Renters: You’re Moving Out, But Are You Moving “Up”?

A full 64% of the respondents to the Mayflower 2022 Finding Home Study agree that finding the perfect home is a life goal. One of the steps you may be taking along the journey toward your forever home may involve being a tenant. And if you’re like many people, even this part of the journey is a series of smaller steps, with moves from place to place.  

Renting versus home ownership has its own pros and cons. While you won’t be building equity with the money you put toward rent, you do have considerably more flexibility to come and go and — depending on the type of lease — a predictable amount to spend each month on housing costs. If you’re looking to save for the future, this can be an excellent way to budget and plan ahead.   

Let’s take a closer look at rentals when it comes to Finding Home — and how to make sure this journey is still moving you up, not just out.    

Set Your Goals  

Really think about what you most want in your living space. For instance, is it important to have outdoor space like a yard or balcony? Plenty of light? Is an airy, open loft or a two-bedroom home your ideal or would a cute pad downtown suit you better? Do you want a door attendant, an elevator, an eat-in kitchen or a home office? Knowing your must-haves will point you toward the spaces that may be a good move up.  

Make no mistake: You probably won’t get everything on your list; however, if you get your top needs met, you are headed down the right path.   

Size and Location  

It’s not all that uncommon to find yourself moving down in square footage to move to a better location. For instance, going from a two-bedroom suburban rental to a studio apartment in the heart of a city will almost always mean a step (or three) down in size. Will closer quarters cramp your style?  

Again, it’s a tradeoff. Even if it’s less spacious, your new place might put you closer to the things that matter most to you. For some it may be proximity to work or loved ones; others may want to be “where the action is” in terms of culture and nightlife.    

Aside from floorspace, your privacy will also be impacted by living in a smaller space — and you may find yourself knowing more about your neighbors’ habits than you may have intended. Unless you’re considering a detached property in a suburban or rural area, this is a factor to look into carefully. Many renters take the extra step of checking out what’s going on in their future neighborhood during the evening and especially on weekends.  

Need to get rid of some stuff before you relocate due to downsizing? Check out our tips. 

Age and Condition   

In any given market, rentals can run the gamut from unrenovated dwellings to brand-new luxury high-rises with all the bells and whistles. Finances permitting, that deluxe apartment in the sky may have everything you want; however, it’s often a mixed bag when it comes to older spaces. A charming fireplace and built-in bookshelves often come at the expense of a dream kitchen or fully modernized bathroom. In other words, as a renter, you should be willing to compromise.  

That said, couldn’t you just put in the work yourself to make the space perfect? Beyond a new coat of paint or a similar quick fix, probably not. In most rental agreements, major DIY renovations are not encouraged or even allowed. Besides, you’d be spending money fixing up a space you don’t actually own — and could wind up losing your security deposit.  

Another word of caution: While most landlords inspect for damages, clean, repaint and upgrade their units between tenants, some offer apartments “as is.” Taking a unit in “as-is” condition essentially means someone hands you the keys. Then it’s up to you to take care of any problems. You may be okay with this arrangement but think seriously about whether it’s actually a deal-breaker. At the very least, you or the landlord should change the door locks.   

Services and Amenities  

One of the advantages of renting is that there are fewer out-of-pocket and unexpected expenses. Most well-managed rentals either have a responsible owner or a superintendent acting as a general handyperson to take care of minor fixes. Services like an exterminator are also usually provided. In most situations, it’s also up to the property owner to clear sidewalks, mow lawns, fix plumbing, solve electrical issues and provide general upkeep.   

Of course, this can vary widely depending on the type of rental you have and where it’s located. In New York City, for example, major appliances like refrigerators and stoves come with the apartment. But just across the Hudson River in Jersey City, you have to find your own fridge or buy it from the previous tenant. It’s important to know what services and amenities come with the space before entering into any lease agreement.  

Affordability and Cost of Living 

The Mayflower 2022 Finding Home Study also revealed that 54% of all movers say that current inflation levels have made them more willing to consider moving. If saving money right now is a priority, one of the advantages renters have over homeowners is the “one price covers all” nature of lease agreements. For instance, property taxes are usually factored into the monthly rental fee. In a lot of places, heat and hot water are also included. However, if you’re thinking about relocating to a big city, be prepared to pay more for things like electricity and cable.   

