including concrete walls
Centrally located appliances
Fix:Since you can’t change the construction of your residence, consider investing in a mesh system such as Google Wifi or Eero. These systems help boost and expand your signal throughout the home. Both of these can be moved to a new home if needed.
Subscribed Speed
The speed you have subscribed too may not be fast enough to handle your usage. It’s probably time to review your options and see if there is a better plan than your current one.
Do you dread getting your electric bill each month? Outside of typical increased usage during the summer heat, what are other reasons your electric bill could be so high?
Large Appliances
Many modern day appliances will continue to use energy even when powered off. Consider unplugging when not in use. Older appliances will also use more power than new models. Lastly, use your appliances more efficiently. For example, only run full loads of laundry or a full dishwasher.
Lights and Ceiling Fans
Although an individual energy efficient light bulb doesn’t seem to use a lot of electricity, when you have many lights on during long periods of time, the energy usage adds up quickly. Be sure to turn of lights when not in use. Also consider motion activated light switches for rooms such as closets and laundry.
Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. If you leave the fan on while the room is empty, the room will not get cooler and you’re wasting energy. Turn off fans unless you’re in the room actively benefiting from the cool down.
High Rate Electric Plan
You may have a higher than market average electric rate. Does it make sense to break your contract and lock in a lower rate? Review low rates to see if there is a better plan than your current one. Or, talk to a specialist to evaluate your current plan and rate.
A move might not sound fun for your upcoming 3-day holiday weekend, but it sure is more convenience. No need to take extra time off of work, use the extra days to get the new place unpacked and organize, then back to your normal responsibilities after the holiday is done! But there are a couple of things to keep in mind for that move…
Movers
There will be less movers available for hire since everyone has the same idea as you for move day! Plan ahead to ensure you have your movers booked in advance. Use a Moving Tool to get instant cost comparison and book movers that have been pre-screened. Also keep in mind that movers may be more expensive on a holiday weekend. Budget accordingly.
Utilities
Many utility companies close on holidays and won’t start services for you. It’s important to keep this in mind and schedule utility start dates before your holiday weekend move. Even if you won’t be in the new place on the start date, it’s wise to plan ahead and start your services the business day prior to your move weekend.
Movepad can help locate your utility providers and start services for you. Contact us for help!
Whether moving to a new state, new city, or just down the street, what does it cost to make that move? Unless you move frequently, most people are unaware of the expenses involved to hire movers.
Hiring Movers – What does it cost?
The actual cost of your move will vary based on location and other factors such as your home size, weight and size of items being moved, and needs for packing/unpacking. But there are less known factors that can affect your costs including stairs, access time restrictions, and specialty items (think grandfather clock or grand piano). Although your move costs could vary, here are the average costs for moving:
Local Moves (less than 100 miles)
1-Bedroom – $400
2-Bedroom – $650
3-Bedroom – $850
4+ Bedroom – $1,200
Long Distance Moves
$5,000 to $12,000+ depending on size and weight of move
MovePad Mover Help
MovePad understands the importance of budgeting and looks for low-price quotes, offers additional MovePad client discounts. Plus finds movers who are properly licensed, insured, and have high customer satisfaction ratings. We can create a personalized and cost effective move for you!
There are a couple things apartment renters should consider when looking for the best energy plans. Often times the plans that would work well for an average to large size home aren’t the best energy plans for apartment renters. Let’s dive into some of the things you should be familiar with so that you can maximize savings and pick the plan that’s best for you!
Can Apartment Renters Pick Their Own Provider?
If you’re in charge of paying the utility bills at your apartment, know your options! Often times, when you move into an apartment they will push one provider on you. DON’T FALL FOR IT! Apartment complexes have partnerships in place where they receive commissions when tenants select providers they work with. However, these companies and plans might not be best for you. These plans are often more expensive since they know the apartment manager is pushing the plans as the apartments “Preferred Vendor Option.” Many tenants just assume they only have one option for their provider. Knowing your rights as a tenant can save you hundreds of dollars in yearly utility bills.
