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Moving can be stressful enough—but a residential relocation with a pet can complicate things even further. In addition to the logistics of getting your pet from point A to point B, you’ll also need to consider that pets tend to be creatures of habit. Even the smallest of moves can be an enormous and stressful change for your little companion, so you’ll want to try to ease the transition as much as possible.

Where do you begin when it comes to moving with your pet? We’ve got some practical tips to keep in mind.

1. Consider Your Pet’s Safety

First, you may want to look into boarding your pet on the day of your big move. During this time, a lot of movement and change can create anxiety in routine-oriented pets. Furniture and boxes moving out of the house and unfamiliar people may agitate your pet and even create a safety hazard if a door is left open and your pet decides to bolt.

Placing your pet in a reputable boarding facility for a day (or even just a few hours) can help mitigate the chaos while keeping your pet safe and sound. Or if you have a friend or family member who can take care of your pet at their home, that would be an excellent alternative.

If your pet must remain in your home during the move, set up a “safe room” before moving day. Your pet’s “safe room” should be a room you can empty before moving day, like a bathroom or small bedroom. Allow them to stay in the room with their crate, toys, bed, and other comfort items while the moving crew is busy packing up the rest of the house. Place a sign outside the room alerting movers not to enter that space.

2. Speak to Your Veterinarian

If your pet is especially prone to nerves or anxiety, your vet may be able to prescribe a temporary medication to help them stay calm during the move itself. For example, suppose you have a cat who gets stressed out being in a carrier. In that case, your vet can provide you with a mild sedative or other medication that will make it easier for you to transport your feline friend from your old place to your new home.

Regardless, stopping in for a vet visit before a move can be a great way to ensure that your pet is in good enough health to handle the stress of a move and get them up-to-date on any necessary shots. If you plan to board your pet while you pack or move, it is worth noting that any reputable boarding facility will request an up-to-date record of your pet’s vaccines.

3. Create a Familiar, Comfortable Space

Minimizing stress for pets during a move is all about keeping things as consistent and familiar as possible. With this in mind, setting up your pet’s space in your new home before introducing them to it is essential. Whenever possible, set the area up similarly to how it looked in your existing home. For instance, you might place the feeding bowl near the back door if that’s where you had it stationed in your old house.

Sticking to old routines can also prove helpful during this transitional period. For example, if you and your dog typically go for an evening walk after dinner, continuing with this tradition after your move can help your canine companion adjust. A little familiarity and consistency can go a long way here.

Avoid Unnecessary Stress During Your Next Move

Moving with a pet can be complicated, but the good news is that there are things you can do to keep your pet as comfortable as possible. From boarding your pet on moving day to sticking with a familiar routine and even seeking help from your vet, a little planning can go a long way. Likewise, you can alleviate some of your own stress by hiring a team of professional movers to assist in your relocation! Get in touch today to request your personalized, free moving quote.

Your new house may be great, but it may not feel as familiar and homey as your last place. That’s no problem. After moving into a new home, many people go through a transition period. You can remedy this by decorating intentionally, installing nice landscaping, and establishing routines. 

Below are some suggestions for making your new house feel more like home after a household move.

1. Fill Rooms With Pleasant Comforts

Fill each room of your home with pleasant comforts that make everyday life more enjoyable. Some examples:

• Big, fuzzy throw pillows and blankets
• New soft towels for your bathroom
• Candles

Install soft rugs in the living room, bedroom, and guest room.

2. Landscape

Attractive landscaping boosts curb appeal and makes your home more welcoming from the exterior. When you come home to a well-landscaped property, it gets easier to appreciate where you live. If you’re still unpacking, you may have little time to landscape your property. Fortunately, there are easy ways to landscape a new house.

• Establish a regular watering schedule to keep the grass green and healthy
• Plant colorful, low-maintenance annuals in the garden beds
• Lay down mulch around annuals to keep out weeds

3. Establish Routines

Establish routines to make life in your new home feel stable and predictable. These new routines may include breakfast on the patio on weekend mornings, dinners at the same time each night, and a walk around the neighborhood after dinner. Work with other family members to find routines that work for you. Over time, some of these routines may become traditions that bring the family together and create fond memories of your new home.

