Category: Moving Tips

Remember to Change Your Address at These Important Spots

Every single year, the U.S Postal Services has to handle millions of items that were returned. Most of which will never find their intended recipients. 

Making sure you remember to update your address is an often overlooked aspect of moving. That’s why we put together a list of the most important places and organizations you need to change your address.

Required Updates

There are some places for which changing your address is legally required.

For instance, you’ll need to replace your driver’s license with that of your new state’s (if you’re moving out of state, of course). 

You’re responsible for notifying companies that send you bills through the mail. Bills won’t just disappear even if you don’t live there anymore. You’ll be held liable for legal notices, bills, or anything important that you miss.

IRS and State Tax Agencies

You’ll also need to update your address with the IRS and any state tax agencies in which you reside. You can find info on how to go about this on their websites.

Even though many people pay their taxes online and receive refunds through direct deposits, you’re still required to notify them of the change. Again, you’ll be responsible for any correspondence that you miss.

Social Security Administration

Another important agency to notify is the Social Security Administration. Many people move when they retire and if you’re receiving social security benefits, you’ll definitely want to make certain they know your new whereabouts.

This also applies to Medicare/Medicaid recipients as well as veterans and the VA.

Banks and Credit Cards

Be sure to let your bank know you’re moving as well. You won’t want to miss any incoming mail from them, nor allow the new occupants access to your financial information. You can usually do this on the bank’s website or a simple phone call.

Credit cards are equally as important to update, especially if you pay your bills through the mail.

TSA Precheck, Global Entry, and Related Programs

If you’re apart of programs such as TSA Precheck or Global Entry, these are important ones to update if you’re traveling anytime soon. Because these programs serve to reduce security risks, you’ll want to let them know ahead of time so there are no discrepancies at the border or security line.

Subscriptions and E-Commerce

If you receive subscription services such as magazines or newspapers, you should call them up or use their websites and notify them of the change. Although the new occupants may appreciate some free reading.

But online shopping sites such as Amazon should be updated too. Obviously, you don’t want your orders showing up on your old doorstep. 

Don’t Put it off Until the Last Minute

Moving is a stressful event and planning ahead is a crucial part of keeping anxiety to a minimum. Once you know where and when you’ll be moving, be sure to notify all the necessary agencies and organizations of your new whereabouts.

And if you need a reliable moving company to help you on your move, we’re the ones to call. Contact us for a free move quote today!

No matter how well you plan your move and how effortlessly you pull it off, moving to a new city or town is fraught with uncertainties.

Whether you’re starting a new career in a new town, or you’ve undergone a work transfer, it’s difficult to take things in your stride when you’re new in town.

Here are our best tips for settling in as soon as possible. 

1. First Steps When You’re New in Town

Before you even think about adjusting emotionally and socially, there are a few housekeeping items you should get out of the way first.

As soon as you can, take a drive around your neighborhood, to make sure you know where the following things are:

• emergency medical care
• grocery stores
• a pharmacy
• gas station

While you’re at it, update your address book with important numbers. For example, you’ll want contact details for a plumber, an electrician, and other key contractors.

The Better Business Bureau is an excellent spot to find reviews on reputable local businesses. 

2. Say Yes to Social Interactions

No matter how awkward you feel at first, don’t turn down invitations from co-workers and neighbors. How else are you going to make new friends?

When you do get out, be approachable and talk to as many people as you can. Your new best friend could be right under your nose.

3. Give Yourself Time

It’s normal to feel totally out of your depth in new surroundings. Don’t fret if you get lost umpteen times and can never seem to find the fastest bus route. 

There is no way you can plan ahead for every eventuality. You’ll find a jogging route you love, a welcoming coffee shop, and the best take out options over time.

Some people adjust to life in a new place almost immediately; others take years. Be kind to yourself; you’ll get there.

4. Get Involved

Keep tabs on community notice boards, Facebook pages, and attend local events. 

