Category: Moving Tips

Choosing a new business location is an important decision, and the right place can help you succeed. Companies consider several factors, including the type of operations, the costs, and local ordinances when choosing a site. Here are some tips on choosing the best new location for your company move.

Types of Businesses

Business locations are of five primary types, each of which has different requirements. The first is home-based businesses that need extra space. In this case, you may be able to obtain the room by adding to your home, moving to a larger home, or arranging to rent storage space or conference space when needed.

Retail

For many retail operations, a critical success factor is how close the store is to its customers or potential customers. If you know your target demographics, you can access Census data to help you determine where your potential customers live.

Foot traffic also is essential for many retail businesses, so you’ll want to locate in a high-traffic area with good visibility. Once you’ve narrowed down potential sites, monitor the traffic at different times of the day and week to find one that has the volume you need. Of course, you’ll also need adequate parking for customers and employees.

Online sales are becoming increasingly important for retailers, so consider the availability of nearby courier services to help you ship your product.

Professional Services

Professional services firms may not necessarily require a high volume of traffic. While proximity to customers is still a factor, potential customers will generally travel further to consult with their attorney, accountant, or management consultant than they will to buy everyday items. Often professional services firms benefit from locations with purpose-built space, well-landscaped exteriors, and high security, such as office buildings and business parks.

When evaluating potential space, ask whether the exterior doors are locked at a particular time and, if so, can you have keys? Make sure the neighborhood is safe and that the parking lot has adequate space and lighting. Being near lunch spots and banks will make employees happy. A good technology infrastructure also is critically important.

Personal Services

Personal service businesses such as hair salons, dentists, and physicians will also want to locate relatively close to population centers and target customers. However, many people will drive a little further to visit a dentist than to buy their groceries. Research how far people will travel in your industry to be sure you aren’t too far away. Also, make sure you’re not locating too close to competitors.

Adequate parking, or in some cities, good access to public transportation also is essential.

Manufacturing or Warehouses

Critical factors in a relocation often include being near major transportation routes and a potential labor force for manufacturing businesses. As a result, some localities will offer incentives such as training grants or tax holidays to acquire manufacturing employers. 

On the other hand, some communities might restrict some industrial employers to certain industrial parks.

Cost

Regardless of the type of business, the cost will be a significant factor in your location choice. One-time costs, such as remodeling and ongoing costs like taxes, rent, insurance, and utilities, are all part of the equation.

Ordinances

Laws and zoning also will impact where you can locate a business. So be sure to check these laws carefully before signing a lease.

Ready for Your Business Move

As you prepare for your upcoming business relocation, let us help. Contact us today for a free estimate. We can make your office move more manageable.

Managing a move can be chaotic, from submitting your change of address forms to reserving a moving company, bringing home packing supplies, and setting up utilities. Keeping track of what to do and when to do it can feel overwhelming.

While every move is different, one thing is for sure — the earlier you start planning the moving process, the better. Creating a timeline helps you stay on track throughout your move, so nothing slips through the cracks.

This moving timeline will help you stay organized and reduce stress.

Two Months Before You Move

• Organize: Create a folder, file, or online spreadsheet to keep all of your moving information in one (easily accessible) place.
• Research moving companies; ask friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers for recommendations and check online review sites. Get at least three written estimates.
• Declutter your home: Sort through all your belongings and categorize everything as “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” or “Trash/Recycle.” Remember: You don’t want to pay to move things you don’t want or need.
• Plan how you’ll move fragile, valuable, or large/unusually shaped items. Some items may require special attention; if you need a specialty household mover, secure services now.

Six Weeks Ahead of Your Move

• Gather packing supplies — giving yourself plenty of time to gather boxes and packing paper.
• Sell unwanted items at a yard sale or online. Donate whatever’s left to a charitable organization.
• Notify schools: If you have children, notify their current schools of the move and research the new schools’ registration procedure.
• Request copies of medical and dental records from your health care providers. You may need to visit in person to collect them, so it’s best to do this before moving.
• Book your moving company.

One Month Before the Move

• Start packing: Begin with non-essential items and rooms that you don’t use as often, such as extra bedrooms, attics, and basements.
• Create a “first open box” list that includes the items you’ll need first after arriving in your new home.
• Notify utility, phone, cable, internet companies, and other service providers of your move and schedule set-ups in your new home. You’ll also want to cancel memberships and subscriptions associated with your old address.
• Give your landlord notice if you’re renting.

Three Weeks Out from the Move

• Keep packing! Fortunately, you’ve given yourself plenty of time to pack carefully and keep it all organized.
• Change your address and have your mail forwarded through USPS.
• Make a plan to use up perishable food. Start cooking and eating out of your freezer and pantry to minimize food waste.

