The Top 5 Ideas to Make a Move the Least Disruptive

The busiest time of the year to move is May 15 through August 31, with more than 65 percent of the annual moves happening over the summer months.

If you can move during the non-peak period, it’ll automatically make things less disruptive, but that’s not always possible. Let’s look at five tips for a hassle-free move no matter what time of year it is.

1. Plan Your Move Ahead

One of the things that makes moving so disruptive is all the steps involved. Between gathering moving boxes and other packing supplies, booking a moving company, arranging temporary storage, and various other tasks, there’s a lot to deal with.

It’s not something you should try to throw together on short notice.

If possible, start planning at least 6 to 8 weeks before your moving day. Write up a timeline with all the important tasks – booking movers, gathering supplies, etc. As the weeks pass, you’ll have targets to compare against your actual progress.

2. Notify Everyone Who Needs to Know

You’ll need to notify a lot of people and organizations that you’re moving, including:

  • Friends
  • Family
  • Credit card companies
  • Banks
  • Clubs and associations
  • Utility companies

Some need to know sooner than others, but you should send them the details as early as possible. This will help avoid having bills or other necessary correspondence to go to your old address.

3. Pack in Waves

Part of the first step of planning your timeline is to figure out what you can pack and when. Some things can get packed away earlier than others.

For example, if you’re moving in the summer, you can safely pack your winter clothes as soon as you know you’ll be moving. You’ll need other things, like kitchen utensils and toiletries, up to the day you move.

Knowing when to pack up specific items and areas in your home gives you a head-start without disrupting your day-to-day life.

4. Rent a Storage Unit If Necessary

As you pack things, it can help reduce disruption around your home if those boxes and containers are out of the way completely. A storage unit can help with this.

As things get packed up, move them into storage and out of the house. You’ll have more space to work with, and it will be easier to clean as you go.

5. Get Rid of Anything You Don’t Need

Most of us have things around the house that we don’t need, especially if you’ve lived in your home for any length of time. Don’t feel like you need to take it all with you, particularly if you’re downsizing.

Decide what you won’t take with you as early as possible, so you aren’t forced to deal with it right before you move. You could start with a garage sale, then try to sell it on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, and eventually give it away or donate it if it doesn’t sell.

How Professional Moving Companies Can Help

Working with professional movers like Arrow Moving will also help make it a less disruptive experience. We can help you with any questions ahead of time, and our expert staff can help you save a lot of time and effort compared to doing it yourself.

Today, get in touch to discuss your moving plans and get a free, no-obligation quote.

Where Can I Find Affordable Moving Boxes in My Local Area?

Moving expenses can really add up. Even though donating unwanted items can lighten your load to reduce costs, the essential supplies you need for a successful move, like boxes, can also add up.

One way to limit expenses is to supplement your box supply with more affordable or free boxes.

Are you wondering where to find affordable supplemental boxes for your move? Here are some suggestions of places to look.

Apps

Check out apps such as LetGo or OfferUP to see if people are giving away or selling boxes (possibly from their own recent moves).

In particular, the Nextdoor app is a good choice. It connects you with other users in your area or neighborhood. This means limited travel to get boxes, and it also gives you a place to hand them off when you arrive at your new home and complete your move.

Online Groups

Facebook and Reddit have numerous groups dedicated to trading and freecycling. Get involved with something like the Buy Nothing Project to learn how to use less and score some gently used boxes from others pursuing the same ideal.

Freecycle

Freecycle’s online forum is an excellent place to find used moving boxes from people who have recently moved.

Create a post and request ‘free moving boxes near me.’ Indicate how many you need. The Freecycle Community is committed to making use of other’s unwanted items. You’ll likely get responses from people anxious to pass their boxes onto you.

Local Stores

Local shops and grocery stores of different brandings all have boxes and shipments coming in daily. Check with a store manager; most of these places have a box toss time (10 pm or so). 

