As featured in the Oyster Pointer!

https://oysterpointer.net/monarch-movers-meeting-moving-needs-with-quality-service/

Wayne Edwards’ deep, melodious voice has a hint of his Jamaican background. He was born there and moved to the U.S. when he was six years old. He grew up in New Jersey and started working his paper route at age 12. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school, serving in Desert Storm. His working career began as a car salesman but quickly transitioned to driving 18-wheel trucks. After five years, in Atlanta GA, he started a moving business. When the recession ended that venture, Edwards moved back to New Jersey.

Monarch Movers was founded in December 2016. Edwards had moved to Virginia, where his wife has relatives. As a veteran with disabilities, he wanted to help others. Where possible, he gives preference to employing veterans and military spouses.

Edwards has a combined experience of more than 20 years in the moving business. His many personal moves, with negative experiences, made him want to change how moving is done. “Professionalism and customer comfort are a priorities to me,” he says. “We promise unmatched service with ‘white glove’ treatment. Our goal is to provide stress-free service for our customers.”

No job is too big or too small. “We are versatile,” says Edwards. “We can handle relocations across town or overseas. Every move adheres to the same standard of excellence. We wrap and protect the customer’s belongings to ensure a safe arrival at its destination.”

Edwards carefully trains his employees. “Moving is a skill,” he says. Employees must learn to maneuver all kind of objects, with no injury to themselves, the house or the furniture. “Yes, accidents can happen and we are insured. We respond swiftly to any problem and persist until the customer is happy. We have one of the lowest claims percentages in the country,” he says. Employees are required to revisit the “Movers University” for continuing instruction throughout the year.

Monarch Movers is A-rated with the Better Business Bureau. The company is a member of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and Newport News Rotary. “We are also licensed with the Department of Motor Vehicles,” adds Edwards.

Why is the moving business a good choice? “Because it won’t be replaced by technology!” says Edwards. “There will always be a demand because no one likes to do it. A good way to lose a friend is to ask for help moving,” he adds with a grin. “Most people do not have the proper equipment or training and are willing to pay for the service. We are a one-stop shop and we will clean your house when the move is completed.”

A fascinating offshoot of the moving business is leftover unwanted items. “We are able to supply used furniture and even clothes and food to homeless shelters and other charities. Many of those who move leave useful items behind. We are a socially conscious business,” says Edwards.

Monarch Movers will move pianos and pool tables—a special skill. “We are aware of all of the disasters shown online. We have not had any problems,” says Edwards.

In addition to basic moving services, Monarch Movers offers his customers use of a storage facility (a few days or a few years), boxes and packing supplies and moving “kits.” Any move is possible: local, regional, national or international. The customer can rent a truck and we will help with the loading.

“We want to provide whatever services the customer needs to make the move as stress free as possible,” says Edwards. “We want to earn our customers’ trust and hope they recommend us to their friends. We are affordable; there are no hidden fees. Most of our business comes from referrals.”

As owner, Edwards wears many hats. He may be in the office in meetings or doing paperwork; he may be driving a truck. “Our season parallels the real estate market. We are busiest from April to August. We can have four or five moves in one day. I have worked 27 days of 12 to 14 hours in a row in the spring. We average about 10 employees. Most are part-time,” says Edwards. He promotes a family environment and offers bonuses.

Edwards’ wife is an obstetrician/gynecologist in Newport News. They have a three-year-old son. “We both have busy work schedules so we have to make time for family,” says Edwards.

“In January or February I can come home early. My wife and I schedule dates. Right now I am planning a bowling party with friends. If we stay home we will fall asleep!” says Edwards, with a laugh.

“I would like my child to experience the U.S., especially the National Parks,” he adds. “I do visit New Jersey and Jamaica. I miss the food!”

Though his life is hectic, Edwards is proud of his business and the services he provides. “I want to be an example for those who have a lot to overcome,” he says.

1. BOOK WITH MONARCH MOVERS!!! YOUR MOVE WILL BE PROFESSIONALLY DONE AND FAIRLY PRICED!!!!

2. Call the utility companies as soon as you know you’re moving.

3. Select a Licensed moving company and discuss your move in full detail with them. Ask for someone to come and take a look so both parties will be prepared

4. Give away or throw away items you no longer use or need

5. Call the utility companies and also contact the Post Office

6. Pack your boxes and label them by room

7. Arrange for a cleaning company to do a post move clean up of the property

8. Stage packed boxes in the garage or on the first floor near the entrance. This helps cut down on the move time.

9. On the move day secure all valuables!!! Cash, checks, credit cards, jewelry, should be locked away in a safe place. When hiring a moving company you are putting your life belongings in strangers hands so protect yourself.

