5 Things to Do Before You Pick a Storage Unit

Oh, the perils of moving! You wind your way between the stacks of boxes and wish that you had a better way.

Many people rent storage space to help them get the boxes out as they pack. And if you’re planning to get an early start, it might be a good choice for you.

Other families find themselves in a position where their home sells before their new home is ready. They need to vacate their house and need a place to put their belongings.

You need to consider your unique moving circumstances and the storage situation you need. 

The type of storage you choose will depend on how you’ll want to store your items, your budget, convenience, your kind of move, and the size of your move.

Follow these steps to help you decide.

1. Discover Your Storage Options

You may have lots of storage options near you, so it’s wise to consider each one. When you hire a moving company, ask them what they have to offer. Full-service moving companies typically have storage facilities. Their solution might be the smartest choice.

It’s also wise to think about your plans to load the unit. If there will be any individual packing and loading on your part, you’ll save time and hassle by selecting one close to home.

2. Check on Storage Access

When it comes to accessing the storage unit, you either need it, or you don’t. Some storage units are available to you 24/7. Others presume that the moving company is loading and unloading it for you.

Hardly anyone packs a box, assuming they will need to get into it again before moving. But if you think that’s likely, you may want to ask about how you can get to it.

3. Think Larger

People hire experts to help them move because you really can’t be sure how much it involves. For example, guessing the proper storage unit size could lead you to select something too small.

Often, people underestimate the amount of stuff they have. Unfortunately, this means that if you choose a storage unit, you’ll probably need a bigger one.

Don’t feel bad about opting for a larger unit. It doesn’t say anything about your habits or personality, just the size of your home.

4. Choose the Right Dimensions

Although the size of the storage unit is a big deal, the dimensions can be a deal-breaker, too. After all, the last thing you want is to realize that the space isn’t large enough for your pool table, chest freezer, or sectional.

If you’re loading it yourself, remember that you also need room to get in and out. Don’t box yourself into a corner, or you’ll end up having to climb over things.

5. Don’t Duplicate Your Efforts

The point of hiring a moving company is to save your aching back. Loading boxes into a storage unit yourself doesn’t give you that benefit.

Instead, see what services your moving company offers. We can keep your items secure and efficiently packed with a seamless transfer to your new place.

On the Move

The moving process often goes more smoothly if you can pack things into storage. You just need the right kind of storage unit. By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll avoid the most common problems and get the best one for your move.

Contact us for a free quote. We can help you with your specific moving and storage needs.

 

5 Quick Tips for Setting Up a Small Business In a New State

Setting up a small business in a new state can be challenging. However, if you approach the problem in an organized way, you’re more likely to succeed. Some of the most important things for you to do when setting up a business in a new state are registering your business, getting a business license, and finding new customers. These tips can help. 

1. Register Your Business

Most states require businesses to be registered, often through their Secretary of State. Find out whether your business will need to be registered through your new state’s Secretary of State office. You may have to pay a fee. Very likely, your new state will require you to update your business registration on an annual or bi-annual basis, so find out what’s required of you. 

2. Get an Occupational License

Depending on your business and the state where you’re moving, you may need to have an occupational license to do business in the state where you’ll be living. For example, some states require contractors to be licensed.

If you’re a contractor or handyman, find out whether your new state will require you to have an occupational license, and then if your state does require this, get an occupational license. It’s essential to get an occupational license if needed, as you may face steep fees if you do not. 

3. Tell Old Customers You’re Leaving

You may not be under an obligation to tell old customers you’re leaving, but keeping customers informed will help you start with a clean slate in your new state and will prevent you from burning bridges in your current location. Give people who rely on your services the heads-up that you’re going to be leaving. 

4. Announce Your Arrival In Your New Location

Just as you’ll want to tell old clients you’re leaving, it’s also essential to find new clients where you’re going. Find ways to announce your arrival, so you’ll have a head start when you begin a business in your new location.

This might mean putting up a sign in your storefront even before you arrive, or maybe putting an ad in the local paper about your new business and start date. Do whatever you can to announce your arrival in your new location. 

5. Stay Organized

It’s easy to become disorganized during a move to another state, especially when you’re trying to move your business. Don’t become disorganized, or you could end up forgetting steps and getting a slow start to your business. Instead, keep lists of things you need to do and keep a binder of papers you need for your business. 

