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Downsizing into a more affordable and easy to manage living space can provide wonderful benefits for aging community members. Less maintenance and fewer repairs allow more time to relax. And the lowered cost of a smaller home, apartment, or condominium opens the door for improved quality of life activities.

While downsizing has many proven benefits, the process of reducing personal belongings and transitioning can be stressful. Living in a larger home usually means you have the material goods to match. 

If the possibility of downsizing and moving into a more manageable space seems unwieldy, consider these five ways to transition smoothly.

1. Consider the Square Footage Differences

When moving to a modest living space, it’s essential to have a firm grasp of what will fit comfortably. 

Start by taking detailed measurements of your current rooms and comparing them to the downsized counterparts. The key to effectively transitioning revolves around everything you bring fitting with room to move around. 

Downsizing typically requires less bulky furniture or space-efficient replacements. Knowing how much room you have to work with can make a big difference on moving day.

2. Stage Your Furniture and Belongings To Fit

Now that you know how much square footage you have to work with consider rearranging your current living space as a model. 

Gather a few friends or family members and mark floors with tape to reflect the new space. Now spend a little time arranging tables, chairs, couches, and other belongings as if they were in the downsized residence. This process gives you a true sense of what to keep and what won’t fit.

3. Ask Yourself Which Belongings Matter

Not all material items are equal in a person’s eyes or heart. Just because an oversized chair is past its prime, it may hold greater sentimental value than a brand new recliner. The same holds for many items that bring back memories of good times, loved ones we miss or have lost along the way. 

Rather than set aside those emotions, and pack what will fit, ask yourself these important questions.

• Is this something I need, or want?
• What is the sentimental value of this item?
• How often do I use it?

Based on your answers, you can decide what your moving professionals transport to the new home. The other items may have different destinations.

4: Consider Alternatives For Keepsakes and Valued Items

Pre-planning aspects of how to manage personal belongings tend to be increasingly important for seniors when downsizing. With that in mind, items that may not fit into a smaller space can be handled in several suitable ways. These may include the following.

• Consider storing sentimental items with children or relatives.
• Consider inexpensive self-storage until you are ready to part with personal items.
• Consider passing on family heirlooms so that others can enjoy them.
• Downsizing your household does not necessarily mean that you will no longer have cherished items. It merely means those that might clutter your new place need to be safely stored offsite or with loved ones.

5: Preparing For Moving Day

After you have boxed up goods and pre-planned, it’s essential to label each possession and note where it will go. Professional movers like getting it right and making your transition seamless. By marking boxes by room and indicating furniture placement, moving day can be stress-free. Planning and communication with your moving company mean you will get settled in quickly and enjoy an enhanced quality of life.

Moving Made Easy

If you need moving help, contact us. We can help with packing, storage, transport, and even unpacking. We can make your downsizing move as stress-free as possible.

Is your household move starting to feel overwhelming? Are you imagining your new home, full of boxes, and if they have all ended up in their intended unpacking location? And, do you know what’s inside each one?

When tackling a move, your labeling approach makes a big difference in the way you unpack. It can set the mood for the first month in your new home.

You’ll need a way to know exactly what each box contains. If you use a combination of these five ideas, that’s what you’ll get.

1. Buy Labels

Most official moving boxes come printed with a square for labeling. That doesn’t mean it’s the best or only choice when it comes to labeling.

Investing in moving labels can make the marker ink show up better, making it easier to read.

Aim for products that have some weather resistance. That way, if they get wet, the ink won’t run.

2. Print Big

Once you stack the boxes, you’ll be looking at them from a distance. That means you and the movers will need to be able to read it.

Imagine you work for a moving company. You would need to know what to do with the box within a second or two.

Choose a permanent marker with a broad tip in a dark color. Write clearly and keep the words short. Simple language is easier for workers to decipher.

3. Use Color-Coding

Writing the designated room on the box may not be enough. If you want to make sure every box ends up in the right room, you may also want to use a color code.

You can buy boxes of moving labels with color-coded stickers for each room. You can also purchase different rolls of duct tape and put a strip along opposite edges of the box.

Color coding may not make as much sense on a large scale. If you have to distinguish between three different shades of blue, you probably need another system.

4. Identify Location and Contents

Make sure every label includes the name of the room that each box should be placed in. 

Keep in mind that some of your labeling efforts help you more than the movers. When you’re ready to unpack, you don’t want to guess which of these 20 boxes has the item you need.

While you pack, give yourself enough time to write down the general theme of each box. If you have five boxes of dishware, outline which one has the plates and which one has the mugs.

Detailed labeling is even more important if someone else is unpacking for you. They’re less likely to damage or misplace stuff that way.

5. Write on Multiple Sides

By the time you finish packing, you may have many tall stacks of boxes. Perhaps you’ll have a whole room or storage unit full of them.

Do you have any idea what’s inside? How would you get to them if you needed to read the label on top?

