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Relocating can be particularly stressful and physically challenging for seniors. Things like downsizing, preparing, packing, and moving can be particularly demanding. Consequently, seniors may need special assistance. 

However, getting your senior loved one ready for a residential move can be straightforward with these eight tips.

1. Eliminate Non-Essential Stuff

Seniors often have lived in their homes for many years, accumulating many possessions. They need support in deciding what to declutter. People tend to become attached to items, so you can assist them by sitting down and helping them decide what to do with their things. If they have difficulty, consider storing them until they are ready to let go. They will also likely have a lot of paperwork that needs to be shredded.

2. Pack in Small Steps

The task of moving or downsizing can be overwhelming when looked at as a whole. Breaking the task down into smaller pieces can make it easier to manage. Often, seniors have lived in the same house for years, so it may take some time for them to adjust.  

3. Plan the New Home’s Layout

Take measurements in the senior’s new home to see how much space will be in the closets and other storage areas. This new home will likely be much smaller than their previous home, and you must plan accordingly. Measuring will help you and your senior decide what will fit and what won’t during the downsizing and packing process if you have all this specific information about the new home.

4. Start With Large Items

Assist your senior in determining what to do with bulky items, such as sofas, tables, chairs, dressers, extra beds, and other large furniture pieces. There is a good chance they will not all fit in the new place, so ask them which ones are necessary and sell, donate, or store the others.

5. Pack Each Room

Boxing up belongings room-by-room makes packing less overwhelming and easier to organize. Label each moving box, so your movers know where to place it at the new residence. This way, it will be easier for your senior to locate items once they get settled in and unpacked. Hiring professional movers that offer packing is often a good idea.

6. Photograph Electronics

Managing wires, cables, plugs, and other details with electronics can be challenging. Take photos of each configuration for televisions, cable boxes, computers, printers, and other necessary reconnect items. This way, you, the mover, or another individual can quickly get things back up after the move.

7. Note Important Dates on a Calendar

Put reminders in your senior’s phone calendar if they use a smartphone. Alternatively, get a good, old-school paper calendar and highlight critical dates, such as moving day, utility turn-on/shut-off dates, mail forwarding dates, and other significant reminders.  

8. Pack Essentials

Prepare an overnight bag with all the essential items they need right after moving in. This bag or box should include all medicines, charging cords, and change of clothes, 

Simple Steps to Moving

If you or someone you know is moving, we can help—from flexible household moving services to storage solutions. Get a free quote from us today.

Moving to a new home is a challenging, time-consuming, and attention-demanding process that requires much time, effort, and attention to detail. And relocating with a child increases the difficulty and complexity of the relocation experience.

The following tips will simplify the moving process for you and your kids.

1. Discuss the Move

The first step when moving with kids is to discuss the upcoming move with them. You must share the news so that everyone understands what will happen.  Make the relocation as exciting and positive as possible when talking about it.

Moving to a new home can be scary for those who don’t fully understand it. So, when telling your kids that the family is moving, make it easy for them to understand. For toddlers and preschoolers, it’s best to use more straightforward language. Consider using toys to act out a moving scenario.

Young children might appreciate books describing moving or having a main character going through a move. If your kids are young, read the stories to them. If they are older and read them independently, provide time to talk about their feelings about moving.

No matter the child’s age, they will probably have questions and concerns about this significant life change, so always be available to talk about their worries.

Give your children enough time and space to process the big news.

2. Provide Kids With Options

A sense of control over one’s life is essential for children. If they lack it, they are more prone to showing signs of stress and acting out.

If possible, let your kids pick their rooms and let them choose paint colors and decorations.

Your kids will feel like they have a stake in the move if you let them make some decisions and participate with you.

3. Unpack Your Kid’s Rooms First

While it may be tempting to start unpacking the rest of the house first, you should let your kids have their own spaces. Then, set up a safe place for them to play or settle in while you unpack the rest of the house.

Unpack the house in a way that won’t interfere with the kids’ rooms. Install gates or other safety measures to keep small children out of hazardous areas.

4. Set Up a Routine

Routines are essential to children, so start following mealtimes and bedtimes as soon as possible. If you can’t stick to the same schedule as you had, try timing it according to daylight.

