Category: Moving Tips

If you’re getting ready to list your home for sale, one of the best things you can do is stage your house. If you do this, potential buyers will have an easier time imagining themselves in your home. According to a REALTOR® study, staged homes sell an average of 88% faster and for 20% more money than non-staged homes.

Where do you begin with staging your own home? There are some common mistakes to avoid when prepping your house to sell.

1. Getting Too Personal With Your Decor

Remember that the primary goal of staging is to help your potential buyers see themselves living in the home. This isn’t easy to do if framed photos of your family and other personal decor (like sports memorabilia) are all over the walls. So when you begin staging, one of the first things you should do is remove any personal decor and replace it with something more generic and neutral.

2. Choosing a Style That’s Too Trendy

As tempting as it may be to go trendy with your furnishings and decor while staging, the reality is that this can alienate and turn off potential buyers. Trendy design choices like fake shiplap walls won’t appeal to every buyer—and they may be highly unappealing to some segments of buyers.

Rather than going trendy with your staging, consider a more traditional and timeless design. For example, simple area rugs and abstract art can help blur the lines between conventional and trendy.

3. Overlooking the Lighting

Lighting can make a significant difference when staging a home, yet you can easily overlook this detail. Invite as much natural light into your space as possible by removing heavy window treatments during the staging process. Likewise, take time to add light sources to rooms where they may be lacking—and always opt for warmer lighting over cooler lighting.

Most importantly, ensure your lighting is consistent from one fixture to the next. This means that each light should have the same warmth and brightness level.

4. Forgetting About Photography

Remember that someone will photograph your staged home to create your formal listing before your house hits the market, and your staging should reflect this. People often need to consider how a staged room will photograph. The result may be a space that looks great in person but fails to attract potential buyers because the listing photos need to be more appealing and cohesive.

List Your Home With Confidence

Staging your home can make it much easier to sell, but only when you do it correctly. So take care to avoid these mistakes in your staging efforts, and you’ll be in better shape. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that you can always hire a professional stager to help you.

Once your home sells and you’re ready to move, having a team of professional movers by your side can also make all the difference. So contact our knowledgeable and experienced moving team to request your free moving quote today!

Moving is undeniably one of the most significant undertakings most people will navigate. However, having access to skilled professional movers can make your job easier. While you will leave the heavy lifting and transport of your belongings to the professionals, you can do a few things to ensure a smooth process. 

Take a few simple tips to ensure your chosen movers have an easy day and your move goes as planned.

1. Make room for parking.

Depending on the size of your home and how much you have to move, the moving truck needed for the job can be a sizable vehicle. Some moving trucks are as much as 26 feet. For the movers to do their jobs as efficiently as possible, they will need space to park the moving truck close to the house or apartment. 

To make sure there is ample room for parking such a large vehicle:

• Move your own cars out of the way
• Talk to your neighbors about possibly moving their vehicles for the day
• Remove any yard decor or outdoor furniture that could be in the way

2. Clear the way to your front door.

The front or largest door in your home will likely be the movers’ primary entry and exit point. Therefore, clear the area around the main entrance and exit doors before moving day. The movers will navigate in and out the door with their equipment and bulky furniture. 

Move anything that could impede the process, such as:

• Planters or potted plants
• Freestanding statues or porch decorations
• Welcome mats that could pose a trip hazard
• Wreaths or other decor hanging on the door
• Porch furniture

3. Make sure everything is prepared and packed.

When you hire professional movers, the goal will be to have everything in boxes and ready to load onto the truck. If the movers have to wait on you to pack boxes, this cuts into the time needed to load the truck and transport your items. Therefore, it is best to get started well in advance so you know you have time to complete packing before moving day arrives.

4. Label your boxes according to room placement.

As you pack your boxes, be sure to label each carton. Marking the box according to the contents is essential for you when you start unpacking. However, the movers benefit from you labeling boxes according to what room they should be placed in during unloading. This helps the movers load the moving truck so the unloading is streamlined, and all your boxes will be in the appropriate rooms at the new place.

