Category: Moving Tips

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!

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.

A household move has a lot of moving pieces. With the process so fluid, it’s easy to forget something important you need to do.

Some clear organization among the mess and the stress can help keep you on track.

Pull out your checklist and get ready to add these essential tasks to help make your move a success.

Take Photos of Electronic Setups

Right now, the cord configuration on the back of your TV and electronics seems straightforward. Wait until you go to take it out of the box in your new home, and you can’t remember how it was set up.

To avoid this frustration, snap a few photos of the setup with your phone before you disassemble everything. Keep the cords together in labeled Ziploc bags. When you arrive at your new home to set up, refer to the photos for a refresher on how to reassemble your electronics and cords. 

Note Your Change of Address

Don’t wait until the last minute to notify people about your new address. Plan ahead so that you don’t forget.

Register your new home address with the post office. Then make sure you notify your contact directly. Remember to reach out to your bank, insurance companies, credit card companies, and others about your move.

Collect Personal Documents

If you’re moving to a new town, you might be busy securing a reliable moving company, and packing, but don’t forget to obtain your personal documents before you leave. Make sure to collect your medical records, prescription information, veterinarian records, and your children’s school records.

Personal records are essential to take with you. 

Cancel Recurring Memberships and Fees

Notify your local gym, and any other place you may be a member to tell them about your upcoming move. Cancel what you can so that you don’t have to pay membership fees for services you won’t be using.

You might be able to transfer some memberships, so check to see if that fits with your plans.

Don’t forget to transfer any magazine or other subscription services to your new address.

Pack an Essentials Box

Nothing is more aggravating than arriving at your new home and not having the necessary things at your fingertips. Those essential items are spread out throughout numerous boxes yet to be opened.

Do yourself a favor and pack an essentials box. Make a note of all the items you use daily. Include things like toilet paper, soap, towels, toothbrushes, and charging cords. Accessing these items from a central point in one box will save you time and frustration.

Label Every Box

In your hurry to organize and pack up, remember to label all your boxes. Placing labels and identifying each box helps the movers and you when you go to unpack.

Label all of your boxes clearly on each side. Indicate what room each box should go in as well as the contents of each. This will make organizing at the other end much easier.

Add These to Your List

A household move should be an exciting adventure for you and your family. Maintaining a complete to-list will help keep stress levels down and help your move go smoothly. So make sure to add these things you list.

Need help with your move? Are you moving long-distance or local? Contact us today for a free quote!

If you’ve decided to hire the expertise of professional movers, how do you know you can trust them with all your worldly possessions? 

The key is to do your research beforehand, as with any significant life decision. Here are some questions to ask moving companies before you hire them.

Questions to Ask Moving Companies

1. How Long Have You Been in Business? 

Just because a moving business has a long business history doesn’t always mean their services are superior. But generally, the longer a company has been in operation, the more experience they have in different types of home moves. The only way to gauge this is through a proven track record of success and satisfaction. Don’t be shy to ask for references so you can research their track record.

2. What Company Licenses Do You Hold?

Confirm that the moving company has the proper licensing.

Federal law mandates that professional moving companies that work across state lines be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Interstate movers should provide a copy of their federal tariff if you request it.

In addition, check with the FMCSA to see if that particular moving company is up-to-date with their operating license.

3. Is Your Business Fully Equipped? 

Make sure that the moving company you’re considering has all the necessary equipment for the job. This includes the right size moving truck(s), hoisting equipment, moving dollies, etc. Ideally, they should also have an inventory of specialist moving tools for specific items.  

4. What Are Your Rates?

A quality moving company will provide you with a quote for your move, and discuss any add-ons with you. The last thing you want is to learn that there were hidden fees connected with your move.

5. What Do You Charge for ”Extra” Services?

Extra services may include things like packing services, flight charges, long-haul transport fees, shuttle services, and storage-in-transit — not-to-mention fuel charges, fees for the disassembly, and assembling of furniture, handling special objects, etc.

Do a thorough check of what the company considers ”extra” services and how you’ll be charged. 

6. How Do You Prevent Damage to My Belongings? 

Preventing damage to your household goods should be a top priority for professional movers. So, how do they accomplish this?