Where to Find the Best Energy Plans Online
Don’t worry we have a solution for Apartment Renters! By using an unbiased platform like MovePad.com, you can shop multiple providers and the best energy plans at your apartment. Their system will pull up available options allowing you to pick the lowest rates. They can also help with other services such as internet, TV & renters’ insurance. Talk about cost savings across the board! Simply visit their website, select the plan that’s best for you…their system then directly sets up the service. It’s that easy.
The Best Energy Plans for Apartment Renters
With the energy market becoming increasingly competitive plans have evolved tremendously. Certain plans may look good at first glance but don’t let them fool you. It’s important to know your situation and what plans will work best for apartment renters.
Square Footage and Monthly kWh Usage
Most apartment renters unit sq. footage is around or under 1,000 sq./ft. With that said your usage will be relatively lower than that of a home owner with a 2,000-3,000 sq./ft. home. Therefore, when you’re looking for the best energy plans you should do so with your apartment usage in mind.
Additionally, check the plans for any minimum usage fees. As we mentioned earlier apartments tend to use a lot less electricity than homes. Apartment renters don’t want to sign up with plans that have minimum usage fees. Also, some providers will have different avg. rate pricing for targeted usage amounts. This is also important as you don’t want to be paying a higher c/kwh with your relatively low apartment monthly usage. That enticing kWh rate may only be available for someone using more than 2,000+ monthly kWh.
Plan incentives
You’ve probably come across plans offering free nights and weekends. While these plans sound good, be careful not to fall for them. These plans usually come with higher kWh rates outside of the incentivized hours/days. So, unless you’re planning to do your doing laundry, watching tv or making dinner after 10pm…these plans should be avoided. Also, be weary of plans that come with high bill rebate options. Some providers will offer $100 or $200 first month bill credits. The way they’re able to offer “gifts” like this is because the rate is so high. The phrase, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch” applies here. Do your research and find what the best energy plans for you long term are.
Contract Length & Early Termination Fees
Most apartment renters don’t stay in one unit for more than a year. This is why it’s very important when shopping for the best energy plans that you take contract length into account. If you know that you’ll be living at the apartment for 12 months, you shouldn’t look at plans that are 24- or 36-month terms. Similarly, if you know you’re going to be there for 12 months, it would be wise to no look at plans in the 3-6-month range.
Early termination fees for apartment renters should also be taken into consideration. If you’re not sure what your usage is going to be or find the original plan you picked isn’t working. You may be required to pay an early termination fee to change plans. This happens when you switch providers before your contract with the current provider has expired. Be sure to see what the plans state about early termination fees while you’re doing your research on providers and plans.
When Should Apartment Renters Set Up Their Electricity?
So, you’ve found the best energy plans, you’ve decided on one. Now when should you get it set up? Apartment renters should contact/request a provider one week before moving in. With that said, they should select the service to “start” the business day BEFORE they plan on moving into their new apartment. This is suggested so that you know for sure the electricity will be on. The last thing you want is for your movers to get there in 100-degree heat or 20-degree cold temperature and your power to the a/c or heater unit to be off. That would sure make for a miserable moving day!
Can Current Apartment Renters Switch Energy Providers?
Not moving into a new apartment but have found your current plan to be very expensive. Did you sign up with the provider your apartment recommended not thinking you had other options? No worries, you are welcome to shop around and look for a new provider. Companies such as MovePad offer free bill audits. They’ll shop current rates and compare them to your old provider. If there are savings it may make sense to terminate your contract with the old provider early.
Do I Need to Notify my Apartment if I Switch Energy Providers?
Nope! You don’t need to let your apartment know that you are wanting to switch energy companies. The electric contract that you enter with a provider is between you and that provider…not the apartment. Simply, find a new company/plan that you like and then have them push through an order to get the service switched. Your billing will be adjusted by the providers with nothing needed from your apartment.
