Category: Moving Tips

A household move can be expensive. However, you can move successfully on a budget. Here are some tips to make your residential relocation cost-effective.

1. Declutter

Movers typically charge by weight or the size of truck you require. Sorting through your things and removing items you last used a while ago can save you some money. You can donate, sell, or give away items you no longer need. Hosting a garage sale for unused items can also help you earn money toward the cost of your move.

2. Reuse Packing Materials

Some movers provide free or reduced gently used boxes. You can also often find boxes from friends who’ve recently moved or through posting on social media. Retailers like grocers and appliance stores are also a good source of sturdy, gently used cartons. Recycling centers also may let you take boxes.

You can also save considerably on other packing materials. For example, consider supplementing your bubble wrap or packing paper with socks, tee shirts, and towels. You also can use paper grocery bags for wrapping items.

3. Measure Before Moving

Measure the dimensions of each room in your new home and plan your layout before deciding what to move. Also, measure the width of doors and around corners and staircases. You don’t want to spend money moving an item that won’t fit.

4. Pick the Right Time

Try to move during non-peak times. Summer and weekends are often the busiest, meaning moving during a different season or the weekday may save you money. You also may not have to book your move so far ahead.

5. Seek Moving Benefits from Your Employer

Before you accept a job that requires relocation, ask about a relocation package. Some companies will reimburse part or all the cost of the move. Some may also offer job search assistance for your spouse or partner.

Even if your company fails to offer relocation benefits, you may be able to deduct the costs from your taxes at year-end. A good tax preparer can guide you.

6. Get Multiple Estimates

Ask at least three reputable movers for estimates. Ask friends for recommendations of movers and read reviews.

A reputable mover will come to your old house and look at what you must move before providing an estimate. Be sure to give the same information to each mover so that you can compare the quotes. Some movers also offer discounts to certain professions, such as teachers, first responders, or members of specific organizations. Be sure to ask.

Although obtaining multiple estimates is an excellent way to save money, you shouldn’t always go with the lowest bidder, especially if the bids are far apart. A very low bid could mean that the mover has underestimated your move, and you may be in for a surprise when you receive the final bill. Also, a low-cost mover may cut corners in other ways, resulting in a disappointing moving experience that may cost you more in the long run.

Moving Help

We’ve been moving people and businesses for years. We provide excellent service and can offer assistance in many areas. Contact us today for a free quote.

When you make a household move, hosting a housewarming party is a fun and easy way to get to know your new neighbors. Housewarming parties allow lots of room for creativity; the good news is that you can throw a successful party without overspending. Here are some tips.

1. Set a Budget

The key to keeping costs low is determining how much you’re comfortable spending and staying within that budget. A casual housewarming party for $100 can be as much fun as a formal one for $500. Creativity and hospitality are more important than money.

2. Limit the Guest List

Inviting a smaller number of people will help you better manage limited resources. When deciding on the guest list, consider the following:

• People who have something in common will be better able to engage in lively conversation with each other.
• You don’t have to invite people you don’t like or who won’t fit in with the crowd.
• Allowing each person to bring a significant other may help the conversation flow better.
• Some uninvited guests may turn up anyway. Show hospitality.

3. Use Informal Invitations

Consider using email or a Facebook invite instead of spending money on formal invitations. Sites like Paperless Post and Punchbowl allow you to send festive cards online.

Send invitations one to three weeks before the event. Also, ask guests to confirm whether they will attend so that you order the right amount of food.

4. Choose a Realistic Date

Consider waiting a month or two after you move in to hold your party. You’ll have time to recover physically and financially from your move.

5. Skip the Decorations

People come to a housewarming party to see your new home and to get to know you and your neighbors. Adding expensive decorations is optional. A simple vase of cut flowers can add ambiance without costing too much.

If you feel you must decorate, visit the local dollar store or buy something you can use after the party, such as artwork.

6. Serve a Big Batch Cocktail

Stocking a bar can be expensive. However, you can make a large festive batch of one cocktail. Another option is to serve only beer and wine. Remember to serve a festive and attractive nonalcoholic alternative for those who prefer nonalcoholic beverages.