As we said above, a smart move up provides renters with the ability to budget and save up for the next big step. Moving to a pricey rental that will make you “cash poor” is probably detrimental to achieving the bigger picture.   

Another affordability factor many overlook is the actual cost of living in their new area. Even if you’re relocating for a new job with better pay, it may actually be a move “down” in terms of the value you get for your money. There are a host of online resources for calculating cost of living by city and region — be sure you check them out.  

Last But Not Least, the Lease 

Most leases require you to pay a security deposit — usually the equivalent of a month’s rent — before you’re handed the keys. This is used to cover any damage you might cause during your tenancy. A reputable landlord sets this money aside and pays it back with interest when the lease is up. 

Watch out for restrictions around pets, as well as the rules around having a roommate, as that person needs to be listed on the agreement. Animals like fish and indoor cats are usually negotiable; dogs and exotic animals are sometimes prohibited and could cause you to forfeit your deposit — or worse. As far as whose name goes on the lease, it is important to consider the co-signer’s reliability since you’ll be expected to pay the rent, regardless of if they do. 

Fixed-term leases are great for people who know they will stay in the same place for a while. Such leases also offer security because the rent price won’t fluctuate from month to month. On the downside, breaking a fixed-term lease isn’t always easy. If you need to move before your lease ends, it could wind up being quite costly since you may have to pay for the duration of what you signed for.   

Month-to-month leases allow you or your landlord to cancel at any time without penalty, as long as there’s proper notice, which should also be indicated in writing. This might work well if you’re only looking for temporary housing or plan to move again within a short window of time. The downside is that your landlord may raise the rent, cancel the lease or change other terms at any time while you’re there.  

Sublet leases mean your name is not on the original lease, but you’ll be the one paying rent and maintaining the unit. This should be done transparently, with the property owner, landlord or management company fully aware of what’s going on. Our advice: Avoid the temptation to get involved in an illegal or under-the-radar sublet. Chances are you’ll be found out and possibly even evicted. 

We hope your journey to finding home is smooth and successful. And remember, no matter where you happen to be in the moving process, you can count on Mayflower to be with you Every Step of the Way®. 

How a Move Works

There’s more to moving long-distance than just loading up a truck or van. So how does a move work? We reached out to the Director of Operations, Customer Care, from UniGroup, our parent company. She provided a wealth of insights and a comprehensive overview of who and what’s involved, as well as what you can expect at every stage of the journey.  

Here are five things you should know about how a typical long-distance move happens – along with some tips and techniques for making the experience as seamless and surprise-free as possible. 

Q: Is a Long-Distance Move Similar to Long-Haul Trucking? 

A: Not exactly. Long-haul truckers usually move a full shipment along a regular route in the quickest way possible. What customers don’t always realize is that most interstate movers fall under the category of “irregular route carriers.” Not everybody lives in a major metropolitan area or near an interstate highway. So, for Mayflower, we go wherever people are moving to and from. Doing this cost-effectively often means that – unless it’s an extremely large shipment – there will be more than one set of customer belongings in the van. For us – and really any major long-distance mover – it’s a matter of utilizing the equipment efficiently and being able to service as many customers as we can.  

Q: So, It’s More Complex Than “Point A to Point B”? 

A: Definitely. A 53-foot moving van usually has enough room to handle multiple moves for multiple customers. So, in this one van, if we’ve got customers going from California to Florida and also another customer moving to Arizona the van driver may load shipments in California and deliver them to homes in Arizona, Texas, and Georgia before they get to Florida. Or they may load one shipment in California, another one in Arizona, another in New Mexico, and then take it all to Florida. There’s a lot of planning involved. That’s why, at Mayflower, we count on our Transportation Specialists to bundle loads together and then offer them out for our movers.  

Customers can be a bit surprised by the route their belongings take on their journey to a new home. Sometimes they will ask us “Why is the van showing here?” when they see it on a tracking device. Much like when you’re tracking a package sent by Amazon or UPS, it all comes down to logistics and efficiency. That said, our Move Coordinators do a fabulous job of keeping customers informed! 

Q: What factors can impact a delivery window?  

