Category: Moving Tips

Moving involves using fuel and packing materials, but if you’re looking for a more environmentally-friendly move, you can reduce your carbon footprint in many ways. The following are Earth-friendly strategies to minimize waste and conserve energy.

1. Use Sustainable Packaging Material Where Possible

Bubble wrap and tape are usually a few of the first things that come to mind when people think about packing for a residential move. While you want to take care in carefully wrapping fragile and one-of-a-kind items, using plastics isn’t the most eco-friendly approach. Instead of using bubble wrap, use soft fabrics to wrap breakable items.

• Bath and hand towels
• Dish towels
• Pillowcases
• Blankets
• Clothing

Alternatively, you can ask your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues if they have any bubble wrap stashed in their homes. While it’s still using non-biodegradable materials, it’s at least being recycled and not purchased new. Still no luck? Try a bubble wrap alternative, such as Greenwrap, which is compostable, recyclable, and biodegradable.

2. Use Reusable Moving Boxes

Boxes are an integral part of moving. The downside is they tend to create lots of waste. So instead of buying new boxes, you substitute items in your home that are moving with you.

• Plastic bins
• Suitcases
• Laundry baskets
• Duffel bags
• Backpacks
• Tote bags

Another option to help boost your green initiatives is to rent reusable moving boxes from a rental company. Many will drop off at your chosen time and pick up the boxes when you’re done.

3. Wait Until Last to Pack the Kitchen

Instead of packing up the kitchen first, leave dishes, cookware, utensils, and glasses until last. Put your initial focus on the bedrooms, living room, closets, and other spaces. Plan to pack your everyday kitchen wares and pantry a day or two before you go.

You can be greener by utilizing your kitchen to eat the items you have in your pantry and refrigerator before you go, buying less takeout, and creating less waste to throw out. You also avoid using paper plates and plastic utensils. Alternatively, in the weeks leading up to moving day, cook and bake your food and stash it in the freezer for quick meals or snacks if you want to get the kitchen out of the way sooner than later.

4. Schedule Fewer Trips

DIY moving usually entails numerous trips, using gas and wear and tear on personal vehicles. Instead of taking this route, save your time and energy by hiring a professional mover. Your movers will finish the job with a van or truck within one trip. The fewer trips you can make for your move, the more eco-friendlier you’ll be.

5. Downsize Your Household

Plan in the months and weeks leading up to your move to donate, recycle or sell any items you don’t want to take. Transporting these items doesn’t make sense since it means more packing materials and fuel. Avoid throwing things out that are in useable condition and instead donate them.

Moving Made Easy!

Are you getting ready to move? Contact our professional moving company if you need help with your upcoming move. We can help ease your transition.

 

Moving means packing your belongings and transporting them from one location to another. However, not all moves are the same, especially if you move your things to a storage unit instead into a new home or apartment.

While you must pack everything in both situations, there are distinct approaches to packing for a move versus a storage unit. Let’s break down these differences to prepare yourself for each scenario.

Comparing Packing for a Move vs. Storage Unit

Packing Materials

When moving from one home to the next, your belongings will only stay packed briefly. However, when storing your stuff, it could sit in boxes and containers for several weeks, months, or even years.

So, you have to plan accordingly when packing for a storage unit. Instead of using cardboard boxes, springing for plastic bins with secure lids is often much better. This way, they resist mold, water damage, and pests.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage

There are many reasons to get a storage unit, and you must consider what elements to pay attention to when choosing a suitable facility. However, when packing for storage, you need to know if your belongings will be there for a relatively short period (i.e., three to six months) or a long time (i.e., a year or more).

Both options may require different packing strategies and materials. For example, let’s say you plan to store your belongings for six months while you travel for work. Since you won’t check on your items until you return, you must pack heavier items on the bottom and lighter boxes up top.

Finally, consider how the environment in your storage unit changes. Some facilities have climate-controlled units, but others may get hot in the summer and cold in the winter. These temperature changes can lead to issues like mildew or condensation buildup. If you’re storing electronics, you must ensure they won’t get damaged by moisture.

