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Are you planning a move? You are not alone. Data shows that the average adult in this country will move at least 11 times in life. Moves can happen for many reasons; buying a new home, leaving a roommate or significant other, or landing a new job in a new city.

In an ideal world, you would have months to prepare for a move. Unfortunately, it is pretty common to have to move on short notice. Relocating is chaotic already. Throw in time constraints, and things can get all-out crazy. Here are a few time-saving tips to help you out.

1. Schedule the professional movers early.

Get your professional moving team scheduled as soon as possible. This will eliminate the chance that you can’t secure professional help because they are booked solid. Plus, some moving companies offer help with things like packing and getting packing supplies.

2. Stock up on moving supplies in one trip.

To thwart the time suck that can come along with making multiple box runs and trips for packing tape, make a quick list of moving supplies. Your goal will be to gather everything you need in one trip. A few tips as you make your list:

• The average move requires five larger boxes, eight medium boxes, and up to 10 small boxes per room (other than the bathroom)
• You will likely need two to three medium boxes per bathroom
• Packing tape rolls can be from 54 to 100 yards in length; pick up a roll for every 30 boxes or so
• Get a pack of multicolored markers to label everything; each room gets its own color
• Pick up bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and packing paper

Boxes usually can be purchased in bundles, which will make it much easier to haul a load of them in one trip. Check with your moving company as a ons-stop place to pick up your packing supplies. If all goes well, you can have all the supplies you need in one trip so you won’t be running out in the process.

3. Pack only what you plan to take.

Moving in a rush means you have to allocate your time wisely. Most of your time moving goes for packing, so only pack what you must. If you’re getting rid of unwanted things during the moving process, wait to deal with them until you’ve finished with the items that must be packed.

Designate a large box for giveaways and drop things in as you go. If you run out of time in the end, just drop off the box at a donation center. Those items don’t have to be specially packed or protected.

A few other ways to cut packing time:

• Don’t worry about packing large items
• Bigger boxes hold more and can quicken packing processes
• Skip packing things that can be easily replaced (e.g., cleaning supplies, coffee mugs, pantry food)

4. Clear one room at a time.

It can seem logical to dart from room to room as you pack, so it feels like you are making progress all over the house. But, it is better if you take things one room at a time. For example, if you start in the master bedroom, don’t wander off and start packing a box elsewhere halfway through.

If you find items in one room that go somewhere else in the house while packing, drop the item in a labeled box for that room. You can accomplish a lot more, a lot faster by clearing one room at a time.

In a Hurry to Move

Relocating is a lot of work, but you don’t have to go at it alone even when you are in a hurry.  Reach out to professional movers to ease the heavy load.

The garage is such a valuable part of your home. It (hopefully) houses your vehicle, keeps your tools and lawn equipment tucked away, and is a good place to stick everything from an extra refrigerator to seasonal yard art.

As great as it is to have a catch-all place for an interesting collection of stuff, the garage can be the hardest part of the house to take apart and pack when it’s time to move. Here are a few tips to help you through the process.

1. Relocate Out-of-Place Items

The garage definitely becomes the landing spot for many things that don’t necessarily have a home in the house. However, you probably do have items in your garage that are more logical to be packed up with items from different rooms. For example, if you have transitioned a few small kitchen appliances and an extra box of holiday dishes to the garage, make sure these items are placed with your kitchen items.

2. Eliminate Containers of Fluid

Cans of fuel, cleaning chemicals, oil, liquid fertilizers—all of these are hard to move safely. Plus, containers of fluid are too risky to transport with all of your other belongings in the back of a moving truck. Go ahead and make an effort to use up what you can and consider passing along the rest to a neighbor then responsibly get rid of the rest of the items.

3. Trim the Tool Collection

Multiples of certain tools are commonplace in a crowded garage. People tend to generate a full collection of tools they often use but usually rely on particular tools they would prefer to use. For example, maybe you have three different floor jacks but prefer to use one, or perhaps you have four wrenches, all the same size, but prefer your newest addition. Tools are heavy, they can take up a lot of space, and it may be worth trimming the tool collection.

