Category: Moving Tips

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.

So you’ve scheduled a move — congratulations! But, if you’re like most people, you’re probably dreading packing up one room the most: the kitchen.

It’s not hard to see why so many people procrastinate packing up the kitchen. It’s full of oddly sized, frequently used, often-breakable and sometimes-sharp objects. Plus, once you pack up the kitchen, you’re stuck eating out until after the move.

These pro tips will help you pack your kitchen with ease.

Use Proper Packing Materials

Packing kitchen items involves a bit of planning. You’ll need to take special care with fragile and breakable items, like glassware, and pack sharp items safely.

To start, gather the following packing materials:

• Small to medium cardboard boxes
• Specialty boxes for dishes and glassware
• Clean plastic tubs
• Packing peanuts
• Bubble or foam wrap
• Packing paper or newspaper
• Packing tape
• Labels and markers

You may also want to invest in specialty packing materials, dish pack boxes, dividers, or plate foam sheets. Always label your boxes on each side, indicating the contents, and write fragile for boxes with delicate items.

Clear the Shelves

Well before moving day, start editing down the amount of kitchen stuff you’ll need to move. That means eating the food you have in the freezer and pantry. The more non-perishable food you can use, the less you’ll have to pack and move. As a bonus, the more perishable food you use less food waste you will have.

Once you’ve reduced the amount of food in the freezer, fridge, and shelves, review the contents of your cupboards and drawers. Categorize your belongings into “keep,” “donate,” “recycle,” and “trash.” Why pay to move it if you don’t need or want something? So if you’ve got three spatulas, give one to a friend, donate one to a charity and pack one for the move.

Practice Packing Safety

When packing kitchen items, keep safety at the forefront. That means wrapping knives and sharp objects securely. Use multiple layers of paper, foam, and bubble wrap to prevent breaking glass or ceramics.

As for choosing box size, use smaller boxes to keep the weight manageable. Remember: The heavier a box is, the harder it will be to lift, the more likely it is to break — and the more likely the contents will sustain damage. So try to divide heavy and light items between boxes to keep the weight manageable.

You can still find a use for those big boxes, though. They’re perfect for holding lightweight kitchen supplies like plastic tubs or hand towels.

Pro tip: When you buy small appliances, like toasters or blenders, keep the box they came in, along with packing material. Reuse the boxes when it’s time to move.

Don’t Pack Non-Allowable Items

Did you know there are some items and substances moving companies can’t move? Certain chemicals and solvents are on the non-allowable list, and you can find many in the kitchen.

Your moving company will provide you with a specific list of restricted items. Here are some things that might be on that list.

• Household cleaning products
• Corrosives or poisons (such as rat poison and pesticides)
• Batteries
• Fuels, including cooking fuels
• Wax candles
• Live plants
• Flammable or explosive materials

Packing a kitchen is complicated, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Just be sure to gather the suitable materials and give yourself plenty of time to pack your kitchen like a pro. Contact us for help!

 

 

Relocating an office is different than a residential relocation in many ways. You prepare people for the move and transport belongings, but you also deal with logistics that don’t come with residential moves.

Inadvertently missing a step can negatively impact a business or, at a minimum, cause disruption. Therefore, consider keeping the following four details on your radar when planning your office move.

1. Size of Office

You’ll want to ensure the new space has room to accommodate now and in the future for a growing business. Many companies enter long-term leases, and it’s important to consider scalability to ensure the business doesn’t outgrow the space before the lease is up. Smallbiztrends.com also offers great pointers to think about when selecting office space.

2. Determine Office Requirements

The size of the space will be necessary, but arguably of equal importance is selecting a space that meets the requirements of the office. Technology will undoubtedly be a primary consideration. When choosing space, think of the existing infrastructure for Wi-Fi and internet connectivity equipped to handle office demands and if there are sufficient outlets and Ethernet ports. Another factor to consider is ventilation and lighting – is it adequate? Studies consistently show optimal office environments result in better productivity.

3. Calculate Moving Costs

During the planning stages, calculate your moving costs as best as possible so there aren’t any significant surprises come moving day.

• Set a moving budget
• Determine which tasks can be done in-house
• Identify tasks you’ll need help doing
• Pinpoint old equipment, furnishings, and other items not needed (less to move equates to lower costs to move)
• Plan to get at least three moving quotes

As you formulate your plans, keep in mind that many professional moving companies offer full-service moves, which free up your staff from stressful tasks and allow them to focus on getting settled into the new space.

