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Changing offices can be an exciting moment for a business. Ideally, the move is happening because of growth and success within the company, necessitating a shift to a more significant, better location. 

That said, relocating your office comes with many hurdles to overcome. One critical factor to consider is announcing the relocation. Here is a four-step plan to make this announcement successfully. 

Step One: Plan Logistics and Prepare Answers to Questions

Determine the move logistics before making the announcement (if possible). The primary reason for doing this is to answer any questions that may come up. 

Some issues that employees may need to know about include: 

• Timeline – How long will the transition take? 
• Operations – Will the move disrupt the company, or will everything be business-as-usual during the move? 
• Accommodations – What will the new space look like, and how will it benefit the employees? 

Step Two: Notify Employees Well In Advance

Your staff members will need time to adjust to the new location. So, it’s best to notify them as soon as possible. Ideally, you can announce the news at least a couple of months before moving. This way, there’s enough time to address any concerns and work out any kinks that you may not have considered. 

When notifying employees, be sure to bring everyone on board simultaneously. If possible, use a company-wide event to share the news. Alternatively, an internal memo or notification can ensure that all employees know what to expect. Then, they can reach out to managers or supervisors for more information. 

Step Three: Publicize Your Move

Changing addresses can be time-consuming for businesses because you need to update the details across various channels. In addition, everyone from vendors to clients will need to know where to find you. 

Before publicizing the transition, list all the different entities that need this information. Start with crucial elements like financial institutions and vendors. Anyone who sends you mail should know as soon as possible. 

From there, you can publicize your move online through social media and other channels. However, you should only make the public aware of front-facing offices, such as storefronts and customer service centers. 

Step Four: Get Feedback From Employees

Finally, after you announce your upcoming transition, be sure to ask employees what they think. This feedback can be valuable because workers may bring up issues you missed. In addition, you want to frame the move as a positive relocation and highlight the benefits that employees can expect. Doing this will make the shift more efficient since everyone will be on board and enthusiastic about the change. 

Another benefit of soliciting feedback is that you can notify individuals and teams about what they need to do before, during, and after moving. Coordinating all of your employees can be challenging, so you want to bring them up to speed as quickly as possible. 

Get Moving Help Today

If you’re getting overwhelmed by your office relocation, let us help! We can assist with the planning and completion, whether you’re moving down the street or across town. Contact us to find out more!

Moving is a major task, and seniors often face additional challenges their younger counterparts don’t need to think about. Things such as downsizing, planning, and making the actual move can be particularly stressful and physically difficult for seniors. As a result, they may need assistance. Here are eight expert tips to help your favorite senior pack for a move.

1. Break Packing Into Smaller Tasks

Completing a large undertaking like moving or downsizing can be overwhelming if you view it in its entirety.  It becomes more manageable when you break the job down into smaller pieces.  Often seniors have lived in the same home for years, so it may take some time to work through it all.  

2. Consider Eliminating Some Non-Essential Stuff

Since many seniors have lived in their homes for many years, they have probably accumulated many possessions. They might need to downsize to move to a smaller place or relocate to a senior community. Decluttering is tedious work and with numerous decisions to be made. This isn’t always easy, especially since people tend to become attached to items. You can assist by sitting down with them to help decide what to do with their belongings. If they have a hard time parting with their belongings, consider a storage unit until they are ready to let go of their favorite things.

3. Get Layout for New Home

See if you can obtain access to the senior’s new home so you can take measurements. Remember to check closets and other storage areas to see how much space there will be. Having all this specific information about the new home helps with the downsizing and packing processes because it’ll give you and your senior an idea of what will fit and what won’t.

4. Start With Large Items

Help your senior decide what to do with bulky items such as tables, chairs, sofas, extra beds, dressers, and any other large pieces of furniture. Chances are these all won’t fit in the new place, so have them decide which ones are necessary and sell, donate, give away, or store the rest.

5. Pack Room-By-Room

Packing belongings room-by-room makes the task of boxing up items less overwhelming and makes it easier to organize. Label each moving carton so that the movers know where to place them at the new home. This process will make it easier for your senior to locate items when getting settled in and unpacking. This task often makes sense to hire a qualified and experienced mover that offers packing as a service.

6. Take Photos of Electronics

Managing the wires, cables, plugs, and other details associated with electronics is confusing. Be sure to take photos of each configuration for televisions, cable boxes, computers, printers, and any other items that will need to be reconnected. This way, either you, the person moving, or another individual can quickly get things set back up at the other end of the move.