Now you probably don’t need that many cameras! However, did you know that a residential alarm system can provide additional benefits outside or protecting your home and family? What most people don’t know is that a residential alarm system can lower your home insurance. When your home is broken into and you become the victim of a burglary, this often increases your home insurance premiums!
Here’s why you can lower your home insurance costs with a residential alarm system:
Home Burglaries and The Statistics
As they say, statistics don’t lie! Home burglaries occur in all types of situations…nice neighborhoods, poverty-stricken neighborhoods, at night, during the day, without people home, and with people home. According to Alarms.com, “there is a burglary in the U.S. every 13 seconds and there are roughly 2.5 million burglaries a year, 66% of those being home break-ins”
They’ve also got some pretty astonishing numbers on houses being protected by a residential alarm system. They’ve stated, “Burglars are most attracted to homes that do not have a home security system, but only 17% of houses have a system in place. Homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized.”
Lower Your Home Insurance With a Residential Alarm System
We’ve discussed several statistics, with the later showing how much a residential alarm system lowers your chances of being burglarized. Insurance companies are in the business of risk. If they know owning a residential alarm system makes their clients less likely to be broken into. Then they’re going to want to incentivize their clients to have them installed.
Many of the top national home insurance companies will offer clients up to 10-20% off their monthly premiums for showing proof of a residential alarm system. However, per USAA and possibly others, “The system must be centralized and linked to a 24-hour monitoring organization such as ADT or monitored by a personal mobile device.” Are you ready to lower your home insurance? I know I sure am!
What Type of Residential Alarm System is Right for You?
There are several types of packages most providers offer when it comes to selecting a residential alarm system. All of them will greatly decrease the chances of a potential break-in. Each package, as long as it comes with 24-7 monitoring, should also qualify to lower your home insurance. However, depending up your home’s needs, some will work better for your situation than others.
Basic Package
This package typically allows the user to have several (door & window) contacts installed, along with one motion sensor. The system is usually not wireless (Can be sometimes) and requires a home phone line for installation. It’s going to be the lowest cost option. So if money is tight, this would be the best option for you.
2nd Tier Package
These packages usually include additional door and window contacts. In addition, the system is usually wireless and comes with cellular phone functionality. The system can be controlled by most smartphones, allowing the user to arm or disarm the system from their phone. With this package, users can also receive alert messages from the alarm system.
Premium (Automation) Packages
These are the most advanced packages offered by residential alarm system companies. These packages will include the wireless and cell functionality. However, they will also usually include an indoor or outdoor camera, possibly a video doorbell, indoor light control functionality from your phone, motion sensors, and more window and door contacts. The smartphone functionality will also usually allow a user to check the views on his or her cameras, and adjust things like their home’s lights and air temperature while away. This can be a really nice feature for people that are at work during most of the day or those out of town on vacation.
Shopping for a Residential Alarm System Online
MovePad.com offers people around the country the ability to select a residential alarm system package online. They make the process very easy! Simply search for the providers that interest you. Next read through the descriptions on the packages, selecting the one that will work best for your needs. After you’ve made your selection, choose a preferred installation date, and then checkout. Its that simple…they’ll send you an email confirmation with all details pertaining to your plan and account. Lower your home insurance and protect your family in just a few minutes online! Visit MovePad.com to get in touch with a representative today.
Have you ever moved and packed too many items? Don’t worry we’re all guilty of doing it! There are only so many boxes you can stack in your garage until you start running out of space. Finding the best deals on local storage options can be difficult. Let’s see how you can find a storage facility and storage units for your extra items.
Who Needs Storage Units?
A storage facility can help a wide range of users. There’s not one specific person or circumstance that requires the help of storage units. Below are a couple instances that one may find themselves in need of using a local storage facility.
