Category: Moving Tips

Relocating to a new home can be both thrilling and demanding. Setting up utilities should be your top priority among the many things on your checklist to guarantee a seamless move into your new home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate setting up utilities for your household move.

1. Identify the Utilities You Need

Before diving into the setup process, list the utilities you’ll need in your new home. This commonly includes:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• Internet
• Television
• Phone
• Sanitation (Garbage Collection)

A clear understanding of which utilities you need will streamline the process and prevent you from overlooking any services.

2. Research Service Providers

Your next step is to research service providers in your new area. Your landlord, real estate agent, or home seller can often provide a list of local utility companies. However, it’s wise to conduct your own research to compare rates, services, and customer reviews.

For instance, when selecting an electricity provider, you can consult state utility score sheets or online reviews to evaluate different companies based on cost-effectiveness and reliability. The same applies to internet and phone service providers. Bundle deals that might save you money by combining multiple services.

3. Determine What’s Included in Your Agreement

If you’re moving into a rental property or a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA), check your lease agreement or HOA contract to see which utilities are covered. Some landlords or HOAs may cover specific utilities like water or garbage collection. Knowing what services are included can help you avoid double-paying for services.

4. Schedule Utility Connections Early

Utility companies can become very busy, especially during peak moving seasons like summer. Contact service providers several weeks in advance to ensure all your utilities are up and running when you move in. Scheduling early gives you ample time to handle any unexpected issues.

5. Keep Organized Records

Managing multiple utility accounts can become confusing, so staying organized is crucial. Create a checklist that includes the names of each utility provider, the dates services will start, account numbers, and customer service contact details. Keeping this information in one place will make it easier to manage and reference when needed.

6. Arrange for Termination of Old Services

Equally important is turning off utilities in your old home. Schedule the termination of services for your move-out date to avoid unnecessary charges. Settle all final bills and, if applicable, obtain any necessary refunds for deposits.

Moving Soon? Choose a Reliable Moving Company

While setting up utilities is essential to moving, working with a trustworthy moving company can further simplify your relocation. Professional movers can handle the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on other critical tasks, like setting up your new home. Contact us for a free moving quote.

Making these preparations ahead can help you avoid the common pitfalls associated with moving, ensuring your transition to your new home is seamless and stress-free.

Moving to a new place is a perfect opportunity to embrace a minimalist lifestyle. Not only does it make the household moving process smoother, but it also helps you start fresh in your new home without unnecessary clutter. Here are some minimalist tips to help you declutter before a move!

1. Start Early and Prepare

The earlier you start, the more manageable the process becomes. Create a timeline that breaks down the decluttering process, room by room. Starting early helps you avoid last-minute stress and gives you ample time to decide what to keep and discard.

2. Embrace the Four-Box Method

One of the most effective ways to declutter is using the four-box method. Label four boxes as “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Trash.” Put everything in one of these boxes as you go through your stuff. This method forces you to decide for each item, preventing you from keeping things you do not need.

3. Focus on One Room at a Time

Decluttering an entire house can feel overwhelming. To make it more manageable, focus on one room at a time. Start with the least used room, such as a guest bedroom or storage area, and work towards more frequently used spaces. This way, you can see progress quickly and stay motivated.

4. Digitize Where Possible

Scan important documents and photos to create digital copies. This reduces clutter and ensures that important information is safely backed up.

5. Limit Sentimental Items

While having sentimental attachments to certain items is natural, limiting these to a manageable amount is essential. Select a few meaningful items that truly bring you joy and let go of the rest. Consider taking photos of sentimental items you want to remember but don’t necessarily need to keep.

6. Consider Your New Space

Visualize your new home and consider the space available. This helps you determine what will fit and what won’t. It also encourages you to keep only those items that will serve a purpose or enhance the aesthetic of your new place.

7. Get Creative with Storage Solutions

Sometimes, all you need is a better way to organize your belongings. Invest in innovative solutions like under-bed storage, multi-functional furniture, and stackable containers. These can help maximize space and keep things tidy in your new home.