Not only will you get to meet more local people, but they’ll also perceive you as the kind of person who’s interested and involved in their surroundings. Supporting local initiatives is the fastest way to immerse yourself in a community. 

If you’re moving with children, school activities are an excellent ice-breaker for meeting other parents in the community. 

5. Be Positive

Accept that you’re bound to feel overwhelmingly homesick at first. Remember, you moved for a good reason. Focus on the positive aspects of moving to a new city. 

Make a point of seeking out the things you love, meet new people, and feel more at home. Look for clubs that center around your interests, join the local gym, and attend hobby fairs.

It’s easier to feel more comfortable when you’re taking part in familiar activities. You’re also more likely to bump into someone with similar interests. 

Keep Moving

Take it one day at a time, and before too long you’ll be the one offering help and advice to someone else who’s new in town.

Keep reading our blog for more helpful tips on everything related to relocation and get in touch for help with your next big move.

Moving can be a stressful process. Without the proper plan in place, it’s almost always a recipe for disaster. However, if you’ve decided to hire professional movers, there are a few things you can do to ensure everything runs smoothly. 

If you’ve got movers, read on to explore six helpful things you can do to help the movers on moving day. 

1. Pack Ahead of Time

To ensure your movers work as efficiently as possible, have everything packed before the movers arrive.

Packing early allows for the movers to be in and out, and it also helps you keep everything accounted for during the moving process. Packing last minute may mean accidentally leaving essential items behind or creating added stress on your big day.

2. Organize Your Boxes

Label each box as you pack it. Every box should have a list of its contents and a designated spot in your new home. 

Make sure that the writing is large, legible, and in permanent marker — label at least two sides of the box as well as the top.

Consider using a color-coded label system to indicate the room to which it should go in the new house. Then make sure you have the color codes available for the movers at the new house, so they know which rooms to place the boxes.

Also, mark “Fragile” and “This End Up” as needed on those boxes so that the movers will know to take extra care when handling those.

3. Stay Close on Moving Day

Often times movers need to consult with the clients during the move. They might have a question that only you as the homeowner can answer, so stay close by and accessible.

4. Keep Pets and Children Clear

Safety is essential during the moving process. Sometimes young kids and pets can quickly get in the way, so movers recommend keeping them in a safe room out of the way or better yet at a sitter’s home. 

5. Arrange Proper Parking

Depending on your location, parking can be a hassle, not only for you but also your neighbors, movers, and oncoming traffic. It’s best to devise a plan to maximize parking room to ensure everyone is happy.

Most moving companies will reach out ahead of time to discuss parking details. If necessary, let your neighbors know what time the moving truck is coming and ask them if they can park their cars accordingly. If you don’t have your own driveway and need extra space, be sure to speak with your neighbors or acquire a special parking permit from the necessary parties.

6. Remove Obstructions

Make moving day safer for your movers by removing obstructions from their path.

Remove any doormats as well other rugs and floor mats. Your movers will provide their own non-slip floor covering to protect the floors.

Make sure walkways, driveway, and front porch are clear of potted plants, hanging plants, and windchimes.

Now That You’ve Got Movers, It’s Time to Relax 

You’ve done everything right — you’ve hired an expert moving company, you’ve packed and labeled everything accordingly, you let the neighbors know you need some extra parking room for the day. Now it’s time to relax and let the professionals get to work.

Professional movers are just that, professionals. So it’s always best to let them do what they do best on moving day. We know it’s difficult sometimes to let go of the reigns, but a professional moving company is uniquely skilled to ensure your moving process is efficient, quick, and easy.

Keep Moving Day Simple

Now that you know what to do to ensure everything runs smoothly on moving day, it’s time to put your plan in motion. If you’ve got movers and want to explore some more moving day tips, be sure to check out our blog for more tips and tricks.

If you’re searching for professional movers in your area, contact us for a free quote today.

Preparing Your New Home For Move In

The process of moving into a new house can be just as overwhelming as it is exciting. When what you really want to do is just get settled and enjoy your brand new space.