Ask about preventative measures; how do they protect furniture and fragile items? To add to this, how do they protect both your new home and old home from damage? This includes areas such as the walls, skirting, railings, floors, and door frames. Do your research on all their preventative measures. 

7. Can You Provide References?

Ask your prospective moving company for references from residential moves like your own.

Also, do your own research and check Google, the Better Business Bureau, and Angie’s List to find a variety of reviews to provide you with a true impression of their business practices.

Looking For Reliable Movers? 

If you found this article on questions to ask moving companies insightful, then explore the rest of our blog for all the moving advice you’ll ever need. 

If you’re looking for reliable and professional movers, whether it’s residential or long distance, get in touch with us at Arrow Moving & Storage for a quote.

 

There are over 120 million TVs in American households. If you’re moving soon, then chances are, you’re planning on bringing one or more TVs with you.

However, these are very fragile electronics that cost a bit to replace, so you want to make sure you move it correctly.

Read on if you want to know how to move a TV without damaging it in transit.

Prep the Set

Before unplugging, disassembling, and packing your TV and accompanying electronics, take some photos of the set-up with your phone. Note how the cables are attached and plugged in. When you arrive at your new home, refer to the images for easy reassembly.

Then unplug the TV and various electronics such as the cable box, DVR, or Roku. Dust off your TV and accompanying devices thoroughly with a soft microfiber cloth.

Pack Accessories Separately

If your TV has an attached base, remove it. Put the screws from the base in a baggie and keep it with the base.

Take any related accessories like the remotes, wires, and cords and put them in a separate, labeled box, so they’re all easier to find later. By removing all the loose parts, you’ll make your TV easier to pack and transport, as there’ll be nothing to get loose and possibly damage your TV.

Use the Original Box

The best way to move a TV is in the original box it came in. After all, the manufacturer shipped it safely in that box, which means it’s meant to withstand the ruggedness of transport.

If you’ve saved the original packaging, then that’s the best TV shipping box to use. Moving a TV will be most manageable with this, as all you’ll have to do is fit it into the styrofoam parts, slide it back into the box, and tape it back up.

Use Specialty TV Moving Boxes

If you didn’t keep the original box, you could always buy flat-panel TV kits. These are available through your mover and other stores that sell boxes. Flat-panel TV kits are designed for various sizes and are specific to your TV’s dimensions. For most, they will hold TVs that are up to 70 inches wide and 1 to 4 inches deep.

Also, these come with foam edge protectors, which means once you slide your TV in the box, it’ll be well-protected for the move.

Avoid Using Regular Household Items

You might be tempted to save a bit of money by using regular household items to pack your TVs, such as a blanket or throw wrapped around the unit. But the reality is, a broken TV will negate the money you save by doing this in the end.

Moving a TV Safely

By knowing how to move a TV safely, you’ll be able to get your valued possession from point A to B in one piece.

If you need the help of some professional movers, then get in touch with us today. We can help both residents and businesses.

Planning for a household move involves many small details and moving parts. All of those details need to come together at the same time to pull off a successful, smooth move. That’s why you need to be prepared with the right materials and supplies.

To make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment to pack up your belongings, here’s an in-depth moving supplies checklist.

Your Complete Moving Supplies Checklist

Please note that this is a comprehensive checklist, and you may not need everything on it, depending on what you have to move. Take stock of all the belongings that are coming with you and create your unique checklist accordingly.

Boxes

When it comes to buying moving boxes, the trickiest part is figuring out how many to buy.

There are a number of helpful online calculators that can help you determine approximately how many boxes you’re going to need. And remember when it comes to buying moving boxes, it’s always better to overestimate how many you’ll need than wind up shorthanded.

It’s critical to have sturdy boxes in a variety of sizes to protect your belongings. Make sure these boxes are clean and dry. You don’t want worn or wet boxes to compromise the construction of the cardboard. 

Pack your heavier things in smaller boxes. Lighter items like clothes and bedding work well in large boxes. 

Packing Paper

Stock up on plenty of packing paper to wrap fragile or sharp items in. Packing paper can also be used as an excellent filler in the boxes, providing extra cushion and stability in each box. The ideal packing paper is ink-free since the ink on newsprint can bleed on to your belongings.