Contact a Reputable Moving Company

Make your move easy on yourself. Find a reputable moving company that can move your business efficiently and without stress. Working with a reputable moving company can make your business relocation a better experience overall. Contact us today for a quote to find out details about your move. 

How to Sort and Pack a Messy Room When Moving

Packing for a household move is a lot easier in a tidy room. But what if it’s a giant mess? How do you tackle the piles and stacks?

Whether it’s a kid’s room, your basement, or even the house of a loved one, getting the mess under control is key. Here are a few things you can do.

Make a Plan

To make any progress, you’re going to need a plan. There are many ways to organize a messy room, but not all of them will work for your space.

You can start by filling up a bunch of bins and taking them to another room. You can also pick a corner and dive in piece by piece. You can even hire a professional organizer to do it for you.

Whatever you do, be consistent. If you try to do too many things at once, you may end up with a bigger mess.

Create a Clean Space

If you can’t find an inch of clear floor space, it’s time to make it. You might even want to set up a folding table.

You’re going to need room for sorting. You can clear out a clean space on the floor or use a table large enough for boxes.

In some cases, the clean space might have to be in another room. For example, if you find the messy room too overwhelming, using another room can help you create calm for sorting and packing.

Sort as You Go

To pack the mess, you’ll need to sort it. Otherwise, you’re just saving the problem for after the move.

If you don’t have boxes ready to go for packing, use bins or baskets. You can even make piles of like items if you have to. Make sure you can tell them apart, so you don’t have to sort again.

If you’re not sure how to sort clutter, you can start with the easy items. Trash goes first. Oversized, lightweight things go next. By then, you’ll have some room to sort smaller stuff.

Stay Positive

The worst thing about decluttering is that it often gets worse before it gets better. When you’re moving in a hurry, you might feel the stress and despair faster.

Nip it in the bud by finding ways to stay positive. Take pictures of your progress. Reward yourself for achieving small goals, like getting all the trash out or clearing the closet.

If you need to, get help from a friend or family member. Call someone on the phone or Skype chat about your vacation plans.

Pack Efficiently

Messy rooms take longer to pack than tidy ones. But you still should pack in a way that makes sense.

Avoid the temptation to throw everything in and slap some tape on it. Instead, enlist a helper to wrap delicate items while working on the big stuff or vice versa.

Label the boxes with the contents and room. You’ll avoid building a box mountain in your new home that way.

Tackle Your Household Move

Messy rooms can be challenging, but you can get them ready to move. Contact us to learn more about how we can help simplify your move.

 

5 Tips You Can Use to Disassemble Items for Moving

One thing they may never warn you about when moving is disassembly. You need to take many large items apart before you can pack them. Otherwise, they take up too much space and could break.

Disassembling doesn’t have to be too challenging. Just follow these five tips, and you’ll be able to keep it simple.

1. Create a Disassembly Space

When your home is full of boxes and loose items, it’s hard to find room to deal with furniture. But it’s the best thing you can do for a complicated project.

If you can, dedicate a whole room for the furniture. It’s wise to use the room where most of the furniture already sits.

Make sure that you clear boxes and other items from the room before you start disassembling. That way, you have the most space to move around.

2. Get the Right Tools

You’ll need a handful of tools to disassemble furniture. You may already have a few of them.

As a general rule, you should have a few different kinds of screwdrivers, as well as a hex wrench set. Again, it’s wise to consult the assembly instructions for the furniture, as they usually have lists of tools you need.

If you feel like investing in a drill, you may be able to finish faster. Just keep in mind that you’ll need the right drill bits for each piece.

3. Follow the Instructions

The best way to avoid damage is to follow the instructions you got for assembly. If you bought it at IKEA or another store that prefers DIY assembly, you probably have tons.

Don’t have the instructions? Look online. And if you still can’t find them, research how-to guides for disassembling a couch, table, or chair.

Sometimes, you can’t disassemble something, even if you put it together. If you’re not sure, consult an expert for more information.

4. Package Furniture With Care

At this point, you may have a bunch of legs or feet and nowhere to put them. If you’re boxing up a small table or chair, you can keep all these items together. Wrap them in paper or bubble wrap to prevent scratching.