Once your kids see that life isn’t so different, they will feel more relaxed. However, it may take you a few weeks to adapt your routine to everyone.

5. Keep In Touch With Family and Friends

Soon after your move, check in with your family members. Call neighbors and friends to tell them you have moved into your new home and reestablish contact.

It will help the kids keep connections to their old lives if you use FaceTime or Zoom to get in touch with and show family and friends your new home.

6. Discover Your New Neighborhood

Take advantage of any opportunities you have to explore. Kids love adventures, especially if you can break the experiences into manageable steps.

Do a little at a time instead of taking long walks or drives. For example, explore the yard one day and walk down the street the next. Help facilitate making new friends in their new community.

Make the kids feel at home by showing them what you see.

Home Comforts

Contact us for a free quote or to schedule your move. Let us help manage your relocation, so you have more time to help your family adjust.

Moving to a new neighborhood is an exciting prospect. Whether you find the idea exhilarating, or even if moving into a new area is out of your comfort zone, it helps to take steps to make it feel less overwhelming and stressful. Instead, focus on settling in and smoothly transitioning to your new neighborhood.

1. Find the Right Neighborhood Location

If you know you need to move but have yet to decide where your new home will be, start by selecting a few neighborhoods in the vicinity where you’re looking. Then, if feasible, visit them and spend time exploring the area. While visiting places, do the following.

• Observe the layout.
• Explore housing types and prices.
• Look for grocery stores, gas stations, schools, restaurants, etc.
• Identify public transportation options.
• Determine commute times (remember to consider any local peak-time traffic).

Look for what you know you will want and need in a neighborhood. This will help you identify your best options.

2. Before the Move

To help your relocation go smoother, pre-plan as much as possible, so you have fewer details to deal with during the actual move.

• Transfer, close, or open your new utility accounts.
• Fill out the USPS online form to change address, forward mail, or visit your local branch in person.
• Declutter your home by donating, giving away, or selling items you no longer want or need.
• Start gathering packing materials and create a packing strategy.
• Carefully label all boxes as you pack each one.
• Register children for school.
• Apply for jobs if moving to an entirely different area.
• Hire a professional mover to get yourself on the calendar (the earlier you book, the better chances you have of getting a better price and the date you prefer).

For any other more specific details, create a thorough moving checklist to help you tick off items as you complete them.

3. After the Move

Plan to relax the first night to get everyone settled into your new home. Chances are you’ll have prepared a first-night essentials kit with everything you need. Next, treat your family to a fun, relaxing dinner. Then, on day two, it’s time to embrace living in a different place and start anew.

• Make sure labeled boxes are placed in the rooms they belong.
• Start unpacking the essentials — bathroom, kitchen, and bedrooms.
• Unpack with a strategy for everything else.
• Introduce yourself to your immediate neighbors (it might feel challenging, but it will ease your transition and help you to make new friends or at least know people to ask questions).
• Get weather-appropriate clothing if moving to a new climate.

As you get settled, spend some time outside your home to explore your new neighborhood. Visit local shops, museums, and parks, and join local organizations. During your outings, wave or say hello to people you meet. Be approachable. Along the way, you’ll start connecting with local people, which will help you feel more like a part of the community.

Moving Made Easy

Moving to a new neighborhood typically has some challenges. However, the more positively you embrace the experience, the easier it’ll be. Working with professional movers to do the heavy lifting can free up your time to explore and transition to a new place.

Ready to start planning? Contact us today for a free quote.

Seeking a job in a new city requires a lot of hard work. Therefore, it’s essential to have a strategy to make your search successful. Planning your job search before your household move and using smart strategies during the search can help. Here’s what you need to know about looking for a job in a new place.

1. Know How Much You Need to Earn

Create a target salary for your new job. When creating your target salary, consider how much you need for housing, food, clothing, and other essentials.

If you’re not yet living in the city where you’re relocating, then you’ll need to research the cost of living in the area. If you’re already living there, you can consider how much you’re currently paying and how much you’ll need to earn to recover those costs.

2. Consider Local and Remote Options

Sometimes getting a job is more complicated when your address is far from the business. So put your address on your resume, cover letter, and all applications once you have secured an apartment in your new community.