Bubble Wrap

Use bubble wrap to protect extra fragile items made of glass, ceramic, and porcelain. Leaving space in boxes for your items to shift around can lead to damage. Using paddings like bubble wrap paper will keep everything still and secure.

Baggies

Small, Ziploc baggies are excellent for storing little items that could get lost. For instance, when you disassemble something that has screws or small parts, place them in a baggie. Label the bag and store it with the item.

Packing Tape

Like with boxes, it’s always better to have too much packing tape than not enough. Also, investing in a tape gun can help make sealing boxes easier and cut back on wasted tape.

Labels and Permanent Markers

To make unpacking more manageable,  make sure you label all your boxes clearly. No matter how you decide to label your items, moving labels, colored stickers, and thick permanent markers can help.

A Toolbox 

If you plan on dismantling any furniture, a simple toolset is a necessity. A screwdriver, wrench with a variety of heads, hammer, and scissors should be included in your toolbox. Keep these tools handy; you will also probably need them on moving day.

Furniture Pads, Covers, and Wrap

Unfortunately, you can’t just box up your furniture. So, you have to find other ways to keep it all safe.

Furniture pads and covers are essential to protecting your pieces from bumps and scrapes during the moving process.

Furniture wrap can also help defend your items from the wear and tear of moving. It’s also essential for keeping drawers and cabinet doors shut and secure.

All that said, if you plan on hiring residential movers, then you probably won’t need to worry about buying any of these supplies. Your mover will have plenty of furniture pads, covers, and wrap on hand already.

Gathering Your Supplies

By following this moving supplies checklist, you’ll be able to collect all the supplies you’ll need to make your move a breeze.

Are you looking for a little more moving advice?

Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful guides, or contact our team of moving specialists to schedule a consultation today.

 

Whether you’re planning an out-of-state move or down the street, you must notify the proper people and places about your upcoming move. It’s ideal to do this earlier rather than later. That way, you won’t face potential hassles such as missed bills or service lapses.

You already know you need to notify your friends and family, but who else needs to know?  Not sure where to start? This handy change of address checklist will let you know who you need to give a heads up to about your new residence.

The Post Office

The first people you need to notify are at the post office. You can do this in person or file the change online. Once you submit this change, anything that goes to your old address will automatically get forwarded to your new address. 

Do this at least a week before you move so that you don’t have a gap between your move and the mail delivery change. Keep an eye out for the yellow tag on your mail. Use these to know who you still need to notify of your move. 

Utilities 

You need to let utility providers know that you know longer live at one address and are now responsible for another. This includes gas, water, electric, and trash. Schedule to have your new home active in your name before you plan to move in. 

While you’re arranging for service turn-on at your new home, you should also arrange for service shut-off at your old residence. This will prevent you from getting charged for service after your move. 

Tax Agencies 

You can’t avoid paying your taxes just because you move. You’ll need to let both the IRS and your state tax agency know. You can do both of these online through the IRS website and your state’s government website. 

Social Security Administration 

Do you receive Social security benefits? If so, then you notify the SSA that you’ve moved. You can do this by heading online to fill out the change of address application. 

Cable, Internet, and Phone 

Before you have the movers arrive to load up your home, you should have your cable, internet, and phone transferred to your new home. This will ensure that everything is up and running the day you move in. 

Insurance Providers 

Notify every company you have an insurance policy with. This will ensure you get any important documents and that sensitive information isn’t compromised. 

Loan Providers 

If you have any outstanding loans, then you need to let the lender know that you’ve moved. Otherwise, you risk missing potentially important mailings about your loan. If you have a car loan, you’re required to let the lender know where the vehicle is. 

Employer 

Your employer needs to know if you have a new address. They need to send your paycheck print outs and tax forms to the right address. 

Subscription and Service Providers  

This could be your monthly pest control service or your subscription to a magazine. Make a list of all services and work your way through the list. Most will be an easy phone call or online form update. 

It can be easy to miss someone that should be on this list. This is when paying attention to the mail forwarding stickers on your mail comes in handy. 

