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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.

People move for many reasons— a new job, living closer to family, or a change of climate, to name a few. Regardless of the reasons, moving almost always comes with some stress. For a teen, there are complex challenges adults sometimes overlook.

Let’s face it; the teen years are challenging due to rapid physical development and significant emotional changes. There’s a lot to deal with between homework, peer pressure, social stresses, and many other things in a teen’s life. It can be overwhelming when you add relocating to a new community to that list. So if you have teenagers, help them through what is likely to be a difficult time for them.

1. Discuss the Move With Your Teen

Teenagers can be pretty reasonable if they feel they have the ability to share their opinions and input. This is true even if they don’t like what’s going on. Even if a move has to happen and they don’t like it, allowing them to vent their feelings is a good emotional release. Be sure you honestly explain why relocation is necessary and acknowledge the timing probably isn’t great for them. This way, your teen understands and gives them time to adjust, prepare, and accept what will happen soon.

2. Keep Discussions Positive

Moving is tough on everyone, so keep a positive tone and highlight the good things about the new community, house, and other changes. Acknowledge and validate your teen’s feelings. Even if you receive pushback, avoid discussions that ultimately lead to “Well, get over it, we’re moving, and that’s that.” Flip the switch, thank them for sharing their thoughts and feelings, and acknowledge that a new school and neighborhood feel scary. Doing so creates a safe space and encourages positive discussion.

3. Provide Options

Most teens want to feel and be treated like a grownup. Now is an excellent chance to allow them a little control. If any areas are flexible, let them decide. If there are choices, you can let them decide.

• Bedroom they want
• School to attend (albeit this might not be an option, but if it is, let them have input)
• A part-time job they might want to work
• Gym to buy a family membership

Sometimes offering a little empowerment can go a long way.

4. Avoid Moving Mid-Semester

Being the new kid in school will be hard enough so avoid moving in the middle of the year. Starting fresh at the beginning of the school year will help ease into a new situation. This way, your teen has time to settle in and not have to jump into classes in the middle of a semester where social circles have already formed. This makes for an easier transition.

5. Emphasize the Possibilities

Reputations matter in a teen’s life. Remind them that moving is a unique chance to reinvent and present themselves as the person they want to be known to the new people they meet. Essentially, they’ll be in the driver’s seat when it comes to getting acclimated to a new place. They can join different clubs or try out a new sport. The possibilities are endless!

Moving Made Easy

Navigating change is tough for an adult; however, for teens, it’s essential to acknowledge and help them to adjust to change.

Are you planning an upcoming move? If so, we can help! Contact us today for a free quote.

Relocating to a new home for a job can be an enjoyable and exciting experience. However, it can be a little overwhelming in the beginning. Here are seven tips to make your relocation go smoothly.

1. Stay Organized

Most of the stress comes from having so many tasks to accomplish at once. Make lists of tasks related to all aspects of the move, including leaving your old home, starting your new job, and moving into your new home.

2. Book a Mover

Booking a mover as early as possible will help ensure you can get your preferred moving date. Obtain pricing information from at least three insured, reputable residential movers and book one as soon as possible. Ideally, you should book a mover two months ahead; one month early is the minimum.

3. Research the New Location and Job

Stress also comes from uncertainty. You can alleviate many anxieties by finding out as much as possible about your location and job.

If you are relocating to a different job with the same company, your human resources department can help you. The human resource staff can provide information about the new work location and nearby restaurants, childcare, gyms, and banks. They will also have some information to acquaint you with the community and housing options.

If you are locating to work with a new company, human resources may still be able to provide some information to help you get started. You can also research the new city on the Internet through online forums, government websites, and tourism sites. Use your network and contact friends or acquaintances who have moved there to gain a fuller picture.

4. Check What’s Available to You

Employers and prospective employers will sometimes offer relocation assistance. For example, they might help you sell your home, pay for moving services, pay for a trip to look for housing, or help your spouse find a job. Ask about what assistance the company might offer.

5. Note the Cost of Living

Check the cost of living in your new location to see how far your new salary will go. If the cost of living is higher, wages are also sometimes higher. However, a higher salary isn’t guaranteed.

Develop a budget based on the cost of living information. If you discover that you’ll need to downsize your housing, consider what you can sell or discard before moving.

6. Find Housing

Your company may pay for temporary housing and storage for a short time until you get settled. If not, you’ll want to find a place to live immediately. If you’ve made several trips and worked with a real estate agent in the new location, you may be able to buy a home right away. On the other hand, if you’re unfamiliar with the new city, you may be better off renting for a year to see where you’d like to live.

