Need to Relocate and Not Looking Forward to It? Here’s How to Adapt

Typically, a residential move is an exciting time where you get to explore a new space and make it your own. However, there are some occasions when moving can be more stressful. For example, if you have to relocate quickly, the entire experience can be overwhelming and challenging. Fortunately, we’ll help you navigate the situation to run as smoothly as possible.

Reasons to Relocate Quickly

Before we can discuss how to adjust to a fast-paced move, what matters are the circumstances behind it. Some situations offer other challenges that can detract from the moving process, so it’s imperative to take a comprehensive look at what’s going on.

  • Fast Closing – You put your house up for sale, and it sold quicker than expected, and the new owners want a quick closing.
  • New Job – You or your spouse might take a new job elsewhere because of other benefits, such as a lower cost of living or better neighborhoods.
  • Eviction – This situation is often the most difficult because you might scramble to find new accommodations. Depending on where you live, though, you might have at least 30 or 60 days to move out.
  • Retirement – Once you start moving, it’s often time to downsize. Usually, moving to a smaller home can be part of your retirement planning, but sometimes, you might have to move ASAP to avoid significant monthly expenses.
  • Family Emergency – This situation can also be challenging, depending on the details. For example, perhaps you have to move in with an ailing parent or grandparent for the foreseeable future.

How to Adjust to a Fast Move

Focus on the Positive Elements

Even if your move is due to unfortunate circumstances, you can take this opportunity to reframe the situation to be more positive. Usually, your outlook on a problem affects how you address it. So, if you’re dwelling on the negative aspects, moving will be much more challenging. However, if you start looking at the upsides, you can handle the stress better. Some potential positive elements can include:

  • A chance to simplify your life
  • New experiences for you and your family
  • An opportunity for a fresh start

Make a Plan

You should develop a timeline, whether you have a few days or a few weeks to move out. The best way to do this is to work backward from your moving date. But, first, write a list of everything you need to do, such as:

Once you’ve written your list, prioritize and rank each action. For example, if you don’t have a new place to move to yet, that should be your first step. From there, you can worry about packing and logistics.

Sell or Donate Belongings

Moving is always an excellent reason to shed clutter from your life, regardless of the situation. During a fast move, you likely won’t be able to sell your belongings for as much as you’d like (if at all). However, you can feel good about donating gently used items to those who may need them more. Overall, the more you shed, the easier it is to figure out logistics.

Enlist Help

Help can come in many forms during a fast or unplanned relocation. Practically speaking, you can get friends or family to help you pack. However, you can also talk to those closest to you about the stress and emotional toll of the move. Trying to handle it all yourself will often make the situation worse – lean on others to reduce your burden.

Move Quickly With the Pros

One surefire way to alleviate moving stress is to hire professional movers. We can take care of packing and heavy lifting so that you can focus on other elements. Contact us today to see what we can do for you.

6 Moving Safety Tips

Moving is physically taxing! It’s easy to get injured when you’re in the middle of a relocation, especially if you’re doing all the work yourself. If you’re relocating, it’s essential to do what you can to keep yourself safe. By getting help when you need it, giving yourself plenty of time to get the work done, and by taking other precautions, you can keep yourself safe during your upcoming move to a new home.

1. Get Help Lifting Heavy Boxes

Lifting heavy boxes is hard on your body. Get help to avoid back injury. Not sure when to get help with a box? Ask for help with oversized boxes because they’re hard to grip. Get help with smaller cartons if you have to strain hard to lift. If you have to make a face, grunt, or if you’re having a hard time raising the box on your own, get a partner to lift the other side of the box with you.

2. Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Moving in a hurry can lead to accidents. If you’re trying to pack quickly, things might be in disarray. You might leave something out and in the way where they can become tripping hazards. Give yourself plenty of time for each task, and if possible, plenty of time for your overall relocation.

Most people need at least three months to prepare for a move. If you’ve been in your home for a long time, or if you live in an especially large house, you may need longer. If you’re on a short timeline, get help from a professional moving company to expedite your relocation.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential when you’re amidst an event like a relocation. Sleeping helps your body recharge and gives you the strength to lift heavy boxes, which can help you avoid injuries. Most adults need seven or more hours of sleep every night, so pay attention to your sleep calendar.

4. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is vital for your health, especially if you’re lifting boxes and moving your personal items from one part of your house to another. Drink as you start to sweat. If you’re working very hard, drink sports drinks that replace your electrolytes.

5. Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a nutritious diet is important, especially now. Pay attention to your protein intake by eating lean meats and beans. Need a snack? Consider eating a boiled egg or an apple with peanut butter. If your doctor asks you to adhere to a special diet, follow your doctor’s advice. Just be sure that you have plenty of healthy snack food on hand. You’re going to get hungry as you pack!

6. Pack Heavy Items in Small Boxes

Don’t put heavy things in big boxes unless it’s necessary. For example, pack books into small boxes to keep the weight down and make the box easier to lift when it’s time to move it.

Work With a Reputable Moving Company

Reduce your relocation workload and minimize the chance of an injury by hiring a reputable moving company. Contact us today for a free quote.

Logistical and Lifestyle Issues to Consider Before Moving into a Condo

Condominiums present unique challenges, whether downsizing from a house or moving from a similar living space. The nature of owning a home that shares grounds and amenities with neighbors can be something of a culture change. This hybrid living environment also leads to some unusual issues single-family homeowners typically don’t face. Before signing a purchase and sales agreement and scheduling movers, consider the following.

What Downsizing Challenges Does Condo Life Present?

In recent years, the average single-family home has doubled in square-footage from about 1,600 during the 1970s to upwards of 2,500 in 2019. Whether you live in an older home or relatively new construction, homeowners usually occupy more space than most condos. For example, the average one-bedroom condo provides 700 square feet or less. If you are moving from a house to a condo, consider downsizing strategies such as the following.

  • Usefulness: Rather than clutter a smaller condo, bring only items you use regularly. Writing down how often you use items in question is an excellent way to measure usefulness.
  • Purge: It’s essential to rid yourself of underused items that take up valuable space. Consider methods such as tag sales, charitable donations, and self-storage if necessary.
  • Measurements: Given that homeowners could experience a living space reduction of 900 to 1,800 square feet, breaking out the old tape measure could help avoid moving day headaches. If a sofa, loveseat, or dining room table doesn’t fit, don’t bring it.
  • Space: Perhaps the most productive way to organize a downsizing move involves planning each room. Take the measurements of furniture, bedroom sets, and even products that reside on kitchen countertops. Put down easy-to-remove tape and visualize how each space will function.

These and other preparatory strategies can help homeowners seamlessly transition into condo life. But beyond logistical issues associated with moving personal belongings, there are also lifestyle changes to consider.

What Lifestyle Challenges Do Condos Present?

First-time buyers who want the wide-reaching amenities condos offer would be well-served to consider the community aspects. Condo life typically involves access to fitness centers, swimming pools, and common areas for people to congregate. But unlike owning purely private property, residents sometimes have to balance their use with others. In a sense, condo property owners are tasked with negotiating outdoor spaces as if they were public property. Beyond logistical access hurdles, consider the following.

  • Parking: Condominiums often come with assigned parking and limited spaces for visitors. Inviting family members to stay for the holidays may require some negotiation.
  • Cost: A property management group may oversee financial issues such as maintenance, repair, and annual taxes. Condo owners can find themselves on the hook for rising monthly and yearly costs.
  • Storage: When single-family homeowners accumulate too much stuff, they often have storage options. These may entail adding a room, cleaning out the garage, or purchasing an outbuilding. When condo residents get overrun, paying for self-storage or getting rid of items rank among the limited solutions.

Worth the Move

Condo life can be rewarding and provide excellent quality of life for the right person. But when making any significant change, it’s always important to exercise due diligence. That’s typically why condo buyers work with experienced and reliable moving companies to shepherd them through the transition. If you are planning a move, reach out to us for a price quote.

How to Shop for Service Providers for Your New Home

When you move to a new place, you often have to set up new services. Sometimes you have a choice, and sometimes you don’t.

For many, Wi-Fi is no longer a luxury. Instead, it’s a necessity for your home. Whether you work from home or simply use the internet for entertainment, each house has various needs to consider, such as service:

  • Availability
  • Speed
  • Cost
  • Type of Connection
  • Reliability
  • Customer Support

It’s essential to assess your unique situation before signing your Internet contract. Here are a few tips to help you find the best deals.