10. Inquire about moving insurance from your homeowners policy or with the moving company. If something is damaged the moving company is by law only liable for .60 cents per pound.

Spring brings new beginnings – new plants, fresh air, and possibly a new home. Regardless of the reasons you are moving, a move can be stressful, even when hiring a local professional moving company. Packing up your belongings and loved ones and moving towards a new life is something that no one likes to do. Especially when cleaning is apart of the to-do list. With Monarch Movers, there are many ways to make the situation more manageable. When spring cleaning coincides with spring moving, work smarter, not harder.

Here are a few tips on how to make a stressful situation a little easier.

1. Pack Over Time

Try packing up small parts of your house over the course of a few weeks, rather than having an all-nighter or weekend where you do everything in one go. This allows you to pack things in a more manageable way that decreases stress and allows you to be more organized. A lot of times we get so fed up with packing that we just throw random things into boxes. Doing small bits over a few weeks breaks an enormous task into something less intimidating and daunting. If you give yourself a room or box quota each day, or each week, it will help you stay on track.

Packing over time also helps with the cleaning aspect of moving. If your goal is to pack one room a week, or pack one box a day, that gives you space to clean. Start with things that you don’t use as often, such as, a guest bedroom, or a closet full of winter clothes. After the space is packed up, it’s easy to go in and dust and vacuum. If possible, once a space is packed up (like a guest room or office) use the space for storing boxes. That way you don’t have to clean again. When spring cleaning coincides with spring moving, make a plan.

2. Box Options

Moving companies, such as Monarch Movers, offer many options for moving kits. These are easy to use and will save you a lot of hassle. Instead of having to hunt down boxes, let us take that source of stress off your plate. We offer free boxes with your move!

Another great feature of using Monarch Movers is the option to use wardrobe boxes. These allow you to leave the clothes that are already hanging in your closet to remain hanging. Simply transfer the hanging clothes from the closet to the wardrobe box. Not only does this make things easier, it saves you time once you’ve moved into your new place. Bonus; you won’t have to re-iron your clothes. Wardrobe boxes are a handy tool to use that will save you time when spring cleaning coincides with spring moving.

3. Utilities

As soon as you have a closing date set, call the utilities company and schedule a service switch. That way everything is good to go on move in day. It’s one more thing off your to-do list that you can tackle before the big day as well as save you any extra expenses.

4. Bring the Basics

If you are moving somewhere that is within driving distance of your current residence, think about taking over the essentials the day before you move. Having bathrooms that are already set up will make things a lot easier. If you have more than one bathroom in your current home, consider packing up and cleaning all but one of the bathrooms a few days before the move. This allows you to take supplies over to the new house without leaving your current home without bathroom essentials. Cleaning out other bathrooms ahead of time will also make less work on moving day, when spring cleaning coincides with spring moving.

Another important detail is your first night in the new place. Make a small bag with what you will need to sleep the first few nights – pajamas, tooth brush, toiletries, etc. After a long day of moving, there is nothing worse than rummaging through boxes to find some toothpaste.

5. Take a Walk

It’s always good to know the area you will be moving to and there is no better way to do that than going for a stroll. This can also help reduce any stress you are feeling by giving you a break from the move and allowing your body to stay active which is essential when relocating all of your possessions. While walking, note different features in your community – is there a coffee shop down the street? Where is the dog park? Do you see any kids playing that could be potential playmates for your own children? Be sure to say hi to people as you check the area out. Introduce yourself and ask them questions about the neighborhood. This is where you can start to build new friendships and get the best recommendations – good babysitters, lawn care, pizza, etc. While your new neighbors might drop by and introduce themselves when they see you moving in, you will definitely meet more people if you make the effort to get out into the community.

When spring cleaning coincides with spring moving, it can be a stressful time. There are a lot of quick tips you can use to cut down on the stress, but the main takeaway is to plan ahead. Plan how you can pack and clean efficiently. Talk to a local professional moving company and discuss options. Monarch Movers are here to help in any way you need. Give us a call! 757-833-0800

For more information and tips on how to pack smart when spring cleaning coincides with spring moving, check out www.goodhousekeeping.com/moving-tips.