Labeling and Organization

Typically, when packing for a move, you have boxes that belong in specific rooms, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom. When packing for storage, however, you may have miscellaneous items that don’t necessarily fit into a specific category.

When labeling and organizing your boxes, you may combine random items or keep them classified by specific traits. Also, consider whether you’ll need to move things in and out of your unit. In that case, you want to put those belongings up front, so they’re accessible, and items you won’t need for a long time in the back.

Pro Tip: It is best to keep any extremely valuable or sensitive items elsewhere, such as perishables, hazardous materials, or highly sensitive items. While most storage companies offer adequate protection against thieves, keeping any extremely valuable or sensitive items away from your storage unit is still best.

Get Help for Moving Your Belongings

Whether moving to a house or putting stuff into a storage unit, it helps to have professionals on the job. We can handle everything from packing to organizing, so you don’t have to. Contact us today to find out more.

 

 

The first office buildings began to emerge in the early 1700s. When the British Empire started dabbling more in trade and service industries, office buildings were built to house the professionals doing daily business. While those old offices were all about supporting the basics of business function, today, offices are far more efficient and comfortable. Take a look at a few past office space trends and how they have changed over the years.

Smaller Spaces with Fewer In-Office Staff Members

Traditionally, large offices were required to support a large workforce. In fact, if you look back even a few decades ago, most offices were jam-packed with employees, and each employee had limited space. However, thanks to technology, many business processes are automated today, eliminating the need for people to fill specific roles. Further, more remote workers can now fulfill their roles at home for the same company.

Greater Attention to Office Workplace Safety and Comfort

Working in an office was once thought to be the safest occupation a person could have. Though office work is relatively safer than other physical jobs, we now understand that sitting in front of a computer all day can pose workplace safety concerns. Designers develop modern offices to be safer and more comfortable. You can find things such as:

• Ergonomic office chairs that fully support the spine
• Adjustable computer screens and keyboards to prevent eye and wrist discomfort
• Adjustable light fixtures to reduce or prevent eye strain
• Air filtration systems to support healthy indoor air quality

More Flexible Workstations and Collaboration Areas

Office cubicles were introduced in the 1960s to make the office workspace more efficient. Before that point, most offices were lined with tables and desks, and workers were seated side by side. Cubicles offered more privacy and seclusion in crowded spaces. However, cubicles have long since grown to be an outdated office implement. The workforce is usually smaller, allowing workstations to be more open. Further, workplace collaboration is more commonplace. Therefore, setups are more open and fluid to support team collaborations.

Greater Dedication to Employee Downtime

Employee downtime has been discussed in modern business over the last few years. In addition, there is a greater understanding of mental health and the importance of break rooms conducive to rest and rejuvenation. For these reasons, designers create modern offices with exceptional attention to areas employees use to unwind. Not only will you find a standard break room with tables for having lunch and vending machines, but you will also see quiet rooms, various seating options, and more.

Office Relocation Help

Without question, what we consider an efficient office space today looks far different. If you are planning to relocate your business to a more efficient, modern place, we can help. Reach out to the team for a detailed moving quote to start.

 

 

 

One of the keys to a successful household move is decluttering. For many people, one of the essential areas to purge is their wardrobe. Here are some tips for sorting and reducing your wardrobe.

Clear the Clothes Out of Your Closet

First, pull all the clothes out of your closet so that you can see them. Before deciding what to keep or eliminate, you must clearly understand your whole wardrobe. For example, you may need a few dress pants for work. If you pull each item out, one at a time, you may not notice how many you have. However, looking at them together, you may realize you have 20 appropriate pairs. So you’ll want to cull them down to a few favorites.

Put an item back in the closet when you decide to keep it. If you choose to donate it, put it in a box marked “donate” and set it aside.

Inspect Each Item

Thoroughly inspect each item. Does it look faded or worn? Is it torn and difficult to repair? If so, discard it.

If you don’t discard an item immediately, try it on. If it doesn’t fit, is unflattering, or is out of style, put it in the donate box.

Consider What You Wear

Try the reverse-hanger hack if you have several months to pare down your wardrobe. First, turn clothes around, so they hang in the opposite direction. Then, as you wear each item, rehang it correctly. Then you’ll see what you wear.