4. Paint the Walls

Your new home may be painted a generic white or painted in colors that appeal to the previous owners. Either way, unless it’s a new construction home, you likely didn’t choose that color for yourself. Painting the walls can help you feel more ownership over your new house. In common areas of your home, you might select neutrals that match the furniture and establish a pleasant environment for visitors.

In private parts of your house, like the bedroom, feel free to pick a color that is a personal favorite. Whether you love blues, greens, purples, or peaches, choosing a color that can make your bedroom feel more like your space and less like someone else’s is important.

5. Add Extra Light

• Insufficient lighting, especially fluorescent lighting, makes a house feel unwelcoming. Make sure your lighting fixtures emit relaxing, warm white or yellow hues. Then, supplement the existing light where necessary. Adding lamps or string lights can instantly transform any room into a cozy retreat. Put in dimmers if you can so that you can change the intensity of the lights in a room to suit your needs or the time of day.

6. Include Greenery

• Plants and flowers, like works of art and animals, are celebrated for their ability to lift spirits and calm the mind. Add fresh flowers and greenery to your new home to replicate the coziness of nature. Plenty of low-maintenance houseplants can provide you with a little bit of nature. Plant herbs in mason jars in front of your kitchen window, buy fresh flowers every week and display them on your dining room table, or choose one of the many low-maintenance houseplants that can survive periods without water.

Moving? Contact A Capable Moving Company

Contacting a capable moving company is important to make your relocation a smooth and pleasant experience. Get off to the right start in your new home. Contact us today to make an appointment to discuss your upcoming move.

Moving is challenging, but relocating with a young child presents its own difficulties. You can successfully relocate with a toddler. Here are some ways to lessen the stress of making a household move with a young child.

Talk to Your Child

Your toddler will notice the disruption immediately. Ensure they understand that everyone in the house is moving so they don’t fear being left behind. You might use a stuffed animal as a prop for the discussion. For example, “Hey, cat. We will have a new house, but you can still live in Shirley’s room.” Or consider reading to them from a children’s book on moving.

If possible, take them to visit the new house before the movers come.

Follow Consistent Routines

Toddlers gain comfort from routines. As much as possible, maintain the same schedules during your move. Keeping the same bedtime is most important.

Get Help

Find child care for one whole day while preparing to move, then use the time to declutter and pack boxes.

Since a toddler requires constant care to keep them safe, find someone to watch them on your moving day. You’ll want to focus on how the process is going. 

Allow Time for Snuggles

Children crave attention. Pausing for snuggles during moving preparation can help your child adjust better.

Once you’ve moved into the new home, spend as much time cuddling with your toddler as possible. They want their parents to help them through the changes. If you work, take time off to spend with them during the initial adjustment period.

Also, look for moments of fun throughout the move. Boxes can make great toys in the short term.

Avoid Vacations

Toddlers need to get into the routine of their new home as soon as possible. Avoid scheduling vacations within the first few months of moving into your new home. Even a short vacation can make your toddler feel less secure.

Pack Their Bedroom Last

Your toddler will want a haven from the chaos. To provide this, pack up the toddler’s bedroom last and set it up first in the new home. If they have favorite sheets, consider keeping them on the bed until the last minute, then removing them on moving day and washing them to put them back on before bed at night.

Also, pack a box or small backpack of your child’s favorite toys and stuffed animals and set it aside so you’ll have them when you arrive in your new home. You might also pack diapers, cups, and other necessities in the box.

Toddler-Proof the House

Remember to toddler-proof the house. Eliminate window shade cords, cover outlets, and install baby gates as needed to keep your child safe.

Stay Calm

Toddlers quickly pick up on the emotions of their parents. If the child senses your anxiety, they are more likely to become anxious. Practice self-care so that you can remain calm during the move.

Hire Professional Movers

Professional movers can take care of many details, giving you time to spend with your toddler. Contact us today for a free quote for your upcoming move.

Finding the right moving company for your upcoming household relocation is essential. The moving company you choose can make your relocation smooth and successful or chaotic and stressful. Finding the right moving company starts with vetting businesses by asking them questions.

Asking the right questions can reveal important things about the company’s values, operations, and experience with that company if you hire them. As you vet moving companies, you must ask them probing questions about how they do business. Below are some examples of the kinds of questions that can help you make a decision.