Whether it’s your first time moving into a new house or you’re a seasoned pro, there are many opportunities you can take advantage of to speed up the process.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips for you to use to get your new home ready for you and your family.

Give the House a Thorough  Scrubbing

Who doesn’t love a house that’s sparkling clean? More likely than not, your new home is going to need a deep clean once you move in.

Don’t miss areas like the cabinets, which can be overlooked. Be sure to hit all the floors, carpet, kitchen and bathroom surfaces, baseboards, and windows. Many people change out the toilet seats as well.

And remember, you can always hire a cleaning crew if you’re too busy.

Make any Upgrades Now

Making updates to the interior is best done before you move in so you don’t disrupt your day-to-day once you’re settled.

Redoing the floors or remodeling kitchens or bathrooms can be a major inconvenience. With all the noise and mess, it’s not the best way to start life in your new place.

Even if you’re making minor renovations–like repainting, changing light fixtures, etc.–it’s best to finish them before moving in. Which can make move-in day all the more exciting.

Don’t Forget to Change the Locks

One thing many movers don’t think about is all the different people that may have had keys to your home: in addition to past owners, there are the realtors, maintenance workers, construction companies. So before you move in, make sure all your exterior locks are replaced.

Once you close on your new house, get in touch with a locksmith to set up replacement locks. 

This can give you peace of mind knowing your family home is more secure.

Be as Organized as Possible

Hang onto all documents and receipts related to your house and keep them in one place. Unexpected things may happen and you may end up needing to file an insurance claim or service warranty. If you decide to sell the house in the future, it’ll come in handy to stay organized.

Keep a folder or cabinet designated to insurance documents, receipts, and invoices for any repairs to major construction projects you undertake. Any paper that relates to your house should be stored in one space.

Update Your Home’s Safety Features

Another aspect of moving into a new home that is often overlooked is updating all of the safety features of the home.

This includes replacing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, buying new fire extinguishers, and locating your electrical panel and emergency shut off valves.

Change your filters and clean the a/c unit by simply hosing it down. It’s also a good idea to test the sump pump before you need it.

Preparing Your New Home

There are few things more exciting than moving into a new house and making it a home. Once you get unpacked, it’s time to settle in and enjoy your new space.

If you’re looking for a moving company to help you on your journey, contact us for a free quote today!

In 2017, 11% of the United States population decided to move. 

Moving can be a stressful and challenging time, especially if you have children. 

Are you a parent getting ready to tell your kids, “We’re moving!” then check out these five great tips to help prepare your children before a big move.

1. Let Your Children Express Their Feelings

Have a family meeting and share the news about the move as much ahead of time as possible. This will give your kids time to adjust to the idea of moving.

Acknowledge their feelings. They may be excited about the new adventure or sad and upset about leaving their home, school, neighborhood, and friends.

Emphasize the positive things about the move, perhaps in the new house they’ll have a bigger room or you will be closer to grandma and grandpa’s house. Explain that you’ll try to make the move as easy as possible for the whole family. 

2. Visit Your New Community Before the Move

Alleviate your child’s fears by getting familiar with your new community ahead of time.

Drive through your new neighborhood. Visit your child’s new school through a prearranged tour.

Look for things in your new city that your child might enjoy. Perhaps your new community has an active park district or maybe there is a zoo  or a children’s museum that they might find exciting. 

Identify activities for your children to participate in once you have settled in so that they have something to look forward to. Check to see what clubs, sports teams, and lessons are available through school and the community park district. 

3. Choose a Good Time to Move

If possible, select the most appropriate time for your family to move. Some families try to move during the summer so that there is less disruption in their children’s school schedule. 

4. Help Them Stay in Touch With Friends

We live in a digital age where it is very easy to keep in touch with old friends. Most children have access to texting, emailing, or calling. 

Make sure that you have contact information for all of their friends so that they can keep in touch after they move away. This will offer your kids some security and comfort as they make a difficult transition. 

