Author: Sandhills Moving & Storage

Going through your home to thin out your belongings is best to do before you pack. But you don’t always have the time.

If you’re in a hurry, downsizing while packing can still be effective. Here are five things to consider eliminating during the household move packing process.

1. Food Storage

With few exceptions, you should plan to eat or get rid of your food before moving. It can take up a lot of space. It’s also time-consuming to pack.

Most of the time, professional movers won’t transport food. They can’t necessarily guarantee a perfect temperature all the time, which can affect shelf-stable items. It’s easiest to assume you can go shopping after you arrive.

Consider donating non-perishable items to charities like Move for Hunger. This organization works with professional moving companies to collect donations from relocating families and deliver them to local food banks and pantries, free of charge.

2. Outdated or Uncomfortable Clothing

If you’re not sure which clothing items you should keep, you should know that there are several ways to downsize your wardrobe. For example, you could turn your hangers backward and then turn them around as you wear each item. After a few weeks, the clothing on the still backward hangers may need extra evaluation.

You might also try putting clothing in a suitcase and see how quickly you take each item out. Then, the clothes that are still in your suitcase when you are ready to move could probably go.

3. Bulky Household Goods

When you start evaluating household goods and decor, it’s wise is to keep in mind that space matters. Bulky, lightweight items tend to be easy to pack, but they take up the same amount of space in the truck.

If you can, plan to use up most of your household goods before moving. For example, you may have scored a good deal on toilet paper, but it will cost you more than that to take dozens of rolls with you. And if you are moving to a place where your bulky outdoor gear won’t get as much use, sell or donate it now.

4. Old Media

Most people have large bookcases or media centers full of DVDs and books they no longer use. These items can be pretty easy to pack, but they’re heavy. So if you’re planning to downsize your living space, thinning them out is probably a necessity.

If you can, consider making a small investment into digitizing your CDs and movies. Of course, you don’t have to get rid of your classic vinyl or treasured childhood book collection. But updating from DVD to streaming might make it easier for you to enjoy what you have.

5. Boxes of Junk

When you do a cursory look through your house for easy wins on the packing front, you might find boxes of junk from your old house. Naturally, it’s tempting to move them to the next home, but that’s not the only choice.

If you haven’t opened the box in more than a year, there’s a good chance that you will never need anything that’s inside. So take care with important documents or financial information. But for boxes of half-used office supplies or old junk mail, you might be able to toss it and move on.

Moving Made More Manageable

Getting through the packing process means looking for quick ways to downsize. Contact us today for more tips on what you’ll need to have a successful move.

There are many reasons to upsize and upgrade your office space. For example, perhaps your company is expanding, and you’re adding more employees. Or, maybe you want to move to a more extensive area to accommodate clients. Regardless of the reason, upsizing an office can be an expensive venture. Also, if you rush into the process, you might wind up wasting valuable time and money.

Here are five ways to upsize your office on a budget.

1. Take Your Time

While it may be tempting to handle everything at once, it’s often better to take the process one step at a time. For example, one of the biggest challenges of moving to a bigger office space is the adjustment period since it can impact your operational efficiency.

So, before starting the packing process, it’s better to outline your wants and needs and search for the perfect place. Rushing into a new building can wind up costing you a lot more in the long run.

2. Focus on Practicality

When scoping out new office spaces, you should have a list of necessary items. Examples can include a break room, kitchen, executive offices, and the correct number of conference rooms. Overall, it’s better to focus your attention on what you need from a bigger office rather than what you want. For example, flashy elements can look appealing, but you might be paying for nothing if they don’t add any value to the space.

3. Streamline Your Operations

One common reason for companies to move into bigger offices is because they’re growing. However, if you want to expand your business the right way, you need to be as efficient as possible. That said, efficiency doesn’t necessarily mean cutting costs. Instead, it means boosting productivity without needing many new people or supplies. Once you do that, you can better prepare for moving since you can trim any waste beforehand.

4. Get Feedback From Employees

One significant challenge of moving into a bigger office is how it interrupts your operations. So, before taking the plunge, discuss the move with your employees. This feedback is also valuable because it can help you understand which elements are necessary or not. For example, perhaps more of your workers can have a flexible schedule or work from home, reducing the need for cubicles or individual offices.