A: Customers sometimes ask us why they can drive from, say, New Jersey to Florida in a day, but the mover needs additional time. As a reputable mover, we have high standards that include regular hours of service. Our drivers also abide by Department of Transportation rules and regulations which means drivers can’t just hop into their vehicles and drive straight through. Nor would we want them to! 

There’s also the fact that not all of our customers’ belongings are moved exclusively in vans. Depending on the location and type of service, we also move shipments using containers and trailers which have their own windows and timeframes.  

Weather conditions and the occasional mechanical hiccup also happen from time to time. And when you consider that many vans are carrying more than one customer’s belongings, loading and unloading is another reason delivery windows are kept somewhat flexible.  

Q: Any advice you’d like to give to someone about to move?  

A: I can’t overemphasize the importance of planning ahead, especially if you’ll be moving during the Peak Season months of May through August. From the type of move you want to the date you want to be settled in your new space, put time on your side by starting the process and getting moving quotes sooner versus later. 

Make sure the mover you hire is reputable, reliable, trustworthy and has a clearly defined moving process. Lately, our industry has seen an influx of scam movers who over promise and underdeliver – and even hold their customers’ belongings hostage. See our “Movers or Fakers?” checklist for tips on how to identify and avoid them.  

Whatever moving company you choose, I also recommend checking out the useful content we have available on everything from setting up a to-do list to packing your belongingssettling into your new neighborhood as well as our guides to regional cuisines, cities, and national parks. 

Finding the Silver Lining When You Move Out of Necessity

Relocation depression: It’s a real thing and you’re not alone if you’re experiencing it. People move for a wide range of reasons, whether it’s financially motivated, due to a marriage, when welcoming a baby, because of a divorce or when the loss of a partner occurs. Left unchecked, that sadness can lead to depression. 

Whether you’re downsizing to a nearby neighborhood or embarking on a long-distance move, it’s normal to feel like the road ahead is bittersweet. While a new home is a new beginning in many ways, it’s also a goodbye to a place where you made memories, hit milestones and returned to each day, through thick and thin.  

What We’ve Learned 

Over the past year, it’s evident Americans have had to weather some storms, from inflation to a housing market that potentially priced them out of a dream home. That reality — and the ways people rose above it — shone through in the Mayflower 2022 Finding Home Study

Of the 1,100 surveyed U.S. respondents — 550 of which moved to a new state in the last two years and 550 of which plan to move soon — there’s a lot of meaningful insight into present-day motivations for moves.  

For one thing, cost of living (46%) and affordable housing (40%) were among the most influential reasons for moving, followed by proximity to family (32%) and financial reasons (28%), suggesting a not-always-celebratory undercurrent, especially when you factor in the fact that 19% of respondents moved to a less expensive area and 16% downsized their living space. 

Adding to those realities: 

  • Planning, organizing and packing your belongings can be stressful 
  • Even when you opt for a full-service move, moving is hard work 
  • Feeling lonely when leaving family and friends behind is tough  
  • Your routine is disrupted 
  • Anxiety or fear about being in a place you’re unaccustomed to is normal 
  • Moving is expensive and can zap your resources 

So, how do you find the silver lining to a move that simply had to be? It starts with giving yourself grace. 

Create Timelines 

Moving is a big task, so it’s helpful to follow checklists, like the one from Mayflower, to help instill a sense of progress. From starting packing to transferring utilities, a moving checklist gives you a sense of accomplishment, while breaking tasks up into digestible bits and helping you to stay on track. 

Call it What it is 

Identifying your feelings throughout the journey is the first step to coping with them. By acknowledging you’re in mourning or are homesick due to a move, you’re better positioned to work through your emotions and begin to embrace life in a new abode.  

Experiencing ups and downs when moving is part of the process. The key is finding your center of gravity. It may help to: 

  • Journal 
  • Stay active 
  • Meditate 
  • Practice self-compassion 
  • Enjoy old hobbies 
  • Develop new hobbies 

Stay Connected 

Just because you moved doesn’t mean you can’t stay in touch with family and friends you left behind. A text exchange, social chat, Zoom session or phone call, can go a long way toward helping you feel less isolated. 

Most of all, don’t cut yourself off from human connections — support is something you especially need at a time like this. 