Relocating Single Families and Public Storage
Whether you need college storage or you’re moving your family across the country; a storage unit could come in handy. Most new home owners don’t get a bigger house just to “store” items. They shop for the home or apartment size that works best for their living situation. However, there are times when individuals don’t want to get rid of certain items. A storage facility will also allow you to keep these items safely organized in the meantime.
College Storage
Just graduated college and your spouse doesn’t want all your cool stuff at the new place? Not ready to part with these items or your college memories…Don’t worry, ha! Renting a small college storage unit is a fantastic alternative. Non air-conditioned units can be a very cost friendly option. Renting a college storage unit will give you a couple more months or years to determine what you want to do with your college items. Make sure to speak with the manager to see how long the college storage unit contract runs. As this can vary from storage facility to storage facility.
Alcohol Storage
Utilizing a storage facility for alcohol can be very beneficial. Alcholol storage units can help keep your collectible alcoholic items safe from everyday household accidents. Many storage units come with airconditioned options making them great for alcohol storage. Keeping your alcohol in an alcohol storage unit also keeps it protected from unwanted use. While at the same time allowing you to keep it organized. That way you know exactly where your items are when you need them!
Auto Storage Facility & Boat Storage Facility
A fan of collectible cars or maybe you’ve downgraded from a three-car garage to a two-car garage? No matter your situation storage units are a great option to store a vehicle. A storage facility can also provide you with several size storage units. Giving you the ability to keep a different sized vehicle in a locked / air controlled unit. However, if your car is too big or you’re looking for a boat storage facility. You can likely keep your oversized car or boat parked outside. A storage facility will and can act as a boat storage facility as well. This is nice because the boat can be stored there, behind a locked gate. Allowing you to use your home’s driveway for cars and not being taken up by a boat.
What Are Your Local Storage Options
Your local storage options have the ability to slightly differ depending upon the storage facility. However, most storage units across the country come with the same options. Many local storage options will provide you with either air-conditioned or non air-conditioned units. They will also give you a variety of storage unit sizes to be able to store your goods. Some individuals may be fine with a smaller unit. While others may prefer the advantages a large unit may offer. The choice is yours!
Locating a Storage Facility Online
MovePad has partnered with SpareFoot, the largest online marketplace for storage with over 10k facilities nationwide. This allows you to easily compare your storage options, find the best deals and prices and place a reservation online, completely free, no credit card required.
Additionally, facilities offer their lowest rates on SpareFoot, so you can be confident you found the best deal. We offer a wide range of facilities including everything from traditional storage units to vehicle storage and even wine storage.
To shop all your storage needs for your move visit MovePad.com today!
Do you conduct business within the moving or real estate industry? Whether you’re a realtor, property manager, property management firm, or a mortgage or title agent; you may have heard of relo tech. But what is it? Is their concept new or has it been around? There are many relo tech / relocation concierges to pick from online. Let’s take a look into the industry!
What Is A Relocation (relo tech) Concierge?
If you’re connected within the real estate/moving community you’ve likely become familiar with a concierge or relo tech (relotech) service. These companies make the moving process easier for families and individuals that are moving. The industry has been around for a while, close to a decade to be exact. Most of these companies have evolved from brokering single product lines such as cable tv and internet.
In 2010, the relo tech and/or concierge industry broke out in the Dallas, TX area. A few concierges took root and started working with real estate brokerages around the DFW metroplex. They educated agents on the need to use a utility concierge type of service to help clients easily connect their utilities at their new home. They made their money by brokering providers and their services. These “traditional concierges” would let new homeowners know what services were available at their location and then based upon who the homeowners chose, the concierge would receive a commission from that provider. This concept changed the way new residents would go about setting up new home services. No longer did people moving have to spend hours researching who was available at their home and then having to call into call centers to have these services connected.
With the industry concept gaining in popularity it was only a matter of time for Tech to become involved. Tech has helped many industries grow and has done amazing things for the relocation concierge / relo tech industry. Advancements have allowed a concierge to instantly see service providers at addresses, connect those services. Freeing residents from the headaches that come with setting up services on their own.