The discarded boxes tend to be first-come, first-serve, but some stores will also hold boxes for you. Supplies are limited, but if you hit them up for a few days in a row, you can probably gather a suitable free box collection for your move.

Your Mover

Check with your moving company. While they may not have free boxes, they might have affordable, gently used boxes ideal for your move. Similar sized boxes make transportation easier. Standard and similar sized boxes are easier to stack on a moving truck and in storage.

Are You Ready to Get Moving?

Keep yourself on the exciting leg of the moving experience with planning and resourcefulness. Looking for affordable moving boxes can help turn the packing experience into a treasure hunt, rather than a chore.

Then when your move is complete, pay it forward and offer your gently-used boxes up for the next family moving. However, if the boxes took a beating and are ready to be retired, contact your local recycling center instead of throwing them away. Inquire about how you can dispose of them in an eco-friendly way. 

Are you planning your move? We can offer suggestions about how to plan a successful relocation. Check out our blog. Then contact us for a free quote. 

 

How Can I Relax and De-Stress Before and After a Move?

What life event is most likely to cause stress? Is it a break-up, a divorce, or something else? According to researchers across multiple studies, moving takes the top spot.

Scientists say moving is so stressful because it includes hundreds of little stressors and changes at once. Everything – from the stress of adjusting to a new space to remembering where you put the forks – binds together and becomes overwhelming.

Avoid the stress of a move with the right preparation. Here are some tips to help make your move a calmer event.

Pre-Move Stress Relief

Some stressors will always be part of moving, like the unknowns of a new neighborhood or the feelings about leaving your current home.  However, you can prevent the unavoidable from becoming overwhelming by having a plan. Here are some things to consider when planning your move.

Budget

A residential move is complicated and can get expensive quickly without planning ahead. Be proactive and create a budget. Pay attention to the detail and stick to the budget. This will alleviate some of the stress that comes with moving.

Checklist

Create a checklist for your move. Include everything from transferring your utilities to ordering packing supplies and changing your address to purging things you no longer need. With a reference list, you know exactly what you need to do and when those tasks need to be completed.

Pro Movers

One way to help eliminate stress is to hire movers to complete the move for you and handle your packing as well. Full-service movers can pack, organize, and move everything to allow you to focus on the big picture, like helping your kids adjust.

Post Move Stress Relief

Get back on track and back in the swing of things after your move. It’s essential to get comfortable in your new space so that you can relax and enjoy your new home. Moving day is exhausting both physically and emotionally. Here are some suggestions for relieving stress post-move.

Prioritize

Once the boxes are in and you begin the unpacking process, avoid the clutter, and make a list of your priorities. Develop a plan of what’s most essential to unpack right away. You will want to focus on unpacking your bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen supplies first. Then prioritize the other things on the list.

An unpacking list will help reduce the clutter that can cause stress. Since it might take days or weeks to get everything in the right place, this process will help.

Healthy Routine

Once you have settled in, get back on track by reincorporating regular exercise and healthy meals daily.

Walking is a fantastic exercise. Get out and walk the neighborhood. Acquaint yourself with your new community and new neighbors. Walking benefits both your body and mind. 

Treat Yourself

Reward yourself with something you enjoy doing. Find calm in an activity you like, such as a relaxing bath or spa treatment, a satisfying nap, a massage, or a walk through the woods. Find your personal way to unwind and rejuvenate.

Beat the Psychology of Moving with the Right Help

Moving is stressful, and if you aren’t careful, it can really take its toll on you. Have a plan to incorporate some of these suggestions, and it will make your entire move and transition much easier.

Get in touch for more great tips and a free quote.

The Dos and Don’t of Moving with a Toddler for a Stress-Free Move

Moving day is already stressful enough. The last thing you want to do is make it more stressful than it has to be. 

You’ll need to learn more about the moving company that you’re thinking of hiring, put together a budget, and choose the perfect date. What you may not have accounted for are your toddler and their temperament. 