If you can’t pack everything together, get a box for the medium-size pieces and label it well. Pieces for custom or vintage items usually aren’t interchangeable, even if they’re part of a set.

In most cases, you can use furniture wrap or moving blankets to protect soft furniture. Just be careful of any sharp corners or loose nails. These can puncture upholstery, and that might cost a lot to repair.

5. Organize Small Parts

The last trick for a good disassembly experience is to organize all the small parts. They’re easy to lose and hard to find. And if you lose them, you might have a difficult time replacing them.

Put all the items for one piece of furniture in its own bag or box, and label it correctly. Don’t pack it with the furniture unless you’re sealing the box tight. Otherwise, the bag might fall out and get lost.

If you can, separate the parts by type as well as piece. Then, it will be easier to get a quick inventory and make sure you have everything before moving to the next one.

The Pros Can Help

Disassembling furniture is often more manageable when you hire a professional to help. Contact us to learn about your options. We can help make your move easier.

 

Tips for Relocating as an Empty-Nester

When children have moved out, parents sometimes experience grief and begin missing the days of ballet recitals and soccer tournaments—seeing all those empty bedrooms can be a reminder of days gone by. It also can be an impetus to begin thinking about moving to a smaller home.

Empty-nesters who relocate and downsize can save time by not having to clean and maintain a large home. They also can save money in energy costs and may enjoy a change of scenery or other amenities that come from relocating. Here are some tips for empty-nesters to consider when relocating.

You Don’t Have to Rush

Since you may not be relocating for a job or with a deadline, you can plan your move in stages. Stage I is preparation time when you research locations and downsize. Stage 2 could be your retirement. Stage 3 could be finding your new home and, depending upon its location, you may move some of your belongings first. Finally, stage 4 could be selling your old home.

Determine Your Next Destination

Many factors go into determining where to move. For example, if you like your town but just want a smaller place, you may choose to relocate within the same area. You also might decide to relocate near grandchildren, move to a particular climate, or start a new life in one of the top-rated cities for empty-nesters.

Downsize

One of the challenges is downsizing. So start sifting through possessions early — perhaps a year or more before the move — but no later than three months before.

One way to approach downsizing is to let your children go through the home and take items that they would like for their own home. When considering whether to get rid of mementos, consider whether they still bring you joy or whether you’re just keeping them because you feel you should. Keeping a child’s second-grade drawing now may be less meaningful now that they’re 40.

Consider selling or donating large furniture that may not fit well in smaller spaces. For example, if your new living room is small, you may want to consider selling your large sofa and buying two smaller chairs.

Don’t Underestimate the Change

Moving is a significant change, especially for older people. It will take you out of your comfort zone. However, growth occurs outside the comfort zone.

If you’re married or partnered, moving also will provide ample opportunities for being with your partner. If you’ve spent decades raising your children and building careers, this time together can be an adjustment. It also is a time to rekindle and reinvent your relationship.

Consider a Home Equity Loan

If you need to ease the pressure between finding and moving into your new home and selling your old home, consider a home equity loan. While this lowers the amount you receive when your home actually closes, it can be worth it, especially if the time between finding your new home and selling your old one is relatively short.

Stay Organized

Relocating is a project. Use spreadsheets and lists to keep you on target. Go room by room and take inventory, indicating what you will save, donate, sell, or give away. Make a list of every moving task, assign it, and check it off when completed.

Moving On

Leaving a treasured family home and downsizing is a challenge. There are many tasks to take of in the process. We can help you move on! Contact us for a free estimate. We can get you to your new place with ease.

 

How to Pack Mirrors, Pictures, and Artwork for a Move

Packing everyday items, such as blankets, pillows, clothing, books, and other things, is relatively easy – just place the heaviest items at the bottom of a box and then fill it up and tape it securely. This isn’t the case with delicate items, such as mirrors, pictures, and artwork. Moving these belongings takes extra special care. 

Today, we’ve got pro tips to help ensure these fragile and sentimental items safely arrive at your new home.