5. Get Moving Help For Your New Office

As the saying goes, time is money. So, spending a lot of time on your move can impact your bottom line. In most cases, it’s much better to hire a professional moving service to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. Not only can the pros pack and transport equipment and boxes, but they can unpack and place items where they need to go.

Fortunately, we’re here to help. We can help you get your new office up and running in less time so that you don’t have to skip a beat. Contact us to find out what services we can offer.

 

Moving is stressful, so it’s not uncommon for people to lose sleep before they move. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to improve your sleep during a time like this! By reducing your stress levels and taking steps to promote good rest before and during bedtime, you can enjoy a good night’s sleep throughout your relocation. Here’s what you can do to encourage good sleep while you’re in the middle of a household relocation.

1. Turn Off Screens An Hour Before Bed

Blue lights from electronic devices can signal to your brain that it’s time to stay awake. For example, watching television, doing work on the computer, and looking at your smartphone before bed can make it harder to fall asleep, moving back your sleep time and leading to less sleep time overall. Conversely, turning off screens an hour before bedtime makes it easier to get to sleep when the time finally comes.

If you’re bored and need something to think about while you’re winding down, read a book or listen to an audiobook. These options won’t stimulate your brain in the same way that electronic screens will.

2. Listen to Relaxation Tapes

It’s hard to relax when you’re in the midst of a big move. Listening to relaxation tapes can help! Find a relaxation tape and either listen to it as you’re falling asleep or listen to it an hour before bedtime. Every relaxation tape is different, so try several options before finding the one that’s right for you.

3. Take Hot Baths Before Bed

Packing is dirty work. It’s also hard on the muscles! Taking a hot bath before bed can help you relax as you prepare to rest. Enjoy bath salts and relaxing music before bedtime as you lay back in your hot bath. Make a ritual of washing off all the dirt from packing to make you feel better and more prepared for sleep.

4. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is essential, even when you’re in the midst of something as big and important as a relocation. Going to bed at the same time every night and getting up at the same time every day can help ensure that you’ll be ready to sleep when the time comes and ready to wake up when it’s time as well.

Your body will naturally start to prepare for bedtime if it knows that bedtime is coming, so choose a specific time of night when you can fall asleep.

5. Keep Your Room Dark and Chilly

As you move closer to your bedtime, your body will naturally start to lower its own internal temperature. Going to sleep in a chilly room will help reinforce that natural temperature drop and promote faster sleep.

Your body will also fall asleep more quickly in a dark room, so turn off all lights and close your curtains before trying to go to sleep. By keeping your room dark and cool, you’ll make it easier to fall asleep there.

Work With a Good Moving Company

Reduce your stress levels by working with a good moving company. This can make sleeping easier! Contact us to make an appointment and get started with your relocation.

 

Finding a new gym when you move is a challenge. However, visiting and choosing a new gym also can be exciting and provide an opportunity to make a fresh fitness start. Here are tips for selecting a new gym.

Look Near Your Home or Office

One key to being fit is working out regularly. Most people won’t regularly drive more than 15 minutes to work out. Use Google Maps or a similar tool to find gyms within a 10-to-15 minute drive of either your new home or workplace. 

Check Program Offerings

Check the gym’s website to see their offerings before deciding whether to visit. Not all gyms offer the same programs; you want one that features the activities you enjoy, such as yoga, swimming, racquetball, weight machines, or group classes. If you have young children, you may also choose a gym with child care. 

Visit During the Time You Plan to Attend

Visit the gym during the times when you most likely would be working out. Is the gym overcrowded? Do you have to wait long for a machine or swim lane?

While you’re there, check the cleanliness and maintenance of equipment. Employees should wipe machines several times during the day, and members should be encouraged to wipe down machines after each use. Also, check whether the locker rooms provide the amenities you want. 

Notice the air quality, as well. Are the airflow and temperature good? Is the gym smelly?

If possible, obtain a free pass for the gym you are considering and visit during the hours you ultimately hope to attend. Free access or a free week provides an excellent opportunity to experience the gym before committing.

