Category: Moving Tips

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. 

It’s common to downsize your belongings before you move. But, you might not understand the importance of it.

It’s a lot of work to pack items you don’t want or need. On a long-distance move, more belongings also add to the cost.

Here are five reasons you’ll benefit from downsizing.

1. Packing Takes Less Time

Most people don’t enjoy the process of packing. If you can, minimize this task as much as possible.

It’s not just that fewer belongings need less time to pack. It’s a matter of motivation and energy. The more time you spend packing, the longer it takes you to pack the last half of your stuff.

You’ll reach the finish line much faster if you can cut back by 20 percent.

2. You’ll Spend Less to Move

Moving companies estimate the total cost of a move on weight, size, and distance. You might not be able to influence the distance, but you can change the weight and size.

Moving can be expensive, particularly if you relocate hundreds of miles away. However, minimizing expenses is practical if your employer isn’t covering the cost.

Compare the cost of moving belongings to the price of replacing them in your new location. If you’re not using the items very much, you might save a lot of money by selling or donating them.

3. It’s Easier to Unpack

In most cases, packing is a two-stage process. Everything that you pack will be something that you have to unpack.

If you think the packing process is exhausting, keep in mind that it’s only half of the work.

It’s hard to justify the time to sort your items, particularly if you’re moving on a short timeline. But, the more time you invest in the beginning, the less you’ll have to spend at the end.

4. You’ll Have More Room

Rooms always feel larger when they have less furniture. So you might think you have more space in your new home than you do.

Moving to a new home usually involves a significant change in the floor plan. Things aren’t going to fit exactly the way they did before. So it might require some negotiation.

You must fill the home with less stuff if you want more room. Each space will feel more open that way.

5. Your New Home Stays Cleaner

By now, you probably know all the places in your current home where clutter tends to accumulate. You’ll have similar problems in your new home if you’re not careful.

Keeping a room clean and tidy involves managing the clutter. The more clutter you have, the more time you spend cleaning.

Although decluttering is something that you may have to do regularly, you can give yourself a better start. Downsizing things like decor and collections can keep them manageable.

An Easier Move

Downsizing your stuff is a great way to ensure you get a fresh start in your new home. For other ways that we can help to simplify your moving process, request a free quote today.

The phrase “moving season” is generally defined by spring and summer moves, with June being the busiest of all months. The reasons for this are clear – people don’t want the hassle of trying to move while their children are still in school, plus the weather is far more pleasant.

If you’re planning a winter move by choice or necessity, you’ll need to know what to expect. Here are seven tips for safely moving during the winter season.

1. Plan a Morning Move

Daylight is limited in the winter months, and it’s far more efficient to move when the sun is still shining. This way, you don’t have to worry about doing heavy lifts where you have limited visibility. If you relocate at night, the potential for trips, slips, and falls increases. Avoid these risks by scheduling your move when the sun rises to maximize daylight.

2. Track Weather Forecasts

Watch the weather forecast in the days before your big moving day. This way, you know what to expect and can proactively plan for wet weather. Then call your mover to ask how things will proceed if a substantial storm is imminent. Often movers have contingency plans, including scheduling an alternative moving day to keep everyone safe.

3. Carefully Store Weather-Sensitive Objects

Some of your belongings, including TVs, computers, and other electronics, may be sensitive to cold weather. Speak to your mover about how these are stored when temperatures are below freezing.

4. Check to Make Sure Utilities Are On

The last thing you’ll want to experience is arriving in the dead of winter at home with no lights or heat. Before moving day, contact the utility companies you’ll be opening accounts with:

• Electric
• Water
• Internet
• Gas or oil delivery, if needed

Double checking ahead of time ensures you have everything scheduled to be turned on as planned.

5. Clear Driveways and Walkways

If snow has fallen, clear the driveway, walkways, and stairs. Sand and salt any areas where someone can slip, especially if temperatures are below or hovering around freezing or if it has rained or snowed. To reduce stress and save energy, consider hiring a professional to remove and treat these areas.

