Short-Distance Move? Why It’s Still Worth Hiring Professional Movers

If you’re moving across town, you might be considering handling the relocation yourself without the help of professional movers. After all, you’re not moving far—so why not DIY the whole thing and save some money?

As tempting as it is to forego professional help during a short-distance move, there are several reasons that you should still hire movers.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

First, understand that the distance between your current home and your new home has nothing to do with the amount of work that goes into physically loading and unloading a moving truck. Without professional movers helping you, you’ll still need to get every box and piece of furniture from your home into the moving truck and your new place.

This can be a physically demanding endeavor, especially if you have larger/heavier furniture that you need to disassemble and reassemble for the move. When tackling this kind of physical labor yourself (or recruiting help from friends/loved ones), you could put yourself or others at risk of injury.

Why take that risk? Hiring a short-distance moving team lets you get all your items from point A to point B without worrying about moving-related injuries.

Enjoy Added Peace of Mind

When you hire professional movers, you can also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your movers know how to properly handle and relocate even the most challenging furniture and other items without causing damage. In some cases, movers may even be able to disassemble and reassemble furniture pieces to get them transported safely.

Regrettably, if you choose not to hire professional movers, you will be responsible for any damage that may occur to your furniture or other belongings during the move. And since you are not a professional, there is a higher chance that this damage may occur. Unfortunately, these expenses can cancel out any savings you have gained from not hiring a moving company for your short-distance move. 

Save Time and Stress

Hiring professional movers for even a short-distance move can save you considerable time and stress. Without worrying about loading and unloading the moving truck or transporting items between homes, you can focus your time and attention on other important matters—such as getting utilities set up at your new place or handling other loose ends.

This is especially true if there is inclement weather on the day of your move. Do you really want to deal with the stress of loading, unloading, and driving a moving truck in bad weather? Leave it to the professionals, keep your belongings safe, and allow yourself to focus on other aspects of your move instead.

Request a Moving Quote Today

Whether moving down the street or to the next town over, you can still benefit from having professional movers for a short-distance move. From protecting yourself (and loved ones) from potential injury to saving time and reducing stress, the right short-distance moving team is worth its weight in gold.

Ready to request your short-distance moving quote? Contact our team today!

Tips for Transitioning During a Move with an Elderly Live-In Loved One

Do you live with an elderly loved one? If so, you are part of a large group of the population. According to a report by AARP, the trend of older adults residing with their adult children, grandchildren, or other family members is on the rise.

While cohabitating with an elderly loved one is a growing standard, this living arrangement can pose unique challenges if you have to move. Older adults can have specific needs during household relocation.

Understanding Your Elderly Loved One’s Requirements for the Move

Before moving day, do what you can to evaluate your loved one’s needs. For example, an inventory of medical necessities and medications must be tended to or managed during the transition.

In some cases, your loved one may have health issues or mobility issues to think about. Therefore, before the move, consider scheduling an appointment with your loved one’s healthcare provider to discuss any medical considerations. Likewise, make arrangements for medical transport if necessary.

Choosing Accommodations Suitable for Elderly Comfort

Shopping for a place to live can look much different if you move with an elderly individual. Due to changes in mobility, accessibility features will need to be considered as you evaluate different homes. A few aspects to consider as you search for a home suitable for an aging senior include:

  • Prioritize single-story or accessible housing options.
  • Look for amenities like handrails in bathrooms and non-slip flooring.
  • Consider proximity to healthcare facilities and community resources.

Developing a Moving Strategy to Minimize Stress

The more you can minimize stress for your loved one, the better. Therefore, plan the move when your loved one is most comfortable and least stressed. Additionally, start packing and planning early.

If possible, break down tasks into manageable steps and spread them out over time so you are not overwhelmed with everything if you act as a primary caregiver. Lastly, enlist the help of family members, friends, or professional movers as needed.

Providing Compassionate Care Throughout the Transition

Keep lines of communication open with your loved one about the move. If they feel like you are making changes without their input or considering their well-being, the move can be more stressful for everyone involved. Additionally, be compassionate towards their needs and offer reassurance and support during the transition. Make sure they know that you care about their concerns and feelings.