If you have little time before your move, hold up each piece and consider when you last wore them. If you need help remembering, the item is a candidate for donating or discarding.

Seek Help from Others

A friend or family member can often help you declutter. For example, if you and your spouse are moving together, try helping each other declutter. Often, another person can help you avoid keeping items you no longer need, especially if you’re hanging onto an article purely for emotional reasons.

Suppose you are stuck on an item. Your friend or spouse might ask you to describe why you want to keep it. Often, you’ll realize your reasons aren’t valid when you hear yourself speak them out loud.

Thank Each Item

Another way to emotionally let go of clothing items is to thank the item, recounting what it has meant to you over time. For example, you may recall the time you first wore the garment. Clearly say what you appreciate about the item.

Then, say why it no longer works for you. And forgive yourself.

For example, suppose a formal outfit was your favorite in college but no longer fits properly. You might say

“I remember wearing this outfit for my graduation. I am thankful that it made me look so good on that occasion. Now, however, it no longer fits me comfortably. So I don’t need it; someone else can love it now.”

Moving Assistance

As you’re decluttering your closets for your relocation, start getting quotes from your professional mover. An early start will ensure you are ready for the moving day. Contact us today for a free quote.

 

 

 

Whether across town or several states away, preparing for a move can be stressful for families. What you may need to realize, however, is how your pets will react to the packing and process of moving also.

So, what can you do to prepare your pet (or pets) for your move? Here are some things we recommend to help you and them safely get through the experience more easily.

1. Let your pet warm up to the sight of the packing process.

Try to begin packing early and let your pets explore packing supplies and empty boxes. Then, add items to the boxes daily, starting with the things you won’t need access to until after the move. This is a way to condition your pets and get them used to the process.

Watch for signs of anxiety developing in your pet. Cat anxiety, in particular, can escalate as they are hypersensitive to changes in spaces and routines. Older dogs and guinea pigs, too, can suffer stress, so if you see this occurring, stop and spend some time with them.

2. Make a particular space for your pet.

Designate a particular space for your pet, away from all the hustle and bustle of packing and moving. Place their favorite bedding and toys here, and let these be some of the things you pack last. Then, set aside time each day with your pet in this space.

3. Try to keep your pet’s same schedule.

The days and weeks leading up to a move can be chaotic. However, do your best to maintain your best usual schedule. Feed and walk them as usual, even if you must stop in the middle of something.

4. Compile all veterinary records for each pet.

You may need to contact your current veterinarian to ensure you have all the records you need if moving far away. Determine if your pet is due any vaccinations, and take care of these now so you won’t have to rush once you move to the new location. Also, ensure you have enough prescription medications to carry you over until you find a new veterinarian.

5. Decide where your pet will stay when the moving process begins.

Seek out a quiet space or room with a door you can close, or let your pet stay with a neighbor or someone they trust on relocation day. Doing so makes your pet less likely to suffer an injury in relocating or trying to escape through an open door.

If your pet remains in your home during the move, let your movers know they are there.  Remove the things from that room before the movers arrive. Then place a note on the door to alert everyone that your pets are inside.

6. Other things to remember when preparing for a move with pets.

• Will you need to find pet-friendly hotels along the way?
• What pet supplies will you need access to during the move, including when traveling and arriving at the new destination? Prepare a pet essentials kit with food, treats, toys, kitty litter, disposal bags, etc.

Make Moving Easier

Knowing that your pets are safe during the initial stages of your move can give you peace of mind. Then you can focus on moving tasks when the day arrives. We can help with your move. Contact us today.

 

 

 

Whether your children have moved away from your home or you are simply moving to a new city and have the chance to find a smaller house, downsizing can offer several benefits. For many people, downsizing is a necessary process that helps to eliminate debt and open new opportunities. Consider downsizing your home as a positive investment in your financial stability and mental well-being for a new chapter in your life.

1. Open New Opportunities

Moving to a smaller home can be a critical first step toward new opportunities. With a smaller home, people often take advantage of the city they live in more, walking to urban centers and exploring the world right in their backyards.