Materials Needed

Before packing delicate mirrors, cherished pictures, and expensive artwork, it’s best first to gather the necessary special supplies. It saves time and ensures you don’t miss any steps. Next, measure the items to be packed. Once dimensions are known, gather the following items:

  • Packing or artist’s tape
  • Brown packing paper
  • Bubble wrap
  • Corner protectors
  • Flat foam or cardboard sheets
  • Glassine or acid-free paper
  • Thick and sturdy mirror and picture boxes
  • Black permanent marker

Be sure to collect the necessary supplies before assembling the packaging. Not using precise wrapping procedures or the wrong boxes puts fragile items at risk during the moving process. Check with your mover to see if they carry specialty boxes for your unique items.

 How to Wrap Items

Wrapping mirrors, pictures, and artwork follows a similar process but with slight differences.

Wrapping Mirrors and Pictures

Place the item on a flat surface and position a sheet of packing paper twice the size of the frame. Lay the item in the center of the paper and use packing or artist’s tape to place an “X” over the glass (if it shatters, this helps contain the shards). Position corner protectors on fragile frames. Securely tape a piece of cardboard on top – make it slightly larger than the item being packed and fold the remaining paper over. Pad the article with bubble wrap or a blanket and tape it snugly. Place the item into an appropriately sized box.

Wrapping Artwork

How you wrap the artwork will depend upon the type of art (e.g., canvas, paintings, or photography). The process itself is much the same, but instead of taping the “X,” use glassine or acid-free paper to cover the glass, and then give it an extra layer of padding before placing it into the box.

Pro tip: Never use newspaper or printed paper with artwork because the ink might transfer and damage the piece.

Packing Items in Boxes

Place the item in its designated box, make sure it fits snuggly and is well protected with additional padding if needed.

Tightly tape the box up and seal all the seams well. Once secured, take the permanent marker and write “FRAGILE” in large letters on all sides of the box. If you are placing several small individually wrapped boxes into a larger container, be sure you pack the items vertically with no extra space and label the box “THIS SIDE UP.” Horizontally laying them could result in cracks or breakage. Before loading these fragile boxes into the truck, carefully plan where they will go. You should never place delicate pieces next to heavy objects, such as boxes of books or furniture.

Movers Can Help With That

Do you need a moving estimate for an upcoming relocation? Whether you’re looking for help transporting your fragile items or would like professionals to do the packing for you, give us a call today to arrange a free estimate. We’re happy to answer any moving questions you might have.

 

 

How to Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal to Help it Sell Faster

Homeowners looking to put their homes on the market typically want to sell them as quickly as possible. One way to help expedite the house selling process is to add curb appeal. Here are eight top ways to boost curb appeal, motivate buyers, and help properties sell faster.

1. Remove Clutter

This is probably the #1 way to boost a home’s curb appeal. Cluttered yards are a huge deterrent and, much like the interior, make it hard for potential buyers to envision the space. Stash away toys, garden tools, and anything else non-essential. Invitingly arrange lawn furniture and keep decorations to a minimum.

2. Paint the Front Door

Painting the front door a vibrant bright color, especially if the home has a neutral paint or siding color, is a great way to make it pop. Complete the look by hanging a pretty wreath or welcome sign to complement the new color.

3. Freshen up the Mailbox

Mailboxes are typically one of the first things a potential homebuyer sees when pulling up to the house. Freshen up the paint (or stain) on wooden posts in a neutral color. If the mailbox is old and looking tired, replace it with a new one.

4. Keep Grass Cut

A freshly cut lawn always looks appealing because it helps add a neat, uniform appearance to the home, plus it keeps any weeds at bay.

5. Cut Back Trees and Shrubs

Greenery should accent a home, not hide it. Cut back any overgrowth, remove dead branches/leaves, and shape trees and shrubs attractively. If this is a difficult task, it’s worth the money to hire a landscaper to come to do it. A little manicuring can have a significant impact.

6. Plant Color

Attractive flowering plants are an easy way to brighten up any home’s exterior. It’s inviting and adds lovely curb appeal. Annual flowers are perfect since the new homeowner can start fresh the following year. Perennials can be a good addition, but be sure to stick to native plants because invasive ones can take over, negatively impact the rest of the yard, and create a lot of extra work.

