Category: Moving Tips

It’s hard to overstate how valuable elevators are in modern life. Not only do they allow us to access tall buildings, but they make moving so much easier. So, if you’re moving into an apartment building without an elevator, you must adapt accordingly. Another consideration is that some elevators may not be operational on moving days or are too small to accommodate large pieces of furniture.

Regardless of the circumstances, here are some top tips on managing when moving into an upstairs location without elevator access.

1. Measure All Large Items

Moving heavy furniture like a couch or table up the stairs can quickly become tricky if you jam it into a narrow space. In such a scenario, you might have to resort to destructive measures like breaking the furniture to remove it.

To avoid this, measure your larger items (like a couch) and the stairwell. As long as the piece isn’t too wide or cumbersome, you should be able to wiggle it around and make it work.

2. Disassemble Everything You Can

Sometimes, you can take apart furniture before moving it. While this process can be time-consuming, it will make moving much more manageable. While items like couches and chairs can’t be broken down (without significant challenges), certain tables, dressers, and other pieces can. Just make sure to keep any accessories with the piece so they don’t get separated (i.e., screws and bolts).

3. Consider Shedding Bulky Furniture

If you’re moving without a working elevator, you may have to make some hard choices. Is it better to keep your existing furniture or downsize to something small and compact? You don’t want to take this decision lightly, but consider how easy it will be to move in and out of your new home.

4. Use Dollies and Hand Trucks As Appropriate

A dolly is a flat piece with wheels, while a hand truck has a tall handle for grabbing. A hand truck can often navigate each step easily when carrying items up a flight of stairs, while a dolly cannot. That said, dollies can make moving heavy items through hallways easier so you don’t overexert yourself.

Also, remember that you should strap your belongings to a hand truck so they don’t fall off accidentally.

5. Start With Heavier Items

Depending on how much stuff you’re moving, you want to be strategic with how you use your time and energy. At the beginning of the move, you’ll be able to handle heavy belongings more easily. If you wait until the end of the day, you’ll be tired and sore, and moving a heavy piece may seem impossible.

6. Use Bumper Pads to Protect Walls

Bumper pads are thin, padded sheets that you can place on the corners of furniture to protect it from dings and scratches. They are also helpful in preventing wall damage from heavy furniture.

7. Get Lots of Help

Ideally, you can have three or four people helping you with moving items up and down the stairs. This way, individuals can take breaks without disrupting the flow of the move. Also, having more people makes it easier to block off stairwells, doorways, and hallways when moving items through the building.

8. Utilize Full-Service Movers

Professional moving experts are always the best to ask for advice when moving large furniture. Hire a professional mover if you need serious assistance. They have the experience and know how to handle various, unique moving situations.

Let Us Lighten Your Moving Load!

If you want to avoid moving your belongings yourself, let our professional movers handle the stress for you. Not only do we have a vast amount of experience moving items, but we also know what to anticipate and can plan accordingly. In most cases, hiring movers is significantly more convenient and stress-free, so contact us immediately for a free estimate!

While many people make it their goal to move to larger homes each time they relocate, there are some benefits to moving to a smaller property. From money savings to energy savings and other benefits, there are many reasons to move from a large home to a smaller home. If you have an upcoming relocation and you’re trying to decide where to live, these reasons to move into a smaller home can help you decide whether a smaller home is the right type of house for you.

1. Save Money on Utilities

Smaller homes require less heating and cooling energy, which means lower utility costs. You can further reduce the money you spend on utilities every month by weatherstripping your home and boosting insulation in the attic. Wearing sweaters in the winter and running the ceiling fan in summer is another way to keep yourself comfortable indoors without spending more money on heating and cooling costs.

2. Easier to Maintain

Smaller homes tend to be easier to maintain than larger ones because they have fewer rooms and less square footage. For many people, this means less mess to clean up weekly, potentially a smaller yard to maintain, and some maintenance tasks (like painting the walls) taking less time. If you’re tired of cleaning and maintaining your current home, a smaller one could be a welcome change.

3. Less Expensive to Maintain

Just as a smaller home is easier to maintain, it costs less. The smaller your house is, the less you’ll spend on cleaning services and products. The same goes for specific maintenance tasks like painting the walls: the smaller your home is, the less money a contractor will charge.

4. Frees Up Funds for Other Things

Choosing a smaller home can free up funds for other priorities, such as travel, business investments, or even a dream water view. Consider what you might gain by sacrificing some square footage before deciding you “need” a certain amount of space.

5. Easier to Sell Later

Smaller homes tend to cost less, and that often makes them appeal to a broader range of home buyers when the time comes to sell. Larger, more expensive homes appeal to a smaller number of people, and that can make them hard to sell when you put them on the market.

6. Modest Homes Can Feel Roomy

A house does not necessarily have to feel small inside because its footprint is modest. Compared to a much larger home with an awkward floor plan, a smaller home with a well-thought-out design can feel just as spacious (if not more so) and has fewer hassles.