8. Stay Positive and Reward Yourself

Decluttering can be an emotional and exhausting process, so it’s essential to stay positive. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and reward yourself for reaching milestones. Treating yourself to a nice dinner, a relaxing bath, or a favorite activity helps maintain motivation.

Declutter Before Your Move

Following these minimalist tips can make your moving experience more enjoyable and start your new chapter with a clean slate. Remember, less is more; a clutter-free home can lead to a clutter-free mind. We move homes of all sizes, from single people to large families. Contact us for a free quote.

Selling your home while still living in it can be a bit of a juggling act, but it can also be a smooth and enjoyable process with the right approach. Here’s a guide to keeping your home in tip-top shape and show-ready for potential buyers as you prepare for your household move. 

1. Declutter Like a Pro

First things first, let’s tackle the clutter! Buyers love seeing a clean and organized space where they can envision their belongings. Here’s how to make it happen:

• Start with a Purge: Go through each room and remove anything you no longer need. Donate, sell, or store items that are not essential.

• Organize What’s Left: Use stylish baskets, bins, and storage solutions to keep everything neat. Labeling is your friend here!
  
• Less is More: Aim for a minimalist look. Clear countertops, tables, and other surfaces to create an open and inviting atmosphere.

Decluttering not only makes your home look better, but it also helps you get a head start on packing!

2. Create a Cleaning Routine

A clean home is a happy one, especially on the market. Establish a daily and weekly cleaning routine to keep your home sparkling and show-ready:

• Daily Tasks: Make the beds, wipe down kitchen and bathroom surfaces, and quickly tidy up each room. It only takes a few minutes, but it makes a big difference.
  
• Weekly Deep Clean: Dedicate weekly time to vacuuming, mopping floors, cleaning windows, and dusting all surfaces. Set aside a couple of hours on the weekend or break it up into smaller tasks throughout the week.
  
• Hire Help if Needed: If keeping up with cleaning feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to hire a professional cleaning service. It’s an investment that can pay off by making your home more appealing to buyers.

Keeping your home clean will make those last-minute showings much less stressful.

3. Stage Your Space

Staging your residence can enhance its appeal to prospective purchasers. You don’t need to spend a fortune; just a few strategic touches can make a significant impact:

• Highlight Key Features: Arrange furniture to showcase your home’s best features, like a fireplace, large windows, or spacious layout.
  
• Add Fresh Accents: Fresh flowers, stylish throw pillows, and cozy blankets can add warmth and charm. Scented candles or diffusers with a subtle, pleasant fragrance can create a welcoming atmosphere.
  
• Neutralize Decor: While your personal style is fabulous, neutralizing decor helps buyers envision themselves living in your space. Stick to a neutral color palette and remove overly personal items like family photos and unique collections.

Staging is all about making your home look its best and helping buyers fall in love at first sight.

4. Maintain the Exterior

First impressions matter, and the exterior of your home is the first thing buyers will see. Keep your curb appeal high with these tips:

• Keep the Lawn Neat: Regularly mow the lawn, trim bushes, and weed flower beds. A well-maintained yard looks inviting and shows that you care for your home.
  
• Clean and Tidy: Powerwash the driveway, sidewalks, and exterior walls. Ensure the front porch is clean and welcoming, with a nice doormat and perhaps a potted plant.
  
• Seasonal Touches: Add seasonal decorations like a wreath for the door or festive lights. Just keep it tasteful and not too personal.

A well-kept exterior sets the tone for the rest of the showing and invites buyers to see more.

Make Your Moving Experience a Breeze

Selling your home while living in it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little organization, regular cleaning, strategic staging, and maintaining your curb appeal, you can create an inviting and show-ready space that will wow potential buyers.

We can help simplify your household move. Contact us today for a free quote.

