Category: Moving Tips

Planning for a household move involves many small details and moving parts. All of those details need to come together at the same time to pull off a successful, smooth move. That’s why you need to be prepared with the right materials and supplies.

To make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment to pack up your belongings, here’s an in-depth moving supplies checklist.

Your Complete Moving Supplies Checklist

Please note that this is a comprehensive checklist, and you may not need everything on it, depending on what you have to move. Take stock of all the belongings that are coming with you and create your unique checklist accordingly.

Boxes

When it comes to buying moving boxes, the trickiest part is figuring out how many to buy.

There are a number of helpful online calculators that can help you determine approximately how many boxes you’re going to need. And remember when it comes to buying moving boxes, it’s always better to overestimate how many you’ll need than wind up shorthanded.

It’s critical to have sturdy boxes in a variety of sizes to protect your belongings. Make sure these boxes are clean and dry. You don’t want worn or wet boxes to compromise the construction of the cardboard. 

Pack your heavier things in smaller boxes. Lighter items like clothes and bedding work well in large boxes. 

Packing Paper

Stock up on plenty of packing paper to wrap fragile or sharp items in. Packing paper can also be used as an excellent filler in the boxes, providing extra cushion and stability in each box. The ideal packing paper is ink-free since the ink on newsprint can bleed on to your belongings.

Bubble Wrap

Use bubble wrap to protect extra fragile items made of glass, ceramic, and porcelain. Leaving space in boxes for your items to shift around can lead to damage. Using paddings like bubble wrap paper will keep everything still and secure.

Baggies

Small, Ziploc baggies are excellent for storing little items that could get lost. For instance, when you disassemble something that has screws or small parts, place them in a baggie. Label the bag and store it with the item.

Packing Tape

Like with boxes, it’s always better to have too much packing tape than not enough. Also, investing in a tape gun can help make sealing boxes easier and cut back on wasted tape.

Labels and Permanent Markers

To make unpacking more manageable,  make sure you label all your boxes clearly. No matter how you decide to label your items, moving labels, colored stickers, and thick permanent markers can help.

A Toolbox 

If you plan on dismantling any furniture, a simple toolset is a necessity. A screwdriver, wrench with a variety of heads, hammer, and scissors should be included in your toolbox. Keep these tools handy; you will also probably need them on moving day.

Furniture Pads, Covers, and Wrap

Unfortunately, you can’t just box up your furniture. So, you have to find other ways to keep it all safe.

Furniture pads and covers are essential to protecting your pieces from bumps and scrapes during the moving process.

Furniture wrap can also help defend your items from the wear and tear of moving. It’s also essential for keeping drawers and cabinet doors shut and secure.

All that said, if you plan on hiring residential movers, then you probably won’t need to worry about buying any of these supplies. Your mover will have plenty of furniture pads, covers, and wrap on hand already.

Gathering Your Supplies

By following this moving supplies checklist, you’ll be able to collect all the supplies you’ll need to make your move a breeze.

Are you looking for a little more moving advice?

Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful guides, or contact our team of moving specialists to schedule a consultation today.

 

Whether you’re planning an out-of-state move or down the street, you must notify the proper people and places about your upcoming move. It’s ideal to do this earlier rather than later. That way, you won’t face potential hassles such as missed bills or service lapses.

You already know you need to notify your friends and family, but who else needs to know?  Not sure where to start? This handy change of address checklist will let you know who you need to give a heads up to about your new residence.

The Post Office

The first people you need to notify are at the post office. You can do this in person or file the change online. Once you submit this change, anything that goes to your old address will automatically get forwarded to your new address. 

Do this at least a week before you move so that you don’t have a gap between your move and the mail delivery change. Keep an eye out for the yellow tag on your mail. Use these to know who you still need to notify of your move. 

Utilities 

You need to let utility providers know that you know longer live at one address and are now responsible for another. This includes gas, water, electric, and trash. Schedule to have your new home active in your name before you plan to move in. 

While you’re arranging for service turn-on at your new home, you should also arrange for service shut-off at your old residence. This will prevent you from getting charged for service after your move. 

Tax Agencies 

You can’t avoid paying your taxes just because you move. You’ll need to let both the IRS and your state tax agency know. You can do both of these online through the IRS website and your state’s government website. 