7. Build a Social Support Network

Use your friends to make new acquaintances. Having a few friends right after you move will be essential to keep you grounded. You can also make friends by joining clubs and gyms or attending a local worship service.

 Relocating for Your Job

A household move is chaotic, but when you are also starting a new job as part of the moving process, that adds a lot of stress. We can help limit your stress and help with your move. Contact us today for a free quote.

A household move can be hectic. The day can go more smoothly, however, if you plan and make good decisions.

Planning Tips

To ensure a smooth moving day, do some preparation. Here are ten tips to help you plan for your moving day.

1. Prepare a written to-do list for the day well ahead of time so that you know where to begin when you get up on moving day.
2. If you’ve decided to do your own packing, complete all of it ahead of time except your toiletries. You should even have most of your essentials box packed ahead of time.
3. Pack a box of cleaning supplies for immediate use in your new home. Take this box with you.
4. Pack personal documents in a safe box and transport them with you, if possible.
5. If you live in an apartment or condominium building, check with the building staff ahead of time to ensure you can use the elevator and that the moving van has a place to park. Even if you live in a single-family home, you should alert neighbors of your move ahead of time and be sure the mover has a place to park.
6. Have the utilities turned off in your old house AFTER your moving day. Moving may take longer than you anticipated, and having the power cut off in the middle of it may not be helpful.
7. Make arrangements for your children and pets. If you can, have them stay with a neighbor or friend during most of the move. If not, be sure to create a safe room for them.
8. You’ll want electricity in your new home on moving day, but schedule cable, phone, and Internet for a day after your moving day to avoid being overwhelmed.
9. Make sure your car is tuned-up and ready for travel.
10. Fully charge your phone.

Moving Day Tips

You can also take some actions on the day of your move to keep it operating smoothly. Here are 12 tips for the day of your move.

1. Wake up early. Allow plenty of time for a hearty breakfast and for packing last-minute items.
2. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes.
3. Put your essentials box in your vehicle so the movers won’t accidentally load it into their truck.
4. Check the bill of lading to ensure it matches the terms of your original service order.
5. Walk through the house after the van is packed to ensure you’re not leaving anything behind.
6. Write down the meter readings when you leave and compare the numbers with your final bill when you receive it.
7. Before you leave, give the movers your mobile number in case either of you gets lost during the move.
8. When you arrive at your new home, do a walkthrough to be sure everything is where you expect it to be.
9. Stay organized. Ensure the movers put each box in the right room and avoid putting boxes in the attic or basement. You’re less likely to unpack them once you can no longer see them.
10. Unpack the essential items first.
11. Stay hydrated and fed.
12. Plan something relaxing or celebratory to mark the end of the day.

Planning Your Move?

If you are planning your move, we can assist. We can help with everything from packing to transport and much more. Contact us today for a free quote.  

Moving your small business can be a challenging experience. However, if you’re going through relocation or will soon be relocating, there are many things you can do to jump-start your business in your new community. Below are several ways to establish a customer base in a new town.

1. Get to Know Businesses in Your Community

You’ll face many challenges as a business person. Getting to know other business people in your new community will help you identify the challenges specific to your new area and also allow you to ask other business people what they do to manage those challenges.

To meet other business people, start by visiting businesses in the area and introducing yourself. Leave your card. Let business people know you’re new in town and would love to talk over coffee.

2. Join Organizations That Support Small Businesses

Join your local Chamber of Commerce or another organization in your area designed to support small businesses. If you’re unsure which organizations exist in your new area, inquire at your local city hall or search the Internet. Getting involved in organizations that support small businesses can help you meet local business people while advocating for your business.

3. Get Active on Social Media

Create a social media presence for your business and get involved with community social media pages. Getting active on social media alerts people in your area that your business is in town. Doing this can help generate customer interest and activity.

Social media is also another good way to meet other business people and learn more about your client base. You’ll learn about their preferences and priorities by seeing what people say on social media. This can help you make wise business decisions as you set up shop.

4. Know Your Customers

Whether selling a product in a retail location or running a restaurant, engaging with your clientele is essential. Start by reading about your new community to get to know your customers. Know the demographic information, the most significant local employers, average income, and other statistics.

Consider setting up focus groups or meet and greet opportunities. At these events, you’ll meet customers, find out what they care about, and learn more about how your business can meet their needs.

5. Advertise Discounts and Specials

People love a good deal! So, as soon as your small business opens, advertise for discounts and specials to drive customers in. For example, if your business is a restaurant, offer a free dessert for all dinner customers in the first month you’re open. Also, consider 15% off the “grand opening” sale for the first two weeks if your business is a pet store.