5. Plan to be present.

Sometimes movers may need the homeowner’s guidance when questions arise. Further, you can help the movers navigate your home and point out items that may need to stay.

Move the Easy Way

Are you getting prepared for your upcoming move? Hire professional movers. Contact our team to request a no-obligation moving quote today.

 

Moving from one home to a new home typically involves multiple to-do lists. One essential list involves assembling your first-night box. As you pack these items for your household members, remember that your pets will need their essentials too.

1. Carrier/Crate

You’ll need a pet carrier to transport your furry friends to their new homes safely. Be sure to tuck in a comfortable blanket or other material your pet is familiar with to help them feel comfortable and secure.

2. Collars and Leashes

Before you leave, double-check to ensure your pet’s collar has an engraving of your name, phone number, and new address. Hectic events like moves can scare a pet. If they run off during the chaos, the person finding them can ensure they return home to you.

Once you arrive, your dog will likely need a walk fairly quickly. Remember to bring a leash for each dog you own.

Pro Tip: If your pet is microchipped and registered, update the details on your account. Change your address, phone number, and email address as needed. Additionally, you can update your veterinarian or insurance information or change your pet’s name.

3. Food

Plan to pack enough pet food to last a few days, so you aren’t digging through moving boxes or running from store to store to find the type of food your pet eats, especially if they’re on a special diet. This way, your pet can keep up its standard routine, and you won’t be stuck dealing with an upset tummy and extra clean-up tasks.

4. Dishes

Remember to tuck in suitable water and food bowls for your pets. This way, you don’t need to grab the first thing you find, such as your vintage dishes or mom’s China bowls.

5. Toys

Your pets will feel more comfortable and less stressed if familiar items surround them. So, pack a few of their favorite playthings, including chew toys, bones, catnip, or small toys they can use to bat around and play.

6. Litter Box/Poop Bags

Like humans, pets will need to do their business when they arrive. One of your first to-do tasks is to plan to take your pup for a walk and set up a litter box for your kitty. This way, they don’t find their own places to go, which will likely be the opposite of your plans.

When you take your dog for its walk, be sure to bring poop bags. Many communities have strict laws and issue fines to people who don’t pick up pet waste. You don’t want to be caught without any means to pick up after your canine, upsetting your neighbors. Besides, it creates a mess.

7. Bedding

If your pet typically sleeps in a specific bed, pack it in a place where you can easily find it. If not, pack a comfortable quilt or blanket for them to sleep on. (Unless, of course, they usually cuddle up with you!)

Ready to Plan Your Upcoming Move?

Making sure your furry pals have essential items they need, along with a few niceties, can go a long way towards giving them an easier transition to a new home. Pets, like humans, can get stressed, and perhaps even more so, since they don’t know what’s happening.

Ready to plan your move? Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help ensure you have a seamless move. We offer free quotes.

Proper packing is one key to a successful household move. Packing can be an art form. Here are some common packing mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Starting Too Late

Procrastination is a part of human nature. However, if you wait too long to begin packing, you may have to rush at the end and make mistakes. Packing almost always takes longer than expected, so start packing as soon as possible.

2. Failing to Plan

Packing is a project. Projects go more smoothly if you develop a plan before just diving in. Decide which rooms you’ll pack up first and which rooms and items you’ll leave for last. You’ll also plan what to do to prepare each room for packing.

Also, decide what necessities you’ll need to pack separately and keep that essentials box with you in your car.

3. Inadequately Decluttering

Chances are, you have many items in your home that you haven’t used for years and don’t plan to use. Moving costs are based on the amount of stuff you have, regardless of whether the mover charges by weight, volume, or time required. So you can save money by removing those items you never use.

As soon as you start thinking about moving, start sorting. Put items in four piles: to keep, to discard, to sell, and to give away. You can sell items in a yard sale or online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook. Local charities also will take many of your unwanted items.