If you’re looking for a position that doesn’t require you to work onsite, browse remote opportunities. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to work from anywhere.

3. Be Available to Interview

Be ready to interview for jobs on a moment’s notice. This could be the difference between getting a job and not. When you’re called for an interview, schedule the earliest time slot to ensure you get to the interview before someone else gets the job.

4. Connect With Others

If you have family, friends, professional, or college connections in the area that you’ll be moving to, they can be an excellent resource in helping you find a job.

Tell people that you’re looking to relocate. If you’re still employed, you should be discreet. Here are some people who can help with job leads and other assistance:

• LinkedIn connections
• Social media friends and followers
• College alumni network contacts
• Professional associations and contacts

5. Practice Interviewing

Successful interviewing can be a challenge. Start practicing interviewing as soon as you’ve decided to get a new job, so you’ll be ready for interviews when the time rolls around. If possible, get a friend to ask you mock interview questions.

6. Map It Before Going to the Interview

Once you’ve got an interview, plan your route to where the interview will take place. Don’t risk getting lost on your way to the interview. First impressions matter.

7. Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Plan to get to the interview early. It looks better to show up a little early than a little late, and if you run into trouble on your way to the interview, you’ll have some buffer.

Plan Your Relocation With the Right Movers

Using the right movers during your upcoming relocation can help reduce stress and free up time for your job search. Contact us today for a free quote for your upcoming relocation.

Preparing your current home to sell is a big hurdle to clear before you can move into your new house. Ultimately, you want your home to show well to potential buyers, allowing you to ask top dollar. However, with minor updates, some elbow grease, and a few work hours, you can get your home in tip-top shape to sell in a competitive housing market.

1. Deep Clean

Never underestimate the power of a satisfying, deep clean. Not only will a good scrub breathe life back into your home, but it can help eliminate odors. Be sure to clean often overlooked areas, like door knobs, vents, light switches, and outlet plates.

2. Neutralize Smells

The fastest way to turn away potential buyers is to have a home that smells like pets, smoke, or mold. Eliminate foul odors with neutral, pleasant scents. You’ll want to avoid overly-fragrant candles and sprays that are overpowering and make it seem like you are trying to cover up other smells.

3. De-Clutter

You want potential buyers to think your home has endless storage space. Eliminate clutter and unnecessary decorations. Now is the perfect time to pack away at least half of your belongings for your upcoming move. Your home will show better with fewer personal items and clutter.

4. Add New Light Bulbs

Dimly lit or dark rooms are a quick turn-off for potential buyers. Adding new light bulbs to your light fixtures is a slight but effective improvement to help prepare your home for sale. Updating dim yellow lightbulbs to improved white LED bulbs helps save energy if your lighting is on throughout the day for multiple showings but helps make your space appear light and bright.

If you can, upgrading your interior lighting to smart lighting can boost your home’s value. Smart lighting can reduce energy usage while making the house more comfortable and livable. Plus, smart lighting makes your home appear modern and updated.

5. Enhance Curb Appeal

Consider a potential buyer’s first impression as they arrive at your home. Next, pay attention to how your home’s curb appeal. Now is a great time to invest in a pressure washer to clean exterior brick, siding, patios, sidewalks, and decks. Not only will your home appear new and fresh, but you’ll show potential buyers that you’ve kept up with general maintenance.

6. Clean the Garage

While the garage, attic, and crawl spaces don’t have to sparkle, they must appear clean, dry, and orderly. A giant pile of boxes in the garage can make the area appear cluttered and small. On the other hand, it’s OK to store items in the garage, especially if you’re preparing for a move, but be sure to limit the number of boxes and ensure they’re tidy.

7. Boost Natural Lighting

People feel better when they walk into a light and airy room. Take advantage of the natural sunlight that comes into your home. Eliminate or replace dark curtains and open the blinds for showings.

When It’s Moving Time

With the proper updates, you can rest assured your home will sell quickly in a competitive housing market. When your home sells, you’ll want professional movers to make the transition to your new home seamless. Contact our experienced team today for a quote.

Moving to a new house, condo, apartment, or even a dorm room is a lot of work, no doubt about it. So if you’re like many other people planning a move, you’re hiring a professional mover to help do the heavy lifting and ensure all your possessions arrive safely from point A to point B.