Focus on Your Business – Hire Professional Movers

Your business needs your attention in this new environment. So don’t fret about your relocation; hire professional movers to make your move more manageable and less stressful. Contact us today for a quote.

If you are organizing a household move, you need to beware of an outbreak of a returning outdoor pest that can seriously threaten hardwood trees if you aren’t careful—the spongy moth and its eggs.

These pesky insects are one of the most destructive tree and shrub pests ever introduced into the United States. The spongy moth has defoliated millions of trees, particularly in the Northeast, but is now spreading to more areas of the country.

Previously known as gypsy moths, this species was recently renamed the spongy moth by the Entomological Society of America (ESOA) for their egg masses, which look like sponges. If you aren’t extra careful, you can accidentally transport these pests to your new area when you relocate if you don’t inspect your outdoor belongings before you move.

Spongy moths can defoliate trees quickly and extensively and pose a significant threat to hardwood trees like oak and birch. Therefore, it’s essential to learn about spongy moths, their eggs, how to spot them, and how to manage them so that you don’t risk transporting them from your old home to your new one. In addition, since the eggs can cling to your outdoor furniture, vehicles, equipment, etc., you must learn how to handle them and remove them before loading your moving truck. 

Dealing With Spongy Moths

These moths deposit their eggs in the summer, and the larvae emerge the following spring.

Before loading them into your moving truck or container, you must thoroughly inspect all the outdoor items you plan to move. Pay particular attention to your patio furniture, camping equipment, lawn equipment, grill, bicycles, and other sports equipment like soccer nets. 

Also, check for spongy moths in all their stages, from egg to adult. Here are some things to help:

• Egg-mass appears sponge-like.
• Caterpillars have large dark eye spots, blue dots behind their heads, and six pairs of raised red dots along their backs.
• Female moths are white and have black or brown V-shape designations, and the egg masses are brown and appear sponge-like.
• Male moths are mottled brown and gray with feathery antennae.

Remove and destroy any bugs or eggs from your belongings. Use a putty knife or stiff brush to scrape them off surfaces. Then place the eggs in a container of hot, soapy water. Or, you can seal them in a plastic bag and then put them in the sun.

Before you move, you must remove all life stages of this destructive spongy moth. In addition, you want to protect your new neighborhood from this invasive pest since it has the potential to attack 300 different kinds of trees and shrubs.

Create your own checklist of items you need to inspect on moving day, or for your convenience, visit and use the USDA’s pre-prepared spongy moth checklist.

Babies are bundles of joy, but they are also lots of work. If you’re relocating with a new baby, there are many things you can do to make your relocation smooth. These tips can make your relocation easier overall. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Make a Box or Bag of Baby Essentials

First, create a list of the necessary items you need for your baby. The list should include diapers, baby food, bottles, formula, extra clothes, toys, and other must-have items for your baby during this transition. Since you will be using these essential items right up until the time you depart, you will need to plan to pack the box shortly before you leave.

You may even need several boxes or bags of these baby essentials, depending on the details of your particular household relocation.

If you’re packing things into a box, be sure to label the box and keep that box separate from the other moving cartons. You don’t want to lose track of the box and find yourself unable to find the baby things you need!

2. Research Pediatricians Before You Get There

Find a pediatrician before you get to your new home to ensure that your baby is protected and will have proper medical care if needed. If your baby gets sick or needs help from a doctor shortly after your relocation, you could feel panicky as you search for a doctor. Establish contact with that new pediatrician to find out what you need to do to become a verified patient.

3. Secure Help with Trusted Caregivers

Do you need someone to watch your baby while you pack or when the movers come to move the boxes? If so, get help from someone you trust. This may be a babysitter, a friend, or even a relative. Getting help from someone you trust will give you peace of mind knowing that your baby is being well cared for while you relocate.

4. Have a Baby Proofing Plan

Baby proofing your new home will help make your new house safe for your little one. You may need to buy new babyproofing items for your new home. If this is the case, purchase them before you move so that you can get them set up in your new home as soon as you arrive.

5. Unpack the Nursery First

Prioritize setting up the nursery first upon your arrival. This way, you have a place to change your baby, and they have room to nap and sleep on the first night in your new house. Configure your baby’s room as close to their previous nursery as possible. The familiarity might help you and comfort your baby during the transition.

6. Work With Professional Movers

Hire professional movers to assist you with all the heavy lifting on your moving day. Let the movers handle the challenging and overwhelming logistics so you can focus on your baby.

Hire movers to handle your relocation. To get started with your upcoming move, hire the pros. Contact us today.