Create Anchors 

Much like an unmoored ship floating out to sea, it’s human nature to feel untethered and set adrift in foreign surroundings. You had a routine at your old place, after all, and it’s time to establish a new one that anchors you to your new place and space. 

Ultimately, the sooner you develop structure and routine in your new community, the better. Some examples of this include: 

  • Finding your grocery store 
  • Choosing a coffee shop 
  • Finding a dog-walking route 

Make Your Mark 

While packing and unpacking aren’t something people usually look forward to, redecorating is pretty fun. When setting up your new home, you begin weaving together your “old life” and “new life.” Pick out some new items that speak to your new home’s architecture or your new location, mixing those items in with treasured belongings.  

The process can be as therapeutic as it is symbolic.  

Put Yourself out There 

One of the hardest things about moving can be making new friends in an unfamiliar place — especially if you’re an introvert. However, it’s important to begin meeting like-minded people, a potential support network and way to help you feel at home. 

Consider your hobbies — whether it’s woodworking, painting or working out — and sign up for small-group classes or clubs that let you interact with local residents and begin to form bonds. A church, community center or cultural center are other ways to meet people on common ground. Joining a yoga studio or gym is a smart idea, too. Not your cup of tea? Try participating in: 

  • Game nights 
  • Team sports 
  • Activism-related activities 
  • Interest groups 
  • Volunteer opportunities 

Make Time for You 

The weeks before and after a move are a flurry of activity, with little time for yourself. Once you’re settled in, be sure to carve out time to do things you love and fulfill you. 

A little pampering goes a long way, so don’t feel bad about booking that spa appointment, heading to aerobics class or catching a movie.  

Talk to a Doctor 

Situational sadness on account of a move is common but it’s important to recognize if those feelings have become pervasive and are getting in the way of a fresh start. If your sadness is present for a long time or begins disrupting your way of life, it’s time to talk to a professional who can help you work through the transition and associated grief. A doctor can also recommend support groups or activities and strategies to assist with settling in.  

As hard as it can be, a move also has the potential to be a fun adventure — even in challenging times. Putting a positive spin on a difficult move is not only a way to work through it, but also an opportunity to grow and learn new things about yourself. 

Still struggling? Try watching TED Talk “Relocation: The Woes, The Grows and Glows,” featuring psychologist Lisl Foss. And don’t forget to give yourself kudos for a job well done.  

5 Tips to Allow Your Movers Access on Moving Day

Moving companies face challenges when gaining access to homes and apartments during a move. It is, however, possible for homeowners and renters to ensure moving crews have safe access to their property.

These tips will help you overcome the most significant barriers movers face during household moves.

1. Maintain Safe Driveways and Walkways

Things like uneven surfaces and loose rocks pose risks when accessing a home. For instance, the ground shifts, the asphalt deteriorates, and driveways can crack. Your moving estimator can take steps to deal with these situations, so point them out. These are particularly important in older neighborhoods. Reduce risks to moving crews and property by ensuring everyone is aware.

2. Remove Leaves, Snow, and Ice From the Curbside

A significant challenge during fall and winter, especially in northern states, is leaves and snow piles along the curb. 

Clearing the area will help the move go more smoothly and safely. When wet, leaves can be extremely slippery, posing a hazard to those walking on them. Even leaves that appear dry may have moisture beneath.

Having snow on the ground is an obvious obstacle, as the moving van may need help to pull close enough to the curb to allow cars to pass. The movers may also have difficulty transporting items to the truck due to snow piles. The street should be clear enough to park, and the movers must be able to reach the residence from the road.

3. Provide Street Access

Keeping a moving van on the street for extended periods may require permits in some cities and towns. Since moving vans qualify as large vehicles, you must ensure that you have the correct authorization. It may be necessary to park the moving van too far away from the moving location, or in some cases, it may not be allowed to park there at all, depending on your permit. Inquire about it with your movers.

Depending on your situation, you may need to ask neighbors ahead of time to keep the street clear to allow room for the moving truck. This applies to your current home and your new one.

4. Ensure Building Access

Generally, building management sets moving times for apartments and condos and requires movers to reserve elevators and loading dock access in advance. To ensure moves can take place smoothly, contact building management to learn about the requirements and schedule your move when loading docks and elevators are available.