You can help your mover on moving day by taking a few steps to make the process as seamless as possible.

1. Complete All the Packing

Unless you opt for packing and unpacking services, you’ll want to complete all your packing by the time your mover arrives at their scheduled time. Movers have a schedule to keep, and when your boxes are ready to load, it’ll help them to keep on schedule and get you in your new place more quickly.

2. Plan for Children and Pets

Make arrangements for your small children and pets on moving day. In addition to disrupting the movers’ work, this could cause injury to your kids, pets, or the movers themselves.

If you cannot move them from your home, clear a room for them to stay in. For small children, hire a babysitter and keep some toys, books, or electronics to play with. As for your pets—keep the door closed and make sure everyone knows they are there. Include a sign on the door for added safety.

3. Clear Driveways and Walkways

Before moving day, remove any clutter or obstacles from the movers’ pathways. This way, they can avoid injuries or dropping your boxes. In fall or winter, remove any seasonal debris or clear areas if snow or ice is present at your old or new home. Your movers will appreciate the hassle-free and safe access you provide to both locations.

4. Plan for Mover Parking

Ensure your movers have access. Ideally, your mover can park in your driveway or front of the house. However, if you need permits or to make other arrangements for either end of your move, do this before moving day. In addition, notify neighbors to allow for street parking of the moving van.

5. Empty Drawers and Other Furniture Items

Before moving day, check with your movers to see if they require you to empty dresser drawers. And see if you need to disassemble any other furniture items.

6. Label Boxes Clearly

It’s helpful for your movers to know what type of objects are in each box and where you’d like each furniture item or box placed. Putting clear labels on your boxes simplifies things for both you and them. So, label each box on all sides, indicating which rooms they should place the boxes in at your new home. Be sure to label your fragile items as well.

7. Stay Out of The Way and Remain Available

Resist the urge to help your movers, and let your professional team handle your move. But do remain available in case your movers have questions for you. 

Ready to Plan Your Next Move?

Working with a professional mover is a great way to have a quick and efficient relocation experience. To obtain a free quote, give us a call! We’re happy to answer any questions.

Although local moves might be easier to plan than long-distance moves, they are not always straightforward. Organizing your relocation from the beginning can make it easier and more manageable. In addition, local relocation experts can make your transition even more efficient.

Here are some suggestions when planning your local relocation.

1. Start Early

Whenever you move locally, you need to start as soon as possible. You must plan ahead even when moving down the street from your current address. Especially when you’re working and have family responsibilities, preparing for a move can be time-consuming.

By getting started as early as possible, even months before the move, you’ll have a less stressful time when the official moving date arrives.

2. Plan Your Strategy

Organize your belongings by creating a detailed moving plan. You must include everything you need to move your belongings.

Use a timeline and checklist to track your progress as you progress. Remember to break down the moving process into numerous small steps to make it more manageable.

3. Research Potential Movers

Sometimes it takes work to find a good moving company with all the following qualities. First, ask for referrals if you have friends or family that recently had a positive moving experience. Next, interview several moving companies before selecting one. Then, when finalizing a contract with a mover, get everything in writing.

Moving companies should provide good customer service, so it is crucial to find the right one. It’s vital to look for companies that are committed to providing professional customer service, answer their phones promptly, are polite in all interactions, and respond promptly to your questions.

Reliability is also essential. An excellent moving company will offer timely service without surprises and move your belongings without damaging or losing them.

Finally, good moving companies don’t charge hidden fees but have transparent billing practices. Your moving company should supply you with documentation showing your move’s cost.

4. Reduce Clutter

You might save a bit on moving expenses, plus reduce your packing and unpacking time by decluttering before a move. Decluttering is an integral part of any relocation. It is best to start decluttering your house as soon as you decide to move — even if you won’t be relocating for several months. The longer you have to declutter, the better!

Try to go room by room when decluttering. Your standard should be if you last used something two years ago or more, you should discard it. Then, give away or sell what you can. Donation centers like Goodwill and Salvation Army will take gently used clothing, small appliances, housewares, and more.