7. Save on Food

You can serve many party dishes without overspending. Baked treats like banana bread, cookies, or muffins are tasty and inexpensive. Indeed, the entire event could be a dessert party.

Consider hot deviled eggs, beer cheese dip, vegetable fritters, cucumber sandwiches, or another budget appetizer for finger food.

8. Play Games

Games can make the party fun and encourage people to see your home and get to know each other.

Scavenger Hunt

Hide several items in your home. Then divide guests into several groups to search for the items. The group that finds all the items first wins a small prize.

Room Memory

Let guests look at a room in your home briefly. Then have them leave the room and write down as many details as possible about the room. The one who lists the most details wins.

Make Your Move Easy

An easy move means you’ll be ready for your housewarming party sooner. We ensure your move is smooth and efficient. Contact us for a quote today.

Typically, when planning a move to another part of the country or a new country altogether, your mind focuses on elements like housing, finances, and a job. However, you should also pay attention to the climate of your new destination, particularly if it’s much different from what you’re used to.

Fortunately, as with anything else, preparing for these changes can make adapting easier. So, here are some tips on adjusting to extreme climate change when making a residential move.

1. Plan Ahead

If you’re moving somewhere hotter, you want warm clothes that allow maximum airflow and breeziness. Conversely, if you’re moving to a colder climate, you need warm clothing that will insulate heat.

Additionally, you should pay attention to the time of year you’re moving. For example, winter may be hot where you’re going, or it may be much colder. So, you want the right wardrobe ready for when you arrive.

Along with your clothes, you should also pay attention to the elements to control your new home’s climate. For example, does it have an air conditioner or heating system? Will you need fans to stay comfortable? These things will allow you to pack accordingly to remain comfortable.

2. Acclimate Slowly

If you’re used to colder weather, you don’t want to spend all your time outside on a hot and humid day. Instead, let your body acclimate naturally, and don’t try to force it.

On average, it takes about two weeks for a person to adjust to the climate, but that’s not to say you’ll be fine forever. Again, the seasons can affect how you feel, so even if you acclimate to the summer, you still have to wait until winter arrives to adjust to that.

3. Avoid Trying to Recreate Your Home Climate

If you’re used to hot and humid weather, and it’s cold outside, you may be tempted to keep your home hot and humid (or vice versa). However, doing this will only extend the acclimation period and make it harder for your body to adjust. Instead, take incremental steps to allow your body to get used to the new climate.

For example, throw on a couple of extra layers if you’re cold instead of cranking the heat inside. Over time, you can shed those layers until you’re used to the colder weather.

4. Discuss Issues With Other Climate Expats

As you settle into your new home, making local friends is one of the best ways to feel comfortable. As you meet new people, see if anyone is from your corner of the country. If so, you can discuss how they acclimated to the climate and what worked best for them.

Additionally, you can find forums online and reach out to others who have had similar experiences. Sharing stories and personal tips can help you feel better physically, but it’s good to build those social bonds too.

Get Moving Help Today!

Whether moving from the mountains to the beach or vice versa, it pays to have professional help. We can make it easier for you to move from one climate to the next, so contact us when you’re ready to start packing.

 

Moving to a new city can be so much fun! Meeting new people, exploring new places, and decorating new spaces are all things that can make your new house feel like it’s home. It’s essential to get a fast start when you’re trying to acclimate to your new place to make the transition to your new home pleasant and quick. 

Below are some suggestions for ways that you can adjust to your new city after a household move.

1. Make a schedule of places to visit and explore.

Every new city has a fun list of places to visit and explore. Make a list of sites you’d like to see in your new city, and then follow up the list with a schedule. Mark your calendar. If you have children, have discussions about how excited you are to take them to the list of places to remind them that living in a new city can be fun. Your children may find the transition to the new town as tricky as you do, so it’s essential to keep them excited about their new home as well.