5. Consider Other Factors

Look for anything that may cause a hazard along the route the movers will take between your home and the moving truck. For example, you can assist movers by pointing out hard landscaping and exposed roots. 

Remove other items before the movers arrive, such as children’s toys and downed branches.

Moving Smart

In addition to hiring movers, you can help speed up your move by ensuring safe access between your residence and the moving van. 

We will provide you with a free estimate if you plan a move. Contact us today.

5 Ways to Maintain Good Mental Health During a Move

Some people sail right through the moving experience; others find themselves feeling anxious or overwhelmed. That said, the moving process tends to be more worry-free when you feel well-prepared and in charge of the situation.  

A successful move, especially a DIY move, takes a bit of planning upfront, as well as an awareness not only about how you deal with major life changes but also how these changes affect those around you. We’d like to share a few basic tips for making your move a manageable, positive and low-stress experience for everyone involved. 

Trim Down the Variables 

Even the best laid plans can go off course. But one of the easiest ways to minimize stress is to manage the moving process in such a way as to limit potential glitches or unwelcome surprises as much as possible. Let’s start with the basics. 

Have you set a move date? While most long-distance moves happen during the peak summer months, moves outside of the busy season are often easier to schedule. Depending on the date, a cooler weather move might also be easier on your emotions — and body — than one planned for mid-July. 

Should you hire a professional mover or do it yourself? Each option has its own advantages and downsides, mostly around how much you’re moving, scheduling availability and what you can afford. Take a deep breath and weigh the pros, cons and costs. Then, make the decision to either hire moving professionals or put together your own “crew” to help on the big day. 

Moving for a new job? If at all possible, build in some time to settle into your new home before your first day at work — whether it’s in the office or remote. Even if it’s just a few extra days, you’ll feel less distracted and more comfortable not trying to adjust to two major life events at exactly the same time. This extra “wiggle room” could also come in handy if your move date happens to shift. 

Plan on driving to your new home? Check to see if your car could use a new set of tires or a tune-up. Get this taken care of sooner rather than later and you’ve tackled one more variable. Your car will thank you, too. Not sure how to pack your car — and what to keep with you? We can help with that

Take the Process One Step at a Time 

Even a relatively simple move can seem overwhelming if you look at it in its entirety. At Mayflower, we call it a “moving process” for a reason: it’s a series of small steps designed to move you toward a bigger goal.  

Our Moving Checklist contains a wealth of information on everything from planning a successful stoop or garage sale to getting pets ready, de-cluttering your house, switching off and turning on utilities and packing up your belongings. Once you understand how a move can be broken down into a manageable sequence of events, you’ll breathe easier. 

Don’t Bottle Up Your Emotions 

Whatever the reason for your move, it’s okay to have mixed feelings. In fact, maintaining a stoic demeanor can sometimes be more mentally exhausting than simply sharing where your emotions are at. Keep in mind that others around you  — such as a partner or children — are also impacted by the move. Offering them calming support may help put things into perspective for you as well.  

Many people find journaling to be a great way to express their inner feelings. Chances are, you’ll look back at what you’ve written a year or so later and smile about how well things turned out. 

Anxious about moving to an unfamiliar place and meeting new people? That’s perfectly understandable — and also why we recommend looking at our tips and tricks for settling into your new neighborhood

Think About All the Positives  

There could be more space to spread out in. Less space to take care of. A better school system or an empty nest retreat. Even helping a loved one or taking a step up the corporate ladder. Though circumstances vary, a move always means new experiences, new connections and the opportunity to embark on a whole new chapter in your life. 

Forming new friendships and learning about the local go-tos and hot spots can be a great adventure. Decorating a new space can be fun and invigorating. Finding a new sport or hobby to pursue can improve your health and lift your spirits. Open yourself up to the possibilities and you may feel at home sooner than you think.  

If You See a Loved One Struggling, Reach Out 

People deal with change in different ways. If someone you care about appears to be having trouble coping with the complex realities of a move— or any other life circumstance for that matter — let them know you’re there for them. If they need additional support beyond what you’re able to provide, MentalHealth.gov offers resources that can help you prepare for your new beginning and close the chapter on what you’re leaving behind.  