Social Security Administration 

Do you receive Social security benefits? If so, then you notify the SSA that you’ve moved. You can do this by heading online to fill out the change of address application. 

Cable, Internet, and Phone 

Before you have the movers arrive to load up your home, you should have your cable, internet, and phone transferred to your new home. This will ensure that everything is up and running the day you move in. 

Insurance Providers 

Notify every company you have an insurance policy with. This will ensure you get any important documents and that sensitive information isn’t compromised. 

Loan Providers 

If you have any outstanding loans, then you need to let the lender know that you’ve moved. Otherwise, you risk missing potentially important mailings about your loan. If you have a car loan, you’re required to let the lender know where the vehicle is. 

Employer 

Your employer needs to know if you have a new address. They need to send your paycheck print outs and tax forms to the right address. 

Subscription and Service Providers  

This could be your monthly pest control service or your subscription to a magazine. Make a list of all services and work your way through the list. Most will be an easy phone call or online form update. 

It can be easy to miss someone that should be on this list. This is when paying attention to the mail forwarding stickers on your mail comes in handy. 

Know Who to Notify When You Move

By working your way through this list, you’ll know who to notify when you move. Don’t worry if you miss someone; the USPS will forward mail for up to a year after your move.  

Contact our experienced team today to help with your move. 

Businesses relocate for various reasons, ranging from increased customer traffic and improved growth opportunities to simply needing more space. However, moving a company is time-consuming and disruptive. That’s why businesses making a corporate move must have a relocation plan.

Here are five helpful office moving strategies for relocating your office.

1. Create a Timeline

The first step in the moving process is to create a timeline. Be realistic about how much time you will need to prepare for the move.

Small businesses usually need at least three to six months to accomplish a move. Medium to large-sized companies will often need at least six months to a year to plan a move.

It’s helpful to create a multiple week timeline of expectations. Include the following to-dos on your timeline:

• Create a detailed budget
• Select a professional corporate moving company
• Develop an inventory list of all furniture and equipment
• Notify vendors and customers about your address change and new contact information
• Contact service providers for electricity, gas, phone, and waste management to notify them of your move and arrange the connection, installation, or disconnection of service
• Schedule mail forwarding
• Order new stationery, marketing material, and business cards with the new business information

2. Assign a Team to the Move

A successful corporate move depends on the cooperation of the employees.

Choose a person to be the in-office move coordinator responsible for all moving-related issues. Then, designate people as team leaders from other departments to check-in with this coordinator to give progress reports. Department heads and managers, for example, could be team leaders who make sure each employee is responsible for packing up their desks and personal items.

The team leaders could:

• Delegate responsibilities
• Make sure their team meets deadlines
• Confirm moving tasks are completed
• Communicate challenges to other team leaders

The moving team could also assist in identifying issues with the current office space and work to find solutions for the new office. This allows employees the chance to provide input and gives them some ownership in the move.

3. Coordinate Moving Day Itinerary

Prepare for moving day by planning every element.  Make sure that everyone on your move team is informed and knows what will happen.

Schedule a meeting one month before the move as well as each week leading up to it.

If your business will stay open on moving day, determine who will be working. Can they work remotely? Or should you schedule them to move into the new office a few days before everyone else?

4. Use Open Communication

Remember to use open communication during a move. Express expectations to employees and team members to make sure everyone is one the same page. Provide support channels and give an accurate impression of what’s ahead.

Allow plenty of time for any relocating employees to prepare!

5. Hire Movers

Experienced movers will help you create a detailed moving plan and lessen stress and hassle on employees. Professional office movers know your office equipment is vital to your business and will handle your things with care. 

They are appropriately insured and licensed so you can rest assured. With a professional moving service, you and your employees can focus on what matters most: your business. Avoid disruptions and missing office time with hired movers. 

Business Moving

Businesses have enough to think about; don’t let business moving plans be one of those worries. Get ahead of the game and make relocating your office a pleasant experience for everyone involved.

What are you waiting for? Your new office awaits!

Want to see more posts like this? Check out our blog for more!

 

Most people dread the thought of a household move. From the packing and lifting to the loading and unloading, the process is overwhelming, taxing, and time-consuming. 

There are many reasons and benefits to hire professional movers. Save your time and patience and reduce your stress level by hiring the right professional movers to make a huge difference and make your move easier.