2. Decorate your home.

Decorating your space can make it feel more personal and more like home. While it’s good to use decorations from your old house, new decor can help make your new house feel special and unique, which may help you overcome homesickness. Put up the most meaningful decorations from your old home, then find new decorations that will make your new space feel warm, inviting, and homey.

3. Introduce yourself to your neighbors.

Getting to know your neighbors can help you feel more at home in your new space. Introduce yourself to your new neighbors once you start settling in at home. You can catch them in the front yard when you’re there at the same time or by walking over to their house and knocking on the front door. Consider bringing your neighbors a tasty gift to enjoy, like a pie or cookies.

4. Start taking walks through your neighborhood or a local park.

Get outside by taking walks through your neighborhood or a local park. Going on walks through the community is another good way to get to know your neighbors. It’s also an excellent way to see which local businesses are near your home. Walking through a local park can help you find peace and relaxation away from home, which can be mentally beneficial when unpacking.

5. Find essential services.

Knowing where the library, pharmacy, convenience, doctors, and grocery stores are can help you navigate your new territory. Make a list of services you use throughout the week and month, and then start to locate those services on a map. Knowing how far away services are from your home can also help you plan your day if you’re planning to run errands.

Moving? Hire a Moving Company You Can Trust

If you’re relocating, hire a moving company you can trust. Contact us today to make an appointment to discuss your upcoming relocation.

 

Typically, when it comes to home renovations, homeowners tend to focus on the interior of the property. However, backyards can be just as valuable, especially if you have wide open spaces and live in a decent climate. So, when you want to upgrade your home, you should focus on the backyard. 

Even better, we have five unique ideas to make this space more inviting and fun when you move into your new home.

1. Make a Grilling or Cooking Station

Nothing says that summer has arrived like grilling in the backyard. From July 4th celebrations to hosting family and friends, a backyard barbecue is an excellent way to enhance the space.

However, you don’t have to settle for grilling on a small concrete patch next to the house. Instead, you can go all-out and create a cooking station out in the yard to have more room to move around and get stuff done. Some elements to consider when developing this idea include:

• Coverings – Grilling in the hot sun is not enjoyable, so you should consider an awning or semi-permanent tent.
• Lighting – Depending on the types of fixtures you have in your backyard, you may not have to run electrical wires underground. Instead, you can plug in outdoor (or solar) lights and wrap them around awnings and gazebos. These lights are perfect for cooking at night and creating a more inviting atmosphere.

2. Add Lounging Space

The backyard is perfect for hanging out and relaxing with friends or family. Adding outdoor-friendly furniture can make the space feel more inviting. You can upgrade your yard without investing in landscaping or installations. Even a simple outdoor couch or swing can transform the area into a lounger’s paradise.

3. Patio vs. Deck

Installing a fully-functional patio or deck is one of the best ways to enhance your backyard. If you don’t have one already (or it’s minimal), you can build one and extend it into the yard. As a rule, decks are more cost-effective initially because they don’t require as much foundation work, but if you don’t have a multi-story house, you may have to go with a patio instead.

If you’re going to install a new deck or patio, consider which elements you want to have on them (i.e., grill, chairs, table) so you can plan the space accordingly.

Erect a Playset

If you have children, a backyard play set will get them outside for most of the spring and summer. But, again, you don’t have to spend a ton of money on these pieces, and you can even build them yourself if you have a few friends and know how to use handheld tools. Plus, these sets are perfect for entertaining the children of extended family members or personal friends.

Create Some Shaded Areas

If your backyard is wide open and subject to lots of sunlight, the best option is to create shade. There are a few ways to do this, such as:

• Plant Trees – Natural shade can be perfect for long-term planning. 
• Awnings – You can buy free-standing canopies or attach them to the side of your house (or deck).
• Gazebos – You can get plans to build a gazebo or buy a ready-to-build kit.

Get Help Moving Into a Home With a Spacious Backyard

Do you dream of having a big backyard to let your ideas come to life? Let us help you move into that dream home so you can start enjoying the outdoors much sooner! Contact us today for a free quote.