Moving Terms Glossary to Help With a Smooth Move

Are you relocating soon? Moving can be challenging and stressful, but being familiar with commonly used moving terms will help you make informed choices about your move. Here are some moving keywords that might be helpful to you while relocating.

Agent: A moving company affiliated with the van line handles booking, origin, hauling, and destination services.

Arrival Window: The hours or dates between which your movers will arrive at your home and begin loading your belongings. Generally, the window is about two hours.

Bill of Lading: A bill of lading is a contract between you and the mover. It shows the goods the movers have loaded onboard the truck, lists the conditions of the move, and acts as a receipt.

Binding/Nonbinding Estimate: A binding estimate guarantees the price of the move. A mover will only give a binding estimate after visiting your home and taking a complete inventory. A non-binding estimate is not guaranteed. A mover provides that estimate based on their experience. It is subject to change based on the final weight of the shipment.

Bulky Article Charge: Bulky items are awkward, large items that require extra handling and are subject to an additional fee. Examples are hot tubs and pool tables.

Delivery Window: The hours or dates your movers will deliver your goods to your destination. The driver may call you for long-distance moves within 12 to 24 hours to narrow the arrival times.

Full-Service Mover: A full-service mover can handle every aspect of packing your home and getting your items to their destination.

License: Your professional mover will have a license, or legal certification, to transport your goods within or across state lines. Movers also should be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Non-Allowable List: For safety reasons, your mover will not move certain items which are on a non-allowable list. You can obtain a list of prohibited items from your moving company. This list generally includes cleaning products, chemicals, live pets, perishable items, automobile batteries, and gasoline.

Packing Service: A packing service is a supplemental service that most full-service movers offer. It involves packing all the household goods and unpacking them at the destination.

Special Handling Fee: Movers charge a special handling fee when you request services beyond the standard charge list, for example, TV mounting and dismounting or moving a piano. These services vary by the mover.

Tariff: A tariff is a price document on the Bill of Lading or moving contract. It details your charges. It also lists the movers required, rules, rates, and costs.

Waiting Time: Some moving companies charge a fee if the van operator must stay outside the destination address waiting for someone to accept delivery.

Warehouse Storage: Sometimes, customers must store their goods until their new home is ready for occupancy. The movers will keep the shipment in a warehouse that is not open to the public. The moving company will wrap the goods, place them on pallets and organize them in the storage facility until the customer is ready.

Moving Simplified

Are you in the planning stages of your local or long-distance move? Contact us for a free quote.

9 Tips for Meeting the Neighbors in Your New Community

Moving to a new neighborhood can be exciting because the move brings an opportunity to get to know new people. Here are some ways to meet your new neighbors after your household move.

1. Get Outside

Meet your neighbors by getting outside. You can garden, take a walk, or sit on your porch. Introduce yourself to people you meet. If you have a dog, take it to the local park, where you’ll likely meet other dog owners.

2. Hold a Housewarming Party

Once you get settled, drop by your neighbors’ homes and invite them to a housewarming party. If the weather is nice, consider holding the party outside. Either way, serve refreshments and play some games that help you get to know each other.

3. Attend Community Events

If your neighborhood has association meetings, attend and introduce yourself. Check local calendars for events that interest you. These events provide an excellent opportunity to meet someone with similar interests to yours.

4. Get Involved

Take advantage of your neighborhood’s Y or community recreation center to improve your health and meet your neighbors. You can also find hobby clubs where you can meet people who share your interests. If you have children, get involved in PTA committees or athletic booster groups.

5. Ask for Advice

People love to help other people. They also love talking about things they like.

You’ll need new doctors, hair stylists, barbers, dentists, and other professionals. Asking your neighbors is an excellent way to gain insights into the best professionals while also meeting your neighbors.

6. Be Alert

Be mindful of opportunities when you can help your neighbors. For example, if you notice that one of your neighbors has recently had a baby, consider baking cookies or brownies and delivering them. If your neighbor tells you they are going on a trip, volunteer to water their plants or take in their newspaper. Or, if you see your neighbor struggling with heavy groceries, offer a hand.