4. Lacking Supplies

Effective packing requires the right moving supplies. You’ll need the following:

• A collection of quality boxes. You’ll need plenty of each size. Your mover might provide moving cartons, or you can buy some from home goods stores. Avoid the temptation to use containers that weren’t made for moving.
• Packing tape. Have a dispenser for each family member that is helping to pack.
• Packing materials. You’ll need packing materials, such as packing paper and bubble wrap, in the boxes to protect your items. Packing paper is better than a newspaper because the ink can transfer to your belongings.
• Permanent markers. You’ll want to write the room destination for each box on all sides.

5. Overstuffing the Boxes

Before you start stuffing the box, find its capacity. Then be sure to keep your packing within that capacity. Putting too much in the box will break and spill your stuff on the floor. Remember that small cartons are better for packing heavy items, and no packed box should weigh more than 50 pounds.

6. Striving for Perfectionism

Doing an excellent job of packing is essential. However, perfection is probably not achievable. You’ve done enough as long as you’ve wrapped each item and packed it properly in a solid moving box. Avoid adding stress by demanding perfection from yourself or others helping you pack.

7. Disregarding Professional Packing Help

When you get estimates, it’s worth asking the movers how much they’d charge for packing your household. Often the cost is less than you expect, and having the professionals pack takes much of the pressure off you.

Pack It up and Move It Out

If you’re moving, contact us. We can help you pack or help you do it yourself. We do everything to ensure your move goes smoothly.

 

 

 

Deciding to move into a larger home is an important decision. While larger homes offer more space, they generally cost more and require more maintenance. Sometimes, however, a larger home is the only way to live comfortably.

Here are some common reasons for needing a larger home.

1. Growing Family

Perhaps you bought your new home when you first became a couple. However, now, you have a dog, a cat, a child, and another child on the way. As a result, the tiny home that once was perfect is now getting a bit cramped.

Living in a home that is too small can be frustrating. If you’re beginning to feel squeezed, it’s time to move to a larger space.

2. Solid Finances

When you first got your job, you probably had little savings and may have had to settle for a home that was too cozy. However, now that you’ve been working awhile, your income is higher, and your savings have grown. As a result, you can afford a larger place.

The time might be suitable to consider moving to a more spacious home if

• Your income has increased, so your debt-to-income ratio will be good.
• You have a healthy emergency savings fund.
• Your credit scores are good to excellent.

3. Need Space for Your New Lifestyle

Our lifestyles often change, and some changes can require additional living space. For example, you’ve taken on a new hobby, such as painting, collecting antiques, or woodworking. Moving your hobby supplies back and forth from the kitchen table to a closet daily can become annoying.

Or, you’ve started exercising at home and need a dedicated space for your sports equipment. Or, you’ve developed a meditation practice that needs a quiet room.

You may also have recently started working from home. You may find concentration difficult if you only have the kitchen table as a workspace. If you’ve created a business from your home, such as tax preparation or hair styling, you’ll need a dedicated space to welcome customers.

4. Friends or Family Visit More Often

Finding a place to put relatives in a small space can be difficult, especially as they age. Sleeping on the couch or in sleeping bags on the floor may not work as well as it did when your friends were just out of college. Moving to a larger place can provide a dedicated guest room.

5. Parents are Moving In

As parents age, they may become unable to live independently as they once did. Or, you may worry about them and want to keep them close. A larger home creates the opportunity for an in-law suite.

6. Need a (Larger) Yard

Your current home may be a townhome or condominium with no or small yard. But, now you need space for children and pets to play or to entertain friends outside. Or, you’ve taken up gardening. A new home can provide more external space, as well.

Make the Transition

If you plan to move to a larger house, we can help ensure the move goes smoothly. Contact us today for a free quote.

 

 

 

 

Moving is the perfect time to sort through your belongings and purge those items you no longer use. Many things, however, may have value for others, and you could pick up some pre-moving cash by holding a garage or yard sale.

If you are preparing for a residential move, here are some tips for a successful pre-move sale.

Choose the Best Day

Be smart about the day and time. Usually, a weekend day is best. Avoid days when other significant events are happening in your town, such as a parade or sports event.

