Category: Moving Tips

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.

 

Moving heavy boxes, lifting heavy items, and engaging in strenuous physical activity can be dangerous if you’re not used to it. Fortunately, you can make your upcoming relocation safer and easier by following these tips. 

By lifting safely, knowing your limits, taking breaks when you need them, eating nutritious food, and taking other precautions, you can avoid injury during your upcoming household relocation.

1. Lift Safely

Lifting can cause back injuries that result in pain, discomfort, and worse. If you’re not lifting boxes safely, you could do damage to your back that could hinder you for the rest of your move. To lift safely, follow these tips.

• Lift from the knees
• Keep your back straight
• Don’t twist while lifting
• Hold the box as close to your body as you can
• If the box is too large to lift on your own, get help
• Don’t try to raise a carton that you have to strain to pick up

2. Know Your Limits

Whether lifting many boxes or packing them all day long, it’s essential to give your body a break. Take breaks throughout the day, and stop before you’re too tired to pack or lift boxes. You may become more tired and less coordinated as the day wears on. Give your body time to regenerate and rest.

3. Take Care Of Yourself

Your body will need extra nutrition, plenty of sleep, and lots of water throughout the day. So drink at least 4 liters of fluid daily, and eat a diet rich in whole grains, protein, fresh fruits, and vegetables. And ensure you have eight hours of sleep at night.

Among the many moving challenges, some people have difficulty eating healthy foods during a relocation because they can no longer cook their food once their pots and pans are packed.

Find restaurants in your area that offer healthy options and deliver to your home. Also, stock up on snack foods rich in protein, like peanuts, cheese, and boiled eggs.

4. Send Kids to Be With Friends on Moving Day

Kids can get in the way on moving days, which is unsafe for them or you. Instead, consider sending your children to be with friends when moving day comes. This will allow you to focus on the task and prevent your child from getting underfoot and thus injured. If you have a pet, do the same thing – send them to a boarding house for the day, or to spend time with relatives or friends.

5. Use the Right Equipment

Don’t try to lift oversized, bulky items on your own! Get help from a friend, or use a dolly to lift heavy boxes and small pieces of furniture. If you’re lifting appliances, use an appliance dolly.

Get Help from the Professionals

Stay safe during your upcoming relocation by hiring professionals! We have the training and the proper equipment to ensure your relocation will go smoothly. Contact us to make an appointment to get a free quote on your upcoming move.

Are you preparing for a household move? A moving essentials kit needs to be on your checklist. This go-to kit will help you transition to your new home. The decision of what to keep can be challenging.

What is a moving essentials kit? It’s a collection of supplies you keep with you throughout the move in an easy-to-access box. Your moving essentials kit should stay with you, be the last thing packed, and be the first carton you open when you arrive at your new home.

Read on to learn about which items are a must in your moving essentials kit.

1. Towels and Bedding

Moving is exhausting! When you get to your new home, one of the first things you’ll want is a hot shower and to fall into bed. And when you’re this tired, you don’t want to waste time finding the towels, pillows, and blankets you packed in a box days earlier.

Put a set of sheets, a pillow, and a blanket into your essentials kit. Toss in a few clean towels while you’re at it. You’ll thank yourself later.

2. Keeping it Clean

Packing a few cleaning supplies will make your life easier twice: Right after the moving truck leaves your old home and when you’re settling into your new home.

Even if you hire a cleaning service, you’ll appreciate having at least a few cleaning tools to tidy up. Pop these fundamental cleaning supplies into your essentials kit:

• Multi-purpose spray cleaner
• Glass cleaning spray
• Disinfecting wipes
• Hand soap
• Rags, sponges, and paper towels
• Spot cleaner for carpet
• Toilet and bathroom cleaner
• Several garbage bags
• Dustpan and broom
• Vacuum cleaner (if you have room)

3. Tool Kit

While you plan that your new (and old) home won’t need any repairs, chances are high that a few tools will come in handy during a move. Whether you need to tighten a dripping faucet, pry a nail from a wall, or measure the living room again to ensure the couch will fit, a tool kit makes the task easier.

Pack a primary tool set in your essentials kit that contains the following:

• Philips and flathead screwdrivers
• Tape measure
• Hammer
• Adjustable wrench
• Flashlight
• Duct tape
• Pliers
• Utility knife

4. Charging Cords and Batteries

Uh oh. You’ve arrived at your new home, and your phone is at 5 percent. Where’s that charging cord?

Stay organized and avoid the search. Before you leave your old home, pack chargers for your mobile devices, like phones, tablets, or laptops, in your essentials kit.

It’s also a good idea to throw a few different-sized batteries in there. You may need them for your TV remote, a flashlight, or a smoke alarm.

5. Clothes and Toiletries

Place a couple of days worth of clothes in your essentials kit and any medication you may need. If you sleep with a fan on, pack that too. Include anything that helps you feel at home and settle in quicker.

And don’t forget the toiletries! A toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, glasses, and other personal care products should ride with you in your essentials kit.

Safe Move

We will customize the moving services to suit your needs. Your convenience and safety are always our top priorities. Contact us for a free quote.