A well-planned business move can easily take up to a year to complete. From existing site analysis to securing a new location, there can be so many projects to be fulfilled in between. For this reason, many business owners enlist the help of full-service office movers.

A full-service business mover does more than load up belongings and transport them to a new location. These industry professionals are equipped to handle unique business needs that come with making a transition. Look at a few benefits of hiring full-service office movers for a business move.

1. Make Planning the Move Less Stressful

Moving your business is stressful. First, you must focus on protecting your business inventory and tangible property. A thorough plan can require a lot of insight and oversight, but it simplifies the move. A full-service business moving company can help you set it in place.

2. Get Help with Business Disassembly

The process of disassembling a business is a substantial undertaking. Even if you have a lot of employees to help with the project, you could be facing weeks for this one element of the transition. Full-service business movers often handle disassembly as an added service. Items they can help disassemble include things like:

• Cubicles and workstations
• Office desks, chairs, and other furniture
• Shelving units and display setups
• Computer networks
• Signage
• Basic mechanical equipment

3. Ensure Technology Transitions Are Handled Appropriately

Modern business, regardless of the type, heavily relies on technology. This means the operation usually has a great deal of electronic equipment to contend with during a move. Therefore, from computers to data storage equipment, you must handle all forms of technology properly.

Full-service movers often bring IT professionals who can help with all aspects of technology during the transition. This means your business can avoid problems like:

• Inadvertently leaving customer data at risk
• Causing damage to costly computer equipment
• Prolonged downtime due to lack of knowledge about proper technology setup

4. Avoid Relying on Your Employees

While employees can be valuable during a business move, they are also not trained moving professionals. You may designate specific tasks to employees, but avoiding relying solely on your workforce can be best. For example, employees who handle calls and serve customers may not be best suited for things like disassembling industrial shelving or handling and preparing equipment for transport.

The risk of workplace injuries or simply unhappy employees can be higher if too much of the work is left to them to handle. Remember, over half of American employees quit their jobs when they feel treated poorly. Therefore, it might be seen as disrespectful to ask workers to perform tasks that are outside their expertise or are too strenuous physically.

Talk to Full-Service Movers About Your Business Relocation

Even though moving your business can be stressful, having the right professionals along the way can ease the transition. If you need help with your upcoming business move, contact our team to discuss how we can help.

 

A long-distance household relocation is trickier than a local move and requires additional planning and discipline. But, whether you are moving across the city or the country, following these tips and tricks can help with a successful move.

1. Develop a Plan and Avoid Procrastinating

One of the easiest ways to fall behind in your long-distance move is by assuming you have plenty of time to complete everything. The packing process is involved and will require more time and energy than you might anticipate.

There’s more to packing than just that, so getting a head start is key. If you get an early start, you’ll have plenty of time to pack carefully without rushing or forgetting anything. This time can vanish quickly, so stay focused and don’t procrastinate!

Pro Tip: Take it one room at a time, beginning with the spaces and items you rarely use.

2. Gather Moving Supplies Ahead of Time

The easiest way to find moving success is by preparing your moving supplies ahead of time. You want to avoid being in the rhythm of packing and running out of boxes, tape, or packing paper. Always opt for more moving supplies than you need to avoid this problem.

Ideal supplies for a long-distance move include

• Packing Tape
• Boxes (Multiple Sizes)
• Specialty boxes and crates for TVs, artwork, etc.
• Moving Blankets
• Scissors
• Furniture Pads
• Bubble and shrink wrap
• Thick permanent markers
• Labels
• Packing paper
• Ziplock Bags

3. Lighten Your Load

Before you start packing for your move:

• Take advantage of the opportunity to purge unwanted items by separating them into boxes.
• Create separate cartons for things you are keeping, donating, and discarding.
• Discard any broken or damaged items, as you don’t want to bring broken items to your new home.

4. Disassemble Larger Items

Taking the time to disassemble your furniture before moving it can help you save time and space in the moving truck. You should take your time moving these items because they are heavy, cumbersome, and awkward. To prevent damage to the surface, use moving pads and blankets.