4. Have a Garage Sale, Donate the Rest

If your current location or HOA allows, hosting a garage sale before your residential move is an easy way to really clear out some items and make some money in the process. For instance, if you manage to trim your tool collection, you may not necessarily want to donate these items. Host a garage sale when you get a chance before moving and get a little money for things you really don’t want to pack with you.

5. Pack In Reusable Storage Containers

You can pick up some relatively sturdy moving boxes, but even those boxes can be stressed with heavy tools. If you have many hand tools and power tools, consider picking up some heavy-duty storage containers to pack them before the move. As a bonus, the containers can be used for storage and organization in the new garage.

Trust Professional Movers for Help with Your Residential Move

Whether it’s a full garage or a houseful of belongings, having help with your move can really make things easier to handle. Reach out to professional movers to help you get everything from the garage to the basement packed up and transitioned to your new place. Contact us today for a free quote.

A residential move can be an anxious and trying experience. With all of the planning, managing, packing, and labeling, it seems that there are at least a hundred things still to check off on your to-do list.

While the moving process is a challenge to your mind, it can also be a challenge physically. Stay safe while conducting your move. Here are a few tips to help you avoid injury when relocating.

1. Choose The Right Time

Timing is everything, especially when moving. Consider more than your financial outlook and job status when making your plan. Determine the ideal timing for your move. Sometimes the circumstances dictate when you move but try to coordinate a move during the best season. In colder climates, avoid moving when snow and ice might play a negative factor. Or in warm temperatures, avoid peak summer days when scorching days can interfere.

Also, select the right time of day for your move. Avoid rush hour when heavy traffic might cause delays and stress.

2. Reach Out for Help

There’s nothing wrong with securing some help for your relocation. Consider asking friends or family, or better yet, a residential moving company will ensure a safe move.

Getting assistance helps ease your body’s physical stress and help avoid mishaps that can leave you injured.

3. Lift Properly

Even with the help of friends, family, and movers, there might be some boxes you still need to rearrange or move. Take care when moving these boxes. Make sure your packed boxes weigh less than 50 pounds. Lifting too much puts unnecessary strain on your body.

Use the proper lifting techniques to avoid injury. Lift with your legs — not with your back. Do not bend, twist, or pull your body when you’re carrying heavy items.

4. Prevent Falls

Avoid falls when moving by taking extra precautions.

Inspect your home before moving day. Look for and remove protruding objects or trip hazards like rugs, moving supplies, tree branches, and hoses. Also, check for and make a note of uneven or cracked sidewalks. Make sure surfaces aren’t slippery on moving day.

Be aware of these potential obstacles for a safe and seamless move.

5. Dress Appropriately

You might not pre-plan your attire for moving day, but it’s essential. Dress appropriately to help prevent injury. Wear weather-appropriate clothes that cover your arms and legs. This will help prevent scratches. Avoid wearing anything that is too loose-fitting that could get caught on boxes or equipment.

Make sure you are outfitted with comfortable closed-toed shoes complete with good traction. You’ll be on your feet for much of the day, and not only do you want something comfortable, but shoes that protect your feet as well.

Consider having some glove available too. They might also come in handy.

Stay Safe When Moving

Moving shouldn’t be a pain! These suggestions will help you prepare for a safe moving experience.

Professional household movers can make your move even safer by handling your move for you.  Contact us today for a free quote.

A good mover is key to a successful move. Knowing the qualities of good movers is the first step to making sure you have one.

Reputation

Good movers come in all sizes — from big-name national companies to lesser-known regional movers. Ask friends for recommendations and use websites such as Yelp to see the average customer rating. 

Excellent movers will have satisfied customers who rate them well. They also can provide references. Ask movers you are considering the names of three people they have moved recently and contact each with specific questions.

Reliable movers will be easy to find on websites and transparent about their locations and policies. They also can present you with their Department of Transportation license numbers and professional certifications they have earned.

Before making a final decision, check with the Better Business Bureau. Good movers will be registered and have successfully resolved any complaints.

Inventory and Estimate

A good mover will inventory the items you wish to move. The estimator should be thorough, going through each room, closet, and cupboard, either virtually or in-person, asking detailed questions. The mover will provide an estimate based upon the weight and space required for your items.

The estimator also will answer any questions you have on the estimate thoroughly and frankly. You should always obtain estimates from several movers. Reliable companies generally will offer similar estimates for the same job. Avoid relying on estimates through websites that offer to find you a mover.