Here are some of the reasons you should consider a professional moving company.

1. Experience

Experience is an essential component when it comes to executing a successful residential move.

Professional movers are trained to handle personal belongings properly throughout the relocation process. From your smallest treasure to your largest piece of furniture and appliances, professional movers know exactly how to expertly pack, lift, maneuver, then secure your belongings on the moving truck.

Also, professional moving companies provide you with experienced drivers who know how to transport your belongings. Whether it’s a local or cross-country move, movers know how to handle their large trucks in all kinds of weather and conditions. Professionals know the best routes to take and where they can operate.

2. Convenience

The help of professional movers provides convenience. 

Convenience is much more important than you may think, especially if you’ve never moved before. It’s easy to say you can handle it yourself. But moving is always more stressful than one imagines it will be.

Undoubtedly, you’ll plan and prepare for the move weeks in advance. But it’s not until you’re in the thick of it that you realize the high level of stress that comes with it. 

Those who aren’t experienced movers find it more difficult, tedious, and time-consuming than they estimated it would be. Avoid this headache by hiring professionals. 

3. Reliability

Many things can go wrong when attempting to handle a move yourself. The friends that you recruited to help may cancel at the last minute, or you may discover you’re in over your head partway through the task.

Hiring movers secures a reliable team of professionals you can trust to accomplish the job on time. 

4. Safety 

The wisdom and experience of professional movers also lower the chance of moving-related accidents. That goes for those doing the lifting and those around them.

For that matter, you won’t have to do any lifting at all. There’s no chance of you throwing your back out. Plus your belongings stay safe when moved by professionals who know how to lift and place boxes the correct way.

5. Various Services 

When you hire professional movers, you are not only locking in a company to do the heavy lifting. You will also be able to choose from additional services that will make moving easier for you.

Moving pros can pack, load, transport, and even unpack your belongings. You can select the services that fit your needs. In addition, many movers can assist with a long-distance move as well as provide storage solutions for things your new home is not ready for yet.

Hire a Moving Company

In today’s hectic world, moving to a new home can be a big disruption to your life. Reduce the many stresses inherent in the process; hire qualified movers to get the job done efficiently and effectively.

If you’re planning a move, let us help. Contact us today for a quote.

Even with the number of Americans moving at a record low, 9.8% of people in the US still packed up and moved in 2019. That’s over 40 million people!

If you’re relocating your household this year, there are a lot of stressors on your plate.  There are many factors to consider when heading to a new location — from deciding on a new place to live —  to securing a new job. On top of all that, trying to box items, especially ones that are easily breakable, can understandably send you over the edge.

Read on to learn how to pack fragile items before your big move!

Use Appropriate Packing Materials

When packing fragile items, you need to start with the right materials. These include tissue paper, bubble wrap, small to medium-sized boxes, labels, tape, and markers. 

Consider using specialty boxes for your fragile items. Your moving company most likely has dish pack boxes. These boxes are extra durable, made with a double layer of corrugated cardboard. The extra-thick walls provide an added layer of protection for the items inside.

How to Pack Common Breakable Items

For unusual fragile items, you might need a little creativity when it comes to packing. Below we will provide a few suggestions.

Reinforce the bottom of your fragile item boxes with extra packing tape. Then place several layers of crumpled paper or bubble wrap on the inside bottom of the box. Put heavier objects in first so that they are at the bottom — separate layers of fragile items with more packing paper or bubble wrap. 

Once your items are in the box, fill any empty space with crumpled paper. This will prevent the items from shifting and getting damaged.

Dishes

Use small to medium-sized boxes to pack dishes since they tend to be heavy. Wrap each plate individually with paper or bubble wrap, secure with scotch tape, then place them vertically in the box. Place several sheets of crumpled packing paper between each plate to keep them stable and in place.

Glasses

Place crumpled packing paper inside each glass to prevent crushing. If the glass has a stem, wrap the stem with bubble wrap or a folded piece of packing paper and secure it with tape. Then individually wrap each glass with packing paper or bubble wrap. 

Picture Frames

Place a large “X” of painter’s tape over the glass of the frame to prevent shattering. Wrap the frames in bubble wrap then tape the bubble wrap to keep it in place. Set the frames on crumpled paper at the bottom of the box. If the frames are more than eight inches tall, pack the frames standing up instead of flat.