4. Plan Moving Timeline

Once new office space is selected, and the lease is signed, start planning the transition. Ideally, you’ll have at least three months to tackle all the details you need to do before the relocation occurs. It’s helpful to establish a moving checklist.

• Provide notice to the current landlord
• Choose a date with the moving company
• Communicate the moving plan with your staff
• Coordinate utility transfers, closures, and new services
• Plan for in-house or contracted tech installation
• Order new furniture and equipment to ensure its timely arrival
• Update company information by letting suppliers, partners, and customers/clients know where you’re going
• Set up mail forwarding with USPS
• Put notifications on your website, social media profiles, and Google/Yelp listings.
• Collect key cards, parking passes, IDs, and any other items that need to be returned and coordinate new ones at the new facility

Have staff members look over the moving timeline checklist to see if you have accidentally overlooked anything.

Need Help Planning Your Upcoming Relocation?

Moving an office involves many parts, especially as you try to achieve continuity during the transition. Many professional movers offer services in addition to transporting items, 

• Modular furniture installation
• Electronics packing and transport moving
• Fine art moving
• Equipment moving

Contact us today to learn more about our seamless process or the different services we can offer. We’ll answer questions, address concerns, and provide a free quote.

 

 

When making a residential move, many homebuyers compromise on selecting their house, intending to make changes to their new place. Sometimes the changes are minor, and they are much more involved in others. For example, if you’re buying an existing home, you might have plans to fix it up.

There are reasons to do it now and others to wait until after you move in. Sometimes, it’s hard to know if you should begin immediately or wait.

If you want to make some upgrades for your new home, consider the following things.

Time Before Moving

It’s easy to imagine remodeling projects before you move. However, making sure you can complete them is a different matter.

Evaluate the time that you have remaining before your move-in date and determine if that’s enough time for the project. If you’re hiring a contractor, you’ll need to check their availability as well.

Keep in mind that projects sometimes have delays that can last for weeks. So if you start the project, you’ll need to plan what to do if it isn’t done by the time you move.

Budget

Buying a home can be expensive, especially if it’s your first home. Planning remodeling projects take funds that you might not have. You’ll need to set a budget.

Some projects cost little within a limited budget and may not be too difficult to DIY. For example, putting in a few garden beds or painting the interior shouldn’t break the bank.

For larger projects, get estimates from contractors. Be wary of choosing the cheapest one. You might compromise on quality if you pick the lowest bid.

Complexity

Home remodeling is a broad category. It covers projects that take a day and projects that take months. Be sure that you understand the complexity of the one you’re planning.

Complicated projects cost more, but they also take more time. You might not be able to balance moving responsibilities while keeping track of the remodel.

The good news is that it’s relatively easy to compromise. For example, instead of completely redoing a room, you might replace the flooring and windows and paint the walls.

Inconvenience

Of course, there are many reasons to remodel before you move, and inconvenience is a big part. Once you unpack, it’s so much harder to move everything around.

It’s essential to consider the inconvenience of some projects, like remodeling the kitchen or the main bathroom. A whole house remodel usually requires homeowners to relocate temporarily.

You can stay in your home while you remodel it, but you should make a plan to manage those inconveniences. For example, eating more takeout or setting a shower schedule might be a simple solution.

Experience

Many remodeling experts recommend that people move into a home before they decide to remodel it. That way, you get more experience with the space.

Specific projects are easy to complete ahead of time because they don’t take as much planning. For example, if the flooring is old or worn, you can choose to replace it without feeling like you have to live with it first.

Other projects may take more familiarity. For instance, a complete overhaul of the kitchen may require you to understand what works and what doesn’t in the existing one. After having it for a while, you’ll do a better job with that.

Moving Made Easy

Remodeling a home is an integral part of moving for many people. With these tips, you’ll know what to do. To learn more about your moving options, contact us today.

 

Routines and the familiar are essential to children, so learning that they are moving can be challenging. However, children can also practice resilience if you’re there to help them. Here are ways to talk to your child about your upcoming residential relocation.

Tell Them Early

Children need time to process a significant change, so resist the urge to put off telling them. Instead, use clear, age-appropriate language. Then, answer their questions and continue talking about the move to re-enforce its occurrence.