Expertise and Experience

Good movers have been in business for many years and have experience in moving companies or households locally or long-distance. Ask questions about how the company trains its employees and if they supplement their full-time staff with temporary movers.

Make sure your movers have the expertise and experience in the type of move you are making. Moving to a high-rise apartment is very different from moving to a country location. A good mover will be able to handle the kind of relocation you are making.

If you have unusual specialty items, such as pianos, large appliances, gym equipment, spas, or grandfather clocks, be sure the mover has specific experience moving them.

Also, a good mover will provide additional services like packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly, reassembly, and temporary storage.

Booking

Good movers also will confirm the time, date, and location of your move at booking, provide you with a signed order of service and a bill of lading. Bill of Lading includes the terms and conditions under which your property is moved, and it is also your receipt for the moving shipment.

Three P’s

Quality movers practice the three P’s — punctuality, precision, and professionalism. They value your time and possessions, pack and load your items carefully, and communicate with you professionally and courteously. They provide enough staff to do the job well.

Equipment

Reliable movers have up-to-date equipment such as heavy-duty hand trucks, dollies, lifts, and, in some cases, cranes. They also have a fleet of moving vans of various sizes. While some reliable movers rent their trucks, a mover who owns them may offer more flexibility with scheduling and accommodate last-minute changes more easily.

Have a Confident Move

These are some of the ways to identify good quality movers for your move. We can help answer more questions and provide you with a quote. Contact us today!

One of the stressful aspects of residential moving has nothing to do with the move itself. It’s making sure your old home sells quickly and at the price you request. In today’s world, the look of a home is one of the biggest selling points. Your home’s “curb appeal”, or how it looks from the street, is often a deciding factor during a purchase.

Keep Up with Your Lawn and Landscaping

Your lawn and the landscaping you have added play a huge role in the exterior appearance of your home and the visual appeal it has from the street. If you have already moved and can’t keep up with the lawn care, hire a landscaper to come and mow your grass at regular intervals. If you are still in the home but are preparing for your move, continue to take pride in how your home looks. Keeping up with the lawn and landscaping is the best way to show prospective buyers how well you cared for your home.

Put in a little extra effort and clean up your landscaping. Add fresh mulch. Remove plants that are no longer thriving and add a small statue or other decorative items. Keep the weeds trimmed down and always give the property a good looking over when you finally finish for the day. When it comes to keeping your lawn looking nice, the work will definitely pay off when your home sells.

Make Small Repairs and Touch-Ups

As your home gets older, small imperfections may become more noticeable. The trim around your windows and doors may start to show signs of peeling paint. 

Take a close look at your window shutters. Are all of the slats there? Could they use a new coat of paint? It’s also a good idea to take a close look at your roof and gutters. Remove any debris and make sure that your gutters are clean with no obstructions. This may be a tedious job, but it’s one item on your maintenance checklist that should never be overlooked.

Put up a new mailbox if your old one looks as if it has seen better days. Replace any decorative items that may look out of date or damaged. If you have a porch, add a new chair or two. If you have landscaping, add to it by putting a few hanging planters around your porch. Brighten your home with a few splashes of color and it will do wonders for attracting the attention of new home buyers who are interested in your neighborhood.

Add Exterior Lighting

Exterior lighting serves two important purposes. Not only does it offer additional security, but ambient lighting also enhances the look of your home after dark. Both of these work to keep your home safe by making entryways more visible at night and deterring prowlers from attempting a break-in. Well-placed security lights and those attached to motion-sensors are a great way to show a prospective homeowner that safety was always one of your primary concerns.

Prepping for the Move

When you start to plan for your move and are preparing your current home for sale, remember the power of curb appeal. Take time to spruce up the outside of your home. Potential buyers want a home that portrays an image of both success and stability. Often, this means looking for a home that stands out and gives the passerby something nice and stylish to look at. You want your home to stand out. Keep it looking its best and you will be surprised at how quickly prospective buyers begin to show interest.

If you are prepping for your move check out our blog for other information. Contact us for a moving quote. We’ll assist you with a smooth residential move.

You have spent countless hours preparing for your residential move. From searching for the ideal new home to gathering moving supplies and from setting up utilities to securing help moving, the big day has finally arrived.