Mark the Boxes “Fragile”

Label your boxes “fragile” on every side. Also, indicate which end needs to be up.

Separate the boxes marked “fragile” from your other boxes. Inform your movers or helpers about the fragile things in those boxes so they can be handled with special care.

Bring In the Professionals

While moving can be a stressful chore, it doesn’t need to be incredibly difficult and grueling.

Before you get too far into the moving process, contact professional household movers to discuss your options with them. In addition to moving all of your goods, you might decide to have the movers pack and unpack for you.

Our residential moving experts offer services for people moving both locally and out of the area. This means that no matter where you intend to go, there’s always an option for you.

Contact us about any questions you may have and to set up a time for us to come and help you move your fragile and valuable items.

There’s a lot of work to be done when moving to a new home. And, if you’re not adequately prepared for it, your moving day will be one big, dangerous mess.

But don’t worry. All the common moving day pitfalls can be avoided. And we’re going to show you how.

In this guide, we’ll teach you the proper preparations and etiquette to make your move as smooth as possible. Follow these tips for a low-stress moving day.

1. Finish Packing Before Moving Day

This depends on if you’re paying for a full-service move or not. If you’ve arranged to have the movers pack for you, all you have to do is stand back and wait while they take care of everything—the packing, lifting, and shipping. 

If you haven’t made this arrangement, you must make sure you’re packed and ready for moving day. When the movers arrive, and you’re still finishing up your packing, it makes moving day troublesome for everyone. 

For one thing, you’ll be in the way of the movers while they’re trying to lift and move heavy boxes and furniture. For another, you’ll be paying the movers to wait for you to finish.

2. Have Your Travel Bag Packed

Even if you did purchase a full-service move, you still have some packing to do. First, you need your moving day luggage.

You need to pack your bathroom bag, medication, and clothes, just like you would if you were traveling for vacation. You may also want disposable tableware and any kitchen items you’ll need for dinner.

3. Prohibited Items

Beyond your travel bag, there is always a list of items your moving company will not accept in the moving van. This typically includes perishables, hazardous materials, high-value items (like jewelry), and documents/devices containing personal or sensitive information.

For a full list of prohibited items, refer to your moving company. You’ll want to have these items moved or packed before moving day, so you’re not in the way.

4. Stay Clear and Available

Give your movers space on moving day so that they can do their job. You can prepare for this before moving day by parking vehicles out of the way of the moving vans and building entrances. 

Also, clear the pathways in your home of boxes, trash, or other trip hazards. Stack boxes in an organized line against the wall. Make everything accessible for the movers. 

Being out of the way doesn’t mean gone. You need to be present the whole day of the move in case the movers have any questions or concerns they need to discuss with you.

5. Keep Children and Pets Out of the Way

Have a plan in place for your children and pets on moving day. You can’t leave them free to run around while the movers have their arms full of heavy things. This is hazardous to the movers, your children and pets, and your possessions.

It’s best to have pets contained in crates or carriers on moving day. Or have somebody watch them at another location.

Children can remain with you if you can watch them and make sure they stay out of the way. But you (and they) may want to have them stay with a friend or family member that day.

6. Label Boxes Clearly

Boxes should be labeled clearly, especially the fragile ones, so movers know what to expect. Make sure you have the room destination marked on each box.

7. Don’t Overpack Large Boxes

Large boxes are awkward to carry, especially if they are loaded with heavy items. Too many heavy things in a large box will make it too heavy.

Make sure you pack lighter weight, bulky items in larger boxes. Things like pillow and comforters are ideal in large boxes.

Make Moving to a New Home Easier

Moving to a new home is challenging. Don’t make it harder than it has to be. Follow these tips to make moving day easier.

Now, read Making Moving Easy: Simple Unpacking Tips.

You may find de-cluttering before a move as another chore to get through. But, you should see it as an advantage to moving.

By getting rid of unwanted and unneeded belongings, moving becomes an easier and cheaper process. Don’t forget that weight, along with mileage and labor costs; all contribute to your moving costs. With fewer items to load onto a moving truck, you’ll save more money and time.

One of your options for de-cluttering is to hold a moving sale. Understandably, you may have hesitations, especially if you’re pressed for time. Here, you’ll learn why a garage sale before a move is worth the extra effort.