Put the most basic information on at least two sides, as well as the top. That way, you can tell at a glance where it will need to go. Make sure you label more than the top of the box. When the boxes are stacked, you won’t be able to see the label at all!

Make the Move Right

If you’re going to live amongst boxes for the next couple of months, you might as well do it on your terms. With these labeling tips and tricks, you’ll know just where to find everything you need.

Contact us today. We can help with your moving logistics.

Moving during pregnancy is stressful, and there are various challenges and safety concerns, depending on what month of your pregnancy you are in. Throughout the moving process, you may be dealing with morning sickness or extreme exhaustion. Depending on your situation, you might also be limited in the activities you’re allowed to do.

Safety when moving will be your top concern. It’ll be essential to avoid the heavy lifting and to sidestep the stresses as best you can. We’ve got some tips for a safe moving experience.

Consult With Your Obstetrician

The health of you and your baby is your absolute priority! Moving entails a lot of physical activity and can tap out your mental energy. As soon as you know you’ll be moving, consult with your obstetrician to talk about the dos and don’ts associated with transitioning to your new home. Your doctor will look at your pregnancy history, stage of pregnancy, and then offer you guidance on how to proceed safely, including how to lift and bend while pregnant.

Speaking of obstetricians, if you’re moving to a new area, be sure to have a new doctor lined up, so your prenatal checkups aren’t disrupted. Transfer your medical records to the new office and set up your next appointment before moving, so it’s one less detail to take care of when you are getting settled in.

Recognize Your Limitations

Now’s not the time to push yourself. Don’t let yourself feel you have to be Supergirl and get it all done at lightning speed. If your body or mind is telling you to slow down, be sure to listen to these inner cues. Be sure to take time to eat healthily, drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep. Take cat naps when you can, or if that’s not possible, plan just to kick your feet up and close your eyes at several intermittent times during the day.

Recruit Help

Try to recruit help from family and friends as soon as you know you’re going to move. Chances are many will be eager to help pack your belongings or do some cleaning. It’ll also give yourself some time to visit with people you may not get to see as often once you move – make a party of it with food and beverages.

Hire Professional Movers

Professional residential movers have the experience to help you get the work done quickly, efficiently, and best of all, stress-free. While you may have help on the departure end of things, you might not yet know people in your new neighborhood. Movers can handle the heavy lifting, and many will even assist with unpacking services.

Wait Until You’re Settled for the Nursery

You’re probably eager to get all the items your baby will need. (After all, who can resist those cute outfits, plush toys, and beautiful baby furniture?) It’s ideal to wait until you’re all moved to set up the nursery. If not, you’ll have additional boxes to pack, and will cost you more to move, even if you’re moving yourself. To alleviate stress, and save some money, order items online, and have them scheduled to ship to your new address. Same with furniture or other big-ticket items you plan to purchase for your newborn.

Let Us Help

Need help moving? Contact us today to learn more about our moving services. We can provide you with a customized experience and free up your time to focus on yourself and your baby.

Moving is complicated for everyone, but it can be incredibly challenging for teenagers. If you’re moving with a teenager, it’s important to be aware of how you can help your teen through the process. By encouraging your child to make new friends (but keep the old), you can help your teen adjust to your new community. 

Moving to a new community is also a good opportunity for you to spend time with your child and become closer as a family. These tips can help your child adjust to your new town.

Keep Up With Old Friends

If you moved locally, offer to give your child rides to see friends. Or provide stamps for writing letters, or give your child access to the technology they need to stay in touch with the friends they knew before their move. Ask about your child’s old friends from time to time to show that you support your child staying in touch with the people they knew in their old home.

Explore Your New Community Together

This is a wonderful chance for you and your child to find your new favorite things to do in your new community. Explore fun things to do like cultural centers, restaurants, entertainment centers, and historical landmarks. You can do this either after your relocation or before, to give you something to look forward to.

Listen to Your Teen

Your child will need someone to listen to them. In the weeks leading up to and following the move, your child may experience various emotions that they will need to explore and discuss. Taking the time to ask your child about their feelings and then listening to what they have to say helps your child feel like you’re truly there for them.

Take the time to eat cookies or have a snack, and talk to your child. Find out what might be keeping them awake at night or what they’re excited about in their new community. Having these types of talks can help you and your child feel closer, and also helps your child feel recognized.

Make Time to Be Together

Arrange for movie nights, watch TV shows, and spend time doing your teen’s favorite activities. Having these types of talks can help you and your child feel closer and help your child feel recognized. Making time to be together with your child can help them feel supported and cuts out any boredom that your child might feel after the move.

Check Out Community Groups, School Clubs

Encourage your child to get involved at their new school. Community groups and school clubs can help your teen get involved in their new community. Ultimately this can help them start to fit in and make new friends. Do some research with your teen to find out which clubs and community groups would be best.

Make Your Move a Success with Professional Movers

If you’re moving, this is a time when you should be focusing on family. Hiring professional movers can help you get through the process while taking care of your family. Contact a professional moving company today to schedule your upcoming relocation.

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.