You need continued organization until every last box is moved and unpacked. Moving day is no exception.

This ultimate moving day checklist will help your relocation go smoothly.

The Night Before the Move

Eliminate as much moving stress as possible by prepping the night before you leave. Now is the time to make your final preparations for moving day.

Complete the Packing

If you still have some loose items around, pack them away in boxes or crates. Complete the packing so that you’ll be ready when your movers arrive in the morning. Set aside things like the paperwork that you’ll need for the move.

Make Sure Everything is Labeled

Be sure that you label your boxes as you pack them. Include the contents of the box and the room in which it should be placed in the new house. Double-check all of the boxes at this point to make sure they are labeled or color-coded appropriately. This will avoid confusion at your new place.

Remove the Trash

It’s unnecessary to bring trash or unwanted items from one home to the next. Place your garbage outside in the trash container. That way, you won’t accidentally pack it up and bring it to your new home. This includes any mess created from your packing materials.

Moving Day

Plan to get an early start on moving day. This helps ensure you will have ample time to get everything done. 

Add the following items to your moving day checklist.

Separate Special Items

Make sure the boxes of things you will need right away in your new house are labeled clearly and separated from the other moving boxes. Be sure to tell the movers that these items will be going with you in your car or should be loaded onto the truck last, depending on how you decide to handle them.

Greet Your Movers

Meet your moving team upon their arrival and get the information about the day’s schedule. Provide the movers with any special instructions and ask questions if you are uncertain about the timeline.

Stay Available While the Truck is Loaded

Remain around and accessible to the movers while they are loading your belongings. They might have questions for you that only you, as the homeowner, can answer.

Clean the Rooms as They are Cleared

Now is the time to complete last-minute cleaning since the boxes and furniture are out of the way. 

Walk Through the House

When everything is out, complete a final walkthrough of the home. Check every cabinet, drawer, and closet to ensure there are no straggling items left behind. After making that final walk-through, alert your moving team.

Final Goodbyes

Take a few minutes and allow for some closure by saying goodbye. Spend a little time in your favorite family spots, including the yard. Say goodbye to your old home.

Transfer the Keys and Paperwork

If you’re leaving a rental home, you might need to drop off keys and paperwork with the landlord or leasing office. 

If you’re moving out of a sold home, prearrange the key transfer with your realtor. Then lock the house place the keys in the pre-designated location.

Upon Arrival at Your New Home

Meet up with the moving team. Provide any direction they might need at the new home. Stay available for questions here as well.

Tips for a Smooth Moving Day

Use these tips to help your moving day go off without a hitch. You will soon be settled into your new home!

If you are still making preparations for your move, contact us.

Do you plan on moving soon? It’s essential to plan the basics to ensure your move goes smoothly.

You’ll want to decide if you’re handling your move alone or if you’re going to seek the help of professionals. Both options have their benefits, and they both work for different people in different situations.

Should you choose to move by yourself or to hire a professional mover? Here’s a breakdown of both options.

Moving by Yourself

A DIY move may seem like the way to go, but more goes into moving than you might expect. In addition to gathering the moving supplies and equipment, you’ll have to pack up your boxes, lift and move heavy furniture, and load and unload everything into your vehicle or rental truck.

DIY movers usually need help and will ask friends or neighbors for assistance. But you don’t have this benefit if you’re living in or moving to an unfamiliar area.

If you don’t have a lot to move and you’re not moving far, a DIY move might be an option. But if you have a house full of stuff and are moving a long distance, to another state or even internationally, a DIY move is a significant challenge and probably requires the help of professionals.

Benefits of a DIY Move

People choose a DIY move because they:

• Have a smaller household to move
• Are moving locally
• Try to save money
• Can control their move
• Want to do it on their own schedule

Disadvantages of a DIY Move

A DIY move isn’t perfect and shouldn’t be your first choice. Here’s why:

• Expenses can add up
• You’re doing a lot of work, even with helpers
• The move usually takes longer
• There’s more responsibility
• The potential risk for injury is greater
• Less experience than the pros

Handling a move yourself can save money, but it’s remarkably time-consuming and requires a lot of heavy lifting, which you can’t do alone. These disadvantages are why more people choose professional movers.