Start Early

It’s tempting to wait to schedule some services until after you move. After all, moving takes up most of your spare time. But once you arrive, you’ll wish you started early.

Companies that sell home services often offer deals at certain times of the year. You’ll get a better price if you sign up at one of those times.

When you start researching, look for previous sales and see if there is a prior pattern to the sales. That way, you’ll know the right window to sign up.

Get Recommendations

If you have a choice to select services like Internet, cable, or satellite, it’s a good idea to get recommendations first. A good deal at sign-up is excellent, but reliable service is more important.

Ask friends and family members about their experiences with the company. Listen to people who have had to contact the company for support.

Compare Your Options

When you have a choice, it’s essential to explore your options. Try to avoid going with the first one you research.

Look at the deals you get for signing up and compare those to the prices you’ll pay once that introductory period ends. Also, pay attention to costs you pay to set up an account, like equipment or installation.

Weigh the costs against the company’s track record for service. Sometimes, the best option isn’t the cheapest.

Ask About Discounts

Signing up for services can feel a little like a haggling exercise. Service representatives may have options to give you, but only if you ask for them.

Ask about discounts for bundling services or joining a loyalty program. Again, do a little research in advance about these programs, so you know what you get for participation.

If all else fails, mention the deals you can get from a competitor. For example, it might help you get a better deal from a more reliable company.

Try Again Later

Once you have the services in place, set a reminder to look at them before the introductory period ends. You can see if your options look better now or if you’re better off staying where you are.

It’s common for people to change services regularly to keep getting discounts for signing up for new services. Be sure to try a few negotiating tips with your current provider as well. They may be able to cut you a deal to convince you to keep your account.

Moving Forward

Shopping for services is a common part of moving, and there are ways to make it more cost-effective. 

For help with your upcoming move, contact us to request a quote.

How To Plan Healthcare Needs When Moving To New Area

Moving to a brand new area can be both exciting and stressful. Loving families get a fresh start and new opportunities. But starting over in a new community also requires significant due diligence. Along with identifying the best schools and recreational offerings, you need to understand the healthcare landscape. 

If you plan to relocate, consider the following healthcare items carefully.

Identify and Enlist Healthcare Providers

Finding a primary care physician often tops the list of a family’s focus when moving. That’s certainly a reasonable concern, given that the primary physician provides comprehensive care and will come to know your health intimately. Therefore, families should quickly identify the following healthcare professionals.

  • Pediatricians: Growing families generally need a go-to doctor if children show symptoms beyond routine and seasonal ailments. It may prove helpful to secure a list of pediatricians in your primary’s network to ensure communication remains seamless.
  • OB/GYN: It’s not uncommon for women to consider an OB/GYN more essential than their primary doctor. Finding a person who is both experienced and women feel comfortable with can be something of a challenge. In addition, it may prove invaluable to ask other women in the community who they see and why that doctor is a good fit.

It’s also helpful to know what specialists have offices in the community and how far away others are located. For example, people who live outside major cities may discover they must travel for specialized treatment and care.

Access to Emergency and Urgent Care Facilities

The ability to get to an emergency room or urgent care facility ranks among the invaluable treatment assets. A well-staffed emergency room generally includes an ER doctor and an experienced physician’s assistant to diagnose sudden conditions.

When moving to a new town, it’s essential to understand that not every facility operates 24/7. That’s why taking notes about available services and hours can make a significant difference in your life. The availability of these healthcare services could emerge as an important relocation factor.

Access to Mental Health Professionals

Moving to a new community typically creates some uncertainty and anxiety. Studies also indicate that frequent moves may result in heightened psychosocial stress and feelings of exhaustion. Although the joys of a new living space can prove uplifting, it might still come with challenges for some. Those are why having a therapist and other mental health resources in place before the moving trucks arrive is crucial.

Determine the Heath Care Cost Differences

When families move to a new state, the health insurance system can differ immensely. To say the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs has become uneven would be something of an understatement. Consumers often discover that an established pharmacy charges far higher prices than another just blocks away. That’s why everyday people may want to identify how much companies charge and which accept discount cards. The combination can save a significant amount of money.