1. How long have you been in business?

The length of time a company has been in business can impact its operations in various ways. The older a company is, the more time it’s had to discover the potential pitfalls of its processes and the longer its management and leadership have had to find new ways to solve problems. This operational maturity is essential in a moving company, which relies heavily on logistics to keep its business running properly.

2. What kind of moving services do you offer?

Some relocation companies only offer local moving, while others offer local and intrastate moving. Others still may provide a full range of local, intrastate, and interstate moving services and full-service relocation. You may have yet to decide what type of moving services you need, but whether you have or not, it’s essential to know what kind of services you can get from each moving company you’re vetting.

3. How long will it take for my items to be delivered?

Moving companies will often manage relocations for many clients at one time. Getting their deliveries from point A to point B can be more complicated.

If you’re undergoing a long-distance relocation, it’s unlikely that your moving company will drive your stuff directly from the pick-up point to the drop-off point. There may be several steps in between pick-up and delivery. The result could be a wait for your items to be delivered. It’s essential to know how long you can expect that wait to be so that you can plan accordingly.

4. Do you have references?

Any good moving company should have references from previous satisfied customers. Even companies that are brand new should have references because the company’s leadership should have experience in the industry. If a moving company cannot furnish references, ask yourself why. This could be a red flag.

5. Do you have experience with my specific type of relocation?

Considering there are many different types of relocations, hiring a company with experience with the kind of relocation you’ll be hiring them to perform is vital. If the moving company is inexperienced with your type of relocation, it may be a good idea to check out others. Every relocation is different, and finding a moving company with expertise in the relocation you need is crucial.

Call today to schedule a consultation.

If you’re moving, it’s vital to hire an experienced moving company to do the job. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your upcoming relocation.

You are moving into your new home; congratulations! The best way to settle in a new city is to acquaint yourself with your surroundings. Everything from getting groceries to being prepared for an emergency becomes easier as you explore your community. Knowing your neighborhood and surrounding area can make you feel comfortable, confident, and happy in your new home.

Get To Know Your Neighborhood

Chances are, you had a favorite restaurant, grocery store, gas station, and park in your old neighborhood. When moving to a new community, you should become acquainted with your new surroundings. You’ll have to find convenient stores and services that you like and fit well with your new location. Take the time to explore the area, talk to neighbors, and learn everything your new town offers.

Update Basic Information

Even if you’re moving down the street, you’ll have to update your information with your new address. For example, you’ll need to update your license, voting registration, medical records, and any documentation related to your year-end taxes. Consider updating your pet’s name tags and microchip information with your new address. If you have kids, make sure their school has your new address. Remember, you must register your child for school if you’re entirely new to an area.

Identify Emergency Resources

Emergencies happen, and you need to be prepared. Moving to a new area means you must familiarize yourself with emergency resources. Immediately after moving, locate the closest hospital and emergency room. Find the fire department, municipal building, and police station. Hopefully, you’ll never need these resources, but knowing where to go in an emergency could save you valuable time.

Practice Your Routes

Moving to a new location means learning how to navigate the area. Take time to map out the best routes to get to your most frequented places. You’ll want to determine how to get to work, school, or your favorite hang-out spots. Sometimes talking to your coworkers can lend some insight into backways or shortcuts to avoid heavily congested areas during rush hour. Plan your routes so you aren’t late for work or lost during your first few days in your new city.

Meet New Friends

It can be tough meeting new people in a brand-new neighborhood or city. While you can form a friend group with your neighbors, think about other ways to make new friends outside your immediate circle. Many cities have organized groups and planned events to unite newcomers to the area. Mobile apps are popular for finding new friends in the area. Or, if you enjoy a particular hobby or sport, consider joining a local club or recreational league. Participating in community events or volunteering is a perfect way to make new friends.

Move Seamlessly

Establishing yourself in a new city can be challenging, with so many small details to uncover that are essential for day-to-day life. Make your move as seamless and efficient as possible with professional movers. Contact us today for a quote to help get you up and running in your new home.

As you plan your move, remember asking friends to help you sort your items, pack, or run a garage sale is a good idea. However, asking your friends to move your stuff isn’t always wise. Here are reasons you should avoid asking your friends to move your items and leave them to professional household movers.

