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If you’re like most people, you have a regular job and a lot of extra responsibilities that keep you very busy each week. So it’s hard to find time for packing with an already busy schedule.

The good news is that there are many ways you can cut back on chores and other tasks, so you have time to pack. For example, try these five time-savers when preparing for a household move.

1. Prioritize Tasks

If you tend to do chores randomly, you’re probably losing time. Planning out your tasks can help you figure out what to cut.

Start by listing the most important things you must do throughout the week. Then, write down how long you think it will take if you can.

Emphasize tasks that keep your home running more than chores that make the house look good. That way, you’re not rushing to complete the crucial ones.

2. Schedule Grocery Pickup

Although you probably only shop for groceries once or twice a week, it can take an hour or two of your valuable time. Scheduling grocery pickup can simplify it.

Make a shopping list of your most common items. Then, see which grocery stores in your area offer pickup services and schedule one.

In many cases, you can save your favorites to make it easier to arrange for another pickup. Then, you can do your grocery shopping while waiting in the school pickup line or at another convenient time.

3. Hire Professional Cleaners

Although you might plan to hire professional cleaners right after you move, you can undoubtedly get their help while you’re packing. Cleaning companies have rates for general maintenance as well as deep cleaning.

Call one or two companies in your area to get a quote. Give yourself enough time to test out their services.

Having a company take care of your kitchen and bathrooms weekly could save you hours. And if you like their work, you’ll know just who to call for the final cleaning.

4. Find a Carpool for the Kids

If you have kids in grade school, you might lose a lot of time shuffling them to school and activities. Figuring out a carpool is a great way to shorten the number of trips.

Take the team roster and see if any of the kids live close to you. Talk to their parents about arranging a carpool. Make sure that everyone can share the responsibility.

If you can, choose families with which you and your kids can get along. You’ll have less stress that way.

5. Plan Meals

Meal planning is complex at the best of times. When your evenings go to packing for your move, it’s hard to make meal prep a priority.

Once a week, make an entrée that can become a part of several other meals. For example, pulled pork could become tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Leave yourself room to get takeout or delivery on busy days. You’ll appreciate not having to think about it after hours of packing.

Packing Plan

Finding ways to save time gives you more time to finish packing.

Another way to facilitate the packing process is to let us handle your packing for you. As full-service movers, we can handle that task for you and your family. Contact us today for more tips on simplifying your upcoming move.

So you’ve scheduled a move — congratulations! But, if you’re like most people, you’re probably dreading packing up one room the most: the kitchen.

It’s not hard to see why so many people procrastinate packing up the kitchen. It’s full of oddly sized, frequently used, often-breakable and sometimes-sharp objects. Plus, once you pack up the kitchen, you’re stuck eating out until after the move.

These pro tips will help you pack your kitchen with ease.

Use Proper Packing Materials

Packing kitchen items involves a bit of planning. You’ll need to take special care with fragile and breakable items, like glassware, and pack sharp items safely.

To start, gather the following packing materials:

• Small to medium cardboard boxes
• Specialty boxes for dishes and glassware
• Clean plastic tubs
• Packing peanuts
• Bubble or foam wrap
• Packing paper or newspaper
• Packing tape
• Labels and markers

You may also want to invest in specialty packing materials, dish pack boxes, dividers, or plate foam sheets. Always label your boxes on each side, indicating the contents, and write fragile for boxes with delicate items.

Clear the Shelves

Well before moving day, start editing down the amount of kitchen stuff you’ll need to move. That means eating the food you have in the freezer and pantry. The more non-perishable food you can use, the less you’ll have to pack and move. As a bonus, the more perishable food you use less food waste you will have.

Once you’ve reduced the amount of food in the freezer, fridge, and shelves, review the contents of your cupboards and drawers. Categorize your belongings into “keep,” “donate,” “recycle,” and “trash.” Why pay to move it if you don’t need or want something? So if you’ve got three spatulas, give one to a friend, donate one to a charity and pack one for the move.

Practice Packing Safety

When packing kitchen items, keep safety at the forefront. That means wrapping knives and sharp objects securely. Use multiple layers of paper, foam, and bubble wrap to prevent breaking glass or ceramics.

As for choosing box size, use smaller boxes to keep the weight manageable. Remember: The heavier a box is, the harder it will be to lift, the more likely it is to break — and the more likely the contents will sustain damage. So try to divide heavy and light items between boxes to keep the weight manageable.

You can still find a use for those big boxes, though. They’re perfect for holding lightweight kitchen supplies like plastic tubs or hand towels.

Pro tip: When you buy small appliances, like toasters or blenders, keep the box they came in, along with packing material. Reuse the boxes when it’s time to move.

Don’t Pack Non-Allowable Items

Did you know there are some items and substances moving companies can’t move? Certain chemicals and solvents are on the non-allowable list, and you can find many in the kitchen.

Your moving company will provide you with a specific list of restricted items. Here are some things that might be on that list.