Stress the Positive

Stress the most positive aspects of a new move. For example, a larger home, their own room, being able to walk to the ice cream store, or the opportunity to explore a new place.

Preschoolers tend to have no concept of what a move entails. They may ask questions such as, “do I have to leave my pets and toys for the new family?” Answer their questions and reassure them.

School-age children are apt to become excited about new opportunities, but teens sometimes struggle because of the importance of peer groups or special events such as prom. If your teens struggle with this, stress that they’ll be able to maintain contact with their friends. Consider setting a date to return to visit friends before the move.

Allow Them to Express Emotions

Negative emotions are part of coming to terms with a move. While no one likes to see their child cry, crying is a normal reaction. Acknowledge negative feelings and share your sadness.

Provide Opportunities to Say Goodbye

The closure is essential. Talk with your children about ways to say goodbye to their friends. For example, do they want to host a party or make something for friends to keep? Establish an email address they can use to exchange photos with their old friends once they’ve moved.

Listen

Listen to your child’s concerns and opinions. Sometimes, adults try to convince their children that a decision is correct, but just being present and listening is often the best option. If your child isn’t ready to talk, don’t push them. Instead, wait for them to approach you.

Involve Them

Involve the children in the relocation as is appropriate for their age and personality. Even preschoolers can “help” by packing some of their books or games. Allowing them to “camp” in the boxes may make the move more fun.

Older children can help plan how their new room will look. Then, if the budget allows, let them buy some new things for the room to have something to look forward to.

If the move is close by, take children or teens on a tour of the new home and neighborhood so that it will feel familiar when you arrive. If an in-person tour isn’t possible, use Google maps to find photos of the house and area.

Let your child suggest ways to stay in touch with their friends and ideas for making new friends. 

Ready for Your Move

Let us help make the transition smoother for you and your family. We can help pack, transport, and unpack your belongings at your new home. Contact us today for a quote.

 

Although moving can be fun and exciting, it also comes with various challenges and expenses. Whether you’re moving across the country or locally, you might wind up spending more than you want.

Here are some recommendations on how to save money on moving costs.

Downsize Your Life

The simplest way to make moving more manageable and more affordable is to get rid of junk and clutter from your life. The challenge, however, is determining what the clutter is and what items are necessary. Downsizing is not only an excellent way to cut down on moving costs, but it will help you stay focused on your goals.

Even better, if you can sell some of your belongings, you can offset more of your costs. That said, if you can’t sell items, donating them is another excellent option. Helping those in need can make you feel even better about moving.

Get Gently-Used Packing Materials

One moving cost is buying boxes or containers to fit all your stuff. But utilizing gently-used materials can help you save money. Check with friends, family, and social media sites like Nextdoor to secure gently used boxes. The chances are that some people you know have moved relatively recently, so they might have the items you need.

Another option is to start saving boxes as soon as possible once you know you’re moving. For example, if you order products online, you can keep the packages in which they arrive. You might also try local grocery and liquor stores. Often they have boxes available for reuse.

Get Help With Packing

If you’re going to ask friends and family for used boxes and packing tape, you might as well ask them to help you store your items as well. Depending on the situation, it may be hard to enlist help for moving day, but it’s much easier to pack boxes and consolidate furniture and other items.

If you want to seal the deal, you can have a pre-moving party a week or two before your move-out date. Not only can a party encourage people to come and help pack, but you can also use it as an open house for anything you’re donating or selling. So, whether guests put your belongings in boxes or take them home, it’s a win-win.

Use a Moving Service

At first, hiring professional movers might seem like a way to increase costs, not save money. However, that depends on how you look at the situation. After all, isn’t your time and energy valuable? How many hours will you spend on packing, moving, and unpacking? If you have a busy lifestyle, it’s often more efficient and cost-effective to hire moving services.

Also, you can pick and choose the options that work best for your budget and your situation. For example, you might not need a “white glove” service where movers pack and unpack your boxes for you.

Finally, what happens if you or someone you’ve enlisted to help gets injured? What if you break something valuable? When using professionals, you can protect your items. Doing it all yourself means that you pay out of pocket for injuries or breakage.

Move More Efficiently With Us!

Moving brings many challenges and obstacles, so don’t let them get in your way. Instead, contact us to see what we can do to make your move as streamlined and affordable as possible.