Safety

While your friends might be strong and fit, they likely lack the experience to move heavy items safely. For instance, you could lift something incorrectly and sustain a severe back injury. You don’t want to be responsible for injuring a friend. Moving heavy furniture is a job for professionals. 

Experience

Experience is also critical to moving items without damaging them. Moving companies train their movers in every aspect of the move. Many companies simulate moves in training houses. They also train their crews in packing a truck.

Even if your friends have moved before, they won’t have the experience a professional mover has. In addition, your friend will feel terrible if your furniture is damaged, and the incident could also damage your friendship.

Efficiency

Repeatedly doing the same task increases efficiency. Because movers have done it so often, they can load and unload your items smoothly and quickly.

Your friends won’t know the best way to complete each task. They’ll need more frequent breaks. Moving day will be much longer with friends helping than a professional mover.

Reciprocation

If your friends agree to help you move, you’ll probably need to reciprocate when they move. But, unfortunately, their request may come at the worst possible time. So if you want to avoid paying them this favor, you shouldn’t ask.

Equipment

Professional movers know what type of equipment they’ll need to complete the move successfully, and they’ll bring it to your home on the day of the move. For example, they’ll have items such as:

• Moving blankets
• Furniture covers
• Tie downs and e-track straps
• Dollies
• Hand trucks
• Piano moving equipment
• Safety markers for the vehicle
• Floor protectors
• Ramps
• Large amounts of bubble wrap

You and your friends are unlikely to have access to all this equipment. At best, you’d have to spend considerable time and money to acquire it. At worst, you might move without it and damage your home or furniture.

Cost-Effectiveness

Having your friends help you may seem to be less expensive. However, when you consider it more closely, professional movers are generally more cost-effective in the long run. This is because when friends help you move, you have hidden costs.

• You’ll have to give up more of your time.
• You and your friends may not know how to move and pack an expensive vase or work of art. Damage to the items may far exceed the cost of hiring professional movers.
• You or your friends may sustain an injury. The cost of injuries in the United States was $4.2 trillion in 2019. An injury could cause you or your friends to require hospitalization and miss work days. In some cases, the damage could be permanent.

Stress

Hiring professional movers is less stressful than hiring your friends because the movers will come into your home, take over, and handle the task efficiently.

Moving Done Right

Avoid relying on friends to help you move. Instead, contact experienced professional movers today for a free quote.

Planning a relocation involves many moving parts, and it’s easy to overlook important details. But booking a date with a professional household mover shouldn’t be one of them. Instead, it’s best to start getting quotes as soon as you know you’ll be moving.

Here are four reasons to book with a professional mover now.

1. Get Your Choice of Dates

The earlier you book, the higher the probability you’ll be able to secure your preferred date with a mover. This is especially true if you’re moving during peak season from June to August, but even if you aren’t, you’ll rest knowing you can coordinate and confirm your move on the specific date you need. As it gets closer to your moving date, if you haven’t already reserved a slot with a mover, you’ll probably not have much flexibility for dates.

2. Enjoy the Best Prices

You can pick from a larger pool of available movers if you schedule your move in advance. However, when you book later, you have less room to negotiate since many dates are booked, and you may not be able to reserve a date with your preferred moving company. Additionally, some movers reward customers with a discount for early booking, which helps cut back on moving costs.

3. Research Early

Starting the moving process early is beneficial because you’ll have more time to research and obtain several quotes. Much like any other major purchase or home project, you’ll want to try to get at least three quotes. When you start your search early, you can quickly get three or more quotes and have more room to negotiate to find a mover who works with your timeline and budget. Otherwise, your relocation plans may not be compatible with the limited options.

4. Reduce Your Stress

After you book your date, you have peace of mind knowing that everything is confirmed and ready to go. You won’t have to panic over finding a mover in the weeks or days leading up to your move. You also won’t need to worry about not having the choice of movers. Once you book a date with a preferred moving company, you can focus on packing, along with the hundreds of other details you’ll need to juggle during the months and weeks leading up to your move. The less stress you have during a move, the better.

Ready to Start Planning Your Move?

Booking early is definitely to your advantage, keeping in mind that summer months and weekends are the busiest.