7. Mind Your Manners

Because you’re new in the neighborhood, you might receive gifts of food or treats from your neighbors. Be sure to say thank you. A lovely thank you note is a great way to show your appreciation and keep the lines of communication open

8. Let Your Kids Lead

Kids also provide great opportunities to meet your neighbors. Kids easily make friends. Walk around the neighborhood with your family and introduce yourself and your children to other families.

You can also check the library or community centers for kids’ activities. Enroll your children in any events that pique their interest. They’ll make new friends, and, by extension, you might connect with some new people too.

9. Volunteer

Volunteering for a charitable cause is another good way to meet your neighbors while helping others. Consider charities such as the food pantry, shelter, senior center, or Neighborhood Watch program.

Moving and Your New Neighborhood 

With the help of professional movers, the move to your new neighborhood will be simpler than ever. So contact us today for your free no-obligation estimate.

Top Tips for Babyproofing Your New Home

The keys to a successful household move include detailed planning, being proactive, and hiring professional residential movers. But, moving with a baby or young child requires even more forethought and creativity because you will need to babyproof your home immediately.

Fortunately, many babyproofing products exist, but how do you get started? Here are some tips to make your new home as safe as possible.

Start Early

If your little one isn’t mobile yet, that will likely change before you know it. Babies start crawling at around six or seven months and can start walking at about a year old. Use this time to babyproof your house. Of course, the more mobile your child, the more you have to be on guard, so make sure you’re not behind the eight ball on this.

If you have early access to your new home before moving day, that’s an ideal time to start the babyproofing process. Otherwise, pack a separate box filled with your babyproofing gear and bring that with you like an essentials box. That way, your babyproofing supplies will be available immediately upon arrival at your new home.

Get a Baby’s-Eye View of Your Home

You may not be fully aware of the dangers lurking inside your new home. While you might focus on things like outlets and furniture corners, other elements could be dangerous as well, such as

  • Fireplaces – Put a gate around the fireplace so those little ones won’t venture too close.
  • Stairs – Until your child knows how to climb and descend stairs, you must protect them from potential falls — at the top and bottom.
  • Vents – Little fingers can get stuck in vents and other crevices.

If necessary, crawl around the house and try to see things from your baby’s perspective. This way, you may catch things you’d otherwise miss by walking around as usual.

Consider Unsupervised Children

Toddlers love to explore, especially in places marked as “off-limits.” For this reason, you need child-proof locks on practically everything, including cupboard doors, drawers, and any items they can open by themselves.

Realistically, you can’t keep your eyes on your kids at all times, so these locks can provide peace of mind when you’re not watching them like a hawk. Also, you may need to barricade some rooms so your little one can’t get in, no matter how determined they are.

Anchor Large Furniture

A baby learning to walk may discover that your television, bookshelves, tall dressers, and plant stands make excellent climbing platforms. Furniture often comes with hardware that anchors it to the wall, so make sure to use it! It is always best to be safe, even if your dresser seems heavy enough to keep it from tipping over. If you have a TV within reach, install brackets on the back to secure it to the wall.

Windows and Blinds

Make sure you either keep the strings of traditional blinds out of your baby’s reach with special brackets or install cordless blinds on the windows. Cordless blinds are safer since the strings of conventional blinds present a potential suffocation risk. In addition, consider installing window guards to eliminate the possibility of unintentional falls out of windows.

Need Moving Help? Call Us!

We can help with everything from packing to transportation, so you just have to worry about settling in. Contact us today to find out more.

7 Tips for Planning a Winter Relocation

Winter relocations can be challenging because of weather conditions, road conditions, and more. Working with a professional moving company can help make the process easier, as can taking the steps below. With good planning, you can avoid winter-related relocation problems. Here’s what you need to know about planning a successful winter relocation.

1. Watch the Weather Forecast

Winter weather can change on a dime, with sunny conditions followed by a terrible snowstorm. Failure to watch the weather can lead to a nasty surprise, especially if the bad weather coincides with your relocation date.

Watching the weather can help you plan for storms, low temperatures, and other adverse weather conditions. For instance, if you hire professional movers, you can let them worry about loading and driving the truck in bad weather. They also usually have contingency plans when bad weather approaches.