Taking care of your little one during the move requires a strategy that involves a few crucial dos and don’ts. 

Moving with a toddler doesn’t have to be stressful when you use the tips below. 

DON’T Spring the Move on Them

You can’t expect your child to just go with the flow. Prep them far in advance so that they know they’re moving, understand what moving means, and when it’s happening. 

Springing the move on your child creates variables that can be difficult to manage. Prepping them for it gives your child a chance to express any fears and apprehensions, which you can then address ahead of time. 

DO Use Toys to Aide the Explanation

Create a mock move session with their toys so that your child knows what to expect. You can walk them through what moving means by using their toys as an example. 

Studies show that play is helpful for your child’s cognitive health and helps them make connections. Making a game out of it will help your child see moving day as an adventure. 

Also, pack a few of their favorite toys for the car. This way, your child is always occupied and not bored. 

DO Give Your Child Proper Rest

Don’t try to make them tough it out. Don’t expect your enthusiasm to move into your new place to translate to your child. 

Instead, plan ahead by making sure that you schedule naps and allow for a good night’s sleep before moving day. Getting the proper amount of sleep keeps your child mentally sharp and improves their mood. This means that they’ll be less cranky and better able to deal with long moving hours. 

DON’T Skip Meals on Moving Day

Anyone’s resolve will fade if they aren’t well-fed. Make sure that your child gets breakfast and that you also stop for lunch. 

Bring some healthy snacks that give them energy and keep their blood sugar levels steady. Don’t load them up with sugary snacks that will cause spikes and crashes. 

Make Moving With a Toddler as Smooth as Possible

The points above will make moving with a toddler a joy instead of a challenge. If you have a toddler and know that you’re planning a residential move, the tips presented will give you the help that you need. 

Plan as far in advance as you can so that you can account for these matters. All of these tips are strengthened when you also hire the best moving professionals. 

We’re seasoned movers that will handle your move quickly with experience and professionalism. Our team is the best you’ll find, and we’ll be glad to assist you. 

Get in touch with our team by using our site or call us up at one of our four locations. 

The Art of Downsizing for a Move

You look forward to moving to your dream home soon. But the thought of moving everything in your current home to your new home feels overwhelming.

The reality is, not every item in every nook and cranny of your current home has to go with you to your new place. You can decide right now what stays and what goes to make your new living situation as clutter-free as possible.

Whether you’re moving to an apartment or you need to declutter your life for your next home, this guide to the art of downsizing will help.

Put a Plan in Place

Before you embark on your residential move, begin by developing a moving plan as soon as possible. Ideally, you should create this plan several months before your move. 

During the planning process, you should envision your current home’s items in the new house. Decide which things would work best in individual rooms, focusing on a single room or space at a time.

If you have a detailed floor plan of the new space, this can be very helpful. It will help you to determine what items cannot fit in the new home. Don’t be surprised if you end up taking just a third or one-half of your existing items to your new place. 

Get Organized As Part of the Downsizing Process

As you begin the decluttering process, be sure to organize all of your items into multiple piles. These piles should include what you wish to keep, what you want to toss, and what you want to sell or donate.

Remember that many items can be recycled, so don’t toss things unless they are no longer useful or repairable.

Also, be honest and realistic when determining what things you want to keep versus get rid of. Don’t focus on what you might be losing. Think about the lower levels of clutter and stress you’ll be gaining in your new home. 

Go Digital Where You Can

These days, you can easily find efficient ways of electronically storing photos and documents to free up space at your new place. So, don’t be afraid to use a digital organizer or scanner to convert physical papers or photos to their digital versions.

Alternatively, you can hire a company to complete the conversion process for you.

Either way, the space you will save by electronically storing more items will be worth the fee or the time required to complete the conversion yourself.

How We Can Help

Besides guiding downsizing for a move, we offer top-of-the-line moving services for both residential and commercial customers. 