The same holds for health insurance plans that often offer complicated deductibles and co-pays. Check with your provider to make sure co-pays and coverage will continue with the same payment schedules. Better to make changes before moving than incur an unexpected bill.

Moving Help

Working families have a lot on their plate when moving to a new community. Enlisting the assistance of a moving company can help alleviate stress and give you more time to ensure your healthcare needs are in place. Contact us today for a free quote.

Moving With Little Ones In Tow: Helping Your Toddler Feel At Home In Their New Room

When you’re moving with a young child, it’s normal for emotions to run high. For example, your toddler may be excited about moving into a new home while also feeling sad about leaving their old house (and friends) behind. 

Check out these tips for helping your little one begin to feel comfortable and at home in their new room after you move to your new home. 

1. Prepare Appropriately 

When you’re packing up your home, pack your child’s room last. While it can be tough to have your child around while you’re packing, involve them as much as you can in putting their belongings into boxes. It’s wise to talk to one of your child’s stuffed animals as you pack up their things, saying things like “we’ll see you when we get to the new house!” before placing a beloved toy into a box. 

Remind your child that their things aren’t being thrown away and that they’ll be waiting for them at your new home. Allow your child space to express their feelings, and remember that it’s ok and normal for them to feel sad, angry, or frustrated as you go through the packing process.

2. Unpack Your Child’s Room First 

When you arrive at your new home, unpack your child’s room as soon as possible. While it may be tempting to replace furniture or implement a new decorative scheme in their new room, you’ll want to try to make their new space as familiar as possible. When packing, be sure to mark all of your child’s items clearly so that you’re able to locate them when you begin organizing your new home. 

3. Keep Bedtime Routines as Uniform As Possible 

Routine is essential for toddlers to feel safe and secure, and sticking to their bedtime routine can help them gain a sense of comfort as they settle into their new space. While it can be tempting to rush through bedtime so you can get back to unpacking, take your time to help your little one begin to adjust. 

4. Consider Using a Baby Monitor

Even if you stopped using a baby monitor at your old home, it might be time to pull it out and use it at your new home until your child has adjusted to the new environment. 

When your toddler wakes up at night, it can be scary and disorienting to realize that they’re in an unfamiliar room. Using a baby monitor may help you comfort them faster than waiting for their cries to reach your room. When you go into your child’s room to comfort them, reassure them that they’re safe, that you’re in your new home, and all their favorite stuffed animals and toys are right there with them. It may help to use a night light to help them get more comfortable with their surroundings

Is Moving Day Approaching? We’d Love To Help. 

Relocating can be tricky, especially when you’re moving with kids. We’re here to help take some of the stress out of your move. Reach out to us today for a free price quote on our moving services.

Moving in Winter? Benefits of an Off-Season Move

Are you planning a move soon? If so, you’re not alone; every year, more than 40 million Americans — about 13 percent — make a move. More than half of these moves take place between May and September.

Summer is, by far, the busiest moving season. A summer move makes sense for many because the kids are on school break, or their work schedule is a bit more flexible. Summer is also peak housing selling and buying time, and — let’s face it — moves may be less challenging when it’s not freezing outside.

But moving during the summer comes at a price: It’s more expensive to move and possibly more challenging to find a moving company during this busy time. Moving in winter instead offers advantages. Read on to discover the benefits of an off-season move.

The Bottom Line: Cost

Moving companies are in great demand during the spring and summer months. Often, schedules stay booked well into the fall. Higher demand usually means higher prices.

After October, though, prices generally decrease. Thanks to a greater availability, movers may have more flexibility when it comes to pricing. In addition, you may discover discounts and special offers that help you save money on your move.

Moving Company Availability

When you’re moving during peak season, reserving your moving company as far in advance as you can is key. The most reputable movers are often booked many months ahead of time.

Unfortunately, life doesn’t always cooperate and allow you to plan ahead. But if you wait too long, you may have to settle for whatever’s left. You may have to compromise on your dates, times, and the services you want, as well. 

In contrast, winter schedules aren’t usually as packed. So while planning ahead is always a good idea, securing an excellent household moving company for a winter move might require less lead time. In addition, you’ll be competing for your preferred dates with fewer people, so you’re more likely to get the time and date you want.

Temperature and Humidity

Moving in summer means not worrying about snow and ice. But moving in warm temperatures — especially with high humidity — isn’t pleasant, either. 