Tips for Adjusting to the New Environment and Routine

Once the move is finished, returning to the regular routine as quickly as possible will help your loved one settle in and feel comfortable faster. If their health permits, take them with you when interacting with the new community or exploring your new surroundings.

Also, be sure your loved ones stay connected to friends or family members they left behind. For example, plan to visit a close friend or enjoy a particular activity in the old location if distance permits.

Enlist Residential Movers to Ease the Transition

Moving always requires extraordinary mindfulness for all members of the household. However, moving with an elderly loved one may require more personalized attention. Enlisting a residential moving company for assistance throughout the process can ensure you have the time and attention to allocate. Contact us for a free quote today.

Parks to Visit Near Lowell, MA, and Portsmouth, NH, This Spring

As winter loosens its icy grip, all thoughts turn to the great outdoors. You’re in luck if you’re moving to the Lowell, Massachusetts, or Portsmouth, New Hampshire, area in the spring. This New England region has parks that make it easy to get outside. Here are a few favorite parks where you can return to nature this spring.

Jack Kerouac Park

Jack Kerouac Park honors the homegrown poet who hails from Lowell, MA. It’s also the perfect place to spend a sunny spring afternoon.

In this acre of green space along the Merrimack River, you can stroll along peaceful paths and admire the spring flowers in bloom. Read the commemorative plaques emblazoned with Kerouac’s words along the trail.

Stop for a game of table tennis, chess, or checkers, or bring a picnic lunch and relax on the grass. Starting in late spring, the Kerouac Park Concert Series brings live music and food trucks to the park on select weekends.

Strawberry Banke Museum

History comes to life at the Strawberry Banke Museum in Portsmouth, NH. With more than 40 historic houses and buildings dating back to the 17th century, it’s an excellent place for an educational stroll.

In spring, the museum’s Heirloom Gardens burst back into life. Explore more than 10 acres of thoughtfully maintained landscapes, including a formal Victorian garden, a colonial kitchen garden, an herb garden, and three apple orchards. Don’t miss the Abenaki Heritage Teaching Garden, which highlights crops that were—and remain—important to indigenous peoples of the region.

Lowell National Historical Park

There’s always something going on at Lowell National Historical Park, no matter the time of year. But spring is a charming time to visit, thanks to budding greenery and freshly blooming flowers along the canal walkways.

It’s also a perfect setting to explore the region’s rich past. The park has historic buildings, exhibits, and interactive displays, from the Boott Cotton Mills Museum to an 1840s Boarding House.

Start your day at the Visitor Center, where you can learn about the local industries that shaped the region’s past and present. Keep your camera ready for glimpses of local wildlife, from great blue herons and double-crested cormorants to muskrats and squirrels.

Pierce Island

On a sunny spring day, head to Pierce Island. This Portsmouth, NH, park encompasses 27 acres in the Piscataqua River and offers unbeatable water and city views.

Bike or walk through the winding trail network that crisscrosses the island. Bring lunch and stop for a picnic at one of the park’s many picnic areas. Starting in April, the public boat launch makes going on an angling adventure easy. After Memorial Day, the public pool opens for the season.

Walk or bike across the Pierce Island Causeway to Four Tree Island for even more fun. This green space offers picnic tables, grills, and scenic water views.

If you’re planning a move in the area, you’ll love the beautiful parks and open spaces that blend history and nature. And when it’s time to make your move, McLaughlin Transportation Systems is here to do the heavy lifting. Contact us for a free quote.

6 Tips When Packing Your Child’s Bedroom

Of all the bedrooms in the house, children’s bedrooms tend to be the most complicated to pack for a household relocation. Children often have many toys and extensive clutter, ranging from broken crayons to homework papers and more.

Knowing which steps to take and in what order to take them makes this process less overwhelming and more productive. Involving your child in packing, decluttering, and sorting through their items before putting them into boxes is essential. Here’s what you need to know.

Get Them Involved

Your child may feel some anxiety about moving. Uncertainty for the future can weigh on a child. Getting your child involved in the moving process can give them some feeling of control while also making the process easier for you.

If your child is old enough, have them pack with you or independently. Turn packing into a game wherein you both try to pack as much as you can as quickly as you can. You can also challenge your child to pack several boxes rapidly.

Declutter

When you’re packing your child’s bedroom, it’s vital to declutter as much as possible before placing items into boxes. Decluttering can help reduce the work you must do when moving.