Our household relocation services include long-haul as well as local moves. We can help you whether you need full-service movers or need some heavy-lifting help.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about how our services can make your upcoming move a smooth one from start to finish. 

Where Do You Store Your Stuff When You Move? (And Other Important Questions!)

Why are storage units so popular? It’s simple—they’re an ideal place to store your stuff. You can put items there before, during, and after a move, freeing up space in the home while still keeping your valuable objects close at hand.

Are you preparing to move and wondering, “Where can I store all my belongings?”

We can help. Here is some information about storage for when you move. 

 

Why Should You Rent Storage to Store Your Stuff?

There are several reasons one might consider renting a storage unit.

For example, you may want to think about using a storage unit during the selling process.

As you host open houses, your home must remain clutter-free. Doing so allows the individuals viewing your home to see it as theirs—not yours. If your home is packed with knick-knacks, excess furniture, sports memorabilia, and more, it’s time to declutter.

Having a storage unit during your move can significantly help, too.

You may be moving into a smaller home, or you may want to keep some items around but not in the home. You might be temporarily downsizing into an apartment before moving into a larger house. The options are limitless to the individuals.

You also may want to retain your unit after you’ve moved in.

Maybe you have a son going away to college, for example. A storage unit allows him to keep his things but doesn’t force you to keep his old bedroom Stars Wars-themed. You can turn his bedroom into a guest room, and if he returns home after college or moves, you can discontinue renting storage.

How Do You Find a Reliable Storage Provider?

Storage units, and storage unit providers, aren’t one-size-fits-all.

It’s important to find household storage in a convenient location, not too far from your home. 

Look for a provider who can offer plenty of options, too. They should have one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and larger solutions that can fit three rooms or more. You should be able to comfortably fit your personal belongings and furniture in a size that’s accurate for you—without overspending on something too large.

You should also consider the security of your unit. Look for a service that can provide safe home solutions against various problems: weather, theft, fire, and more. They should provide 24/7 surveillance, at the very least, offering you invaluable peace of mind.

Lastly, your storage unit should be affordable. A high-quality provider will typically offer to give potential customers a free quote. If they’re not willing to do that, move on to one that will.

Moving and Storage Needs

There are various reasons to contemplate renting storage space. With storage units, you can store your stuff regardless of whether you’re selling your home, moving, or just need a temporary solution for extra belongings.

With Arrow Moving & Storage Co., you can have the perks of a moving company and storage provider all in one. We offer free quotes so you can work storage right into your moving budget.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

 

Moving Cross Country? Make Sure You Read This First!

Are you ready to pack up and head cross country? While creating a life in a new place is undoubtedly exciting, we all know that the moving process is a challenge. 

There are ways to make it easier for you. Let’s look into how to make your cross country move a trip to remember — in a good way. 

Minimize as Much as Possible 

If you’ve been in your current place for a while, you won’t realize how much you’ve accumulated until it’s time to gather it all up and pack it away. 

Rather than pack up items you haven’t used in years, you’ll want to sort through it and determine what’s trash and what you can donate or sell.  Some charities will come to your home to pick up your large items. Online marketplaces like Craigslist and Letgo also help simplify the selling of your unwanted items. 

To make your life easier, start this process long before you intend to begin packing. This will prevent you from packing unnecessary items just for the sake of cramming it into boxes. 

Take Inventory of Items You Need to Keep Close 

If you’re moving cross country and planning on driving rather than flying, you’re going to need a few essential items to make your trip more comfortable. We suggest keeping items like toiletries, towels, cleaning supplies, bedding, and any other items you use daily. 

This ensures that once you arrive, you have all your necessities on hand, so you can start getting acclimated to your new space. 

Start Packing Early 

You’ll want to pack earlier than you think necessary. The most commonly recommended timeframe to start packing is within three weeks of your moving date. However, you may want to start even earlier.

Time tends to fly once you’re preparing for a long-distance move — particularly when you’re uprooting your life. Last-minute gatherings with friends and wrapping up any work requirements could leave you with even less time than you anticipated to pack. 