Pro Tip: Keep ziplock bags on hand to hold all loose nuts and bolts you may acquire while downsizing your possessions.

5. Take Your Time and Label Clearly

A long-distance move has its challenges that are intrinsic to the process. For example, packing and loading your stuff is one thing, but finding them when you arrive at your destination is an entirely different proposition.

That’s why when loading and packing your possessions, you should take the time to label all boxes clearly. In doing so, you’ll have an easier time unloading once you arrive at your new home.

Long-Distance Moving Help

Preparing for a big move is the first step toward knocking it out of the park. So take time to assess the tips and tricks outlined above. Then, contact our team for a quote on your big move!

 

Notifying everyone you’re moving should be one of your priorities. Notifications are essential for sensitive accounts or other critical mail or deliveries you receive. Try these four tips for changing your address to ensure you don’t forget anyone important.

1. Verify Your New Address

Be sure to verify your address with your realtor, landlord, or property management company before you notify people of your residential move. With so many things you must remember during the time leading up to your move, it’s easy to make errors.

You don’t want to inadvertently misremember a house number, apartment number, zip code, or even the correct spelling of your new street or town. So before you begin changing your address, write the address down clearly and keep it accessible until you can commit it to memory.

2. Create a List of Who You Need to Inform

Make a list of everyone you need to notify you will have a change of address, including people, businesses, agencies, and others needing your location. Below is a general list of who you should contact.

• Banks, credit unions, credit, and other financial institutions
• PayPal, Venmo, and any other online accounts
• Employers and schools
• Insurance companies: homeowners, renters, motor vehicles, and healthcare
• Utility companies (gas, electric, water, oil, etc.)
• DMV, IRS, Social Security Administration, and voter registration
• Cellphone and Internet providers
• Doctors and other healthcare facilities
• Recurring deliveries
• Magazines and newspapers
• Family and friends

When making your list, remember to list account numbers for relevant contacts. For online accounts, have user names, passwords, and any other authentication information you’ll need handy. This way, you’ll ensure you don’t miss anything important and you connect your new address to the correct account.

3. Send Notifications in Small Batches

Since this task can be so overwhelming when you’re probably juggling many other things, it might be easier to set smaller blocks of time to submit the change of address notifications. For example, pick 30 minutes to an hour at a time to allow some time to sit down and concentrate.

4. Notify the United States Postal Service

There’s a good chance you won’t remember to notify everyone, or you’ll miss mail from occasional contacts. For these occasions, the United States Postal Service offers people the ability to forward their mail for free. For one year, the postal service will send your mail to your new address as long as the sender doesn’t designate “do not forward” on the mail.

You can do this in several ways: register with the USPS online, call the post office at 1-800-ASK-USPS, or fill out Form 3575 and send it to the USPS. Remember, you’ll need to fill out the details for each household member moving with you to ensure they forward everyone’s mail to your new home.

Moving Made Easy

Are you ready to plan your move? Working with a professional moving company can reduce the stress of relocating. We’ll do the heavy lifting to free up time so you can focus on other important details.

To learn more about our moving services, contact us today. We’ll provide you with a free, no-obligation quote. Our team is also happy to answer any of your questions or concerns.

Being a traveling employee is a unique situation that can create a lot of logistical headaches and challenges. On the one hand, traveling to new states, cities, and even countries can be exciting while getting paid. But, on the other hand, it’s also virtually impossible to set down roots when you’re not “home” for that many days out of the year.

Ideally, you could stay with a friend or family member, so you don’t have to worry about paying rent on an apartment you rarely use. However, since that situation is only sometimes possible, you might have to search for a lease – sometimes, without even seeing it in person. So, let’s dive into some tips and tricks to make this process easier.

Consider Your Actual Needs

The amount you travel can depend on multiple factors, and it changes from one industry to the next. For example, some workers may travel three or four days out of the week, while others might be out of town for weeks or months at a time. Once you know your average schedule, you can break down what you need in a home base.