Do Relocation Concierges Share My Move Information?
No! There are many other concierges online, like MovePad.com, that DO NOT share any aggregate and anonymous data related to your move with 3rd party providers. They believe in keeping the data between the resident and the companies the resident selects as their chosen service provider at their home. Customers information with these traditional concierges is used solely to initiate initial services, nothing else. Pretty cool, right? That should make people feel comfortable working with a relocation concierge. Additionally, MovePad is PCI & DSS compliant. And, none of your personally identifiable information is stored in their system. It’s only used one time to initiate the providers/services residents select. To make your move easier, visit MovePad, one of the most trusted, traditional relocation concierges!
There are lots of things new Houston apartment tenants need to complete before moving into their new place. Getting your utilities connected is one of the most important! Houston prepaid electricity plans can be a great option if you’ve recently been asked to pay a deposit with an electric provider. Knowing more about the perks of these plans could help you from paying an unnecessary electricity deposit.
Why Were You Charged an Electricity Deposit?
Being told that you need to pay an electricity deposit can be frightening. It can also leave many new tenants in a frustrating situation. According to rent.com, “If a deposit is required, the amount could vary widely, as there are no strict regulations on what service providers and landlords can charge.” However, there may be several reasons you’re being asked to pay an electricity deposit. The most common are as follows:
No Established Credit
If you’ve recently graduated from high school, and have moved into an apartment, you likely haven’t established any credit. This is the main cause for young adults being charged deposits when they need to get their electricity set up. Also, If you don’t use credit cards and typically pay for most things with cash. This can also be another reason your credit may not be established and an electricity deposit is being asked.
Poor Credit
If you have credit but have a track record of not paying your balances off in time. Or have had issues with payments for other personal things. This can be a flag to an electric provider to charge you an electricity deposit. They want to limit their liability of you possibly not paying them by charging the deposit upfront.
Late Payments with a Previous Electric Provider
Paying your bills late or not paying them at all with an old electric provider is the last common reasoning for being presented with an electricity deposit. When you don’t pay electric bills on time or at all this information is available to all electric providers. So make sure you pay your electric bills!
How Can Houston Prepaid Electricity Plans Help?
If you’ve recently been told to pay an electricity deposit from a provider, don’t worry! You have options. Houston prepaid electricity plans are a great alternative. You’re probably wondering, how do Houston prepaid electricity plan work? Have Houston prepaid electricity plans been around for a while? Are Houston prepaid electricity plans easy to use? Let’s take a peek at what makes this electricity option so desirable.
No Electricity Deposit
The best thing about Houston prepaid electricity plans is that there are never deposits required. The way the plan is set up allows for retail electric providers (REP) not to take on risk with their customers. Making it a win-win situation for both parties.
No Credit Check or Social Security Number Required
No social security number is required to start service on Houston prepaid electricity plans. Additionally, they don’t run any type of credit check. So, if you have bad credit, don’t worry, because they won’t check it.
No Long Term Contract
Another benefit Houston prepaid electricity plans offer is that there is no long-term contract associated with them. This means that you can switch providers at any time without having to worry about paying an early termination fee.
How Houston Prepaid Electricity Plans Work
Houston prepaid electricity plans (pay as you go plans) are very simple! You simply load an initial amount to your account, say $50…Then as you start using electricity at your apartment, the usage will pull from the initial $50 you put down. Once your balance is close to being used up the electric provider (REP) will send a text message or email notifying you that you need to place more funds in your account. At that time, you simply add more money to your account so your electricity stays on. Easy, right?
How to Sign Up with A Houston Prepaid Electricity Plan
MovePad offers prepaid electricity plans online in both English and Spanish. You can visit their website www.MovePad.com or can speak directly with a representative at 888.959.0116. Within a matter of minutes, they can get Houston prepaid electricity plans started. Allowing you to focus on the rest of your move!