Long-distance moving can be exciting and stressful to plan. Amidst all the packing and organizing, it’s crucial to pay attention to the preparation of your vehicle. Whether driving across state lines or even across the country, ensuring your car is ready for the journey ahead is essential for a smooth relocation. Here are some crucial tips on how to prepare your vehicle for a long-distance move.

Service and Maintenance

Before hitting the road, schedule a comprehensive service and maintenance check for your vehicle. This should include an oil change, checking fluid levels, and inspecting the brakes, tires, and battery. Addressing any potential issues beforehand can prevent breakdowns during your journey.

Check Tire Pressure and Tread

Proper tire maintenance is critical for long-distance driving. Check the tire pressure and ensure it’s at the recommended levels. Inspect the tread depth and replace worn tires. Consider investing in all-weather or winter tires if driving through different weather conditions.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Prepare an emergency kit for your car. Include a flashlight, jumper cables, first aid supplies, essential tools, a spare tire, and a portable tire inflator. Additionally, include items like blankets, water, snacks, and a charged power bank for your electronic devices.

Clean and Organize

Clear out any unnecessary items from your vehicle to create more space for your belongings. Keep essential items readily accessible, such as a map or GPS device, registration and insurance documents, and any roadside assistance memberships.

Secure Your Belongings

If transporting belongings in your vehicle, ensure they are securely packed and properly distributed to avoid shifting during transit. Use cargo nets, bungee cords, or tie-down straps to secure larger items in place.

Check Vehicle Insurance

Review your vehicle insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for the duration of your trip. Consider adding roadside assistance coverage for peace of mind in unforeseen circumstances.

Plan Your Route

Plan your route and consider road conditions, weather forecasts, and rest stops along the way. Use GPS navigation or maps to familiarize yourself with the route and any potential detours or construction zones.

Stay Hydrated and Rested

Driving long distances is mentally and physically demanding. Stay hydrated by keeping water within reach, taking regular rest breaks, and stretching your legs. To prevent fatigue, avoid driving for extended periods without breaks.

Fuel Up and Monitor Fuel Use

Ensure your vehicle has a full gas tank before embarking on your journey. Monitor fuel use throughout the trip and plan refueling stops accordingly, especially in remote areas where gas stations may be scarce.

Drive Safely

Finally, prioritize safety above all else. Obey traffic laws, adhere to speed limits, and avoid distractions while driving. Be mindful of other drivers on the road and adjust your driving behavior based on weather and road conditions.

Relocate Successfully

Adhering to these essential recommendations ensures that you and your vehicle are well-prepared for a long-distance move. Contact us today for a free moving quote.

Packing your child’s bedroom for a move requires careful planning and organization to ensure you pack their belongings safely and efficiently. Children are very attached to their personal space and belongings; leaving that world behind can be emotionally distressing. It is essential to have a well-thought-out plan to make the process smoother for you and your child. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you pack your child’s bedroom effectively for a household move.

1. Declutter and Sort

Start by decluttering your child’s bedroom and sorting through their belongings. Encourage your child to help decide which items to keep, donate, or discard. This process reduces the amount of stuff you need to pack and ensures you only move essential and beloved items to your new home.

2. Gather Packing Supplies

Collect the necessary packing supplies, including various sturdy moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers for labeling, and any specialty boxes for fragile items or oddly shaped toys.

3. Strategize the Packing

Involve your child in packing to help them feel more stable during the move. Let your child independently pack items like stuffed animals, books, and toys. For more delicate items, guide them in wrapping and packing to ensure their safety during the move.

Timing is also crucial when packing your child’s bedroom. Many parents save their child’s room as one of the last areas to pack to maintain their comfort until the moving day arrives. Additionally, it’s a good idea to let your child keep a few comfort items with them that they don’t have to part with until the last minute.

4. Pack Non-Essentials First

Begin packing non-essential items first, such as out-of-season clothing, toys, books, and decorative items. Use small to medium-sized boxes for heavier items like books and toys and larger boxes for lightweight items like stuffed animals and bedding.