Loading and unloading boxes and heavy furniture in the heat is physically tricky and exhausting. Moving items into a non-climate-controlled storage unit in the summer heat can cause damage, as well. 

So while you might not relish the thought of moving while the snow falls, there are advantages that come with beating the heat.

Less Traffic and Road Congestion

All too often, moving in summer means dealing with congested roadways. As a result, traffic volumes peak in summer and decline through the winter months. 

More cars on the road probably mean more congestion, and that sets up the possibility that it might take longer for your moving truck to get to your new home. In addition, moving trucks must navigate traffic on the roads and at weight stations and truck stops. A winter move helps reduce these potential issues.

If you’re fortunate enough to choose when to move, consider passing on peak season. A winter move in the off-season offers several advantages that may just make your move smoother.

Make Your Winter Move

Contact us for a free moving quote. We can help make your wintertime move a smooth one.

4 Inexpensive Ways to Spruce Up the Kitchen in Your Rental

Outdated or drab kitchen space can make it hard to be enthusiastic about cooking meals. Unfortunately, if you’re moving into a new rental home or apartment, you don’t typically have many options to make significant changes. The good news is there are a few inexpensive ways you can quickly spruce up your new-to-you kitchen without violating your lease or spending a lot of money. Of course, check with your landlord first before tackling these projects. 

1. Paint Kitchen Walls

It’s amazing how a simple coat (or two!) of paint can completely transform a room. Covering up a bland white or outdated color with a layer of fresh paint can do wonders to improve the mood and feel of a kitchen. Most landlords or property managers are okay if you choose a color that is easy to paint over once you leave, especially if you offer to bring it back to white or another neutral color before you depart. Ideally, if you have time before your upcoming move, do the painting before bringing your belongings in; it’ll make things easier during your first few weeks in your new home.

2. Use Organizational Strategies

Many rentals come with small kitchens that offer little in terms of storage space. This typically results in cluttered counters on already limited surfaces or a table that you can’t use since it’s serving as a storage area. However, easy, inexpensive ways you can plan to add storage and organization (before you even unpack to reduce clutter on counters) and make more room in cabinets include:

  • Install hanging space for pots and pans.
  • Add a pegboard to hang cookware and other food prep essentials.
  • Use portable storage shelves to insert in cabinets and pantries to double the space.
  • Place cutlery trays inside drawers – alternately, use drawer dividers that work with spring tension to separate space.
  • Use hooks to hang mugs or add racks to hang stemware.
  • Purchase a rolling kitchen island, ideally with a butcher block surface and a shelf or cubby underneath, that is easily portable.

These and other organizational solutions can go a long way towards freeing up space throughout the kitchen. Plus, many of them also add a level of convenience for those high-need daily items.

3. Upgrade Lighting

Many older kitchens have dim or inefficient lighting, which can impact the look of the room. The good news is many fixtures are easy to replace and don’t require bringing in a professional. Buy a vintage light fixture online, or go with a sleek modern option. Other options you can do is add portable lighting to hang over the stove or LED strip lights underneath the cabinets – some of these can be set on timers, or you can use a remote. Or try using plants and other strategies for a creative way to perk up the plainness.

4. Add Accents Throughout the Kitchen

Sometimes it’s the simple things that can make a world of difference. Add artwork, removable borders to the walls, toss down a pretty throw rug, update cabinet hardware, change outlet plates for outlets and light switches, hanging plants, or cover the refrigerator with removable wallpaper or photo prints.

Moving Made Easy!

If you’re planning an upcoming move and have any questions, we’re happy to help. Contact us today for a free quote.

Packing 101: The Five Golden Rules of Proper Box Packing

You’ve got your collection of boxes and packing supplies, and now it’s time to tackle the monumental task ahead of you: packing up your small belongings for the move. To save time, protect your belongings, and make unpacking more manageable than ever, there are five golden rules for packing a box to keep in mind as you work. 