Once you have your moving date in mind, gather your boxes a few months before and start purging and packing. This will relieve the stress and allow you to pack the right way, rather than throw things into boxes in a frantic rush.  

Hire Full-Service Professional Movers 

Perhaps the easiest way to move is to hire a professional to handle the process for you. A licensed company can handle everything from packing to all the heavy lifting and unpacking in your new place. Some can also provide storage options if you need them. 

This enables you to focus on getting acclimated to your new surroundings and gives you time to focus on the fun stuff — like furniture shopping or determining the color palette for your new home. 

Move Cross Country With Ease 

Now that you know how to simplify your cross country move, you may be looking forward to it. Keep these tips in mind. They will make the process easier so that you can focus on settling into your new place. 

We can help. We simplify the journey so that you can focus on the destination. Get in touch with us to learn about our moving and storage solutions.

Get a Move On: How to Pack to Move in a Hurry

While it’s far from ideal, any number of circumstances can require us to pack up and move in a matter of days.

Family emergencies, job changes, or an immediate home sale can all be to blame. You may even have had plenty of warning, but time ran out sooner than you expected.

No matter the cause, moving quickly is difficult—unless you know how to approach it.

Read on for some helpful tips on how to pack to move in a hurry.

Be Decisive About Clutter

Figuring out how to move quickly is easier when you have fewer items to move. That’s why it’s important to be decisive about clutter as you pack.

When you’re putting your things in boxes, you’re bound to uncover items you forgot you owned. If you aren’t using them now, they’re likely to collect dust in your new home. Don’t be afraid to get rid of clutter—not only will it make packing easier, but it will also simplify the process of moving in.

Don’t Worry About Organizing

In an ideal world, your moving boxes would follow a strict organizational system. They might be color-coded, organized by item type, or packed based on the rooms they’ll end up in at the new house.

When you’re throwing together a last-minute packing list, though, there isn’t time for organizing. Instead, prioritize getting everything packaged securely. Pack your belongings wherever they fit and label the box with its contents.

The one bag or box you should keep organized is the things you’ll need as soon as you get to the new house. Pack an overnight bag for each person like you would if you were staying in a hotel. This keeps basic toiletries, a change of clothing, and other necessary items available, so you don’t have to unpack the minute you arrive.

Use Packing Materials You Already Own

One packing tip for moving in a hurry is using things you already own to package and protect your items. 

If you’re low on boxes, use the drawers of your dresser to move your clothing. You can use tote bags, trash bags, and suitcases to carry less breakable things. Use blankets and towels as a replacement for bubble wrap and pad your fragile items with them.

If you don’t own enough bags, boxes, or bins, you can often buy or rent supplies from your moving company.

Don’t Tackle the Move Alone

Even if you’ve moved several times before, the process can still be overwhelming. That’s why you should enlist the help of an experienced moving company whenever you’re faced with a looming deadline.

Their team knows how to move efficiently, but they can also pack your items for you with high-quality materials. It only takes a moving team a few hours to complete what could take you days on your own.

Still, Wondering How to Pack to Move in a Hurry? We Can Help

When you need to move all your belongings to a new home, no matter how short the timeframe, Arrow Moving & Storage Co. is there for you. Our household movers know how to pack to move in a hurry. We’ll get your belongings to your destination safe and sound, whether it’s across the country or just down the block.

To request a free quote, contact us today.

 

Moving Anxiety in Children: How to Help Little One’s Cope With the Unknown

Putting a child through a move isn’t ideal, but it’s sometimes necessary. Whether it’s work-related or something else, you must relocate, and it’ll be hard on your children. All the stress you feel during the process, your children feel as well.

Make your move as stress-free as possible, and with as little Anxiety as possible, using the following tips. In our guide below, you’ll find several ways to help your children cope with their moving anxiety.

Continue reading to learn more. 