Check for Reciprocity

One great gym benefit is reciprocity, which allows you to work out at gyms in other cities or different neighborhoods without having to pay an expensive guest fee.  Many national chains offer reciprocity, as does the YMCA. Independent gyms also sometimes form consortiums that provide for partial or full reciprocity.

Reciprocity is helpful if you want the option to work out at lunchtime or on the weekends, but your job and home aren’t that close to each other. Reciprocity also is beneficial when you travel. 

Fees, Contracts, and Payment Policies

Read the contract carefully to determine if you are committing to a long-term membership that you’ll have to pay for regardless of whether you use the gym, move away, or are injured. If you have any questions about the contract, ask. Some gyms offer no-contract options.

Also, check the fee structure to be sure it fits your budget. For example, many gyms offer the option of paying membership annually at a discounted rate rather than paying monthly. If you can pay annually, this option will be attractive.

Examine all the documents carefully to determine hidden fees, such as duplicate membership cards or participating in specific programs. 

Check the Written and Unwritten Rules

Gyms have a culture. Some gyms attract those who want to socialize rather than work out, while others draw hard-core fitness buffs. You want a gym with rules that match your personality. Things like attire, talking on the phone in common areas, and more might be things for you to consider.

New Home, New Gym

Are you preparing for a move? We can help you relocate. Contact us for a quote. Save your heavy lifting for the gym. 

Relocating to a new city may be necessary at some point in life, and these moves are always a little more of a challenge. Not only are you contending with the physical process of getting everything to the new town, but you are also looking at making yourself at home in a place that feels unfamiliar. Here are a few community events you may want to check out that can make you more comfortable in a new city after a move. 

1. Annual Festivals

Localized community festivals often represent something the area is known for. For example, a major apple farming community may have a festival associated with apples, or a city known for its folk art may have a folk art festival. These festivals often bring community vendors, business owners, and residents together to enjoy extraordinary things about the area. Festivalnet is an excellent place to look for festivals in any given area. 

2. Street or Neighborhood Parties

In some cases, you may come across a more localized event like a street party, neighborhood picnic, or even a community yard sale within a particular area. If possible, get involved with these events to get to know your neighbors, or consider organizing something yourself. These smaller-scale gatherings are a good indicator of a close-knit community.

3. Fundraisers

Check local listings in the newspaper’s community calendar or watch online community social media groups. In most cases, you will find some type of fundraiser taking place at different parts of the year. These fundraisers help bring in funding for important causes. Still, as a new dweller in the area, these events can also give insight into community needs. Fundraising activities can tell you whether people work together for the greater good, and more. 

4. County Fairs

County fairs are a lot of fun, even though they are not usually as big as state-hosted fairs. These smaller events often involve vendors and organizers from the local community. You may even see favorite local foods for sale at the event or get to watch someone from the community provide entertainment.

Most fairs and carnivals are hosted through the summer months, but you may occasionally see one of these events hosted in early fall. So check out local radio and newspapers to determine if the new place you now reside in has anything upcoming. 

5. City Council Meetings

It doesn’t hurt to visit one of these meetings as a newcomer. For one, you will get to know more about the local government. Two, you will get more familiar with some of the issues that are taking place within the area, whether it is items of public interest like developments in progress or something about local events in planning. 

Streamline Your Relocation with Residential Movers 

When you make your way to a new city to call home, the physical part of transition should be the last worry on your list. However, if you need help with a relocation, enlisting the help of residential movers makes that possible. Get in touch with our representatives today for a free moving quote. 

 

One of the perks of being a small business owner is relocating your business to another state if you choose. The steps to successfully moving the company depend upon the organizational structure.

Moving a Sole Proprietorship

Moving a sole proprietorship to another state is generally straightforward:

1. You’ll register your new business as DBA (doing business as) in your new location.

2. Depending on the site, you’ll register with the local county clerk or the state.

3. Once you’ve registered in your new area, you’ll cancel your registration in your old state.

Moving an LLC

When moving an LLC, you’ll have several options. The first is to continue your registration in your old state but register as a foreign LLC in your old state. Registration as a foreign company may make sense if you plan to move back to your old state in the future. However, you’ll likely have to file annual reports and name a representative in both states. Your taxes also may become more complicated.