Most kids need their rooms decluttered occasionally anyway, as many children will have items like broken crayons, old homework assignments, and craft projects that don’t need to make the move. You can declutter with your child or do the decluttering for them while they’re in school or out of the house.

Pack a Box of Essentials

Put together a box of your child’s essentials like clothes, pajamas, toiletries, and other items. This box of essentials will come in handy on your first night in your new home, so if your child will need a book or toys to keep them busy, pack those items as well.

Pack Children’s Books in Smaller Boxes

Children’s books may seem lightweight, but hardcover books can be weighty when you stack them together in one place. Use small boxes for children’s books to help keep the weight down.

If your child has many books they no longer read, like board books they’ve outgrown, sort them out from the rest of the books and plan to give them to a charity or sell them at a garage sale.

Sort Their Clothes Before Packing

Your child probably has quite a few clothes they no longer fit into. Sort your child’s clothes before packing them into boxes. If you identify clothes you no longer need, plan to sell them or give them away.

When packing up their shoes, clean them first, removing dirt and debris. If you launder the shoes, be sure they’re completely dry before packing them away.

Photograph Box Contents

While packing your belongings, capturing some photographs of the boxes might be beneficial to provide a visual representation of their contents. The images can offer increased comfort for a child and help alleviate anxiety. If they have inquiries regarding the contents of your belongings, you can provide them with visual aids in the form of pictures. Label the boxes so the movers know where to place them at your new home.

Disassemble Furniture to Move

Disassemble your child’s furniture to get it ready for moving. Make a video of yourself doing this, so you’ll have something to refer to and won’t have difficulty putting it back together.

Need Moving Help? Work With the Experts

Work with the moving experts for your upcoming relocation. Contact us today to discuss your move.

Unique and Lively Performance Venues in Lowell, MA

Are you relocating to Lowell, MA? Whether you want to listen to your favorite band, laugh at a comedy show, take in a play, or watch the big game, you will indeed find it in Lowell, MA. This Massachusetts city is packed with unique live performance venues, from small to large.

Lowell Memorial Auditorium

Lowell Memorial Auditorium has kept the citizens of Lowell well-entertained since it was constructed in 1922. This historic venue is located in the heart of downtown and boasts a 3,000-seat capacity.

When it first opened, the venue hosted a weekly Bingo game that filled all the seats, resulting in an article in a 1940 issue of Life magazine. Today, Lowell Memorial Auditorium offers a full schedule of plays, musical acts, spoken word performances, dance shows, and more.

Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell

If you love sports, head to the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell. Set on campus, this arena has almost 9,000 seats and hosts various events throughout the year.

Among the most popular are sporting events. The Center is home to UMass Lowell men’s and women’s basketball, UMass men’s hockey, and the Professional Women’s Hockey League Boston franchise. The stadium also hosts the Massachusetts Pirates, part of the Indoor Football League.

Merrimack Repertory Theatre

For almost 50 years, the Merrimack Repertory Theatre has brought live stage performances to Lowell. The Theatre produces seven shows annually, all held in the Nancy L. Donahue Theatre at Liberty Hall.

The venue has 279 seats, creating an intimate experience for the audience. Productions focus on new and contemporary plays. Many have won awards and acclaim, such as The Lion and The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley.

Olympia’s Zorba Music Hall

For a magical combination of good food, live music, and energetic dancing, head to Olympia’s Zorba Music Hall. Since 1952, this venue has brought Greek cuisine and entertainment to the Lowell region.

Olympia’s Zorba Music Hall can accommodate up to 300 guests and hosts various events. Comedy shows, live music, dancing, DJs, and more are all on the calendar. Check the schedule for a complete list of regional and worldwide performers.

Boarding House Park

During the warmer months, the open-air stage at Boarding House Park in Lowell comes to life. Set in historic and scenic Lowell National Historical Park, this venue offers ticketed and free events through the summer.

The largest event is the Lowell Summer Music Series, which brings nationally known recording artists to the stage. For some events, a limited number of seats are available. For most events, seating is on the grass, so bring your lawn chairs and blankets to secure your spot.

Lowell, MA—A Place to Feel at Home

With all these venues, it’s easy to find entertainment in Lowell, MA. Lowell’s many performance venues are sure to keep you busy year-round, from a DJ’d dance party to live musical performances and sporting events to theater productions.