One Week Pre-Move

• Give away or safely dispose of hazardous chemicals or items that cannot be moved, such as propane, solvents, fuels, and more.
• Confirm your reservation with your movers and provide them with any information about parking, stairs, narrow hallways, or other potential issues.
• Clear food from cabinets, pantries, and the fridge/freezer.
• Clean your home. You’ve already packed almost everything, so this step should be easier.
• Finish packing.

Moving Day

When moving day arrives, don’t stress. You’ve followed the timeline and checked off your tasks; now it’s time to let the movers do the heavy lifting. Contact us for a free quote.

 

You’re beginning to get settled into your new home — congratulations! A successful household move deserves to be celebrated. However, it can be tough to feel at home in your new space, and you may even feel a little bit homesick. 

No matter how excited you were to get into your new home, leaving the old behind can be difficult. It’s normal for you to feel a little sad as you go through the transition of getting used to your new home. Try these tips to help you settle in during your first week in your new home.

Take Unpacking Slowly

When you look at all the boxes in your new home, it can feel overwhelming. But, remember, there’s no award for who can unpack the fastest. Taking it one box at a time is a great way to set up your home in a way that makes sense to you. 

If you loved the layout of your old home and had a solid grasp on organization, take your time resetting your old strategies in your new home. On the other hand, if your past organization left something desired, this is the perfect time to hit reset. Think about the areas in your old home that were cluttered or caused you stress, and take the time to develop new systems that will better fit you. 

Work through each room, figuring out ways to organize that makes sense for you and your family. Now is the perfect time for you to try something new – and if your new system isn’t a good fit for your family, you can always go back to your old way of doing things, no harm done.

Explore the Neighborhood

Take a break from your unpacking and organizing, and explore your new neighborhood and community. Introduce yourself to your neighbors, determine where the nearest grocery store is, and map out the route to your office. Start researching professionals and service providers like doctors, plumbers, and handy workers.

Venture out into the neighborhood and find a great new place to eat. Although it might take a few tries to identify your favorites, finding new places to dine out or get delivery can be one of the most exciting parts of settling into a new neighborhood. Whether you decide to try a restaurant on a whim or go off the recommendations of your new neighbors, finding new places to eat can help you feel at home. If you’re able, walking to a restaurant can be a fun way to take in the sights and sounds of your new neighborhood while getting a lay of the land.

Get In Touch With Old Friends

One challenging part about leaving your old home behind is not being physically close to your old friends. Luckily, today’s technology makes it easy for you to stay in close contact with the people you care about. Texting, FaceTiming, and old-fashioned phone calls are all great ways for you to chat with your old friends and make a needed personal connection. Realizing that your old relationships aren’t going anywhere can go a long way in helping you feel settled in your new space. If your friends live within driving distance, inviting them over for a housewarming party is a great way to keep in touch and begin to relax in your new home.

 Settle Into Your New Home

We can help with your upcoming move. Contact us for a quote. We can get you there stress-free.

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

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

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

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

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

Follow these steps to help you decide.

1. Discover Your Storage Options

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

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

2. Check on Storage Access

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

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

3. Think Larger

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

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

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

4. Choose the Right Dimensions

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

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

5. Don’t Duplicate Your Efforts

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

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

On the Move

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

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

 

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

1. Register Your Business

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

2. Get an Occupational License

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

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

3. Tell Old Customers You’re Leaving

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

4. Announce Your Arrival In Your New Location

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

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

5. Stay Organized

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

Contact a Reputable Moving Company

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

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

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

Make a Plan

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

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

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

Create a Clean Space

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

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

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

Sort as You Go

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

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

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

Stay Positive

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

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

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

Pack Efficiently

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

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

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

Tackle Your Household Move

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

 

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

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

1. Create a Disassembly Space

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

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

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

2. Get the Right Tools

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

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

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

3. Follow the Instructions

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

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

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

4. Package Furniture With Care

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

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

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

5. Organize Small Parts

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

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

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

The Pros Can Help

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

 

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

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

You Don’t Have to Rush

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

Determine Your Next Destination

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

Downsize

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

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

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

Don’t Underestimate the Change

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

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

Consider a Home Equity Loan

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

Stay Organized

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

Moving On

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

 

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

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

Materials Needed

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

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

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

 How to Wrap Items

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

Wrapping Mirrors and Pictures

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

Wrapping Artwork

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

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

Packing Items in Boxes

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

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

Movers Can Help With That

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

 

 

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

1. Remove Clutter

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

2. Paint the Front Door

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

3. Freshen up the Mailbox

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

4. Keep Grass Cut

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

5. Cut Back Trees and Shrubs

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

6. Plant Color

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

7. Clean Up Walkways and the Driveway

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

8. Clean Roof and Gutters

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

Moving to a New Home?

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

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