7. Chart Important Dates on a Calendar

If your senior is used to smartphones, set digital reminders on their phone’s calendar. If not, get a good, old-fashioned paper calendar and highlight important dates for tasks. This should include utility turn on/shut off dates, mail forwarding, moving day, and any other notifications you need to send out as moving day approaches.  

8. Pack Overnight Bag

As moving day approaches, be sure to make a list of all essential items, such as medications, that will be needed right away and pack these in an overnight bag.

Moving Made Easy

Are you or someone you’re helping get ready for a move? We can help! Contact us today for a free quote.

Everyone loves energy efficiency. The less energy you use, the less you spend.

Of course, efficiency isn’t always easy. And the way you set up your new house makes a difference.

Start with these five tips to make your new home much more energy-efficient.

1. Replace Incandescent Bulbs

Some homes may still use incandescent bulbs. However, these bulbs spend the most energy and only last about a year. If you’re not sure how to identify an incandescent bulb, just look for the small metal coil inside it.

For a minor investment, you can replace old bulbs with LEDs. LED bulbs use only a small amount of energy and last up to 10 years. Compare the lumens on the old bulbs so you get the right amount of lighting in each room.

2. Install Ceiling Fans

When people list a home for sale, they often remove ceiling fans to make the room look simple with less clutter. It’s unfortunate, as ceiling fans are a great way to circulate air throughout the room.

For each room with a ceiling light, check to see if it will support a ceiling fan. Many models offer lighting and circulation.

Be sure to learn how to use the fan in every season. For example, you can change the direction in winter to keep cycling warm air toward the floor.

3. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

If your new home has an older thermostat, upgrading to a smart thermostat is relatively easy. These thermostats let you adjust settings on your phone, with other unique features.

Thermostats increase energy efficiency by turning down heating or cooling when you don’t need it. If you create the proper settings, you’ll always feel comfortable without having to do anything.

Choose appropriate settings to get the best efficiency. But, of course, cranking it up to the max will always use more energy, whether it’s on a schedule or not.

4. Improve Insulation

Adding insulation to an existing home is a great way to lower heat transfer. That keeps the home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. But, of course, you might have no idea how much you need or what you have now.

If you can get to the attic, go up there to see which kind you have. Batts and rolls are common, as are spray foam and blown-in insulation.

It’s easy to hire a professional to increase the insulation, and it’s not necessarily expensive. That way, you can focus on your household move.

5. Seal Air Leaks

Existing homes often have gaps around the doors and windows. Those gaps allow heated or cooled air to escape.

But how do you know that you have a problem? If the spaces around doors and windows feel hotter or colder than the rest of the house, it’s time to seal the leaks.

In most cases, all you have to do is fill the gaps with a bit of caulk. However, if the windows or doors seem very old, it might be time to plan to replace them.

Your Residential Move

Increasing your energy efficiency doesn’t have to be too hard. You can do it before you move into your new home. Contact us for more information about making your relocation easy.

Buying a home is a significant undertaking and can be both scary and exciting. But, just as with any other major project, success depends on careful planning, research, and attention to detail along the way. 

Start Saving

Start saving several years before you hope to buy. The down payment required depends on the type of loan you take; some require as little as 3.5 percent, but others require more. In all cases, the more you pay down, the more likely you’ll be to obtain a favorable mortgage and the lower your monthly payment.  A down payment calculator can help you set a goal.

You’ll also need to save money to cover closing costs, which can be between 2 percent and 5 percent of the loan amount. Then, you’ll need money for moving out of your current rental and initial repairs and decorating. And, you’ll still want to keep six months of expenses in reserve after closing in case of illness or job layoff.

Decide What You Can Afford

A general rule of thumb is to keep your housing costs at about 30 percent of your gross income. Many lenders will allow you to qualify if your total debts, including the mortgage, are less than 43 percent of your income if your credit scores are good. However, if you pay this much, you may feel house poor for a few years.  Use estimating tools to help you determine what you can afford comfortably. 

Check and Strengthen Your Credit

The better your credit score, the better interest rate you’ll be able to obtain on your mortgage. Even a slight percentage difference in the interest rate can make a big difference in your monthly payment. So check your credit and take steps to improve it.