A smaller house requires less maintenance and daily care to keep the house in good working condition. Without a laundry list of chores, you’ll have more time to adventure and travel. As a result, downsizing can be vital to opening the world around you.

2. Lower Utility Cost

Energy costs continue to increase, and simple necessary utilities are skyrocketing. A smaller home is a great way to control energy costs and keep your monthly expenditures minimal. In addition, downsized homes usually have a smaller square footprint, making it much more affordable to heat and cool your home.

3. Eliminate Debt

No matter which way you look at it, big houses are expensive. Not only will utility bills consume a significant portion of your monthly budget, but big homes are costly to maintain and furnish. It can be easy to overspend with a large house, but a small, downsized house can help eliminate unnecessary spending.

Smaller homes cost less to furnish and may even allow you to splurge on just one or two lovely pieces of furniture. Tiny houses prevent overspending and overcharging, which can help you eliminate debt.

4. Happier Life

People who downsize to a smaller living space with their family generally end up happier. Downsizing is an important step that can boost mental well-being. A smaller living space means people spend more time with family in closer proximity. The increased family time can boost mood.

For example, smaller homes require less maintenance and are cheaper to operate. With less worry about looming projects and high utility bills month to month, you can rest assured that your daily stress will undoubtedly decrease.

5. Financial Security

Downsizing your home is an excellent option if you are searching for financial security. Selling a large house in exchange for a smaller home means you’ll likely have some profit from your home sale that can go toward other debt. Attacking residual debt is a perfect way to ensure financial security.

Plus, smaller homes usually have a more affordable mortgage and cheaper utility bills. With less money going toward bills month to month, you’ll have more to set aside for retirement. A smaller home can lead to saving opportunities, making your financial state much more comfortable.

Simplify Your Move

Downsizing is about making your day-to-day operations more simple and removing unnecessary clutter from your life. First, start the process by finding professional movers that are easy to work with. Then, contact us today for help with your move.

 

Moving from one apartment to a new one sometimes requires some tricky maneuvering. You’ll need to juggle arrangements, coordinate timing between leases, and transfer, open, or close services. Here are some tips to help you manage your move between apartments.

Give Current Landlord Notice

As soon as you know you’re going to move, plan to give your current landlord sufficient notice – 30 days is standard. This way, when your landlord or management company knows you aren’t renewing your lease ahead of time, it improves your chances of getting your deposit back. Conversely, without written notice, you decrease the probability of getting your money back without written notice.

Review the Move Out Checklist

Many rental properties have move-out checklists to ensure you leave everything as it was when you arrived. Prioritize completing the items on this checklist, and then schedule a time to meet with the landlord or property manager to review the list. At this time, you can also arrange how you will return the keys.

Confirm Move-in Day with New Landlord

Before the big day, speak to your new landlord or property manager about how to proceed on moving day. Essential points to hit on include:

• Scheduling a key pickup
• Understanding the parking situation for trucks
• Availability of elevators for upper floors

Also, assessing the apartment is a good idea before you start unloading your belongings. Take photos of any damage, problematic items, or other things you want to document so you can’t be held responsible for preexisting damage down the road.

Contact Your Insurance Company

It’s common for property owners to require renters’ insurance as a part of the rental lease. But, even if not, obtaining renters’ insurance is always a wise idea. For example, if a fire, theft, water, or other event damages the property, the homeowner’s insurance only covers the structure and property. It doesn’t cover the contents of rented spaces.

If you already have renters’ insurance on your current apartment, call your insurance company to transfer the policy. Give them your new address and the date you plan to move. At this time, they’ll inform you of any premium adjustment.

Confirm Start and End Dates for Utility Services

Utility services included in a rental can vary greatly depending on the property. For example, some rentals cover electricity, heat, water, and trash, but more often, only select utilities are included.

It is common for renters to need to cover gas (or oil), electricity, internet, and cable. Some places cover water and trash, but others don’t. Before signing a lease, ensure you know your responsibilities to see if they fit into your housing budget.