It might not make sense to rent a big apartment if you just need a bed, shower, and sink. On the other hand, if you’re cooking less at home, you can get away with a smaller apartment with a tiny kitchen. Alternatively, you’re home for half the year and want to have friends or family over regularly when you’re not working. Once you know your essential needs, you can narrow your apartment search.

Ask for Recommendations

Even if you can’t live with a friend or family member, you can still ask them for recommendations on where to stay. They can get referrals or find roommates if you prefer not to live alone. Start by casting a net within your own social network, then expand to reach out to strangers and apartment websites.

Do Your Research

If you can’t visit an apartment before signing a lease, research the building and the property manager as much as possible. Virtual tours are more common these days, so you can do a digital walkthrough instead of waiting to do it in person. Also, see if you can find ratings and reviews from current and former tenants, as they’ll be more open and honest about potential problems.

Be Honest With Your Landlord

Depending on your situation, you may need a lot of flexibility with your living arrangements. For example, can the landlord accept digital payments instead of a rent check if you’re often gone on the first of the month? Also, if you’re out of your apartment for more than a few weeks at a time, can the landlord do a quick inspection to check for things like pests, mold, or leaks?

Overall, being upfront about your situation will help alleviate most problems that could arise later on. Just make sure you get any agreements in writing before signing the lease. Otherwise, you might wind up in a sticky situation.

Consider Renting Rooms

Because safety and security are often issues when you’re not home most of the time, you may consider renting a room with other people. This way, you can share the costs, and you’ll be the ideal roommate. Also, you don’t have to worry as much about break-ins, leaks, or pests since your shared spaces will be lived in while you’re gone.

Get Moving Help!

When you’re traveling all the time, it’s hard to focus on other things like moving. We can take care of the heavy lifting (literally), so you can have a smoother and pain-free transition. Contact us today to find out more.

 

 

Part of growing up with siblings means sharing everything. For many families, it means sharing a bedroom, which challenges everyone involved. Fortunately, splitting a room between two siblings doesn’t have to be a chore. With creativity and the right mindset, the results might actually be better.

So, let’s discuss some top tips for splitting a bedroom into two for your children when you make a residential move. You can use some or all of these ideas – there are no “wrong” answers.

Consider Both Child’s Needs

Realistically, a bedroom won’t have equal features that you can split evenly down the middle. For example, there might be windows on one side, meaning one child can access them while the other has more wall space.

The key to creating a positive environment for both children is to consider each of their needs and discuss options. For example, one of them prefers having more wall space to store toys and other items. Or, partition the room at the window so that both children can sleep or play near the window.

Use Room Dividers

One of the biggest challenges of sharing a room with a sibling is having privacy from them. This problem can be even worse if there is a significant age gap between each child or if they’re of different sexes.

Traditional room dividers provide some privacy but are also open. Depending on the situation, you can create your own partitions, such as using furniture (i.e., bookcases) or hanging sheets from the ceiling. Be sure to discuss each option with the kids so they can provide input.

Allow Both Kids to Decorate and Paint

One way for children to look forward to sharing a room with a sibling is to have them be in charge of how their space looks. For example, each child can paint half of the room and decorate it however they want. This will give them some ownership of the room, and it’ll be much easier to tell whose side is whose.

Use a Bunk Bed as a Wall

Having two beds in a shared room can leave little space for other furniture. Many families choose to use a bunk bed to alleviate space concerns. Who says the bed has to be against the wall? If you place it in the center of the room as a divider, two children can take advantage on both sides.

Utilize Wall Space

Installing shelves or tall bookcases can be challenging when organizing a child’s room because they may only reach some things. However, you can use vertical storage space for items that don’t get used often, such as seasonal clothing. This way, those items don’t take up valuable real estate inside the room, allowing each child to take advantage of the space left behind.

Get Help Moving Your Kids’ Belongings

If you’re moving into a house where your children will share a bedroom, let us help pack and transport their belongings. We take great care with all of our client’s items, and we can make sure nothing gets left behind. Contact us today to find out more!