7. Clean Up Walkways and the Driveway

Give concrete and brick walkways, driveways, and patios a good power wash to remove any grime, mildew, moss, and other debris. Add a fresh coat of sealant on blacktop driveways to freshen up and give an excellent first impression.

8. Clean Roof and Gutters

Clear any debris off the roof and clean out the gutters. A dirty roof and gutters look unattractive. And if it’s a wet season, leaves and other debris can get heavy and make the gutters sag.

Moving to a New Home?

Curb appeal increases a home’s attractiveness, and adding a few niceties can make it stand out amongst other houses. Tidying up the home’s exterior also gives the impression the property is well cared for. Sometimes it’s the simplest things to fix that stand out the most and attract buyers.

Are you planning an upcoming move? Contact us today—we’re happy to answer any questions or provide an estimate.

Turn Moving the Family Across Country Into a Budget-Friendly Road Trip

Are you planning a cross-country move for your family? Maybe you are looking for ideas to make the best use of your travel time while professional movers transport your belongings?

One of the major concerns working families have about moving across the country involves time. Moving companies typically require days and sometimes weeks to load belongings and transport them thousands of miles. If you enlist a professional moving company to wrap fragile items and pack them securely as well, that could add an extra day or two to your moving timeline.

Rather than hole up in a stuffy hotel room while waiting for the moving trucks to arrive at your new home, it may be worthwhile to make good use of the time. The great American family road trip might be precisely what you and your loved ones need to bond before immersing yourselves in a new home and community.

Prepare for the Big Day

When moving day arrives, the last thing most people want to deal with is overwhelming last-minute decisions. That’s why it’s essential to conduct a thorough review of your household goods long before the big day. Consider purging unused or rarely used items and:

  • Sell items on Craigslist or a local platform
  • Donate items to charity
  • Hold a yard sale
  • Give away things to family or friends
  • Put items at the curb with a “Free Stuff” sign
  • Discard any lingering items

By lightening your moving load weeks in advance, you’ll have adequate time to run through a moving checklist and ensure your plan remains on schedule. 

Part of this process can involve mapping out the family road trip.

How to Travel the Country Inexpensively

A successful family road trip generally requires some outside-the-box thinking. Many people would run a Google Maps search that indicates the fastest route from Point A to Point B. Although that may seem logical at first, you’re not necessarily trying to get there as quickly as possible. Consider this moving hiatus a way to see as much of the big, beautiful country as possible in one week. These travel suggestions may shine a light on road-tripping.

  • Check for non-commercial attractions
  • Set your travel route to maximize leisure enjoyment
  • Consider camping at national or state parks
  • Stop for a night of skiing or another family activity you all enjoy
  • Pack a cooler with food that you can grill outdoors
  • Stay at budget-friendly motels if it rains
  • Turn off electronics and enjoy each other’s company
  • Spend a day at the beach or a lake along the way

What’s truly important is taking time out of the hustle and bustle of daily life. Communicate to your employer or employees that family time is precious and should not be interrupted with anything short of a crisis. 

Making it Home

When you hire a reputable, experienced long-distance mover, you can be sure that your household belongings will arrive safely at your new home.

Do you need a quote? Contact us today. We will provide you with a free quote. Let us help you with your long-distance move.

 

A Step-by-Step Guide for Moving Out of a Rental and Getting Back Your Security Deposit

When you live in a rented or leased apartment or home, getting your security deposit back can be one of your biggest concerns when you decide to move. 

The average price that a renter will pay for a security deposit is one to two times the cost of one month’s rent. Therefore, you could be anticipating a fair amount of money that you could use toward paying for your move. Here are a few tips, so you can get your security deposit back once you make your residential move.

1. Go over your rental/lease agreement.

Hopefully, you retained a copy of your lease and a receipt for your security deposit when you moved in. Go ahead and retrieve these documents and take a look at your lease agreement. Find out what stipulations are given in the contract that could affect the portion of your deposit returned. Most property owners will clearly state in the lease what actions could affect the return of your security deposit.

2. Be sure to give the property owner adequate notice.

Giving your landlord a notice allows them to prepare for you to leave the property. Most property owners will prefer a 30-day notice before you plan to vacate, but even earlier is better. Remember that some landlords will keep a portion or all of your security deposit if you don’t give proper notice.