Start in the morning and plan to continue until evening. Be prepared for early bird shoppers arriving before the posted time.

Check on Local Rules

Most localities are lenient about garage sales. But, to be sure, call your town hall for any applicable rules.

Invite Neighbors

Shoppers are more likely to come if you are having a multi-family sale. Ask your neighbors if they’d like to participate. If so, advertise it as a community yard sale.

Make an Inventory

Make a list of all the items you’d like to sell. Then, organize the items in one place until the big day. The inventory will help you stay organized and may help you answer specific questions from potential buyers.

Market

The more people who know about your sale, the better. Put signs up on the main thoroughfare nearest your home a few days ahead of the date. Also, post an announcement on your social media and community pages. Post fliers at local businesses. If you have special items, list those to boost interest.

Gather Supplies

You’ll need plenty of pricing stickers, which you can buy at the dollar store. You’ll also need a table and chairs for checking people out and tables to display your items.

One security tip: Consider wearing a fanny pack instead of using a cash box. With a fanny pack, you can always keep the cash you’ve earned with you.

Make Items Attractive

Make your items as attractive as possible. Clean and dust them. Fill bicycle tires. Put batteries in items that require them. Have an extension cord handy to let buyers test out electrical appliances.

Price Your Items Well

Pricing is a crucial factor in the sale’s success. Of course, you want to make money, but you also want to avoid scaring buyers away. So here are some pricing tips:

• Research items on online sites such as eBay and Craigslist. Consider choosing a median price if you see different prices for the same thing.
• A good rule of thumb is to price items at 5 percent to 10 percent of their original retail price. Used clothes prices are different. Baby clothes generally are $1 to $3; adult clothes are $3 to $5. Shoes are $5 to $7.
• Group smaller items and offer a deal for buying the whole grouping.
• Make pricing easily visible.
• Be prepared to negotiate, but don’t overprice. Buyers will walk away if the prices are too high rather than make an offer.
• If your item is worth more than you can get at a garage sale, consider taking it to a consignment shop or selling it online.

Moving Done Right

Choose your mover as carefully as you’ve prepared for your yard sale. Contact us for attention to detail and excellent service. We can help you with a stress-free move.

 

 

Moving can be a demanding experience, but it’s made more manageable in various ways by hiring a professional moving company. Whether you’re moving across town or the country, it’s helpful to hire a moving company that will help make your experience more positive overall. Here we’ll discuss why you should hire a professional moving company for your upcoming relocation.

1. Manpower Reliability

DIY moves require finding vehicles with enough room, recruiting people to help, and making multiple trips back and forth, which can be exhausting. In addition, while family and friends are generous in offering to help you move, circumstances can change, and you might find yourself without the help you need on moving day. Professionals handle all the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to worry about it.

When working with an industry-recognized moving company, you can trust they’ll do what they say they’ll do. After all, an established business is incentivized to follow through on promises. In addition, established companies rely on referrals from happy customers to keep their business going.

2. Protect Your Possessions from Breakage or Loss

No one knows how to protect your possessions from breakage or loss during a relocation like an experienced, qualified moving company. When you hire a moving company to perform your move, you can trust that your movers will know how to transport your items without causing damage to your possessions.

If you try to move your items independently without help from a moving company, you could put your belongings at risk. It’s easy to drop boxes, misplace things and cause damage if you’re not used to moving. When you hire movers, you hire professionals to get the work done right. They have special training and equipment to get through your relocation safely and efficiently.

3. Provides Personal Safety

Moving an entire household is time-consuming, and some can be dangerous from a safety standpoint. For example, carrying heavy items downstairs can be tricky and lead to injury, while lousy weather creates slipping hazards on relocation day. However, professional movers know how to carry belongings safely and protect themselves from injuries. In addition, they have a lot of experience moving in less-than-ideal conditions and know the precautions to take.

4. Saves Time

The planning involved in both local and long-distance moves can seem endless. You’ll need to settle your landlord’s and utility companies’ accounts if you’re renting. You must follow the details of the contract to the letter if you have sold your home. You will need to set up utilities and services in your new home and take other transitionary steps if you have children or have changed jobs. By hiring a professional mover, you’ll have more time to focus and ensure you don’t inadvertently overlook any necessary details.