6. Protect Your Home’s Interior

Mud, water, and salt can negatively impact your home’s interior. So, before furniture and boxes start coming in, lay down a tarp, cardboard, and other protective solutions to help protect your floors, especially if you have hardwood or carpeted areas that can get damaged.

Ready to Plan Your Winter Move?

Moving during winter can be challenging due to shortened daylight hours, frigid temperatures, and overall wetness. Working with a professional mover experienced in winter moves can make your relocation experience less stressful while ensuring your possessions arrive safely. To obtain a  quote, contact us today!

When you’re relocating, one thing’s for sure: Whether your move is across town or the country, you’ll need moving supplies.

But with so many options—some much more expensive than others—knowing which supplies you need can feel overwhelming.

Read on to learn which moving supplies are worth the cost and which supplies you can save on.

Packing Supply List

Let’s start with a list of supplies that you’ll need for almost any move:

• Corrugated cardboard boxes (various sizes)
• Packing tape
• Scissors
• Labels
• Marking pen
• Newspaper or packing paper
• Foam sheets or peanuts
• Garbage bags
• Bubble wrap
• Stretch wrap

Now let’s look at moving supplies and equipment that are nice to have but not always necessary:

• Box cutters
• Mattress covers
• Floor protectors
• Packing blankets
• Dolly or handcart
• Bungee cords
• Tool kit

What about specialty packing supplies? If you’re moving fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items, you may need specialty supplies such as:

• Wooden crates to protect fragile pieces
• Wardrobe cartons for hanging
• Sturdy, thin cartons for mirrors and artwork
• Dishpacking cartons with dividers
• Mattress, TV, and bike boxes

Where to Spend

Now that you know which moving supplies you’ll need let’s explore which ones are worth investing in. One of the most common packing supplies you can find for low—or even no cost—is cardboard moving boxes.

Any quick internet search will result in plenty of advice on how to find boxes. The grocery store, Marketplace, department stores, big box stores, or even liquor stores may all be a source for free moving boxes.

But, just because you can get boxes for free, does that mean you should?

The answer is simple, and it’s all about quality. Look for free sturdy boxes that haven’t been bent, flexed, or punctured and—this is key—are made from corrugated cardboard.

The corrugated cardboard structure makes it especially difficult to bend or tear. Unlike regular cardboard, corrugated cardboard is made from triangle-shaped forms inside the outer layers. As a result, it’s flexible yet rigid. If you can’t find boxes made from corrugated cardboard, buying them is worth it.

As for other packing items that are worth the money, don’t skimp on packing tape. You risk having your boxes compromised during transit if you use low-quality tape. This can significantly increase the risk of damage to your items.

Where to Save

Regarding packing supplies, reducing, reusing, and recycling are worthy goals. And reusing bubble wrap, foam sheets, and packing peanuts is a great way to reduce waste and save a few bucks.

If these materials are clean and have some spring, reuse foam sheets, peanuts, and bubble wrap. It’s OK to substitute newspaper for packing paper, too.

Other ways to save on packing supplies include packing clothing and linens in large, sturdy garbage bags. You can also save money by using towels and blankets to fill empty spaces in boxes and provide more cushioning.

Correctly packing your items means using the right packing supplies. Knowing which supplies to choose, which to purchase new, and which to reuse can reduce stress and make a smoother move.

We Make Moving Easier

Check with your full-service mover for boxes and moving supplies. As a full-service moving company, we can simplify your relocation. So, contact us for a free quote.  

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

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

1. Prioritize Tasks

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

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

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

2. Schedule Grocery Pickup

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

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

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

3. Hire Professional Cleaners

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

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

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

4. Find a Carpool for the Kids

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

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

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

5. Plan Meals

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

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

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

Packing Plan

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

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