3. Tend to any damages you may have caused during your occupancy.

Your landlord can keep portions of your security deposit to pay for any damages you may have caused, but this can apply to even minor damages, such as:

  • Missing electrical outlet covers
  • Broken toilet seat
  • Crayon marks on walls/flooring
  • Missing cabinet handles
  • Broken glass in a window

Repair any damages you may have caused, even the small ones, before you move.

4. Remove all of your personal belongings.

As you are packing and preparing to leave the premises, be sure you gather all of your belongings. Some landlords will specifically charge you if they have to hire someone to remove the personal belongings from the house after you leave. Junk removal can also be detracted from your security deposit. A few pointers to remember:

  • Take care of all trash on the property
  • Avoid leaving anything inside cabinets or closets
  • Check the garage for tools or other objects
  • Clear out the basement, attic, cellar, or any outbuildings on the property

5. Clean the property.

If you leave the property in disarray, the landlord can keep your security deposit to cover the costs of cleaning the property. Therefore, pencil time into your schedule to ensure you place a good cleaning before you go.

6. Gather proof of the property’s condition.

You may have taken pictures of the property when you moved in. Retake pictures now that you have cleared and cleaned the property. You can show these images to the landlord to document the condition at the time of move-in and move-out —  in the event there are disagreements about any damage you may have caused.

Work with Professional Movers

Get everything out of your rented place and to your new home with the help of pro movers. If you are preparing to relocate, reach out to us to discuss a free moving quote today.

How to Transport Pets During a Move

Preparing to move can be a complicated experience for pets, just like people. They can get confused and worried.

You don’t want them to stress out on the trip. You also want the whole moving process to run smoothly.

If you’re bringing cats or dogs with you, you’ll need to do a few extra preparations. Here are a few things you can do to make it easier.

Prepare Your Pet for Moving

Pets notice changes in the home, but they don’t understand it. They’ll see the boxes and that you’re packing things away. They may act out as a result.

The best way to help your pets stay calm during the move is to keep things as normal as possible. Stick to your pet’s routines. Let the boxes sit in the home for a few days before packing them.

On moving day, keep your pet in a separate room with food, water, and their favorite toys. You won’t be able to eliminate all the stress of moving. But you can make it as comfortable as possible.

Choose an Appropriate Carrier

Whether you’re moving by car or plane, you’ll need a suitable carrier or crate for your pet. Cats and dogs don’t enjoy crowding inside a carrier that’s too small, so aim bigger if you can.

When you browse carriers, think about your transport method. Hard crates are heavier, but they can provide more protection while moving.

If you’re driving, be sure to stabilize the crate in transit. Smaller, hard carriers may fit in a seat, while bigger ones might need to go elsewhere.

Before your move:

  1. Prepare your dog or cat by gradually acclimating them to their crater.
  2. Help your pets create a positive association with the crate by giving them treats and playtime at the end of crate time.
  3. Make sure you also take some short drives with your pet in the crate to get them used to it in motion.

 

Get Your Pet’s Vet Records

Before you leave, call your vet to request records for all of your pets. You’ll need vaccine records and their medical history.

The vet may need a few days to get this together—plan to do it at least a week or two before moving.

On the road, it’s wise to search for possible vet clinics in case of an emergency. Look for options with off-hours or overnight service.

Choose Safe Resting Places

If you’re staying at hotels along the way, make sure that they are pet-friendly. Pay attention to the policies, as the hotel may charge more for different types of pets or damage.

Keep your pets in the carrier until you can be absolutely sure they won’t escape. Don’t let them loose in a vehicle unless you can use a leash to allow them to walk.

Settle In Slowly

When you arrive at your new house, take time to settle in. Pets don’t necessarily like to explore a new area all at once. A place full of strange smells and sights can be scary, not thrilling.

Designate a room in your home for your pet to acclimate. Set this room up as soon as you can, so it doesn’t change much. Make sure everything your pet needs is in it.

After a day or two, let your pet explore other rooms of the house with you. Limit outside trips until your pet feels more comfortable.

Plan for Movers’ Help

Moving with pets doesn’t have to be a bad experience. By following these tips, you’ll avoid a lot of hassle. For more assistance in planning your move, contact us to request a quote.