If you’re planning a move, there’s no need to do the heavy lifting yourself. The team of professional movers at McLaughlin has your back. Contact McLaughlin Transportation Systems today and let us help with your move.

Ultimate Unpacking Guide for Making Your New House a Home

The post-move chaos can be overwhelming for even a person experienced with relocating. With mountains of boxes, nothing in its place, and a lot to do, it can be a little hard to feel at home after a household move. However, with a few quick tips, you can quickly transform your new place to live into a home. Here’s a step-by-step unpacking strategy that turns the chaos of moving boxes into a well-organized, cozy home to ensure the post-move phase is enjoyable and efficient.

Step 1: Unbox with Purpose

Unpack your must-haves first. Home is where you have your essential items on hand to handle your everyday needs. Therefore, the faster you get your necessities out and accessible, the more you feel at home. Make it a priority to unpack items you know you will be looking for in the first few days, such as:

  • Clothing and accessories in your bedrooms
  • Health and beauty items in your bathrooms
  • Kitchenware and dishes in the kitchen
  • Food and drinks

Step 2: From Chaos to Coziness

Next, focus on items you usually have around your home that make you feel comfortable. The definition of “comfort” can look different for each individual. However, a few items around the general home that usually bring a sense of comfort and coziness include:

  • Familiar bedding
  • Throw pillows and blankets
  • Area rugs
  • Towels
  • Home fragrance items
  • Certain types of lighting
  • Kitchen linens

Step 3: Unpacking Joy

Think about the items you still have packed up that were always a source of joy in your old house. MyDomaine offers a list of items to bring into your home that could make the space feel more joyful. This list may help you remember what is still tucked away in boxes.

For example, maybe having your crafting supplies out and ready to use always made you happy. Or, perhaps you were particularly joyful every time you saw that funky chair/picture/figurine you’ve always adored. Scout out these items and get them out and in your field of vision as soon as possible.

Step 4: Home Sweet Home

You will feel a little more at home with your necessities, creature comforts, and joy-inducing items in the new house. However, there is one more step to make the new dwelling truly feel like yours. Unpack your “home sweet home” items. These belongings in your collection are unequivocal symbols that you are home. These belongings may not be necessities, but they are tangible symbols of the place where you feel you belong, such as:

  • Family photos and heirlooms, such as framed pictures and treasured gifts
  • Personalized decorative pieces, such as the monogrammed welcome sign or cutting board engraved with your favorite recipe
  • Familiar welcome mats and window treatments
  • Hand-selected or hand-made items that represent your personality

Get Help as You Make the Transition

The trek from one home to the next can involve a lot of emotions. However, being stressed about the physical aspects of actually moving should not be one of them. If you are facing your next move, contact our team for insight, information, and a free, no-obligation moving quote to get started.

Selling Your Home Soon? Get Prepared Now!

Before you sell your home, fixing it up and improving its aesthetic appeal can boost your profits and make the home sale process go faster. Home buyers like turn-key homes that they can quickly move into without making many changes. Cleaning your home, updating its features, and decluttering can help show it in its best light, leading to faster offers on your property. Here’s what you need to know before your household move.

1. Repaint Rooms in Neutral Colors

Neutral paint colors have many good features. They’re naturally soothing and have a pleasant quality, regardless of your color tastes or preferences. Neutrals also match most other colors, so if your home’s walls are mostly neutrals, home buyers won’t have to repaint before they move in.

If your home’s walls are in good condition, repainting may not be necessary. But if you do repaint, choose neutral colors like warm creams and beiges to make your home more attractive.

2. Declutter

A cluttered space can diminish the brightness and appearance of a room. Getting rid of clutter can open up the space and make it more appealing to buyers. Decluttering your space includes removing personal items, collections, and other things that make your space appear congested. Pack up these items first, so you’re ready to list your home on the market when the time comes.

3. Finish Deferred Maintenance Tasks

Deferred maintenance can be a real turn-off to buyers. In addition, deferred maintenance can signal buyers that you haven’t kept up your home. Make a list of any maintenance you’ve meant to address in the last several months, whether as small as a broken stair or as big as a leaking roof. Take quick action to find a contractor or handyman that will address these problems. Have everything finished by the time you’re ready to list the house.