5. Start Packing

Once you finish decluttering, it’s time to start packing. You’ll need to gather your packing materials:

• Various sized boxes
• Packing paper and bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• Labels
• Markers

Make sure you pack safely by getting help lifting the heavy items. Then, stack the boxes with the heaviest ones on the bottom and the lighter ones on top. Finally, pack small, heavy items into small boxes to control their weight.

6. Prepare Your New Home

Make plans for your new home as your move date approaches. Arrange for the appropriate companies to turn on your utilities. If you can get into your home before moving day, start cleaning, repairs, or any updating you intend to do.

For example, if your new home has a yard, you may need to purchase a lawn mower. Watch for sales on lawn equipment and buy what you’ll need when it’s the right price.

Contact Local Move Experts

Do you need a local mover to help with your relocation? Contact us today for a free estimate.

A floor plan helps you decide what to take when moving. Moving isn’t simply taking your bedroom set from your old home and relocating it to the new one. Drawing a floor plan early in your moving process can save you frustration because you will ensure the furniture you take with you fits in the new space.

A floor plan also helps movers stay organized and on schedule on moving day. You can hand the plan to your professional movers, who will follow it.

Here are some tips for preparing a floor plan.

Measure

Carefully measure each room in the new home. Also, note the position of each room’s windows, doors, electrical outlets, and lighting.

Create the Floor Plan

Draw a skeleton diagram of your new home.

You can draw a plan manually or use floor plan software. If you draw it out manually, determine the scale you’ll use first. For example, you might choose the scale of one inch equals five feet. Next, draw the walls, then add architectural features and appliances. Finally, label the rooms and begin to add furniture.

If you opt to use floor plan software, you’re in luck. Many software platforms allow you to see your floor plans in three dimensions. Some can also enable you to see features such as lighting. In addition, many platforms are free or have free trial periods that extend long enough for you to draw the floor plan you need.

Consider Your Furniture

Consider your current furniture and how it will fit in each room. Measurements are essential, but the flow is also critical. You want to avoid repeatedly bumping into furniture as you cross the room.

Realize that some furniture may go in different rooms in your new house than in the old one. For example, consider a move from a three-bedroom home that has a large primary suite into a home with four smaller bedrooms, including a smaller primary suite. You might want to put some items from the primary bedroom into a nearby bedroom and create a sitting room or a dressing room.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle affects the ideal layout of your rooms. For example, you’ll want to place your home office in a well-lighted area if you work from home. You’ll want a smooth flow from the kitchen into the great room or dining room if you entertain regularly. If you exercise at home, you’ll want an open space equipped with weights, a treadmill, or a bike.

Families with small children will want to prioritize child safety. For example, consider anchoring furniture to the walls to prevent tip-overs and mounting your flat-screen TV.

Remember Other Items

Although furniture comprises most of the room, other items are also part of your floor plan. For example, consider where to put items such as plants, artwork, mirrors, and pet beds. Also, consider area rugs. The more detailed your plan is, the easier your moving day will be.

Pro Mover Assistance

To help ensure your move is as easy and stress-free as possible, contact us as soon as possible. We can advise you as you develop your floor plans and determine which furniture items will make the move.

One challenge moving companies face during a move is accessing the house or apartment safely. Homeowners or renters can take steps to ensure moving crews can freely carry items between the moving van and the residence. 

Below are some of the most common barriers movers face and ways to alleviate them for your household move.

Allow Street Access

Many cities and towns require permits to park large vehicles on the street for extended periods. As moving vans may qualify as large vehicles, you must ensure the correct permits are in place. In some cases, these permits may require the moving van to be parked too far from the moving location and, in other cases, not allowed to park there at all. Many moving companies can assist you in this process, so inquire about their service. 

Provide Building Access

Building management usually has established times for moving in and out of apartments and condos. Many also require movers to reserve elevator time and loading dock access. To ensure moves can take place smoothly, contact building management to learn about the requirements, and be sure you schedule your move date and time when loading docks and elevators are available.

Ensure Safe Walkways and Driveways

Over time, ground shifts, concrete can crumble, and driveways can crack. In addition, home access can be fraught with risks from uneven surfaces to loose rocks. This is particularly so in older neighborhoods. If you know these situations, point them out to the moving estimator. While you can’t necessarily fix them before the move, movers can take steps to deal with them. Ensuring all are aware can minimize risks to movers and property.