How a Well-Planned Moving Sale Pays Off

Rather than discarding usable items, it’s better to sell them and earn some extra cash. Plus, if you’re able to sell a lot, you may even have enough to cover some of your moving costs. 

Another benefit of holding a yard sale is you’re prepping your new home to be clutter-free and organized. Since you’re only bringing the things you need, clutter doesn’t have a chance to accumulate yet. If you make sure it stays that way, then maintaining a clutter-free home over the long-term shouldn’t be a problem.

Some Tips for Holding a Moving Garage Sale

One thing you have to remember about moving sales is if you can’t plan them right, it’s better not to hold one at all. Just as planning is the key to a successful move, you’ll want to spend some time and effort organizing your moving garage sale. 

This should start with evaluating items you can sell. A good rule of thumb to follow is if you can’t donate them, you probably shouldn’t sell them. Think older TV sets or old copies of Reader’s Digest magazines. 

And of course, if something’s broken, dirty, or in otherwise poor condition, don’t bother selling it. Recycle it instead. 

Other things to plan include the date and time of the moving sale if you need special permits from local authorities, advertising, and pricing.

What to Do with Leftovers

If you weren’t able to sell everything, you might consider posting them on auction sites. But, make sure you still have some time to do this before your actual move.

Another way to deal with the unsold items is to donate them. The good thing about this option is if you get a receipt, those leftover items can be tax-deductible. 

Bonus: If you make donating a part of your de-cluttering routine, it’s going to be a lot easier for your home to be clutter-free.

Need More Moving Tips and Advice?

Now that you know some of the benefits of holding a moving sale, why not take this opportunity to learn more about moving and storage?

For more moving tips and advice, check out simple unpacking tips and essential things to consider when moving to a new area.

You may also browse the site if you need information on our moving services and the areas we serve.

 

 

If you’ve decided it is time to list your house for sale, you’re probably getting anxious about the next steps. While preparing your home for sale, there are several things you can do to get it ready to hit the market.

From purging to giving your home a fresh coat of paint, spending a little time on your home can go a long way toward getting your house sold.

Why Knowing How to Prepare Your House for Sale is Important

Preparing your house for sale is an essential part of getting it sold for several reasons. First, the more home prep you do before you list your home, the less you’ll have to do when it is ready to hit the market.

Prepping your home for sale can also help you sell it for more money. If some of the repairs and projects are done before buyers see it, you’ll make a much better first impression, and you’ll also be able to list your house for a little more.

Buyers want to see a house that needs very little work. If you properly prepped your home, buyers won’t be faced with as many projects, and it will make the house look cleaner and more updated.

Purge

One of the best things you can do before you list your home is to purge anything you don’t use.  Buyers don’t want to see all of your garbage, old boxes, and piles of mail everywhere. Realtor.com recommends the nine items to donate. 

The more you can part with, the bigger your home will feel. Try and empty as much as you can so you don’t have to pack it and unpack it when you move.

Declutter

People who have lived in a home for a long time tend to have a lot of clutter. Trinkets, photos, and personal items should be kept to a minimum during the home sale process. Forbes notes that moving is the best time to declutter. 

The cleaner your space is, the more potential buyers will be able to see your actual home. You want buyers to see your home’s assets and not just your clutter.

If you have a lot of items you want to store until you move, put some things in storage. The best part is that everything will be packed and out of your home until you move.  

Re-paint

If your home is explicitly painted to your taste, it may not be everyone’s preference. When listing your home for sale, you want it to appeal to the majority of buyers.

Before you put your home on the market, paint your walls with a fresh coat of neutral paint. This will make your home look cleaner and even larger. 

Hire a Local Moving Company

When you list your house for sale, you should probably start looking at some local movers. Professional household movers can help you with packing, moving, and even unpacking.

If you’re ready to get in touch with a local moving company, visit the contact page here to get a free estimate and get prepared for your upcoming move.

Moving can be stressful, scary, and a hassle. But you can make it easier by getting rid of clutter as you pack up your belongings.

So what things should you not pack up with you? We have a list of six things you should get rid of when you move.

1. Papers

We tend to hold on to paper for way too long. Toss old receipts and shred personal documents older than seven years.