5. Disassemble Furniture

If your child’s furniture, such as beds or bookshelves, can be disassembled carefully, take the time to disassemble them. Keep all hardware, screws, and bolts organized in labeled bags or containers and tape them securely to the corresponding furniture pieces.

6. Label Boxes

Use a permanent marker to label each box with its contents and the room it will end up in. Consider using color-coded labels or stickers to make unpacking easier at your new home. Labeling boxes helps movers know where to place them in the new house.

7. Pack a “Moving Day” Box

Prepare a special box or suitcase with essential items your child will need on moving day and during the first few days in the new home. Include items such as favorite toys, books, pajamas, toiletries, and a change of clothes to keep your child comfortable and entertained during the transition.

8. Involve Your Child

Involve your child in the packing process as much as possible. Encourage them to help pack their belongings, decorate moving boxes with stickers or drawings, and decide what to keep or donate. This helps them feel included and prepared for the move.

Keep them involved and informed throughout the moving process, even after packing up your child’s bedroom. Encourage them to help with packing other areas, assign them tasks as big helpers, and keep them updated on the timeline of events. If time permits, take them to visit the new house and let them explore their new bedroom to help them feel more comfortable with the upcoming change.

Ready to Move?

Moving can be manageable when you have professional movers to assist you. Reach out for a no-obligation moving quote and make your transition to a new home as seamless as possible.

Having a baby is a significant life change, but having to move soon after the new bundle of joy arrives can feel overwhelming. Nevertheless, you can easily manage a household move with an infant with a few tips. Look at a few helpful tips when relocating with an infant.

Before You Go: Preparing Your Baby and Your Home for the Move

Getting prepared for the transition in advance will make moving simpler. Be sure you save packing all the baby’s things for last, so they are easily accessible until moving day. Additionally, take the time to label everything clearly so you can easily find what you need in the new place. Lastly, pack a separate bag or suitcase with all the essentials your baby will need during the move, including diapers, wipes, formula or breastmilk, snacks, toys, and a change of clothes. It is a good idea to keep more in this cache of supplies than what you would keep in a usually packed diaper bag. Keep this bag easily accessible throughout the journey.

On the Move: Making Traveling with Your Infant Easier

Traveling with an infant can always pose a few additional challenges. If your move will have you traveling a long distance, a few tips to keep in mind along the way include:

1. Plan for Pit Stops: Plan for frequent breaks to feed, change, and get in some cuddling time. Look for rest stops with family-friendly facilities where you can comfortably tend to your little one’s needs.
2. Comfort is Key: Create a cozy environment for your baby during the journey. Pack their favorite blankets, toys, and a familiar pacifier to help soothe them on the road if they get fussy.
3. Stay Flexible: Be prepared for unexpected delays or detours along the way by allowing extra time for travel. Traveling with a baby requires flexibility, so be ready to go with the flow and adapt to whatever challenges arise.

New Beginnings: Helping Your Baby Adapt to a New Home

Once you have made the primary transition to the new home, some work may still be left to help your little one adapt. Set up your baby’s nursery or sleeping area as soon as possible after moving in. A familiar and comfortable space will help them feel secure in their new surroundings. Additionally, stick to your baby’s established routines for feeding, sleeping, and playtime as much as possible. Consistency will provide a sense of stability during this period of change. While there may be some unavoidable bumps in the usual routine, the closer you can stick to the typical, the more secure your baby will feel.

Plan Your Transition with the Help of Professional Movers

Whether heading out on a long-distance move or relocating to a new neighborhood, remember to take it one step at a time and prioritize your baby’s comfort and well-being throughout the journey. To ensure your load is lighter, work with a professional moving company to help you handle the logistics so you can focus on the most important. Contact us for a free quote.

With more than 65 million households in America owning at least one dog, people will likely have to relocate with their furry friend. While some dogs can go through a residential move and change of scenery without any distress, others can be much more finicky about the process.