In the weeks and days leading up to a move, the chances are you’ll have a lot of food to eat up or clear out. Emptying your pantry makes for a lighter relocation, saves money on takeout, and reduces food waste. Here are a few tips for clearing out your pantry before your household move.

1. Check Expiration Dates

First, check expiration dates and discard any food items that have exceeded their date stamp. Next, choose non-expired food you will probably not plan to eat and consider donating these items to a local food bank. Finally, you can use any unexpired food to help plan meals for when you’re still living in your home.

2. Take Inventory of Food You Have

You can make excellent healthy, and well-rounded meals using these main staples along with any fresh veggies or proteins you have in your refrigerator:

• Dried beans
• Pasta
• Rice
• Canned tomatoes and gravies

You can use canned soup, cereals, oatmeal, and any sauces or condiments with the above staples in a pinch or combine them with proteins you have on hand.

3. Avoid Buying New Food

While it’s likely that you’ll have a few grocery runs during the weeks leading up to your move, try to focus more on using up what you’ve already got. Plan meals using these foods instead – plug in your ingredients into an online search engine designed for no waste when it comes to food, and come up with creative new meal ideas. Then, if you’re short an ingredient or two, when you go shopping, stick to your list to ensure you don’t overbuy.

4. Carefully Pack Foods You Don’t Finish

Dry goods are very move-friendly. You can safely move foods like dry pasta, cereals, grains, herbs, condiments, and baking ingredients, even if the packages are open — as long as you seal the open containers with tape.

Other preventative steps include using resealable plastic bags around items that might leak or spill. For example, flour and sugar can be messy, so after you tape the container closed, place them in a plastic bag for added protection. Then place them in the moving carton. Lastly, label each food box so it is highlighted and can be stored accordingly during transport.

5. Discard What You Can’t Eat

Discard any remaining items in the end that are either half-used or otherwise unable to be transported or donated. Reduce waste by recycling cans, boxes, or glass once you empty the last of your pantry.

We Can Help Make Your Move Easy!

With good planning, you can reduce your pantry stuff significantly by the time you move. The above steps will help you reduce food waste, help others in need through donations, and provide tasty easy-to-make meals in the remaining days before your move.

Are you interested in a free quote? Contact us today. We’re happy to answer any questions or provide information about the additional moving services we offer.

If done correctly, relocating or expanding your business to a new place can increase your revenues and profitability. However, it also requires some adjustment. Here are things to consider when relocating or expanding your company.

1. Site Selection

When selecting your new company location, consider why you are moving or expanding. For example, is one of your goals to move closer to potential or current customers? Or, are you seeking to locate operations in a lower-cost city? Your goals will guide you toward an initial list of potential cities.

Before you make a final choice, ask other business owners what they think of the location. Also, check if local organizations or governments provide relocation assistance, such as tax incentives, training grants, and site development help.

2. Market Research

Research the demographics, competitive landscape, and needs in the prospective location to ensure your product or service has a niche there. Also, understand consumer habits in the region before making a move. Your lender will want to ensure you’ve completed this research step if you need financing.

3. Financing

Often, a business expansion requires financing either through a loan or the equity of the current or additional owners. Before the move, consider which of these options will work best for you and take steps to put your financing in place.

4. Ecosystem Support

If you are trying to break into a new market, you’ll want as much support as possible. Consider who in your network knows people within the new ecosystem and ask them to help you create relationships in the new location.

5. Cost

Cost is a critical factor in every business decision, including locations. Cost affects you in several ways. The first is the rent, taxes, and utilities you’ll pay for the new space. The second is the cost of living for employees. If you’re moving from an inexpensive region of the country to a more expensive one, you’ll need to pay much higher wages to convince employees to work for you in the new location.

If you want to expand to an area with a small budget, consider the minimum viable expansion option to achieve your goals. For example, you may not necessarily need to open a large office at first. Perhaps you can start with a smaller space and one or two employees to test the market before committing to a more extensive operation.

6. Culture and Customs

Cities have different cultures. Some regions, for example, are more casual about appropriate dress or time schedules, while others are more formal. Employees also differ in their expectations of employers based on region.

7. Leadership Options

If you are relocating, you’ll want to identify key leadership candidates among your current staff and offer the necessary relocation packages to encourage them to relocate.

If you are expanding into a new location, you’ll also likely want an employee to relocate to head the new venture, at least initially. A current employee understands your company values and can better represent the brand than a new one. Once settled, you can hire a new head from among the local staff.

Office Movers, You Can Trust

Contact us for help with your office relocation. In addition, we can help you with the planning and execution of this significant undertaking.