If you’re unsure what is considered “early,” think about the time of year you plan to move. Summer months are the busiest and most expensive, so you don’t want to leave reserving a date until the last minute. If possible, aim for at least three to four months in advance. If you can’t, that’s OK, but start ASAP once you know you’re moving. While limited, movers can sometimes accommodate last-minute moves. At other times of the year, booking one to three months in advance should give you plenty of options.

Moving Simplified

Are you ready to start planning your move? Contact us today for a free quote. Our moving team can answer your questions and eliminate hassles for a stress-free move.

You’ve been in your home for several years. Now you are relocating. You want to obtain the best sales price for your home. Here are some quick fixes that will increase its sales value.

Kitchen and Bath Repairs are Key

Many buyers focus on kitchens and bathrooms as indicators of how well previous owners have cared for the home. So naturally, you’ll want to ensure these rooms are in tip-top shape.

• Deep clean both rooms.
• Make sure cabinet doors and drawers open and shut easily.
• Paint cabinets to perk up the kitchen.
• Ensure the drains don’t leak and that the water drains quickly.
• Resurface the bathtub if the acrylic is peeling.
• Use a solution of baking soda, vinegar, and a toothbrush, followed by a 50-50 water and vinegar solution to make grout stains disappear. Alternatively, use a commercial grout whitening product.
• Replace dark shades with curtains that let in the light
• Update light fixtures

Mind the Floors

Floors are one of the first areas a prospective buyer sees. Clean them thoroughly and replace seriously stained carpets or severely damaged floors. Laminate and vinyl are cost-effective options.

Improve Curb Appeal

Many potential buyers will determine whether to view the interior of your home by what they see on the exterior. Spreading mulch is an inexpensive and quick way to make your lawn look more appealing. Some cities may offer mulch for free. Also, mow and weed the yard.

Rent a pressure washer and powerwash your home, patios, and walkways so they sparkle. Fix any cracked cement. Consider lighting the pathways to make them appear more hospitable.

Also, ensure your garage door is free of dings and that sliding doors are on their tracks. All doors should be in good condition and their weather stripping intact. Finally, consider replacing the hardware on your front door since it is the first thing prospective buyers see.

Check carefully for damaged roof eaves or missing shingles and repair and replace them. Homeowners will be wary of taking on a home they believe might soon need a new roof.

Also, look carefully at your fence. Replace any rotting or damaged boards on wooden rails. Ensure the gates open and close easily. Finally, fix any chipped paint issues.

Declutter Closets and Garage

Buyers value storage space. If you pare down your contents, your closets and garage will appear more spacious. Discard or donate anything you don’t need. Pack the rest in boxes and store them until your house sells. 

Consider a Paint Pick-Me-Up

A fresh coat of paint can dramatically improve the appearance of some rooms. Using light neutral colors will appeal to most buyers. However, avoid white as it is often too stark.

Wallpaper and borders are a matter of taste. Consider taking them down so that the home will appeal to a broader base of buyers.

Consult an Expert

Your real estate agent will have great ideas about what repairs to prioritize when selling your home. They also often know contractors who will do the work at a reasonable price. Also, consult a professional mover about your impending move. Contact us for moving tips and a free quote.

Moving is one of the most stressful things we do in our lives. Sometimes household relocations, for whatever reason, are fraught with anxiety. 

For instance, you land a fantastic job in an amazing city and are optimistic about the future. Yet relocation is stressful despite these positive elements.

The challenge with moving is that so many variables are at play that at least one will cause you stress. Moving can become overwhelming if you experience more than one of these.

Stress Factors with a Move

Relocating is meant to be a chance to start over fresh, but the thought of moving can be intimidating. The following factors can make moving emotionally taxing:

1. Moving Away from Friends and Family

Even if you’re looking forward to exploring a new place, leaving behind your familiar surroundings, friends, and family can be unsettling.

2. Fulfilling Deadlines

Deadlines make many people nervous. Moving presents us with many unfamiliar, imminent, and often non-negotiable deadlines. Missing dates for utilities, closings, or packing can all accumulate. 

3. Creating New Routines

When you relocate, you must create new routines and a whole new web of connections to facilitate your daily life. You must now form relationships in an entirely new setting, from the supermarket to the bank to our various social and recreational pursuits. This can be enjoyable and thrilling, but it will also be stressful. 