5. Give Them Some Choices

When you tell your children, “Hey, we’re moving,” they may feel like they didn’t have any choice in it. And they probably didn’t have a say in the decision.

However, it’s essential to make them feel included in the whole process. You should let them make choices throughout the process, to give them some ownership in the move.

For example, you could let them choose a color to paint their new bedroom. They could select which toys to take with them and which to let the movers pack. 

Help Your Child Understand Why They Are Moving

Telling your child, “We’re moving” can be challenging to do.

However, if you follow these tips, it may be a smoother transition for you and them. For an easier move, we have you covered with our moving services! Contact us for a free quote today.

If you’re a book lover, chances are you know the pain of a ripped page or a bent cover. Packing to move to a new home is challenging. But, it’s more challenging for book lovers.   

Why? First, books are among the heaviest items in your home. Second, you don’t want to damage them. And lastly, books require some special attention when packing.

Read on and learn seven tips on how to pack books for moving.

1. Curate a New Library

We all love good books, but there comes a time when you have to let some of those books go. This is difficult for book lovers but not impossible. Here is what you need to do.  

Gather all of your books in one spot, sort through them, and check all the titles. As you do so, decide what to keep and what not to keep. Start the sorting early because you have lots of titles to go through.   

You can donate the books you no longer need or sell them.

2. Group the Books in Sizes

Now that you have streamlined your library sort the books according to size. This gives you a preview of how they are going to fit in the boxes.

3. Find Sturdy Boxes

Despite streamlining your library and grouping the books, they are still heavy. To ensure easier transportation, find sturdy boxes. This will keep your books manageable and safe.  

As you pack, we recommend that you distribute the weight in the box. How? By packing the bigger books at the bottom with the spines alternating up and down.

4. Use Packing Paper

Protect your books by lining the boxes with packing paper. This adds an extra layer of cushioning, thus protecting your books from dirt and liquids and prevents them from shifting around.

Add extra tape to the bottom for extra reinforcement.

5. Go for Rolling Suitcases

Can’t find sturdy boxes at the store, at work, or social media groups? Why not use rolling suitcases? 

Rolling suitcases are generally deep and sturdy — ideal for transporting bulky books. Also, the wheels make them even more convenient. When it comes to unpacking the truck, all you have to do is roll the suitcases from the moving truck into your new home. 

6. Don’t Overfill the Box or Rolling Suitcase

Although boxes and rolling cases provide space for your books, don’t overfill them. It is important to leave space between the top and your books. This helps to ensure that you don’t have bent covers on arrival. 

Plus too many books make the box too heavy to lift.

7. Pack with Care

Take your time when packing your books. To ensure you pack with care, start early. If you have any expensively bound volumes, wrap them individually.   

Also, store them separately in the box with the spine straight. This prevents side to side friction, which could damage the cover.

Label the book boxes so that movers know how to handle these heavy items appropriately.    

Moving Help

Looking for moving experts with the right experience? We at Arrow Moving & Storage Co can help. Contact us today and let us help with your move.

Easing the Transition: Moving Schools Mid-Year

With nearly 40 million Americans moving every year, many families can’t avoid moving during the school year. Although you may not want to mid-school year, there are steps you can take to ease the transition.

We put together a list of helpful tips to aid the process of transferring school during the school year.

Planning is Everything

For families, a big part of the moving process involves researching the local school districts in the area. Finding out exactly which schools your kids will be attending is the first step.

Once you know which schools serve your area, give them a call and ask them for instructions and advice on paperwork and the transferring process. Schools deal with many cases like this every year so they should be happy to help you out.

Here is a brief checklist of the process:

• Inform the school and let them know the dates they’ll begin classes.
• Handle the paperwork before the move itself.
• Request all the necessary records from the old school.
• Ensure your children’s physicals and immunizations are up to date.
• While you’re packing up, make sure to find important documents and keep them handy during the process; don’t lose track of them in the chaos of moving.