Congratulations, you’re off to college! You’re starting the next chapter in your life. With it, comes a lot more responsibility, like getting your utilities set up at your new college apartment. According to US News, “The College Board estimates that the typical living cost for a full-time student attending college during the 2016-2017 academic year was around $11,810 on a low budget.” WE GET IT…We understand most college students are strapped for cash. But what’s the best college electricity plan? Should you look at prepaid electricity plans or Short term electricity plans? We’ll cover all the electricity plans that will keep the most money in your pocket!
Best College Apartment Electricity Plan?
Once you find your new apartment and you’ve signed the lease they likely will require to set up electricity. There are tons of electricity plans to pick from, but what’s the best college electricity plan, for a student with a small budget?
Some of the things you will need to keep in mind are to avoid signing up in the summer for a 12-month plan. You’ll also need to decide if you’re going to want to go with a short term electricity plan or pre-paid electricity plans. Let’s dig further into what’s best for you…
Are Short Term Electricity plans the Best College Electricity Plan?
Students generally move into their apartments or duplexes over the summer. However, signing up in the summer when rates are typically higher doesn’t make sense to lock in for 12-month electricity plan. Additionally, with college students and living situations always changing, this also presents a problem. 12-month plans also come with high cancellation fees if you leave the contract early. So, scratch 12-month plans in the summer off your options as a candidate for best college electricity plan.
If you’re wanting something fixed and your moving into your apartment in the summer, we recommend a short term fixed rate plan. The best way to do this would be to sign up with a 3-month plan around the end of summer. Then, when the plan is nearing its expiration mid-fall (when the rates are better) you can renew a 6 or 9-month plan to get you through the rest of your apartment lease.
It’s important to note that any fixed term, whether it’s short term or long-term, will likely require a credit check. Which, for a college student may be an issue since you don’t have much credit built up. The same goes for international students attending college without a social security number. However, if you do receive a deposit you have two options. First, you can pay the deposit amount, which is often refunded once the plan ends. Second, you can look into signing up with prepaid electricity plans.
Prepaid Electricity Plans (Pay as You Go Electricity Plans)
Another candidate for best college electricity plans are prepaid electricity plans. This plan can also be referred to as a “pay as you go” type plan. We mentioned earlier that many college students don’t have established or built up credit. The reason prepaid electricity plans are a great option is that they allow a student to pay as they use electricity.
College Students can put down any amount (Ex. $50) to start the account. As they start using electricity at their house. Their usage will pull from the initial amount they put down to initiate service at their apartment or duplex. Once their balance starts running low. They will get a notification usually by text or email, that they need to put more money into their account. At that time the student can then go into the prepaid electricity plans account and load more funds.
There are two major uses for prepaid electricity plans:
The first reason prepaid electricity plans are a candidate for best college electricity plan is that there is no cancellation fee. Since prepaid electricity plans have no contract term length, students can leave the contract whenever they wish. This works great for students who are unsure about their living situation and for students that have roommates with unstable budgets.
The second reason these plans are very desirable is that they don’t require a credit check. This makes it a great option for international students studying at an American institution. They will still be able to get electric services started at their residence without a US Social Security Number.
Are Prepaid Electricity Plans Better Than Short Term Electricity Plans?
Both of these options are great for college students. If you have established credit or don’t mind paying a small deposit, go with a short term fixed rate plan. However, if you don’t have credit built up, or you’re an international student and don’t have a social security number…Then prepaid electricity plans would be the preferred option.
How to Pick and Set Up Electricity
Hopefully, this gave you a better understanding when it comes to setting up electricity as a college student. You’ll be saving money with either of our recommendations for the best college electricity plan. Now you’re probably wondering where can I sign up for an electricity plan? MovePad.com allows users to sign up for electricity plans online. Their platform offers several providers and plans to choose from. They can also help you sign up for internet and TV.
College students across the country are using MovePad. It gives them the ability to get everything connected in one place, online. Saving them tons of time and money for better things like…partying. Or studying if your parents ask!