The second option is to dissolve your LLC in the old state and start fresh in your new state. You can do this by liquidating the old one, merging the two, or having members of the old LLC contribute their membership interests to the new one.  The last option generally requires an attorney to accomplish correctly.

A third option is to transfer an LLC from one state to another. The process is called redomestication. While this is a relatively easy way to handle a permanent move, not all states allow this. If you can do this, you’ll generally need a certificate of good standing from your old state and articles of domestication.

Moving a Corporation

Moving a corporation is similar to moving an LLC, and, in general, talking with an attorney can help you understand the tax consequences of each type of move. In general, you have an option to continue as a foreign corporation in your new state, transfer the corporation, or dissolve it.

Post-Move Steps

Regardless of whether you’re moving a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation, you’ll have some post-move tasks to complete. First, you must apply for all the necessary professional and business licenses and permits in your state. You may also have to file a sales tax registration. The permit, licensing, and registration requirements will differ in each state.

Secondly, check the local zoning laws that may apply to your business. Thirdly, take care of any tax obligations. If you’re closing out your business in your previous state, you may need to file a “Final Return.”  Talking with a tax adviser is essential because you might deduct or capitalize relocation expenses such as moving costs, trips to find a new site, or travel and meeting costs. 

Finally, you may need to find a new bank and other professional service providers, such as CPAs or attorneys, in your new location. You can find these providers through referrals, reading ads in local publications, or through professional associations.

Business On the Move

If your business is relocating, let us help — as a full-service moving company, we can assist with your company’s move. Contact us today to get things started.

The standard timeline for moving into a new home involves negotiating a sale, setting a closing date, and often hurriedly packing and relocating. Unfortunately, the prospect of enjoying your new home usually offsets the laundry list of things homeowners plan to change after getting settled.

Upwards of 56 percent of home buyers already plan to renovate before moving into their new space, including 65 percent of those under 43 years old. Seventy-seven percent want to focus on their backyards in terms of outdoor upgrades. Although few set time aside before relocating, there are significant benefits to working with professionals and completing your landscape vision before your professional movers even arrive.

1: Peaceful Enjoyment of Your Property

Planting perennials to inject color into established flower beds can be something of a peaceful pastime. But significant renovations tend to create short-term disruption. Landscaping equipment buzzing throughout the day and machinery grinding can go on for weeks. Moving into a new living space can be a more seamless experience if the work gets done in advance.

2: Pre-Move Landscaping Improves Planning

It’s not uncommon for people to address landscaping desires in a piecemeal fashion. Weekends evolve into a series of relatively small outdoor projects such as digging new flower beds, building brick walkways, planting hedgerows, and other items. But making incremental changes tends to result in a mishmash of landscaping elements.

Consider reviewing the wealth of landscaping ideas online and selecting the designs that fit your taste. Then, by working with an experienced landscaping company, homeowners can develop a cohesive plan that brings everything together. Not only will you move into a beautifully manicured property, but the market value will also likely increase before turning the key.

3: Minimize Reactions to Dust and Pollen

If you or a family member have allergic reactions or conditions such as asthma, landscaping projects can trigger symptoms. In addition, a significant grounds overhaul will likely kick up a great deal of dust and pollen. Health and wellness rank among the best reasons to upgrade the property and let the dust settle before living in the home.

4: Match Landscape with Your Vision

Older homes come with the footprint of just about every previous owner. Each family that lived on the property probably planted trees, shrubs, perennials and built hardscapes that suited their way of living. Unfortunately, these might not be precisely the right surroundings to match your vision of the home.

Given that most homeowners plan to make changes, you may intend to repaint, update porches and patios, or make other enhancements. The point is that the existing landscape probably doesn’t mesh with your long-term plan.

5: Unclutter the Grounds

Not every buyer is ready to settle on a comprehensive landscaping plan before moving into their new home. It’s not uncommon for shrubs to obscure property lines or outgrow their aesthetic value in front of the house. One fallback idea involves having an advanced crew remove excessive and unchecked growth. This strategy opens up the property and makes it feel roomier. It also gives property owners a clear perspective.