Moving to a brand new home is exciting, but packing and hauling everything can be challenging. Although most of it is straightforward, things can become complex regarding large items, breakables, and expensive possessions such as televisions.

Flatscreen TVs are fragile and uniquely shaped and require special attention when preparing for a household move. So here are some tips for moving your television.

 Prepare Your TV for Moving

The first step when moving is prepping all your possessions, including your television.

To make reassembly more manageable, take pictures of how you had the cables plugged in before unplugging and disassembling your electronics.

If your TV is mounted to the wall, carefully take it down. This usually requires two people to manage. On the other hand, if you have it mounted on a stand, you might be able to remove that stand with a little effort.

Next, unplug the TV and any associated electronics such as a cable box, DVR, or Roku box. Then use a microfiber cloth to dust off your TV and accompanying devices thoroughly.

Ensure you gather the cables, remotes, and other small pieces associated with the devices and place them in a plastic baggie. Clearly label the bag with a Sharpie so you can identify it later.

Packing Your TV

When transporting your TV, it is best to use the original packaging, including the original foam to protect the screen,  packing Styrofoam, and other packing material. 

Otherwise, your moving company can provide you with a specialized TV packing carton kit if you haven’t saved the original box and related packing materials. Using specialized TV moving cartons and packing materials is ideal for preventing damage.

Ensure you have two people handling the TV packing, and to achieve the best results, follow the instructions included with the TV carton kit. Start by wrapping the entire TV with the foam or bubble wrap that came with it. Next, secure the cushioning material with tape. Avoid placing tape directly on the TV.

Fill the box with the protective corner foam inserts from the original packaging or the ones that came with the carton. Then, stack the Styrofoam corner pieces on top of the TV before slipping it into the special cardboard carton.

Secure the box’s top with tape. Wrap tape vertically and horizontally to ensure all sides are secured. Then clearly label the box with the words “Fragile” and “This End Up.’

Carry and keep the TV upright after you pack it. You should avoid leaning in on its side. Movers recommend that you have your large TV professionally crated for extra protection.

Moving Help

Packing a TV for moving isn’t the only tricky part of moving. Do not risk damaging your valuable property by performing a DIY move. You can count on us for all your moving and storage needs, including safely getting your TV to its new location. Contact us today. Let us make your move more manageable. 

 

Are you considering a household move soon? Making sure your belongings arrive in one piece is extremely important during the moving process, especially your valuable antiques and collectibles, which might be irreplaceable.

How well your antiques and collectibles stay protected during the move depends on what you do before and on moving day. Preparation and additional layers of protection can reduce breakage, nicks, dents, scrapes, and broken glass.

Don’t forget these steps when you’re getting ready to move.

1. Document and Appraise Valuables and Antiques

Make sure you have your valuables appraised before you move your household. In addition to knowing what you’re working with, you may need the appraisal for insurance purposes if something goes wrong.

Take photos of all valuables from all angles to keep a record. Then, during the move, keep the appraisal documentation in a safe place with you.

2. Ensure You Protect Them

The first step in protecting your antiques and collectibles is to apply a protective layer.

Glassine is a wax-like paper that protects glass items from dust, moisture, and other potentially damaging elements. Plus, it is acid-free. Another versatile cushioning option is bubble wrap. 

Secure each antique piece with a protective layer and tape it in place. Don’t directly apply tape to valuables.

3. Protect the Corners

Corners tend to sustain more damage, so use corner protectors if packing artwork, antique picture frames, or similar pieces. Corner protectors come in various materials, including cardboard and plastic. 

4. Add a Cushioning Layer

As packed items shift in transit, adding a cushioning layer creates a protective barrier. Use additional bubble wrap, crumpled packing paper, packing peanuts, or air-filled plastic pouches, for extra cushion. Ensure your box or other packaging has a cushioning layer surrounding the inside item.

5. Place in a Packing Carton

Boxes provide additional protection for small antiques to fit inside them. Make sure the carton you choose is a little bigger than the item so you can stuff it with cushioning. Ensure that your item doesn’t shift by filling in any extra spaces.

Organize smaller items together in boxes, but pair items wisely. For example, a heavy ceramic figurine packed with a delicate picture frame might break the glass or damage the frame—pack pieces tightly together with plenty of filler material to prevent damage.

6. Protect Your Furniture

When disassembling furniture, be cautious about removing parts that might damage or weaken the furniture. Knobs, drawer pulls, and casters are usually safe to remove. However, be careful when disassembling older pieces.

Plastic wrapping materials should not be in direct contact with furniture, especially wood, as they may retain moisture. However, furniture pads or moving blankets work well for wrapping furniture. 

7. Carefully Move Items

Enlist extra help if you’re loading the moving truck yourself. For example, moving heavier, more substantial pieces with dollies is easier to minimize the chances of dropping them.

To prevent damaged antique furniture, ensure you store them in a safe location within the truck where other items cannot fall on top or knock into them.

8. Entrust Pro Movers

If you have precious antiques, consider hiring professional movers to manage the work. They can custom crate your items and move them with care. 

Safe Move

You can safely move your antiques to your new home when properly packaged and handled. Let us help. Contact us for a free quote.