It’s Worth It to Hire a Professional Moving Company

Are you relocating soon? Then, contact us to get started with a quote for your upcoming relocation.

We look forward to helping you.

 

 

You’re finally in your new home after weeks of planning and moving. The amount of work awaiting you seems overwhelming. Here are ten things to do during the first week in your new home.

1. Change the Locks and Code

You’ll feel more secure if you are the only person with access to your new home and garage. Change the locks on your doors and the codes for your garage doors. Also, consider whether you need a security system and if so, make an appointment.

2. Make a Safety Inspection

Walk through your new home to be sure to eliminate safety hazards. Check to ensure that all the smoke alarms have fresh batteries. Inspect the furnace and appliances, and ensure your house number is clearly visible from the street in case of an emergency. Finally, childproof the home if you think any little ones will be afoot.

3. Unpack

Unpack your boxes, starting with essentials first. Bedrooms and bathrooms are a high priority. Organizing the kitchen, at least so you can prepare simple meals, is also at the top of the list.

4. Change your Address

If you still need to, change your mailing address to keep receiving mail. Be sure to notify credit card companies, utilities, and others that send you bills about your new residence.

5. Locate the Fuse Box and Water Valve

Be sure you know where your fuse box is in case you blow a fuse. Also, locate the primary water valve in case of an emergency.

6. Compile Your Paperwork

New residences come with a lot of paperwork, including leases, mortgage paperwork, and homeowners association bylaws. Find all your paperwork and file it in a safe space. You also should read your homeowner association bylaws and guidelines to know what you need to do to gain approval for any exterior changes you might make to your new home.

7. Go Shopping

New homes need a lot of items. First, you’ll need to stock the fridge. You’ll also need to buy small items such as shower curtains and cleaning products. Depending on the season, you may also need garden tools.

8. Get Acquainted

You’ll also want to take some time to get acquainted with your neighborhood and neighbors. Walk around the area at times when other neighbors are outdoors and introduce yourself. Also, observe your neighbors for opportunities when you can help them with a small task to introduce yourself.

Then do some driving. Map out your way to work, school, and the nearest gym. Next, look for banks, restaurants, and other services.

9. Collect Emergency Numbers

Collect numbers for your doctor, your child’s school, the nearest hospital, and other services and put them on your fridge and in your phone. They’ll be handy if you need them quickly.

10. Take Some Time to Relax

Moving is a lot of work and stressful. Take some time to relax and participate in activities you enjoy. For example, you might eat at a local restaurant, schedule a massage, or take some time to listen to music.

 Need Moving Help

Our residential moving services include both local and long-haul moves. So whether you require full-service household movers or only need help with the heavy lifting, we can help.

So, complete the form for a free moving quote today. 

 

When planning a residential move, it’s easy to leave specific tasks until the end. After all, you’ve got a lot on your to-do list, from disassembling furniture to carefully wrapping breakable items to keep them safe.

It’s all too easy to leave the contents of your dresser and closet until the end. Unfortunately, that means your clothes are thrown haphazardly in boxes — then come out at the other end of the move wrinkled and musty.

Fortunately, some methods can help keep your garments fresh and damage-free. Read on for clothes-packing tips to ease your next move.

Curate Your Collection

A move is a perfect time to go through your closet and get rid of any clothes you no longer need. Sort your clothing and identify items you won’t wear anymore, such as

• Damaged or stained pieces
• Items that haven’t fit or you haven’t worn for a year
• Clothing that’s outdated or no longer fits your style
• Garments that feel uncomfortable

Donate clothing that’s still wearable. If an item is damaged, don’t throw it away. Most textiles are recyclable, so keep them out of landfills.

Bag and Hanger Method

Now that you’ve pared down your wardrobe, how do you decide the best way to pack it all up? The bag and hanger method is one of the easiest ways to pack a closet.