Moving Made Easy

If you plan to purchase a new home, conducting advanced work and coordinating your efforts with an experienced moving company is essential. Contact us for a free quote. Let us help you enjoy your new home and yard stress-free.

 

Whether you’re relocating to another floor in your building, across the street, or town, moving can be complicated. But, relocating out-of-state presents even more challenges. 

An interstate move simply requires more planning, more lead time, and (usually) more money. According to Home Advisor, the costs of moving to a new state range from $2,600 and $6,500. 

Fortunately, planning ahead and working with a great long-distance moving company can help ease the transition. This out-of-state moving checklist will help, too. Read on for tips on moving to a different state seamlessly.

8 Weeks Before the Move

At this early stage of your move, you’re in planning mode. However, this period may just be the most critical part of the process. So check these tasks off your list as far in advance as possible to reduce stress as moving day grows near.

• Make a “Moving File” (digital) and “Moving Binder” (physical) to contain essential documents, communications, receipts, and invoices in one place. 
• Create a moving budget to help keep costs under control. Consider expenses such as packing supplies, moving truck rental, moving company services, cleaning supplies, food, hotels, gas, and more.
• Make appointments; you may need to see doctors, dentists, optometrists, and more before you leave, even if it’s just to get copies of records.
• Gather packing supplies, such as cardboard boxes, packing paper, bubble and foam wrap, packing tape, and moving blankets.
• Research moving companies. You’ll want to compare estimates from multiple movers and select a company that has experience with interstate moves.

6 Weeks Before the Move

Now it’s time to nail down a moving date so you can reserve movers and any vehicles you may need. At this time, you’ll also want to:

• Declutter your home. There’s no need to pay to move items unless you want them. Instead, organize belongings into categories of “keep,” “donate,” and “sell”; give donatable things to your favorite charity, and sell the rest at a garage sale or online. 
• Schedule a car shipment if you won’t be driving during the move.
• Purchase airline tickets if you will be flying to your new home.

4 Weeks Before the Move

You’re getting closer to the big day. Luckily, you’ve already crossed off several tasks on the to-do list! When the move is about a month away, you can:

• Contact your utility companies and let them know your moving date. 
• Contact utilities for your new home and determine turn-on dates. 
• Gather important documents, such as birth certificates, vehicle titles, passports, and deeds, info in a folder that’ll stay with you during the move. 
• Start eating food from the freezer and pantry to avoid waste. 
• Schedule a house cleaning service. 
• Start packing.

Two Weeks Before the Move

By now, you should be well along in the packing process. There are just a few more things to do:

• Set up mail forwarding with USPS.
• Update your address with any providers you’ll continue to use, like banks or cell phone companies.
• If you rent, transfer your renter’s insurance to your new address. 
• Confirm details with your movers. 

Movers at the Ready

Now all you have to do is finish packing! Following this checklist will help you be ready to go when moving day arrives.

For information and a free quote, contact us today. We can help make your long-distance move a success.

Moving with help from a spouse or a housemate is difficult enough, but moving on your own is even more challenging. If you’re facing an upcoming move on your own, it’s essential to approach the project in an organized way. There are many things you can do to make moving on your own just a little bit easier. Here are some suggestions.  

Get Serious About Decluttering

The more stuff you own when you’re moving, the more complicated moving will be. Start decluttering now, so when it’s time to start packing, your job will be more manageable. Less stuff means fewer boxes to move, and that’s good for you!

These tips will help you declutter: 

• First, declutter what you’re not using. Start by decluttering seasonal items you’re not using at the moment. Then, wait to declutter items and rooms that you use every day. 
• Give away what you can. Don’t throw away what you can donate to charities. This helps keep stuff out of landfills.
• Start decluttering well in advance. Decluttering takes a lot of time. You may need weeks or months to do a good job. So give yourself plenty of time to ensure that your efforts are as thorough as possible. 

Get Help When You Need It

Just because you’re moving alone doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help from friends and family. Get help when you need it to make relocating more efficient, fun, and a better overall experience. You can repay your friends and family by purchasing them pizza or giving them a gift. They’ll appreciate the gesture!