Ready to Relocate? Find the Right Movers

It’s essential to find a reputable moving company you can trust to be reliable and careful with your things. If you’re moving soon, find the right moving company. Contact us today for a quote.

Are you thinking about listing your home for sale soon? If so, and if you’re interested in maximizing resale value with some home improvements you can enjoy in the meantime, the possibilities are endless. Of course, not all projects come with the same return on your investment—so you’ll want to be savvy about which ones you decide to tackle.

Here’s a list of a few home upgrades with the best return on investment (ROI) to boost your resale potential while enjoying your home a little more before you sell.

1. Adding a Deck or Patio

If your property doesn’t already have a great deck or patio space, adding one can yield an 80% ROI (or greater) when it comes time to sell. That’s because today’s home buyers prioritize outdoor living space more than ever, preferring to spend quality time with family and friends while enjoying some fresh air.

If you decide to add a deck or patio to your home before you list, thoughtful design is key. Your deck or patio should serve as an extension of your indoor living space—so if there’s a way to add an exterior door that leads directly to your new deck, that’s ideal.

2. Refreshing an Outdated Bathroom

Updating an older bathroom can also be a great way to boost the sale price of your home while enjoying a decent return on your investment. Ultimately, the ROI you can expect from this project will depend on how extensive of a remodel you’re doing. Even for a minor bathroom update, however, it’s not uncommon to enjoy a $1.71 return for every dollar you spend.

If you want to maximize the ROI on your bathroom upgrade, start by making necessary repairs (like replacing cracked tiles or installing a new vent fan). From there, you can focus on more cosmetic upgrades, like painting a dated vanity and refreshing hardware/fixtures.

3. Upgrading an Older Kitchen

Kitchen spaces are among the most important considerations for today’s home buyers. If your kitchen looks a little dated, making some much-needed upgrades before you list could drastically increase your final sale price. A kitchen remodel yields an average ROI of about 81% for most homeowners.

If you decide to go this route, opt for a design that will appeal to the broadest segment of buyers possible. Rather than choosing bold colors and polarizing patterns that may turn off some buyers, it’s generally best to stick with more traditional and neutral choices. This will help you maximize the ROI of your project and sell your home as quickly as possible when the time comes.

Preparing for a Move?

Sometimes, spending a little money now makes sense to make more money down the road. If your home lacks a great outdoor space or needs an updated bathroom or kitchen, you may want to tackle these projects before you list your home. From there, you’ll easily sell in a competitive market. Check with a local realtor to see how an upgrade can boost your forthcoming sale.

When it does come time for your next move, hiring an experienced team of professional movers can also make all the difference. Contact us to request your free quote!

 

Your upcoming local relocation is undoubtedly weighing heavily on your mind. Understanding the steps to your local relocation can help you make the event successful. Below are five steps to conduct a successful local relocation. Following these steps can help you complete your relocation and start your new life in your new home.

1. Declutter

Clutter is a challenge when you’re relocating. Clutter makes packing more difficult and also can make moving more expensive. The more stuff you bring when you move, the more you’ll pay to move it. If you can get rid of some of that clutter before you begin packing, you can meaningfully reduce the cost of your move. Decluttering also makes the packing and unpacking process easier, faster, and more rewarding.

Decluttering is a process. Do this room by room, cleaning out closets and drawers and removing clutter from surfaces you don’t need. Give it away if you last used something two years ago or more. If you’re unsure what to do with something, run it past a family member or friend. When you come upon sentimental items you’re not sure whether to keep, consider gifting those items to someone else who will also find them meaningful.

2. Buy Supplies

Buy packing supplies to have them on hand the entire time you move. Some examples of the types of packing supplies that you’ll need to include:

• Boxes (all sizes and dimensions)
• Bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• Permanent markers (thick ones)
• Scissors
• Packing paper

You may also benefit from labels you can pre-print with the names of rooms on them. This will make designating which room each box goes in more straightforward and reduce the time you spend writing the names of rooms on boxes. Keep plenty of supplies on hand while packing. Always have extras, so you won’t have to wander around looking for the one pair of scissors or packing tape you set down somewhere.

3. Pack

Make a packing plan. A packing plan will ensure you have enough time to get through the entire packing process before the movers come.

4. Prepare for Your Arrival

You can prepare for your arrival at your new home in many ways. What you do in this step depends on what your needs are. Some examples of the type of preparation you might need include:

• Turn on utilities at your new home
• Buy curtains and blinds that fit your new windows
• Buy furnishings that fit in your new home
• Tear out the old carpet in your new home and refinish the floors
• Repaint the walls in your new home

Doing this work before you arrive will help make your life easier when you get there.

5. Find Movers

Finding local movers is one of the most critical steps in your upcoming relocation. Get started by hiring a moving company you can trust. Look for a company with a good reputation, good references, and a long-standing presence in your community. Contact us today to make an appointment to discuss your upcoming relocation.

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.