Change Your Address

Remember, before any move, submit a change of address with USPS. The last thing you want when renting a home is to have sensitive mail sent to the new renters.

Professional Movers

From maneuvering the moving truck around apartment loading areas to handling large furniture in elevators, professional movers are experts. Working with a professional moving company can eliminate the stress of relocating from one apartment to another.

We can help handle your apartment relocation. Contact us today.

Moving your fragile belongings to a new house or apartment can be stressful since there is always worry about breaking a valuable or sentimental item. The good news is you can significantly reduce the chances of breakage by adequately packing your fragile items in preparation for your household move.

1. Wrap Items Individually

You can protect your fragile items by wrapping them individually. This way, you avoid the risk of belongings accidentally bumping into one another and cracking or shattering. FedEx recommends using a minimum of 3” thickness of air-cellular cushioning material when packing fragile things. Also, plan to fill empty spaces with packing peanuts or paper, or use dishtowels or other small cloth if you’re looking to make a green eco-friendly move.

2. Choose the Right Box

Choose a box that not only holds your item snugly but makes sure it is sturdy enough to hold your belonging’s weight. Ideally, you want a strong moving carton that leaves a little space to accommodate cushioning material, such as packing paper or bubble wrap, to protect your items further.

3. Pack Lightly in Boxes

You’ll need to be extra careful with items such as dishes, china, crystal, porcelain, or glass. After individually wrapping your things, pack like-items together and use the smallest box that fits your needs. You want to actively avoid packing fragile items in heavy boxes because this increases the risk of dropping or a box breaking under too much pressure. If you can, place smaller individual boxes with breakables into a larger, sturdy box, making sure you put the heaviest items on the bottom.

4. Include Extra Padding

Pack breakable items with extra padding. Adding extra padding includes cushioning the bottom of the box with a towel, blanket, or several crumpled sheets of packing paper. Also, place extra padding between layers and stuff open items, such as glasses, jars, and vases, with paper or linens to further protect them. Use dividers where possible as well.

5. Tape Boxes Carefully

Dishes and glassware tend to get pretty heavy, so secure the bottom and sides of your boxes with extra packing tape to ensure they don’t split at the seams. Use generous amounts of tape to strengthen your box’s integrity and ensure it can handle the weight of any heavier fragile items. Experts often recommend using the “H tape” method.

6. Label Boxes With Fragile Items

When sealing boxes containing fragile items, boldly mark each “fragile.” This way, anyone handling the box will know precisely how to carry it and pack it into the truck or other vehicle for transport. In addition, a black Sharpie marker or packing tape with a “fragile” label will make it clear the items inside the box or container are breakables.

Ready to Plan Your Next Move?

Moving valuable or cherished items, such as antiques, china, crystal stemware, or family heirlooms, can be stressful. However, by taking just a few extra steps in the packing process, you can safely preserve your cherished items and have them arrive in your new place fully intact.

Are you looking to plan your upcoming move? We can help! Contact us today to obtain a free quote or learn more about our packing services.

 

Knowing the right questions to ask prospective movers will help you choose the best one for your relocation day. Here are the top questions to ask before selecting a professional mover.

1. How Many Years Have You Been in Operation?

Many moving companies have been in business for decades. If a mover has been in business for several years, the company likely has many satisfied customers.

2. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

Moving companies should be authorized by The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a Department of Transportation (DOT) identification number. If you have the mover’s DOT ID number, you can verify FMCSA authorization yourself.

3. Can You Provide All the Services I Need?

Not all moving companies are full-service. Be sure the mover provides the services you need. Services might include

• Packing
• Furniture assembly
• Transportation for items such as hot tubs or pianos
• Storage
• Custom crating

4. How Do You Determine the Cost of the Move?

Sometimes moving companies charge by weight and distance, while other times they charge by the required time. Some companies have different rates depending on where and when you move. Other companies provide binding estimates, while others offer nonbinding estimates.

Make sure you understand the factors that determine the cost of your move and that you’re comparing like estimates.

5. Are There Additional Fees?

Some moving companies charge extra for moving oversize pieces, such as pianos. In addition, some companies add a fuel surcharge. While none of these charges is necessarily bad practice, you want to ensure the mover has listed these charges on your contract.