Involve Them in the Process

One of the best ways to ease the transition is to be open with them and let them in on the process. Let them know when you’re moving, when they’ll be starting school, what you know about the school and their future teachers.

If you’re able, take them on a visit to the school before they start. Or if you aren’t able to, let them see pictures or videos of it online.

Be sure they keep up with their studies during a move. They’ll likely miss a few days or weeks of school during the move. Talk to their new teachers about the curriculum and what you can do to help them into the new subjects.

Do your best to empathize with them. Kids will all handle a move differently so it’s good to determine whether your children need space during the transition or if they need you to help them along. Make sure they know you’re there for them.

Helping Them Through the Transition

Take your time with the process. Don’t send them back the day you get to your new home, especially if you’re traveling a long distance.

If you’re able, plan the move around a holiday. This will allow kids the chance to take some time to acclimate to the new environment and get to know the neighbors and adjust to their surroundings.

Depending on their age, you may be able to spend some time at your kids school their first day back. This gives you the opportunity to meet teachers, administrators, and get a feel for what they’ll be experiencing every day.

Getting Ready to Move

Moving in the middle of the year can be a stressful event for anybody. But kids can bear the brunt of the anxiety. That’s why it’s important for you to be there for them to ease the transition. 

If you’re in need of professional movers to help you with your move, contact us for a free move quote today!

Are you planning a move?

If so, you’re not alone. Roughly 40 million Americans move every year.

Moving across the country, or even across state lines, can be a stressful experience. The good news is that there are things you can do to alleviate some of that stress.

Check out these five long distance moving tips that will make your life easier.

1. Declutter and Minimize

First things first, when preparing for a long distance move, take the opportunity to declutter and minimize your stuff. You accumulate many things throughout the years, and there’s a good chance that you don’t need it all.

Now is the ideal time to downsize your home. This prevents you from taking unnecessary clutter to your new home. Many people plan to discard things out once they reach their new home, but save yourself the trouble and do it before the move. It can save you money now and time later.

2. Organize and Label

Before you start packing the truck, make sure that your belongings are well organized. This helps save time when unpacking. Label each side of every box with what’s inside and what room it will go in.

Staying organized will save you the headache of wondering why the silverware is packed with your DVD collection.

3. Keep Your Essentials Separate

Before you load up the long distance moving trucks, you should separate your essentials. This includes essential documents, a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, and your phone charger. Pack things that you’ll need for your arrival and keep those with you.

Unexpected things happen in life, and your move is no different. Make sure that you have all the essential items with you in your car.

4. Are You Insured?

An important tip when it comes to figuring out how to move long distance is to be sure that you’re insured. This may not be something you think of, but you want to ensure that your belongings are protected.

You have several options when it comes to insurance.

• basic coverage
• expanded mover coverage
• possible coverage through homeowner’s insurance

It’s important to research what type of coverage is best for you. When using a moving company, discuss the standard protection plan and determine if more is needed.

5. Hire a Reputable Moving Company

Above all else, you need to be sure to hire a reputable moving company with experienced long haul movers. Your items are precious to you, so you want to trust the company to get your belongings to your destination safely.

The long distance movers you hire will be carrying your furniture as well as memories, so choose a company that you feel confident in.

Long Distance Moving Tips Can Make Your Life Easier

You have a long list of things to do before you start your move. You can rest assured that these long distance moving tips are sure to take some weight off your shoulders.

Are you planning a move soon? Contact us today and request a free quote. We can make your move safe and hassle-free!

