Category: Moving Tips

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

Kitchen and Bath Repairs are Key

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

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

Mind the Floors

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

Improve Curb Appeal

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

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

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

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

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

Declutter Closets and Garage

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

Consider a Paint Pick-Me-Up

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

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

Consult an Expert

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

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

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

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

Stress Factors with a Move

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

1. Moving Away from Friends and Family

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

2. Fulfilling Deadlines

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

3. Creating New Routines

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

4. Managing Finances

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

Handling Moving Stress

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

1. Research Your New Area

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

2. Plan Early

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

3. Prepare for Your Relocation

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

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

4. Pace Yourself

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

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

Professional Movers Can Ease Your Stress

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

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

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

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

1. Backup Your Files, Data, and Photos

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

2. Photograph Everything

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

3. Remove Batteries

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

4. Collect Suitable Packing Supplies

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

5. Take Apart and Organize

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

6. Carefully Pack Your Electronics

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

7. Separate Your Electronic Devices

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

Prepping Electronics for Your Move

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

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

Preparing for your household move will help it progress more smoothly. The preparation will also help relieve much of your stress and anxiety.

Here are some tips on preparing for moving day.

Start a File or Binder

The first step is to buy a binder or start a “relocation file” on your computer. You’ll use the file or binder to keep all your planning materials and documents associated with the move and your new home.

Create a Plan

Moving is a project; like all projects, it will happen more smoothly if you develop a plan. So, start with a preliminary plan and fill in the details as you go through the process.

The first part of the plan will detail what you must do to your current home to prepare for the move. For example, include decluttering or making minor repairs in your plan. 

The next part of your plan should consider the logistics of the move. The final part lists what you must do to prepare your new home for move-in. An overall budget is also part of your plan.

Prepare a Checklist

Turn your plan into a checklist with due dates to hold you accountable. If you need ideas, you can consult checklists on the Internet.

Make Important Decisions

You’ll need to make some decisions as you develop your plan and checklist. For example, you’ll want to decide whether to pack yourself or leave the packing to the professionals. Having your mover pack will save you time and stress.

If you are moving a long distance, another decision is whether you will drive your car or have it shipped. Again, you’ll want to decide this before you choose a mover. Some movers offer this service either themselves or through a partnership with a vehicle shipping broker.

Acquire the Right Supplies

If you decide to pack yourself, you must find a supply of good quality moving boxes, packing tape and materials, and permanent markers. Avoid using containers unsuitable for moving, such as trash bags or weak boxes. 

Declutter

Moving is a great time to eliminate all those items you haven’t used in years. Indeed, you will save money because movers charge more if you have more stuff. As far ahead of the move as possible, sort and discard, sell, or give away unwanted items.

Transfer Utilities

Be sure to have the utilities cut off in your old home and started in your new home. You want to avoid moving into a home with no heat or lights.

Choose a Mover

Research and interview professional movers. Be sure you understand the quote they provide, especially whether it is a binding or nonbinding estimate. Then, choose the mover, reserve your dates, and pay the deposit.

Read the documents carefully to know what to expect on your moving day. Also, be sure you understand the items the mover will not move for safety reasons. A professional mover can help you with all the preparations for your move. Contact us today.

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

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

1. Eliminate Non-Essential Stuff

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

2. Pack in Small Steps

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

3. Plan the New Home’s Layout

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

4. Start With Large Items

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

5. Pack Each Room

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

6. Photograph Electronics

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

7. Note Important Dates on a Calendar

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

8. Pack Essentials

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

Simple Steps to Moving

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

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

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

1. Discuss the Move

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

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

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

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

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

2. Provide Kids With Options

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

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

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

3. Unpack Your Kid’s Rooms First

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

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

4. Set Up a Routine

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

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

5. Keep In Touch With Family and Friends

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

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

6. Discover Your New Neighborhood

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

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

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

Home Comforts

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

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

1. Find the Right Neighborhood Location

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

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

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

2. Before the Move

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

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

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

3. After the Move

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

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

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

Moving Made Easy

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

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

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

1. Know How Much You Need to Earn

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

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

2. Consider Local and Remote Options

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

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

3. Be Available to Interview

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

4. Connect With Others

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

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

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

5. Practice Interviewing

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

6. Map It Before Going to the Interview

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

7. Give Yourself Plenty of Time

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

Plan Your Relocation With the Right Movers

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

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

1. Deep Clean

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

2. Neutralize Smells

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

3. De-Clutter

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

4. Add New Light Bulbs

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

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

5. Enhance Curb Appeal

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

6. Clean the Garage

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

7. Boost Natural Lighting

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

When It’s Moving Time

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

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

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

1. Complete All the Packing

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

2. Plan for Children and Pets

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

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

3. Clear Driveways and Walkways

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

4. Plan for Mover Parking

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

5. Empty Drawers and Other Furniture Items

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

6. Label Boxes Clearly

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

7. Stay Out of The Way and Remain Available

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

Ready to Plan Your Next Move?

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