1. Place Heavier Items on the Bottom

Warehouse workers are trained to always pack heavier items at the bottom of their boxes and keep fragile items at the top. Follow this same golden rule when packing for a household move. Anything heavy should go on the bottom to give the box stability and prevent damage to anything lighter in weight and more fragile. So, using a random collection of home office items as an example, your box-packing order may look something like this: 

  1. Books and paperweights on bottom 
  2. Pencil holders in the middle 
  3. Picture frames on top 

2. Keep the Weight of the Box in Check

The general rule is to keep any packed box at 50 pounds or less. But, also keep in mind that all boxes can have their own weight limits. For example, you may be perfectly comfortable moving a 50-pound box, but a smaller carton may have a lower weight limit than that. If possible, keep your bathroom scale handy while you pack so you can keep weight limits in check to protect yourself from injury and protect your boxes from accidental damage. 

3. Wrap Anything Fragile

You should wrap any items prone to breakage in transit before putting them into a box. Most people remember to wrap up the most fragile things during a move—glass, for example. However, many other items are prone to breakages, such as items with many parts, things made of thin wood, and items with delicate features. 

4. Fill Dead Spaces in the Box

Dead space within a box is any space that is left unfilled. Space is bad because it leaves room for the items within the box to shift and move, leading to damage. Therefore, you want to keep gaps in the box to a minimum while you pack. For example, if you are packing glass figurines, wrap those figurines and then use a filler material or even towels and t-shirts to fill the dead spaces and keep the items from shifting. 

5. Pack Items From the Same Room

This golden rule is more about saving you time and making things easy on you when you unpack. By packing items from the same room together in the same box, you can make more progress while you pack. You can clear a room a lot faster so you can move to the next space. Likewise, when you start unpacking, you can work in one designated area to empty the box. 

Enlist the Help of Residential Movers 

Even well-packed boxes can be a lot to contend with on your own when you face a move. But, bringing professionals in to get your belongings on a truck and relocated to the new place can make all the difference. Ready to get a free moving quote? Contact us today to get started. 

Selling Your Home In Autumn: 5 Tips

Autumn is a time when leaves fall, temperatures drop, and the days get shorter. These conditions can present challenges for homeowners who want to sell. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to ensure that your home is attractive to buyers. By taking steps to improve your curb appeal, ensure your home is comfortable and bright indoors, you can sell your house quicker and perhaps for more money.

1. Keep the Lawn Clear

As dead leaves fall from the trees and perennial plants die back for the season, many lawns fill with debris to be cleared. Keep your yard clear by cutting back perennial plants that have dried up. Rake leaves beneath trees.

If you keep dead leaves in a pile on your lawn, keep the pile out of view from home buyers. Rake your yard before each home showing, especially if your trees are losing lots of leaves. Not only do leaves make your lawn look messy, but they can also remind homebuyers how much work your lawn is in the fall — and that’s no good!

2. Maintain a Comfortable Temperature Indoors During Showings

This is not the time to save money on HVAC costs. Instead, keep your home appropriately comfortable to ensure that it is comfortable for buyers when they come to see your house. Buyers can show up unexpectedly, so it’s best to keep your house at a comfortable temperature during the day.

3. Put Out Seasonal Decorations (But Don’t Go Overboard)

Seasonal decorations can help your home feel cozy in the fall. It’s a good idea to hang a fall wreath or put a fall table setting in the middle of your dining room table. That said, keep your decorations tasteful, attractive, and understated.

Avoid over-the-top decorations like bright or colorful Halloween decorations. The purpose of your decorations is to set a mood but not overpower your buyers with your seasonal spirit. Bright decorations can distract buyers from the other features of your home, and that’s not helpful.

4. Turn On Lights Everywhere

Fall is a time when the days grow short, and homes can be dark on the inside. So keep the lights on in your house when you’re showing it to buyers. Replace all burned-out light bulbs before the first showing, and keep all lights on – especially if a showing occurs in the evening or at night.

5. Put Out Autumn Scented Candles

Autumn has its own scents, and most people find those scents comforting. So put out autumn-scented candles to get your buyers in the spirit. You don’t even have to light your candles – just set them out and let the smells make your home more welcoming to buyers.

Moving Soon? Contact a Reputable Moving Company

It’s essential to work with a reputable moving company when you’re moving. For example, if you’re selling your house, that may mean you need a moving company that can safely transport your possessions from one home to another.

Working with a good moving company will take the stress off your relocation, so you can spend more time thinking about making your house attractive to buyers. Contact us; we can make your relocation a success.