Moving can take extra planning and care if your pup falls into the latter group. Look at a few tips to keep your picky, easily distressed canine comfortable during your move.

Planning Ahead: Strategies for Pre-Move Pet Preparation

Arrange a caregiver for your dog before the move. On the day of the move, having a designated family member to hang out with your nervous pooch can be helpful. In some cases, this may mean that the person may not be involved with other aspects of the day, such as packing boxes or helping to move furniture, but the sacrifice will be well worth it.

A nervous dog is bound to get even more antsy when its surroundings are being dismantled, the humans are involved in a lot of motion and commotion, and there are strangers (movers) in the house to help. A designated caregiver will ensure the dog can be removed from alarming areas of the house and given attention as needed to keep it comfortable.

Making the Move Stress-Free: Tips for Traveling with Your Dog

If your dog is alarmed by traveling or has motion sickness, discuss this with your veterinarian before moving day. Your vet may recommend or prescribe medications or calming supplements to keep the dog calm during transport.

Be sure to invest in a dog crate to keep your pet contained and keep you safe while driving. A scared dog can pose a hazard to whoever is driving and others in the vehicle simultaneously.

Fetch Find offers a good list of tips to help when traveling with an anxious dog, such as conditioning your pet with short drives in advance and avoiding feeding just before a car ride.

Pack Essentials to Have On Hand

Prepare an essentials kit for your dog so the crucial items are readily available throughout the move. These ensure your dog’s comfort and well-being during the transition. Include:

• Food
• Collapsible bowls
• favorite toys and blankets 
• Medications 
• Medical records
• Identification tags 
• Leash and harness 
• Poop bags 
• First aid kit 

Home Sweet Home: Setting Up a Familiar Environment in Your New Place

Before transitioning your pet to the new home, take the initiative to make the location feel more like home. Dogs can be highly sensitive to smells, visuals, and even sounds. Therefore, addressing these elements in the space could be a good idea before introducing your pet.

For example, prepare a room in the house with something unwashed that smells like your family’s home. Bring in a few pieces of furniture or visual elements, such as a dog bed or a few toys. While noise may be beyond your control, you may be able to mask sounds or mimic the sounds of your former home. For instance, if you consistently watch a particular TV show, make sure this show is playing on the TV when the dog enters for the first time.

Get Professional Moving Help and Focus on Every Family Member

Moving is a significant transition, and dogs can have difficulty understanding the change. When you have four-legged family members to focus on during the move, having professional movers on your team can make things even more manageable. Contact us to discuss your moving needs.

A whirlwind of emotions often accompanies moving day as you prepare to say goodbye to your current home and embark on a new chapter of life. Acknowledging and understanding these feelings is essential for navigating the emotional rollercoaster of a household move. However, it can be easy to get so caught up in the emotional aspects of the move that it becomes difficult to handle the logistical applications of the process. Look at a few things to remember as you face a challenging move.

Acknowledging and Understanding the Feelings

Before the moving trucks arrive, take some time to reflect on the emotions you’re experiencing. Whether it’s sadness, excitement, anxiety, or a mix of everything, know that it’s perfectly normal to feel various emotions during this transition. By recognizing and accepting these emotions, you can process them more effectively. By contrast, trying to push them aside can sometimes lead to feeling more overwhelmed later on.

Supporting Each Other Through the Emotional Rollercoaster

Moving affects everyone in the family differently, so supporting each other through the ups and downs is essential. Openly discuss your feelings and listen to each other without judgment. As you navigate this emotional journey together, lean on your loved ones for comfort and encouragement. It may first seem like some household members are handling the change better than others. However, you may realize through open dialogue that you all feel the same emotions. This realization can make it easier to support one another as you move forward.

Documenting the Relocation Through Photos and Videos

One way to commemorate your time in your current home is by capturing memories through photos and videos. Take snapshots of your favorite rooms, memorable moments, and cherished belongings. Creating a digital or physical album of these memories can bring comfort and remind you of the good times you had in your previous home. In some ways, this act can be a symbolic process of saying goodbye and moving forward.