Know Who to Notify When You Move

By working your way through this list, you’ll know who to notify when you move. Don’t worry if you miss someone; the USPS will forward mail for up to a year after your move.  

Contact our experienced team today to help with your move. 

Businesses relocate for various reasons, ranging from increased customer traffic and improved growth opportunities to simply needing more space. However, moving a company is time-consuming and disruptive. That’s why businesses making a corporate move must have a relocation plan.

Here are five helpful office moving strategies for relocating your office.

1. Create a Timeline

The first step in the moving process is to create a timeline. Be realistic about how much time you will need to prepare for the move.

Small businesses usually need at least three to six months to accomplish a move. Medium to large-sized companies will often need at least six months to a year to plan a move.

It’s helpful to create a multiple week timeline of expectations. Include the following to-dos on your timeline:

• Create a detailed budget
• Select a professional corporate moving company
• Develop an inventory list of all furniture and equipment
• Notify vendors and customers about your address change and new contact information
• Contact service providers for electricity, gas, phone, and waste management to notify them of your move and arrange the connection, installation, or disconnection of service
• Schedule mail forwarding
• Order new stationery, marketing material, and business cards with the new business information

2. Assign a Team to the Move

A successful corporate move depends on the cooperation of the employees.

Choose a person to be the in-office move coordinator responsible for all moving-related issues. Then, designate people as team leaders from other departments to check-in with this coordinator to give progress reports. Department heads and managers, for example, could be team leaders who make sure each employee is responsible for packing up their desks and personal items.

The team leaders could:

• Delegate responsibilities
• Make sure their team meets deadlines
• Confirm moving tasks are completed
• Communicate challenges to other team leaders

The moving team could also assist in identifying issues with the current office space and work to find solutions for the new office. This allows employees the chance to provide input and gives them some ownership in the move.

3. Coordinate Moving Day Itinerary

Prepare for moving day by planning every element.  Make sure that everyone on your move team is informed and knows what will happen.

Schedule a meeting one month before the move as well as each week leading up to it.

If your business will stay open on moving day, determine who will be working. Can they work remotely? Or should you schedule them to move into the new office a few days before everyone else?

4. Use Open Communication

Remember to use open communication during a move. Express expectations to employees and team members to make sure everyone is one the same page. Provide support channels and give an accurate impression of what’s ahead.

Allow plenty of time for any relocating employees to prepare!

5. Hire Movers

Experienced movers will help you create a detailed moving plan and lessen stress and hassle on employees. Professional office movers know your office equipment is vital to your business and will handle your things with care. 

They are appropriately insured and licensed so you can rest assured. With a professional moving service, you and your employees can focus on what matters most: your business. Avoid disruptions and missing office time with hired movers. 

Business Moving

Businesses have enough to think about; don’t let business moving plans be one of those worries. Get ahead of the game and make relocating your office a pleasant experience for everyone involved.

What are you waiting for? Your new office awaits!

Want to see more posts like this? Check out our blog for more!

 

Most people dread the thought of a household move. From the packing and lifting to the loading and unloading, the process is overwhelming, taxing, and time-consuming. 

There are many reasons and benefits to hire professional movers. Save your time and patience and reduce your stress level by hiring the right professional movers to make a huge difference and make your move easier.

Here are some of the reasons you should consider a professional moving company.

1. Experience

Experience is an essential component when it comes to executing a successful residential move.

Professional movers are trained to handle personal belongings properly throughout the relocation process. From your smallest treasure to your largest piece of furniture and appliances, professional movers know exactly how to expertly pack, lift, maneuver, then secure your belongings on the moving truck.

Also, professional moving companies provide you with experienced drivers who know how to transport your belongings. Whether it’s a local or cross-country move, movers know how to handle their large trucks in all kinds of weather and conditions. Professionals know the best routes to take and where they can operate.

2. Convenience

The help of professional movers provides convenience. 

Convenience is much more important than you may think, especially if you’ve never moved before. It’s easy to say you can handle it yourself. But moving is always more stressful than one imagines it will be.

Undoubtedly, you’ll plan and prepare for the move weeks in advance. But it’s not until you’re in the thick of it that you realize the high level of stress that comes with it. 