Stay Organized

Moving is one of those activities that generate a lot of paperwork and requires a lot of organization. If you don’t stay organized during your relocation, you could easily get overwhelmed.

Since you’re the only person keeping track of the movers, checking items off the packing to-do list, and finding the new home where you’ll be living, it’s vitally important that you stay organized throughout the entire experience. 

• Keep a binder of your most essential documents throughout the relocation. This might include the billing information for the relocation, a note with your new address, a copy of your new lease, information about your new job, and so on. 
• Make a timeline. When should you be finished decluttering? By when should you start packing? When will you look at new apartments in your new city? What day do the movers arrive to load the truck? Make a timeline with all this information to avoid missing important dates. 
• Get the app. There are lots of apps that can help with your upcoming relocation. From apps that help you find cleaning people for your new apartment to apps that help you sort your things, downloading the right app for your upcoming relocation can make things easier! Choose the apps you love.  

Take Care Of Yourself

Moving on your own can be a stressful event, no doubt. So now more than ever, it’s essential to take care of your physical and emotional health. 

• Get enough sleep. No matter how busy you get, it’s vital to build rest into your schedule. Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours. 
• Take time for yourself. Give yourself a 15-minute break every day and use this time to reflect and relax. For example, you might spend this time meditating, or napping, or walking around your neighborhood. 
• Eat healthily. Stock up on healthy snacks. You’re going to need them!

Get Help From the Pros

You don’t have to move alone. Get help from professional movers. Contact us today to make an appointment and discuss your upcoming relocation. 

Choosing a new business location is an important decision, and the right place can help you succeed. Companies consider several factors, including the type of operations, the costs, and local ordinances when choosing a site. Here are some tips on choosing the best new location for your company move.

Types of Businesses

Business locations are of five primary types, each of which has different requirements. The first is home-based businesses that need extra space. In this case, you may be able to obtain the room by adding to your home, moving to a larger home, or arranging to rent storage space or conference space when needed.

Retail

For many retail operations, a critical success factor is how close the store is to its customers or potential customers. If you know your target demographics, you can access Census data to help you determine where your potential customers live.

Foot traffic also is essential for many retail businesses, so you’ll want to locate in a high-traffic area with good visibility. Once you’ve narrowed down potential sites, monitor the traffic at different times of the day and week to find one that has the volume you need. Of course, you’ll also need adequate parking for customers and employees.

Online sales are becoming increasingly important for retailers, so consider the availability of nearby courier services to help you ship your product.

Professional Services

Professional services firms may not necessarily require a high volume of traffic. While proximity to customers is still a factor, potential customers will generally travel further to consult with their attorney, accountant, or management consultant than they will to buy everyday items. Often professional services firms benefit from locations with purpose-built space, well-landscaped exteriors, and high security, such as office buildings and business parks.

When evaluating potential space, ask whether the exterior doors are locked at a particular time and, if so, can you have keys? Make sure the neighborhood is safe and that the parking lot has adequate space and lighting. Being near lunch spots and banks will make employees happy. A good technology infrastructure also is critically important.

Personal Services

Personal service businesses such as hair salons, dentists, and physicians will also want to locate relatively close to population centers and target customers. However, many people will drive a little further to visit a dentist than to buy their groceries. Research how far people will travel in your industry to be sure you aren’t too far away. Also, make sure you’re not locating too close to competitors.

Adequate parking, or in some cities, good access to public transportation also is essential.

Manufacturing or Warehouses

Critical factors in a relocation often include being near major transportation routes and a potential labor force for manufacturing businesses. As a result, some localities will offer incentives such as training grants or tax holidays to acquire manufacturing employers. 

On the other hand, some communities might restrict some industrial employers to certain industrial parks.

Cost

Regardless of the type of business, the cost will be a significant factor in your location choice. One-time costs, such as remodeling and ongoing costs like taxes, rent, insurance, and utilities, are all part of the equation.

Ordinances

Laws and zoning also will impact where you can locate a business. So be sure to check these laws carefully before signing a lease.

Ready for Your Business Move

As you prepare for your upcoming business relocation, let us help. Contact us today for a free estimate. We can make your office move more manageable.