Symbolic Acts to Bid Farewell to Your Current Space

Engage in symbolic things to say goodbye to your current space and welcome the new chapter ahead. This could involve planting a tree in the backyard, leaving a note for the new owners, or hosting a farewell gathering with friends and family. These acts can help you find closure and create a sense of continuity as you transition to your new home.

Talking to Friends or a Professional Counselor

If you’re struggling to cope with the emotional challenges of moving, don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a professional counselor. Talking to someone who understands can provide valuable perspective and help you healthily process your feelings.

Soothe the Emotional Elements by Trusting Movers for Help

Moving is undoubtedly an emotional experience, but you can transition with grace and resilience with the proper support and coping strategies. If you’re overwhelmed by the prospect of saying goodbye to your current home, remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. Our experienced moving team is here to help with the transition and ensure a smooth relocation. Find out how we can help you by contacting us today.  

You just landed your dream job in a new city and now have to pack up your home and move quickly. Where do you even begin?! With so many moving pieces involved with a move, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But, with careful planning and quick action, you can have a successful, relatively stress-free residential move even on short notice.

Make a Plan

While your head is spinning from the news of an unexpected move, you need to take a moment to get organized and come up with a plan. Write down a list of everything that needs to happen to get out of your current home and into your next one. Create your list, placing time-sensitive tasks at the top of it. Keep to your to-do list so you can meet your tight moving deadline.

Start Making Calls

After making your to-do list, start making phone calls to help facilitate your relocation. For example, you may need to arrange short-term housing in your new city while you look for a house. Or, you might have to give your current landlord notice that you’ll be leaving. Call your utility companies to notify them when you’ll end your service. Contact a realtor to get your current house on the market if applicable. Of course, contact movers early to ensure your moving date is available.

Out with the Old

Now is the perfect time to purge your house. As you move from room to room, pack your belongings and discard anything that you haven’t or won’t use in the future. Putting the time and resources into packing items you’ll never use doesn’t make sense. Make sure to sort your discarded items into piles. Have a pile for items you plan to sell, items you want to donate, and those that can go straight to recycling.

Packing Supplies

Gather as many packing supplies as you can. While you can purchase your supplies at a store, remember to use your home resources. Shredded paper, plastic bags, and towels can all help protect some fragile items in boxes. Contact local businesses for boxes that vendors may have used for shipments, or contact your friends to see if they have moving supplies at home you can use.

Don’t Overthink—Pack

With limited time, you need to pack now and sort later. Do not worry about box “themes” or grouping similar items. Your goal is to get all of your belongings from your current home to your new one safely. If a limited time frame means you can not sort items optimally or keep an itemized list of what you packed where that’s okay. If you must combine dissimilar items when packing, ensure you wrap everything safely and securely. You can handle the sorting once you arrive at your new place.

While it might be tempting to skip the labeling task— don’t. Take the time to label your boxes. It will be to your advantage when you arrive at your new home. The boxes will make it into the appropriate rooms, and if you need something right away, you can scan your labels to find it.

Many Hands Make Light Work

Remember that you don’t have to pack your entire house alone. Many hands can make light work, so contact local friends and family to help you move. Have a fun weekend with friends while you work to pack your house. The more people who chip in to help, the less of a load the move will be on your shoulders.

Dedicate Time

It will be very easy to become engrossed in day-to-day activities while attempting to organize your move. Make sure to dedicate a particular amount of daily time to packing and organizing. Even if it is just an hour a day, keep that time aside to be productive with your move. When you have a deadline fast approaching, it can be shocking how quickly time can fly away.

Moving Quickly

With a professional moving team in your corner, you can rest easy for your next move. Caring, dedicated, and experienced professionals can move you and your family, even on short notice. To get a quote for your next move, contact us today.