4. Update Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is something that home buyers will notice as soon as they pull up to your property. An attractive exterior can help set the tone for the home’s interior, so buyers are already hooked when they walk into your house. Update your landscaping for curb appeal by planting attractive annuals as soon as the weather turns warm enough. Get rid of any lawn debris and clean the outside of your house to make it look tidier and more attractive. Add a wreath to the front door or give the exterior door a fresh coat of paint.

5. Research Real Estate Professionals

Who will help you sell your house? An excellent real estate professional can help make the home-selling process faster, easier, and less stressful. Identifying a real estate agent you like and trust can take a little time. If you have friends who have sold or purchased a home recently, ask them for a referral. You can also look up the best real estate professionals in the area based on reviews and feedback online. Interview real estate agents before making the final decision.

Moving Soon? Start Interviewing Moving Companies

Find a partner that you can trust to help with your relocation. Hire a moving company with a good reputation and good communication. We can help. Contact us today for a free quote.

6 Tips for Planning a Short-Notice Move

Ideally, a person has plenty of time to plan a move, but sometimes things happen. Unfortunately, you can do nothing about the unexpected except try your best. Moving on short notice may feel challenging, but using the right strategy, it’s doable. Here are some tips that will help when faced with relocating in a hurry.

1. Make a Moving List

As soon as you know you’re moving, set your timeline and start a list of everything you need to do. Important tasks include:

  • Setting a precise moving date
  • Booking movers for your date
  • Packing your home or apartment
  • Opening, closing, or transferring utilities
  • Putting in a change of address with the USPS
  • Changing address with banks, employers, schools, and other vital entities
  • Planning a cleaning schedule

Since you only have a brief period to pull everything together, you want to begin your organization ASAP and prioritize tasks. This way, you set yourself up for success by staying on track.

2. Book Your Mover

You want to book your mover as soon as possible for the best availability and prices. This is especially the case if you’re moving during peak season. Moving time slots tend to fill quickly, so start scheduling estimates immediately.

3. Collect Packing Materials

You’ll want to begin assembling packing materials to have boxes ready when you start packing.

  • Check with family, friends, colleagues, or neighbors for extra moving materials
  • Collect sturdy boxes in various sizes
  • Collect packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper
  • Gather soft materials, such as towels or clothing, to pad breakable items
  • Ensure you have a thick, dark marker and labels for your moving boxes

Plan to buy whatever else you need. Don’t waste time on freebies if you’re struggling to find any. With a short-notice move, you’ll want to start right away.

4. Determine Your Essentials

Create a list of the necessities you will require in the initial days following your relocation before packing. You should keep these essentials on hand if you cannot immediately access your belongings at your new home. Include things like:

  • Medications
  • Toilet paper
  • Toiletries
  • Soap
  • Towels
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Electronics chargers
  • Change of clothes
  • Snacks
  • Paper plates and utensils

Then, when you start packing, place these items in an essentials box. Label that box appropriately, and keep it with you in your car during the move. 

You should also separate valuable items like jewelry, social security cards, birth certificates, and other sentimental items from your other belongings. Additionally, put these in boxes and label them. Set them aside and load them into your car instead of the moving truck.

5. Start Packing and Labeling

When you have some boxes, begin packing items you won’t need between now and the move. Set a goal to fill a handful of boxes daily. This helps to speed up your moving timeline and relieve some stress. Clearly label each completed box so there is no confusion when the movers get them to your new home.

6. Recruit Family and Friends to Help

Completing a short-notice move is difficult, especially if you work, attend school, or have children. If you have extended family members and friends willing to help, don’t be shy about accepting it. The more hands you have, the easier it’ll be to complete your tasks.

Get Moving!

Moving on short notice can be challenging. To obtain a free quote for your move, contact us today. We’re happy to help!

Tips for Buyers: 4 Things to Look For at an Open House

Whether you’re deep in the house-hunting process or are just getting started, attending open houses can be a great and low-pressure way to see what’s out there. As you prepare to visit an open house, however, there are some things you should know to look for that might influence your decision to put in an offer.

Here are a few things to consider as you prepare for your residential move.