 

7 Hacks to Reduce Stress on Moving Day Most of us are no strangers to the stress and anxiety caused by a household move. From worrying about your new utilities, to remembering where everything is packed, to handling kids and pets on the big day, there are a ton of stress-inducing factors when conducting a big move. That’s why we’ve put together a list of things we’ve learned over the years of moving to help you out on the big day. These are seven hacks that will help relieve the stress of your household move. 1. Downsize before packing Before you start the long process of packing up your home, identify the items you don’t wish to bring with you. You can sell or donate these items, saving you the space on the truck and in your new home. Plus, donations can be written off come tax time so it’s a win-win! 2. Good boxes are a lifesaver Cardboard boxes are a great cheap option for moving but if you really want to make the process easier, get yourself stackable boxes with handles. If all you have access to are cardboard boxes, no worries! Just cut holes in the sides and use them as handles. And don’t forget to use detailed labels to pack unpacking so much easier. 3.  And label your cords While we’re on the subject of labeling, be sure to label all of the power cords, HDMI cables and any other cord you’ll be disconnecting. That way you’ll know which device each one belongs to. Which will save you a major headache trying to sort through them all to find the right plug. 4. Take pictures of your electronics set up Just in case labeling cords isn’t enough, it’s a good idea to photograph your electronic devices so you don’t have to try to remember how to set them up correctly. Reassembly will be much easier once you get to your new place. 5. Keep track of bolts and screws Labeling is one of the most important ways to keep organized during a move (in case you haven’t noticed). Keep bolts and screws in a labeled ziplock bag and tape the bag to the object it belongs to if you can. 6. Prepare a bag for your first night  Keep a bag or a box filled with essential items for the first night or two of a move. Things like toothbrushes, clothes, food, and toiletries that you’ll need easy access to. 7. Set up your utilities in advance Make sure you call your electric, gas, and water companies before moving day. It’s an easy thing to forget but having light the first night in your new home will make a huge difference. You’re ready for moving day! Hopefully, these tips can be of use to you and your family on moving day.

You’ve signed the contracts, you’ve planned how to use each room, and you’re looking forward to moving into your new home. If you miss one of the many details that moving requires, it will put a serious damper on the fun.

It might not be as exciting as choosing paint colors, but setting up utilities for a new house is an essential step. Where do you start and what do you need to know?

Here’s your handy guide.

Setting Up Utilities for a New House

The last thing you want to do is forget about your utilities and show up to a new home with no power. Here are the primary services you need to consider.

Gas and Electric

Depending on your home’s power source, you’ll need to set up your gas, electric, or both. Ask your property manager or real estate agent who the providers are for your new house.

If you’ve never had an account with this particular provider before, they may request a utility deposit. The deposit is usually a few hundred dollars that they retain as good faith money. They credit it to your bill after a set number of months.

You may be able to avoid a deposit by getting a letter of good standing from your previous power company. This process can take time, though.

Start the process of setting up your power a few weeks before your local or long-distance move, so you have time to complete all these steps.

Water and Sewer

Your new home’s city will most likely handle the water and sewer. Call them a month before your move to set up your account because it’s not always a quick process.

If your new home is an apartment or townhome, you also need to find out how the water is metered. Does each unit have a separate meter or do they add the whole building’s water together and divide it among the units?

Cable and Internet

While most utilities can be hooked up with a quick phone call, your cable and internet may be a different story. You’re likely to need an installation appointment. To make sure you can get the time frame you need, call about a month in advance.

Keep in mind that you probably only have one or two options for cable and internet providers. Your real estate agent or property manager will be able to tell you what they are.

Trash Pick-Up

Depending on your new home, your trash and recycling pick-up may be the apartment complex or homeowners association’s responsibility.

In other cases, your city or village works with a waste management company to collect trash and recyclables. Contact your city hall to find out if your city handles this arrangement.

Other times it’s your responsibility to subscribe to a local refuse service. If that’s true for your home, it’s a good idea to ask your real estate agent who the primary providers are. You may be able to call around for price comparison.

Getting Your New Home Ready

As excited as you are for your new home, it won’t be nearly as thrilling if it doesn’t have power, running water, or entertainment available. Use the list above for setting up utilities for a new house, so you have everything ready in advance.

Need help with moving to your new home? Call our skilled movers to work out the details.