4. Managing Finances

Any discussion of finances, no matter how upbeat, can cause anxiety. Financial considerations associated with relocating extend far beyond the direct cost of relocating. Most of the time, people rent, buy, or sell homes. These monetary dealings are challenging to manage independently, but the pressure can be overwhelming when you relocate.

Handling Moving Stress

Whether you’re worried about just one of these moving stress factors or a combination of them all, you can find ways to deal with the challenges of moving. The following are ways to help keep your anxiety levels at bay while dealing with your relocation.

1. Research Your New Area

Knowing more about the area you are relocating to will be very helpful. For example, find out how far away the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, hospital, school, and place of employment will be. Knowing this information will help ease your mind during the moving process. In addition, this will give you the confidence and motivation to make the change without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Plan Early

There are no shortcuts to the procedures you must follow for your relocation. But moving is less stressful when you give yourself plenty of time.

3. Prepare for Your Relocation

Making a detailed plan for your move will help you see what’s ahead and help you stay on track. Seeing how far you’ve come can make you feel good about your efforts. Time constraints are a significant source of tension when packing up and moving. Using a checklist to plan your relocation will help you accomplish everything you need to.

Find a moving checklist online or with the help of your mover and make your own.

4. Pace Yourself

Taking time to relax and regroup regularly can make the transition much less stressful. Unfortunately, sometimes you get so focused on getting things done that you need to remember to take breaks and enjoy the journey.

You can plan needed breaks if you start early and organize your move. This is essential for taking care of yourself during the months-long relocation process. 

Professional Movers Can Ease Your Stress

Hiring a professional moving company can reduce your stress and frustration.

Choosing the right residential moving company can help you avoid the hassle and anxiety frequently related to the process. From packing to moving to storage, a professional mover can help you today. Contact us for a free quote.

Packing your electronics for a residential move requires the same care as packing your fine china. Unfortunately, homeowners don’t always take the necessary precautions when moving independently, such as using the best packing techniques and appropriate supplies or marking boxes as “fragile.” 

Take these steps to pack and move electronics safely, so you don’t have to pay to replace desktops, laptops, game consoles, and other devices.

1. Backup Your Files, Data, and Photos

Even though replacing a broken electronic device can cost a lot, the things stored on it can be worth much more. For example, if something goes wrong, you might lose precious journaling you’ve done or personal photos you love. So, it’s imperative to back up everything to an external drive or the cloud before moving.

2. Photograph Everything

Numerous electronic devices have wire setups that can be complicated. To ensure these devices are put back together correctly at your new home, take a picture of how they are set up and use different colored tape to mark the wires and connections.

3. Remove Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries can explode or catch fire when they become too hot. Therefore, removing the batteries from your electronics is vital. Other types of batteries can cause electronic parts to corrode and break. So, separate the batteries and find out how to safely transport them yourself.

4. Collect Suitable Packing Supplies

Make a list of all the electronic items you want to bring. If you still have the original box and packaging, it’s a good idea to use it again. If not, carefully measure each item and find a box slightly bigger than the device. Get appropriate packing tape, bubble wrap, and large zip-lock bags. Consider putting blankets or towels around the machines to give them more padding and protect them from bumps and scratches.

5. Take Apart and Organize

Remove the equipment’s discs, critical drives, toner, and paper. Unplug them from the wall and then from the back of each device. Next, wrap the wires for each device individually. Use an elastic band to keep them together while you move them. You should also label each one to avoid confusion when reconnecting.

6. Carefully Pack Your Electronics

Wrap the device in bubble wrap all the way around, and then tape it tightly in each direction. Place the wires in a zip-lock bag and seal them shut. Place a moving blanket on the open end of the box, then place the device on top of the blanket and lower it into place. Place the plastic bag inside and wrap the fabric over the top. Use packing tape to seal the box securely. Use a permanent marker to write “Fragile Electronics” in large letters on the box.

7. Separate Your Electronic Devices

Separating fragile items for professional movers is generally a good idea. This allows them to work more efficiently, as they will not need to re-evaluate boxes once loaded onto the moving truck. Put fragile objects and delicate electronics aside to prevent heavy objects from being placed on top of them.

Prepping Electronics for Your Move

With these and other electronic device-specific strategies, you can move successfully and avoid replacing your valuable devices.

Professional movers can assist you in completing the task successfully. Contact us now for a free quote.