Professional Moving Company

Professional movers are experienced in every aspect of the move and can save you time and stress. This includes packing your boxes, moving your belongings and furniture, and helping set up the furniture.

You don’t have to stress over doing all of the heavy-lifting and renting a truck. A professional moving company will handle all of that for you. This option also saves time because professional movers work quickly.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Moving Company

More people are hiring a professional mover over DIY moving. Here are some benefits of hiring professional movers:

• They do the heavy lifting, not you
• There’s less work and planning on your end
• Movers are trained to handle fragile belongings and furniture
• Full-service moves offer packing and unpacking options
• More time to unpack and organize after the move

Disadvantages of Hiring Professional Movers

• Sometimes costly
• Entrust others with your belongings
• More limited scheduling options

Turning your move over to professional movers allows you to save your back from injury and focus on the numerous details that need to be taken care of during the move.

Trust a Professional Moving Company With Your Next Move

When you seek help from a professional moving company, you’ll see why hiring movers is the best option. Professional movers take the stress out of moving. Contact us for a free quote.

Though exciting, moving day can also be stressful. And this stress can boil over if you don’t properly prepare for the big day. While you’ll likely have to be flexible to some extent on your moving day, you’ll definitely want to avoid certain mistakes to make the process go as smoothly as possible. 

Here’s a look at five mistakes you’ll want to be sure to avoid:

5 Biggest Moving Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Overall Disorganization

A successful move is an organized move. That said, we always encourage you to make a list of everything you need to do before moving so you can stay on track and aren’t scrambling at the last minute as moving day quickly approaches. 

There’s a lot more to a move than just packing your belongings and relocating to a new property. You’ll need to transfer utilities and insurance policies, find a reliable moving company or rent a truck if you’re doing it yourself, not to mention acquire the materials and supplies to pack your items safely. Those are just a small sample of some of what you’ll have to account for with a move.

2. Starting Too Late

Another moving no-no is starting too late. Moving is an ideal time to weed through all of your belongings and sell, donate or recycle the items that you seldom use or don’t see a future with. You’ll also need time to get estimates if you’re hiring a moving company or take a headcount of the friends and family helpers you’re counting on. Plan your move in increments and start things anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks before the move.

3. Hasty Packing

To make moving day go smoothly, you’ll want to pack right. Pack items for individual rooms together and label all boxes to stay better organized. Take the time to wrap valuables or fragile items to ensure they aren’t damaged in the move. 

One common mistake is packing heavy items in large boxes, which can damage those things. Pack in phases when prepping for a move. Start with seasonal items you won’t use in the near-term and make your way eventually to more everyday items.

4. Thinking You Can Do it All Yourself

Don’t underestimate the chore of moving. Many people assume they can handle it all themselves only to become overwhelmed as moving day approaches. A reputable, reliable moving company can help make the household moving process go smoothly. Make sure you do your homework and select one that is licensed, insured and is willing to give you an accurate estimate.

5. Clean the Home You’re Leaving

You’ll also want to be sure to leave some time to properly clean the home you’re leaving. This is especially true if you’re leaving a rental property and could risk deferring some or all of a security deposit if the home is not left in the condition agreed upon in the contract. Regardless of the property, you’ll always want to give the new occupant the courtesy of entering a clean home.

Contact Us Today

For more information on moving mistakes to avoid and to schedule your moving estimate, contact us today.

Each year, over 40 million Americans pack up and move into a new home.

Though many Americans are doing their reading on an electronic device these days, many people still prefer the real pages of a book. As a result, you might have accumulated a lot of books over the years. Now it’s time to pack them up for your upcoming move. 

It’s essential to strategically organize and pack your books to make the move easier. 

Here are several tips on how to pack your boxes of favorite books. 

Packing Tips for Your Books

Packing your books shouldn’t cause you stress. Here are some book-packing tips for an easier move. 

1. Cull Through Your Library

Moving is the perfect time to downsize the number of books on your shelves. 

Start the book-packing process a month or two before your move. Look through your book collection and see if there are some books you can part with. Make a few passes at it to make sure you get everything.

Drop those books off at Goodwill or see if your local library accepts book donations.