Clear Curbsides of Snow, Leaves, Ice

In northern states, fall and winter pose several challenges. Chief among them is snow mounds or even leaves along the curb. 

Snow is an obvious impediment, as it may prevent the moving van from pulling close enough to the curb. This may not leave enough room for cars to pass by. Also, snow mounds can prevent movers from carrying items to the moving van. Be sure the street is clear enough for parking and there is a pathway for movers to reach the residence from the road.

Leaves are less obvious. But when wet, leaves can be extremely slippery, posing a hazard to anyone walking on them. Even leaves that appear dry may have moister under the surface. Clearing the area will help the move go more smoothly and safely.

Consider Miscellaneous Objects

Before movers arrive, walk the route that they will carry items between your home to the moving truck. Look for anything that may cause a hazard. For example, you can’t remove exposed roots or hard landscaping, but you can point them out to the movers. 

Other items, like children’s toys, fallen branches, etc., should be removed before the movers’ arrival.

Smooth Move

Hiring professional movers is a great way to expedite your move. In addition, you can help the move go a bit faster and much safer by ensuring safe access between your residence and the moving van. 

If you are planning a move, contact us for a free estimate. We’ll be happy to prepare an accurate free quote and answer any questions you may have.

Moving into your first apartment is exciting. For the first time, you have the freedom and responsibility to be entirely on your own.

Here are some tips to help that first move go more smoothly.

Budget

Take a careful look at all your monthly expenses to determine how much you can pay for your apartment. Generally speaking, you should spend no more than 30 percent of your before-tax income on housing, including utilities. If you have large car payments or student loans, you may be able to afford less.

Also, consider the expenses associated with moving. For example, you’ll need to pay a security deposit and also will likely need to pay utility deposits unless the utilities are included in the rent. You’ll also need to budget moving costs, including professional movers, boxes, and packing materials.

Research Thoroughly

Use online resources such as Apartments.com and HotPads to help you understand what apartments are available for your budget and to find those you’d like to explore further.

Then call the apartment manager to schedule tours. Allow plenty of time for each walkthrough. Make sure the apartment building has ample parking for you and your guests. Also, notice whether you encounter any unpleasant smells in corridors or the apartment. Finally, ensure that security is adequate.

Read Your Lease

Read the lease thoroughly before you sign it, asking questions about what you can’t understand. Then, before you move in, walk through your apartment with your landlord, taking photos of any scratches, torn carpet, or other issues. Email the pictures to the landlord as soon as possible so that you’re not responsible for this damage.

Find out what the rules are for moving into your apartment. For example, some buildings allow moves only on certain days or during certain hours. They also may require a reservation to use the freight elevator. For instance, many facilities don’t want you moving your mattress in through the front door.

Contact Utility Providers

Some leases include some utilities, while others do not. Be sure to call the service provider for those utilities that are not included well ahead of your move. You’ll want your services connected by move-in day.

Gather Essentials

You’ll need some essentials right away in your new home.

Kitchen essentials include

• Pots and pans
• Dishes
• Silverware
• At least one chef’s knife
• Potholders, dish towels, and a dishcloth or sponge
• Dishwashing detergent
• Small appliances, such as a coffee maker, toaster, and can opener
• Trash cans and trash bags

You’ll also need bathroom essentials such as

• Towels and washcloths
• Toilet paper
• Shower curtain and rings unless the shower has a door
• Toiletries
• Plunger
• Toilet brush
• Trash can
• Bath mat

You’ll also need sheets, blankets, a spread for the bedroom, and general household products such as laundry detergent, cleaning products, mops, buckets, lightbulbs, and a vacuum cleaner.

Learn Your Neighborhood

Once you’ve moved in, meet your neighbors and explore your neighborhood. Learn where the best coffee shops, restaurants, and grocery stores are. Ask your new friends for recommendations on services such as doctors, dentists, and pharmacies. Find your favorite gym.

Moving On Up!

We can help with your move, whether moving to your first apartment or for the 20th time. Contact us, and we’ll provide you with a free quote.