Those who aren’t experienced movers find it more difficult, tedious, and time-consuming than they estimated it would be. Avoid this headache by hiring professionals. 

3. Reliability

Many things can go wrong when attempting to handle a move yourself. The friends that you recruited to help may cancel at the last minute, or you may discover you’re in over your head partway through the task.

Hiring movers secures a reliable team of professionals you can trust to accomplish the job on time. 

4. Safety 

The wisdom and experience of professional movers also lower the chance of moving-related accidents. That goes for those doing the lifting and those around them.

For that matter, you won’t have to do any lifting at all. There’s no chance of you throwing your back out. Plus your belongings stay safe when moved by professionals who know how to lift and place boxes the correct way.

5. Various Services 

When you hire professional movers, you are not only locking in a company to do the heavy lifting. You will also be able to choose from additional services that will make moving easier for you.

Moving pros can pack, load, transport, and even unpack your belongings. You can select the services that fit your needs. In addition, many movers can assist with a long-distance move as well as provide storage solutions for things your new home is not ready for yet.

Hire a Moving Company

In today’s hectic world, moving to a new home can be a big disruption to your life. Reduce the many stresses inherent in the process; hire qualified movers to get the job done efficiently and effectively.

If you’re planning a move, let us help. Contact us today for a quote.

Even with the number of Americans moving at a record low, 9.8% of people in the US still packed up and moved in 2019. That’s over 40 million people!

If you’re relocating your household this year, there are a lot of stressors on your plate.  There are many factors to consider when heading to a new location — from deciding on a new place to live —  to securing a new job. On top of all that, trying to box items, especially ones that are easily breakable, can understandably send you over the edge.

Read on to learn how to pack fragile items before your big move!

Use Appropriate Packing Materials

When packing fragile items, you need to start with the right materials. These include tissue paper, bubble wrap, small to medium-sized boxes, labels, tape, and markers. 

Consider using specialty boxes for your fragile items. Your moving company most likely has dish pack boxes. These boxes are extra durable, made with a double layer of corrugated cardboard. The extra-thick walls provide an added layer of protection for the items inside.

How to Pack Common Breakable Items

For unusual fragile items, you might need a little creativity when it comes to packing. Below we will provide a few suggestions.

Reinforce the bottom of your fragile item boxes with extra packing tape. Then place several layers of crumpled paper or bubble wrap on the inside bottom of the box. Put heavier objects in first so that they are at the bottom — separate layers of fragile items with more packing paper or bubble wrap. 

Once your items are in the box, fill any empty space with crumpled paper. This will prevent the items from shifting and getting damaged.

Dishes

Use small to medium-sized boxes to pack dishes since they tend to be heavy. Wrap each plate individually with paper or bubble wrap, secure with scotch tape, then place them vertically in the box. Place several sheets of crumpled packing paper between each plate to keep them stable and in place.

Glasses

Place crumpled packing paper inside each glass to prevent crushing. If the glass has a stem, wrap the stem with bubble wrap or a folded piece of packing paper and secure it with tape. Then individually wrap each glass with packing paper or bubble wrap. 

Picture Frames

Place a large “X” of painter’s tape over the glass of the frame to prevent shattering. Wrap the frames in bubble wrap then tape the bubble wrap to keep it in place. Set the frames on crumpled paper at the bottom of the box. If the frames are more than eight inches tall, pack the frames standing up instead of flat.

Mark the Boxes “Fragile”

Label your boxes “fragile” on every side. Also, indicate which end needs to be up.

Separate the boxes marked “fragile” from your other boxes. Inform your movers or helpers about the fragile things in those boxes so they can be handled with special care.

Bring In the Professionals

While moving can be a stressful chore, it doesn’t need to be incredibly difficult and grueling.

Before you get too far into the moving process, contact professional household movers to discuss your options with them. In addition to moving all of your goods, you might decide to have the movers pack and unpack for you.

Our residential moving experts offer services for people moving both locally and out of the area. This means that no matter where you intend to go, there’s always an option for you.

Contact us about any questions you may have and to set up a time for us to come and help you move your fragile and valuable items.