1. Masked Smells and Odors

When you first walk into the home, make note of any smells that you notice. If the first thing you smell is a strong, artificial scent (such as that from an air freshener or candles), the seller may be trying to mask some underlying odors. This could be odors from pets, moisture issues, or other problems that you’ll want to know about before you buy.

While fragrances and scents aren’t always an indication of a seller trying to mask a foul smell, it’s crucial to enter open houses with a critical eye (and nose!).

2. Neighborhood Issues

When you purchase a home, you’re not just getting the house and the property. You have to live with your neighbors too. While you probably won’t be going door-to-door to meet each neighbor for yourself, you can usually tell quite a bit about a neighborhood by simply driving or walking around the area.

Before or after you attend the open house, consider taking your own little tour of the area. Are the houses nearby well maintained? Do people take pride in their homes? Unfortunately, location can ruin even the most seemingly perfect home.

3. Other Buyers’ Behavior

While attending an open house, be mindful of the rest of the crowd. If the open house is only running for a couple of hours and you’re the only person there, it’s relatively safe to assume that there isn’t much interest in the home. You might wonder if there are underlying problems that have yet to be disclosed or if the home is priced too high.

On the other hand, if there is a large turnout at the open house, this should prepare you for the possibility of a lot of competition. If you decide to put in an offer, consider making it an aggressive one or prepare for a potential bidding war.

4. Signs of Damage

Finally, look out for other signs of damage as you tour an open house. For example, cracks alongside walls and ceilings may indicate underlying foundation problems. Meanwhile, a musty smell might tell you the home has experienced moisture issues, and mold may be lingering somewhere.

Ultimately, you’ll want to have a home inspection done before you close the deal on any property—but being on the lookout for hidden signs of issues early in the process can help you avoid wasting time and stress on homes that have a lot of maintenance issues.

Make Your Next Move a Breeze

Being observant at an open house is a great way to get a better feel for whether a home may be right for you. Once you have had an offer accepted and a closing date set, our team can assist you in getting moved and settled in as soon as possible. Contact us today to request your free moving quote!

Benefits of an In-Home Virtual Moving Estimate

You’ve picked a moving date, and now it’s time to get started planning the logistics of your move. Working with a professional household mover is an excellent opportunity to relieve some of the burdens typically associated with a move.

Working with a professional mover makes a move more manageable. Now, you can obtain an in-home virtual moving estimate. Here are some benefits of a virtual moving estimate:

Simple to Complete

Getting a virtual moving quote is as simple as it gets. All you need is a little technology, like your smartphone or tablet, and you’re ready to start. Virtual estimates empower you to receive a quote at a convenient time. Furthermore, it lets the moving company see your home and what they must do on moving day. Your estimator can also get a good look at the volume of belongings to move, helping them to provide you with a precise estimate.

Highly Convenient

Since no travel is involved, you can obtain an appointment quickly and without delay. This means you can schedule an estimate at your convenience at a time that works best for you. In-person appointments may take longer to schedule, and it may be harder for you to juggle other things you have going on.

Easy Communication

When communicating with your moving company, you can receive all electronic communications, including directions on preparing your mobile device and preparing your home before your scheduled virtual appointment. For your convenience, your mover will also typically send you reminders for your estimate appointment.

Saves Time and Allows Flexibility

Setting in-person appointments can be time-consuming for both you and the moving company. Conducting a virtual appointment can be done efficiently and is far quicker than scheduling one or more in-person estimates. If something comes up, rescheduling appointments is also far more effortless. You don’t have to worry as much about last-minute cancellations.

Rapid Results

Since virtual estimates remove the logistical aspects of scheduling appointments to provide quotes, moving companies can give you rapid answers to enable you to have the information you need to make an educated decision. You can set aside an afternoon of virtual appointments and schedule several quotes. Planning in-person estimates may make it difficult to get the number of estimates you want.

Same Quality of Service

When you receive a quote via a virtual appointment, you can expect the same accuracy and service as someone coming to your home. The only difference is that you’re talking via video instead. You’ll still receive the same level of professionalism and service you expect.

Moving Made Easy!

Getting all the details associated with organizing a move involves many moving parts. Virtual estimates greatly simplify the process and allow you to obtain as many quotes as you want with a high level of convenience and accuracy.

Contact us today for a free moving estimate.