Packing Your Home for a Long Distance Move: Essential Tips and Tricks

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!

 

4 Tips for Changing Your Address Before Your 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.

Apartment Hunting Tips for Those Who Travel a Lot for Work

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.

 

 

How to Split a Bedroom Into Two for Kids

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!

 

Ways to Have a More Eco-Friendly Move

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.

 

Packing for a Move vs. Packing for a Storage Unit

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.

 

 

Office Space Trends from the Past and How They’ve Improved

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.

 

 

 

Tips for Sorting and Downsizing Your Wardrobe for a Move

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.

 

 

 

6 Ways to Prepare for a Move With Pets

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.

 

 

 

5 Downsizing Advantages When Relocating

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.