Also, ask whether the mover provides free boxes or if you will have to buy them.

6. What Time Will the Moving Truck Arrive at the Destination?

Knowing when the truck will arrive at the destination is particularly important for long-distance moves. Some movers will provide a delivery window of several days, especially if the move is across the country.

Ask each prospective moving company about the timing of their delivery. For example, if they offer a delivery window, you’ll need to be available to receive the goods during that window. If that won’t work, ask about a guaranteed delivery date.

Also, ask about charges if the moving truck arrives at your destination before you do. Finally, ask about storage options if you can’t be at your new destination until after the truck arrives.

7. Who Will Be Moving My Goods?

Ask about the experience of the crew that will handle your move. Also, ask about the training the company provides for its movers.

Some movers subcontract moves to small companies. Ask if your mover does this, and if they do, find out the company’s name so you can check its reputation, too.

8. How Often Are Your Trucks Serviced?

A reputable moving company will maintain vehicles properly. Ask about the maintenance schedule.

9. Do You Have Experience With Moves Like Mine?

You want to be sure your moving company has handled whatever may come up with your relocation. For example, if you are moving to a townhouse with multiple stories, ask about the company’s experience with townhome moves.

The Right Answer

We have a lot of experience with relocations like yours, are licensed and bonded, and provide many services. We can provide answers to all your moving questions. Contact us today.

Setting up housekeeping in a new home can be expensive. First, you’ll want a professional mover to ensure your goods are moved safely, but professional services cost money. Closing costs and deposits also add to the price of a new home.

You can save money on packing your goods without affecting quality, however. Here are a few tips.

1. Don’t Pack What You Don’t Need

Purge any items you haven’t used for a long time or clothes that no longer fit. Ridding yourself of extra items means saving time and money on packing. You’ll also save money on the move because you’ll have less to move.

2. Pack Some Items Yourself

You can save money by packing non-fragile items, such as clothes and many kitchen items yourself. However, you’ll probably want professional movers to pack your most precious items to prevent damage.

3. Obtain Free Boxes

Often, you can find suitable moving boxes for free without having to buy them. Check with relatives and friends, especially those who shop a lot online. They may have plenty of sturdy boxes they’d like to get rid of. Also, check with friends who have recently moved.

Some movers will provide free used boxes. You might also find someone giving away boxes on Freecycle or Craig’s List, or local retailers, including liquor stores.

If you have to buy boxes, stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s typically have inexpensive ones. You may also find used boxes for sale on BoxCycle.

After your move, you may be able to recoup some of your investment by selling the boxes online through BoxCycle.

4. Use What You Already Have

You may also be able to save on boxes by strategically using items you already have at home and want to move anyway. Examples include:

• Backpacks
• Suitcases
• Baskets and hampers
• Heavy-duty plastic bags
• Bins
• Large pots

Moving cartons are not the only things you’ll need to pack; you’ll also need packing supplies such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, foam padding, and packing paper. While professional protective materials are often ideal, there may be some alternatives you can use. Consider the following

• Use soft towels or clothes instead of bubble wrap for fragile or easily scratched items;
• Pack glasses and other small breakables in socks instead of packing paper;
• Put old towels, sweaters, pajamas, or other soft clothing in the bottom of your packing containers instead of packing paper;
• Rather than packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper, rip and ball up old newspapers;
• Make use of your home blankets instead of moving blankets.

5. Leave Non-Breakable Items in Drawers

Furniture drawers are generally sturdy and can save you money and time on packing. However, for heavy pieces of furniture, you’ll still need to take the drawers out to keep them light enough for the movers. In this case, just cover the dresser drawers with moving blankets and then with plastic wrap to keep the contents safe. Check with your mover to see how they like to handle this.

6. Pack Strategically

Develop a packing plan rather than just tossing items into boxes. For example, think about ways to nest some items inside others so you need fewer boxes. Needing fewer boxes will not only save on box costs but also on overall moving costs.

We can provide you with additional packing tips to help make your move go more smoothly. Contact us for a quote.