Talk to Your Children

If you leave your children in the dark about the situation, you’ll leave them feeling confused, which adds to their anxiety. Don’t avoid talking to them about the move out of fear for how they’ll respond. Instead, keep it an open conversation with them.

Explain why the move is necessary and allow them to ask any questions they have about the move. 

Give Them Some Control

Your children don’t have much control in situations like these, which can be stressful for them. To help ease their stress, consider giving them some form of control. 

Perhaps allow them to choose their own rooms or new furniture and design plans for their new bedrooms or bathrooms. Once they feel they have some control, they’ll begin to feel more relaxed. 

Teach Them How to Keep Friendships

One of the biggest issues of moving, in your children’s minds is losing friends. They’ll build relationships and friendships with several other children over the years and won’t want to leave them behind. This can become a difficult situation for everyone.

However, you can teach them how to remain friends with these other children even if they’re no longer in the same neighborhood. Consider throwing them a moving-away party where proper goodbyes can be said. You can then exchange phone numbers and contact information with other parents.

Your child can write letters or keep up with friends on social media, and you can schedule play dates if you’re ever back in your old neighborhood. 

Choose the Right Time

Not all move dates can be chosen. There are times when you have to pick up and move without an option. If you can select a date, be sure to select the right time for your children. 

Moving during the school year can be hard on them in several ways. To prevent added stress, try to plan your move for during the summer. Your children will then have a fresh start for a new school year, which makes the transition a smoother one.

Moving Anxiety Doesn’t Only Affect the Parents

Moving can be difficult for everyone because moving anxiety doesn’t discriminate. Help your children, and you’ll have the most enjoyable move possible by following these tips listed above.

Ready to make the move? 

Click here for a list of moving services we provide!

Weekday vs. Weekend: When Is the Best Time to Move?

Are you planning to move and wondering when would be the best time? There are different factors to consider before planning what day of the week you will schedule your move. 

Keep reading for a breakdown of the pros and cons of moving on specific days so that you can figure out when is the best time to move for you. 

Benefits of a Weekend Move 

Weekend moves tend to be the most obvious choice. It can often be more convenient to organize if you work on the weekdays. Moving on the weekend will help you to avoid needing to take time off from work. 

By making your move on a weekend, you don’t have the stress of the move plus worrying about falling behind at work or upsetting your boss. If you want to save your vacation time for an actual vacation, a weekend move may be best. Don’t take an unpaid day of leave during this time if you’re stressed with your move financially. 

This will also be a more convenient day for people who can assist you with your move. More of your friends and family will likely be off work to offer a helping hand on the weekend.  Others can help with tasks like packing, cleaning, or taking care of your kids or pets on move-in day. 

Weekend moves will also allow you to unpack and settle into your new home, especially if you decide to move on a Saturday morning. You can return to work refreshed and rested after your big move. 

Benefits of a Weekday Move 

While weekend moves are the more popular choice, there are also some advantages to moving on a weekday. If you have certain weekdays off or can take time off with no problem, this may be an excellent option. 

If you’re moving into a busy neighborhood or apartment complex, moving on the weekday may allow you more privacy and mobility. With more people at work, there will be more room for parking for both you and your movers. With emptier halls, elevators, and stairs, the weekday can be easier for those moving into an apartment. 

During peak times like weekends, professional packers and moving companies tend to charge higher rates because those days are more in demand. On weekdays, moving companies are generally less, so a weekday move might save you some money with more cost-effective rates.

If you have kids, moving on a weekday can allow you to move while they’re at school, if you are staying local. Moving can be more difficult when you have to keep an eye on your kids and keep them out of your moving team’s way. 

When Is the Best Time to Move?

Consider your own needs, what kind of home you are moving into, and your personal obligations and responsibilities. The best moving day can differ for everyone, so make sure you take your schedule and lifestyle into account to find the best moving day for you. 

Are you looking for a team of movers to help make moving day a breeze? Contact us today to request a free quote and get started.