2. Keep Track of Weather-Appropriate Clothes and Shoes

Your winter coat, hats, and boots are essential this time of year, but losing them would be easy during all the packing. So instead, keep track of weather-appropriate clothes and shoes, either by packing them in a duffel bag separate from your moving boxes or by packing them in a box labeled “priority.”

3. Protect Your Flooring

Protect your new home’s flooring during move-in and your old home’s flooring during move-out. Lay down runners, rugs, tarps, and other protective layers to keep snow, ice, and salt off the floor.

If you’re working with professional movers, they should take care of this for you. If you’re doing all the moving yourself, you’ll be responsible for this. Get the rugs and runners ahead of your relocation to ensure you have the supplies you need when the time comes.

4. Signing the Kids Up for School

Since school is in session this time of the year, signing your little one up for school should be a priority. First, find out which school district you’re in at your new home and what kind of paperwork that school will need to get your child signed up. Then, set those papers aside – don’t pack them yet- so you’ll have access to them when you register your child.

5. Label Holiday Boxes Clearly

You might want access to your holiday decorations this time of year. Label your holiday boxes clearly, so you can find them easily when you need them.

You may find that decorating your new house is too difficult under the circumstances. So give yourself a pass on decorating for the holidays this year. You’ll do it next year!

6. Establish Utilities

At this time of year, it’s essential to have heat, hot water, electricity, and more. Sign up for utilities before moving into your new home, then confirm they have turned the utilities on before relocating. Don’t move into a cold home!

7. Hire a Reputable Moving Company

Don’t try to navigate dicey winter roads and uncertain weather conditions alone. Instead, work with professional movers to ensure that your relocation goes smoothly. Contact us today to get a quote for your upcoming winter move.

5 Things to Put in Your Moving Essentials Box

When you pack everything for your household move, you’ll want to keep a few essential items out of your moving cartons and transport them to your new home yourself. Packing an essentials box ensures you have the basics once you get to your new home. 

Here are five things that you should consider putting in your essentials box.

1. Clothing

You’ll probably pack most of your clothes in boxes. However, you should leave out a couple of outfits.

In most cases, your moving truck won’t arrive precisely when you do. So you might need a few things you can wear until your other things are delivered.

Plan your attire based on the activity. If you don’t have to work immediately, keep the clothes simple and comfortable for unpacking.

2. Basic Toiletries

When you travel, you probably bring a handful of basic toiletries. But, unlike a hotel, your new house won’t have some of the basics you need, like toilet paper, soap, and towels.

If you don’t have a lot of space in your essentials box, consider getting travel-size bottles of shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and similar items. If you have kids, don’t forget the wipes.

Focus on the toiletries that you need for the first few days. After that, you can get the rest at the store or wait for your other boxes to arrive.

3. Regular Medicine

If you or your family members take medicine regularly, you should bring it with you. Typically, you’ll pack the full bottles in the essentials box.

Generally, you shouldn’t pack prescription medications with your regular moving load. This is because the moving company might not be able to guarantee the right environment for them.

If you don’t take medicine regularly, throwing a few over-the-counter meds in your box is not a bad idea. That way, you’re not making a late-night trip to the store for ibuprofen.

4. Small Tools and Cleaning Supplies

Ideally, your new home will be in good, clean condition. But unfortunately, in practice, this isn’t always the case.

There’s a possibility that you will need to do some cleaning the day you arrive. And you may need to make a few basic repairs. You’ll probably go to the store at some point, but it’s best if you don’t have to go immediately.

Add simple tools, like a screwdriver and hammer, to your box. Put in a few basic cleaning supplies, like antibacterial wipes, dish soap, and sponges.

5. First Aid Kit

No one expects an injury during a move, but things can happen. For example, when you move a lot of boxes and bags, there’s a risk you will get a scratch or a scrape. So you’ll need a first-aid kit.

It’s more practical to focus on injury, not illness. So make sure you have the things to handle most minor scrapes, like bandages, gauze pads, and ointment. If you’re relocating to a place with many insects, consider a can of bug repellent.

Even if you don’t have a lot of room, put in a small first aid kit. Band-Aids and wipes are better than nothing.

Relocate with Ease

Making an essentials box will help to ensure you have what you need when you get to your new home. For more information about having a successful move, contact us for a free quote.