Get rid of magazines, instruction manuals, old coupons, and other paper products. Some of them just seem to appear, so get rid of them.

If there’s something you want to hold on to, consider taking a picture of it instead. This is especially useful for recipes. This way, you still have a copy, but you don’t have the clutter.

2. Clothes

Does it fit properly? Does it match anything else in your closet? Do you feel good wearing it? Does it have holes, rips, or stains? When was the last time you wore it?

You shouldn’t discard your entire closet. But moving is a great time to purge your wardrobe.

When you sort through your clothes, consider the questions above. If it’s a piece you love and use, keep it. If not, donate it.

3. Bathroom and Cleaning Supplies

Our bathrooms are hoarding spots for barely useful supplies. When you’re moving, it’s time for a clean start. So, start by getting rid of all your unused and expired products.

Discard the bottle that only has a small bit of lotion left. The makeup that expired six months ago – toss it.

4. E-Waste

Do you have old phones, TVs, laptops, and speakers? What about that random box of cords in the drawer?

Go through all your old electronics and recycle them. E-waste has a substantial impact on the environment. So dispose of your electronics responsibly.

5. Bad Memories

Do you still have remnants of a broken relationship lying around your home? What about gifts you hate but you’re holding onto out of guilt?

Sort through your clutter. If it doesn’t make you happy, let it go. Your new home should be a place where you can create new, happy memories.

6. Anything Damaged or Broken

If you can fix it right now, go ahead. If not, it’s time to get rid of it. Taking damaged and broken things with you isn’t practical for a move.

Don’t move into your new home with a pile of projects. Start a clean slate. It’s time to move on.

Here are more common moving mistakes you should avoid. 

Get Rid of These 6 Things Each Time You Move

Get rid of clutter, things with bad memories, and more when you move. Doing so makes it easier to start over in a new place. And it makes your move easier too. You can make it easier on your movers by doing these six things. 

Is there a move in your future? Figure out your moving costs with a free quote today.

 

Moving is a stressful and chaotic experience, but the mayhem doesn’t stop once the truck is unloaded.

That’s only half the battle. 

Unpacking at your new home is exciting but a daunting task. Here are a few expert tips to help with the unpacking process. Use them to get organized and start off in your new home right.

Start With Good Packing

Begin packing with a strategy and a checklist. Make sure that you incorporate the following items on your to-do list.

Declutter Before you Pack

A household move allows you to decide which of your things are most meaningful to you. 

Go through your home room by room. Discard broken items. Then donate the other things you no longer use to charity.

Don’t move the stuff you don’t need or want! 

Create an Essentials Box

Pack a special essentials box filled with items you’ll need right after the move, in case you can’t get everything unpacked quickly. Make sure to include the following:

• Self-care item and medicines 
• A change of clothes
• Snacks
• Chargers, batteries, and cords
• Tools and Accessories

Label Everything Clearly

Unpacking is easier if your boxes are labeled. Include a brief inventory and room destination on each side of every box. 

Proper labeling also allows you to prioritize which boxes to unpack first and which ones can wait.

Prioritize Rooms to Unpack

Your efficient labeling will guide your boxes to the appropriate rooms at your new home. Have a plan to unpack rooms by priority level.

Start by unpacking the bathroom, bedrooms, and then the kitchen. Make sure the beds are made right away so that at the end of your long moving day, you have a place to crash and get a good night’s sleep for the next day of more unpacking and organizing.

Take Your Time With Additional Things

Once you’ve got some of your primary rooms unpacked – take your time with the secondary spaces and items. Rooms like the guest room and den can wait as can items like artwork, books, and decorative pieces.

There’s no rush to get these extras just right, but if you still haven’t unpacked those boxes after three months, set a deadline to motivate yourself!

Keep Trash Under Control

Between the bubble wrap, packing paper, and boxes, you’re sure to have lots of trash. Designate a place for all your moving-related trash so that you won’t have to go back through later to clean it all up.

Select a large, empty moving box or two and make those your “temporary trash cans.” Use one for recycling and the other for disposal.

Break down and fold the empty boxes and stack them. Have a plan ahead of time to recycle or pass on your gently-used boxes.

Enjoy the Moment

Appreciate your new home quicker by following these unpacking tips.

If you need help packing or with your household move, we can help. Contact us today so we can make your move the easiest one possible