2. Gather Small, Sturdy Boxes 

Select small but sturdy boxes for packing your heavy books. Save the larger boxes for moving blankets, pillows, and lighter weight stuff. 

Invest in book boxes with handles to make them easier to lift. 

3. Pack Heaviest Books on the Bottom

There are a few different ways to pack each book box to make moving easier. Start by lining the bottom of the box with packing paper. Place the heaviest books on the bottom. 

Grouping the books by size makes them easier to place in the box while you pack.

Another way to pack up your books is to line the inside perimeter of the box with the larger hard covered books. Then, put the smaller, softer books in the middle. This helps them stay secure.  

4. Watch the Weight

Keep in mind that the weight of books adds up fast when packing. Pack the bigger books at the bottom of the box with the spines alternating up and down.

You can also keep your book boxes lighter by putting fewer books in and packing lighter items like stuffed animals, hand towels, or clothes in between and on top to help keep the books secure. Now the boxes are lighter, and the books won’t shift as much.

5. Use Packing Tape for Reinforcement

Be sure to use plenty of heavy-duty packing tape. Place a few reinforcement pieces of tape on the bottom to be sure the box can handle the load. 

6. Be Creative About Packing Books

When you are packing stacks of books, you don’t have to pack them in a box. Try packing them in a small, sturdy suitcase on wheels.

Sturdy, reusable grocery bags with handles may be another option. These bags tend to be smaller than boxes, so the weight of the books is more manageable. 

Get Packing

Now that you know the best way to pack books for moving, it’s time to call in the professionals to help you with your move. Click here to head over to our contact page.

We’re here to answer any questions you may have about boxing up your valued possessions in preparation for your big move. We’ll help you relocate.

Home sizes, and prices, have skyrocketed over the years, leaving many retirees with more ‘house’ than they need.

Downsizing is one of the best ways to reach financial goals later in life. Here are five downsizing tips to help you make the transition into a smaller home. 

1. Enlist Family Support

When downsizing a large home, it’s important to start the decluttering process early. Ask family members for help sorting old items and furniture you no longer want.

Family heirlooms won’t need to be donated if a close relative will take them instead. Giving away belongings to your family will help you through the emotional part of the downsizing process.

Knowing your possessions will go to people you love can help you find peace in letting go. 

2. Hire an Agent

Once you’ve decluttered your space, set up a meeting with a real estate agent in your area. One of the best ways to find a reliable agent is by asking friends and family for referrals. 

Friends or neighbors who recently downsized will have leads on attentive real estate agents who understand your specific needs. Another way to find a real estate agent is to connect with a relocation specialist.

These professionals can refer you to realtors in your area and potentially help you navigate the relocation process if you’re moving to a new state.

If possible, choose a realtor with a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SERS) certification to help you sell your home. These realtors are experienced in working with older clients and are more likely to be sensitive to your need to downsize. 

3. Schedule Charity Pickups

Once you’ve given away important items to your family, you can work with your realtor to decide which furniture will work best for staging. Any items that don’t help market your home can be taken to storage or donated to charity.

Many charities offer a pickup service for furniture. Call to confirm available dates well in advance of needing pickup.

Charity organizations’ resources are usually limited, which can mean waiting weeks before they have the availability to pickup your items. 

4. Stage Your Home

Staging your home is an essential part of the sales process. Experienced realtors can share insight into making your home look attractive to potential buyers.

This process usually won’t require major changes to the design of your home. Instead, staging removes anything that could distract a buyer from seeing the best features of your home. 

Less is more with home staging because it allows the home’s architecture to speak for itself. Minor repairs, like a fresh coat of paint or trimming the hedges, might also be needed to make your home look more attractive. 

5. Schedule Your Move

The final step in the downsizing process is finding quality movers. Schedule your movers to transport your remaining furniture and items to your new home.

Pack items separately in an essentials box that you will need right away after the move. These are items like toiletries and medication that shouldn’t be inaccessible in case the movers arrive later than you do. 

The Best Downsizing Tips

Downsizing tips help you navigate the emotional process of leaving behind your home and many of your belongings. After years of use, it’s not uncommon to feel bittersweet after giving away your favorite furniture or dishes.

But the money you’ll save with lower housing costs means having access to new experiences that will soon surpass the old ones. For more information on preparing for your move, visit our blog for updates.