• Household cleaning products
• Corrosives or poisons (such as rat poison and pesticides)
• Batteries
• Fuels, including cooking fuels
• Wax candles
• Live plants
• Flammable or explosive materials

Packing a kitchen is complicated, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Just be sure to gather the suitable materials and give yourself plenty of time to pack your kitchen like a pro. Contact us for help!

 

 

Relocating an office is different than a residential relocation in many ways. You prepare people for the move and transport belongings, but you also deal with logistics that don’t come with residential moves.

Inadvertently missing a step can negatively impact a business or, at a minimum, cause disruption. Therefore, consider keeping the following four details on your radar when planning your office move.

1. Size of Office

You’ll want to ensure the new space has room to accommodate now and in the future for a growing business. Many companies enter long-term leases, and it’s important to consider scalability to ensure the business doesn’t outgrow the space before the lease is up. Smallbiztrends.com also offers great pointers to think about when selecting office space.

2. Determine Office Requirements

The size of the space will be necessary, but arguably of equal importance is selecting a space that meets the requirements of the office. Technology will undoubtedly be a primary consideration. When choosing space, think of the existing infrastructure for Wi-Fi and internet connectivity equipped to handle office demands and if there are sufficient outlets and Ethernet ports. Another factor to consider is ventilation and lighting – is it adequate? Studies consistently show optimal office environments result in better productivity.

3. Calculate Moving Costs

During the planning stages, calculate your moving costs as best as possible so there aren’t any significant surprises come moving day.

• Set a moving budget
• Determine which tasks can be done in-house
• Identify tasks you’ll need help doing
• Pinpoint old equipment, furnishings, and other items not needed (less to move equates to lower costs to move)
• Plan to get at least three moving quotes

As you formulate your plans, keep in mind that many professional moving companies offer full-service moves, which free up your staff from stressful tasks and allow them to focus on getting settled into the new space.

4. Plan Moving Timeline

Once new office space is selected, and the lease is signed, start planning the transition. Ideally, you’ll have at least three months to tackle all the details you need to do before the relocation occurs. It’s helpful to establish a moving checklist.

• Provide notice to the current landlord
• Choose a date with the moving company
• Communicate the moving plan with your staff
• Coordinate utility transfers, closures, and new services
• Plan for in-house or contracted tech installation
• Order new furniture and equipment to ensure its timely arrival
• Update company information by letting suppliers, partners, and customers/clients know where you’re going
• Set up mail forwarding with USPS
• Put notifications on your website, social media profiles, and Google/Yelp listings.
• Collect key cards, parking passes, IDs, and any other items that need to be returned and coordinate new ones at the new facility

Have staff members look over the moving timeline checklist to see if you have accidentally overlooked anything.

Need Help Planning Your Upcoming Relocation?

Moving an office involves many parts, especially as you try to achieve continuity during the transition. Many professional movers offer services in addition to transporting items, 

• Modular furniture installation
• Electronics packing and transport moving
• Fine art moving
• Equipment moving

Contact us today to learn more about our seamless process or the different services we can offer. We’ll answer questions, address concerns, and provide a free quote.

 

 

When making a residential move, many homebuyers compromise on selecting their house, intending to make changes to their new place. Sometimes the changes are minor, and they are much more involved in others. For example, if you’re buying an existing home, you might have plans to fix it up.

There are reasons to do it now and others to wait until after you move in. Sometimes, it’s hard to know if you should begin immediately or wait.

If you want to make some upgrades for your new home, consider the following things.

Time Before Moving

It’s easy to imagine remodeling projects before you move. However, making sure you can complete them is a different matter.

Evaluate the time that you have remaining before your move-in date and determine if that’s enough time for the project. If you’re hiring a contractor, you’ll need to check their availability as well.

Keep in mind that projects sometimes have delays that can last for weeks. So if you start the project, you’ll need to plan what to do if it isn’t done by the time you move.

Budget

Buying a home can be expensive, especially if it’s your first home. Planning remodeling projects take funds that you might not have. You’ll need to set a budget.

Some projects cost little within a limited budget and may not be too difficult to DIY. For example, putting in a few garden beds or painting the interior shouldn’t break the bank.

For larger projects, get estimates from contractors. Be wary of choosing the cheapest one. You might compromise on quality if you pick the lowest bid.

Complexity

Home remodeling is a broad category. It covers projects that take a day and projects that take months. Be sure that you understand the complexity of the one you’re planning.

Complicated projects cost more, but they also take more time. You might not be able to balance moving responsibilities while keeping track of the remodel.

The good news is that it’s relatively easy to compromise. For example, instead of completely redoing a room, you might replace the flooring and windows and paint the walls.

Inconvenience

Of course, there are many reasons to remodel before you move, and inconvenience is a big part. Once you unpack, it’s so much harder to move everything around.

It’s essential to consider the inconvenience of some projects, like remodeling the kitchen or the main bathroom. A whole house remodel usually requires homeowners to relocate temporarily.

You can stay in your home while you remodel it, but you should make a plan to manage those inconveniences. For example, eating more takeout or setting a shower schedule might be a simple solution.

Experience

Many remodeling experts recommend that people move into a home before they decide to remodel it. That way, you get more experience with the space.