Leaving your garments on their hangers, slide several pieces close together. Next, open a drawstring garbage bag. Slip the opening over the bottom of the hanging clothing.

Bring the bag up to the top and tie the drawstring securely around the necks of the hangers. Leave the hooks out. The bagged clothing can be left on the hanger until you’re ready to load the moving truck. Transfer the hanging clothes bags to moving cartons to make them easier to transport.

Pro tip: If your hanging clothing is delicate, use a garment bag instead of a garbage bag. Secure the hanger hooks with a twist tie or rubber band.

Wardrobe Box Method

When hanging garments need more protection, use a wardrobe box. These large, sturdy boxes have a hanger bar built right in.

Leave your delicate clothing on their hangers, and transfer them directly into the wardrobe box. Place pillows or light comforters below the clothes if you need extra packing space for these items. Make sure you don’t put heavy items in the box since it is already large and loading it with heavy things will make it challenging to carry.

 Suitcase Method

Suitcases and duffel bags are designed to transport clothing. So, why not use them when you’re moving, too?

Start by neatly folding bulky clothing, such as jeans, sweaters, and sweatshirts. Then stack the folded items into piles and layer them in the suitcase. If you have vacuum-sealing bags, this is the perfect time to use them.

Smaller, light items, such as t-shirts, can be rolled. The so-called “ranger roll” method saves space and helps prevent wrinkles.

Dresser Drawer Method

If your clothes are already neatly folded and stacked (or rolled) in your dresser, you can leave them where they are. Then on moving day, remove each drawer and wrap it with plastic wrap to keep clothing in place.

When you arrive in your new home, simply remove the wrap. Then the drawers can go right back into your dresser, clothes intact!

Moving Tips

These tips can help you move your clothing without fear of damage. Contact us for a quote. We can help make your entire move a success.

A “first-night” moving kit contains all of the necessary items you will need upon arrival at your new home. Most people use this kit to lower stress and avoid scurrying through boxes to find things they may need during the first night in their new home.

First-night kits make your life so much easier during a hectic household move. Here are some top tips for how to pack one.

Choose Your Box

You can use a suitcase, plastic container, or cardboard box to gather your necessities. If needed, use more than one container or a variety of box types. For instance, each family member may have a designated box or backpack with essential items. In addition, you may have a general box that contains household-specific items. Having all of your necessities together in one spot before you unpack is critical. 

Select Items Carefully

Consider the things you’ll probably need for each family member on arrival. Don’t forget; you’ll need to remember items for each household member or furry friend. Common items people need include:

• Pajamas for each individual
• First day’s clothes for each person
• Basic cleaning supplies, including mop, broom, dustpan
• Sheets, pillowcases, and blankets
• Towels and washcloths
• Shower curtain, hooks, and bathroom mat
• Soaps for kitchen and bathroom
• Snacks and drinks
• Bowls, food, bedding, and toys for pets
• Special toys or sleep items for children
• Paper and plastic products for meals
• Reusable water bottles, sippy cups, and baby bottles
• Personal hygiene items
• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Electronics and chargers

These are a few of the common types of items people pack. Consider having a separate cooler or backpack for your consumables. This is helpful if you have a long car ride ahead of you.

Watch Out for Restricted Items

Movers are not permitted to transport certain types of items. If your kit must go on the truck, ensure it doesn’t contain things they won’t be allowed to take. Always ask your professional mover ahead of time about any prohibited or restricted items they cannot place on the truck. Then, if you need them, you have time to make other arrangements.

Make Your Kit Accessible

One of the most important things to arrange is to keep your first-night moving kit accessible. Ideally, you want to bring it with you in your vehicle. However, if you have a large household or small car that can’t fit your kit, label it “FIRST-NIGHT” and then ask your mover to load it on the truck last, so it’s the first thing off.

Making Moving Easy!

One of the best things about a moving kit is that you have what you need when you need it. You don’t have to worry about digging through boxes. Not having essential items accessible costs you more money, adds stress and wastes valuable time looking for things.

For a free quote, contact us today. We’re happy to answer any questions about relocation.