Specific projects are easy to complete ahead of time because they don’t take as much planning. For example, if the flooring is old or worn, you can choose to replace it without feeling like you have to live with it first.

Other projects may take more familiarity. For instance, a complete overhaul of the kitchen may require you to understand what works and what doesn’t in the existing one. After having it for a while, you’ll do a better job with that.

Moving Made Easy

Remodeling a home is an integral part of moving for many people. With these tips, you’ll know what to do. To learn more about your moving options, contact us today.

 

Routines and the familiar are essential to children, so learning that they are moving can be challenging. However, children can also practice resilience if you’re there to help them. Here are ways to talk to your child about your upcoming residential relocation.

Tell Them Early

Children need time to process a significant change, so resist the urge to put off telling them. Instead, use clear, age-appropriate language. Then, answer their questions and continue talking about the move to re-enforce its occurrence.

Stress the Positive

Stress the most positive aspects of a new move. For example, a larger home, their own room, being able to walk to the ice cream store, or the opportunity to explore a new place.

Preschoolers tend to have no concept of what a move entails. They may ask questions such as, “do I have to leave my pets and toys for the new family?” Answer their questions and reassure them.

School-age children are apt to become excited about new opportunities, but teens sometimes struggle because of the importance of peer groups or special events such as prom. If your teens struggle with this, stress that they’ll be able to maintain contact with their friends. Consider setting a date to return to visit friends before the move.

Allow Them to Express Emotions

Negative emotions are part of coming to terms with a move. While no one likes to see their child cry, crying is a normal reaction. Acknowledge negative feelings and share your sadness.

Provide Opportunities to Say Goodbye

The closure is essential. Talk with your children about ways to say goodbye to their friends. For example, do they want to host a party or make something for friends to keep? Establish an email address they can use to exchange photos with their old friends once they’ve moved.

Listen

Listen to your child’s concerns and opinions. Sometimes, adults try to convince their children that a decision is correct, but just being present and listening is often the best option. If your child isn’t ready to talk, don’t push them. Instead, wait for them to approach you.

Involve Them

Involve the children in the relocation as is appropriate for their age and personality. Even preschoolers can “help” by packing some of their books or games. Allowing them to “camp” in the boxes may make the move more fun.

Older children can help plan how their new room will look. Then, if the budget allows, let them buy some new things for the room to have something to look forward to.

If the move is close by, take children or teens on a tour of the new home and neighborhood so that it will feel familiar when you arrive. If an in-person tour isn’t possible, use Google maps to find photos of the house and area.

Let your child suggest ways to stay in touch with their friends and ideas for making new friends. 

Ready for Your Move

Let us help make the transition smoother for you and your family. We can help pack, transport, and unpack your belongings at your new home. Contact us today for a quote.

 

Although moving can be fun and exciting, it also comes with various challenges and expenses. Whether you’re moving across the country or locally, you might wind up spending more than you want.

Here are some recommendations on how to save money on moving costs.

Downsize Your Life

The simplest way to make moving more manageable and more affordable is to get rid of junk and clutter from your life. The challenge, however, is determining what the clutter is and what items are necessary. Downsizing is not only an excellent way to cut down on moving costs, but it will help you stay focused on your goals.

Even better, if you can sell some of your belongings, you can offset more of your costs. That said, if you can’t sell items, donating them is another excellent option. Helping those in need can make you feel even better about moving.

Get Gently-Used Packing Materials

One moving cost is buying boxes or containers to fit all your stuff. But utilizing gently-used materials can help you save money. Check with friends, family, and social media sites like Nextdoor to secure gently used boxes. The chances are that some people you know have moved relatively recently, so they might have the items you need.

Another option is to start saving boxes as soon as possible once you know you’re moving. For example, if you order products online, you can keep the packages in which they arrive. You might also try local grocery and liquor stores. Often they have boxes available for reuse.

Get Help With Packing

If you’re going to ask friends and family for used boxes and packing tape, you might as well ask them to help you store your items as well. Depending on the situation, it may be hard to enlist help for moving day, but it’s much easier to pack boxes and consolidate furniture and other items.

If you want to seal the deal, you can have a pre-moving party a week or two before your move-out date. Not only can a party encourage people to come and help pack, but you can also use it as an open house for anything you’re donating or selling. So, whether guests put your belongings in boxes or take them home, it’s a win-win.

Use a Moving Service

At first, hiring professional movers might seem like a way to increase costs, not save money. However, that depends on how you look at the situation. After all, isn’t your time and energy valuable? How many hours will you spend on packing, moving, and unpacking? If you have a busy lifestyle, it’s often more efficient and cost-effective to hire moving services.

Also, you can pick and choose the options that work best for your budget and your situation. For example, you might not need a “white glove” service where movers pack and unpack your boxes for you.

Finally, what happens if you or someone you’ve enlisted to help gets injured? What if you break something valuable? When using professionals, you can protect your items. Doing it all yourself means that you pay out of pocket for injuries or breakage.

Move More Efficiently With Us!

Moving brings many challenges and obstacles, so don’t let them get in your way. Instead, contact us to see what we can do to make your move as streamlined and affordable as possible.