Qualify for a Mortgage

Prequalify for a mortgage before house shopping. Many sellers will not take your offer seriously if you don’t have a written approval letter. If you shop before getting the preapproval, you may find a home you love only to have your offer rejected.

Talk to at least three potential mortgage lenders to get the best deal possible regarding rates and customer service. Consider both conventional and government-backed loans such as FHA, VHDA, and VA when looking at lenders. Also, research first-time buyer assistance programs in your area to see if you qualify.

Choose a real estate agent. 

You want a real estate agent who will scour listings for houses that meet your needs. You also want one who will stick with you through home inspections and closing procedures. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and coworkers. Interview several and specifically ask about their experience with first-time home buyers. 

Consider Homes Carefully

Weigh the pros and cons of different types of housing. For example, condos and townhomes may be less expensive, but they will be less private. Consider your housing priorities; for example, is a large master suite the most important, or do you value the size of the yard. If you plan to stay long-term, consider whether it will meet your needs 10, 15, or 20 years from now.

Also, prioritize neighborhood amenities.  For example, are recreational amenities within the neighborhood essential, or is commuting time the driving factor? Research each potential neighborhood to see how well it fits your priorities.

Select a Mover

When it’s time to choose a household moving company, talk to friends, family, and your realtor to get referrals for reputable, established companies that have years of experience and excellent reviews. Get at least three in-home survey quotes for the moves and make sure they are licensed and insured.  

When you’re ready for your next move, contact us. We can provide you with a stress-free full-service move, so you can start enjoying your new home quickly!

You’ve worked hard for your retirement. Now you’re getting close to retiring. The decision of where to live can significantly affect the quality of your golden years. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding where to move for your retirement.

Consider the Cost of Living

You’ll likely be on a fixed income, so you’ll want that income to go as far as possible. Develop a budget based on our retirement income before beginning to review locations. Be sure to allow yourself enough disposable income to participate in the activities you’ve dreamed of doing while you were working.

Once you begin to consider potential locations, look at the prices of housing, utilities, transportation, essentials, and the tax structure. For example, many states do not tax pension or Social Security income, which will leave you with more to spend. Some also have low (or no) inheritance taxes that allow you to pass more of your wealth to your heirs.

What’s Your Passion?

What would you like to do most in retirement? Do you want to visit your grandchildren frequently? If so, then you’ll want to move closer. Or, do you want to golf or boat or fish? If so, you might want to relocate to a place with a temperate climate and a beach. If you like the idea of being able to walk wherever you go, look for areas with a high walkability score. Whatever you plan to pursue in retirement, you can likely find a location to support that.

The Need for Friends

You might also want to make friends your age in your new location. Research to see whether other people your age are locating to or live in a particular area that you’re considering.

Access to Health Care

Generally, the older we get, the more we need access to good health care. While you might be willing to travel some distance for annual physicals, you’ll still want quick access to good hospitals and doctors in case of an emergency. If you’re considering moving to a foreign country, check whether they’ll accept your insurance there.

Factor in Travel Plans

Consider the traveling you’ll want to do in retirement. If you opt to live in a different city from your children, grandchildren, or good friends, consider how difficult visiting them will be from your new location. If you think you’ll want to travel the world, consider locating near a major international airport. Also, consider the cost of travel when planning your budget. You don’t want to spend too much on housing only to realize you now can’t afford to visit those dearest to you.

Take a Trial Run

Once you think you’ve narrowed down the locations, spend a week or two there to experience its lifestyle. If possible, do a week in each season of the year to gain a flavor for the area’s annual life cycle. Test the public transportation, drive to experience the traffic levels, and check out the community activity offerings. Ask locals your age about their opinions and tips for living in the community.

Settle into Retirement

Let us help with your retirement move. If you are relocating near or far, we can help with the planning, packing, and unpacking. Contact us today for a free quote.

Young kids often have a hard time understanding certain things. For instance, big concepts, like moving, can overwhelm them.

As a parent, it’s hard to balance getting ready for the move and helping your kids prepare. But it’s still an excellent idea.

With these tips, you’ll have a few ideas for how you can explain your upcoming residential move to your young kids.

1. Tell Kids in Advance

Parents often avoid telling children about important events in advance. Sometimes, they worry that their kids will get too upset. But kids need plenty of notice before something as big as moving.

It’s a better choice to start talking to the kids before you start packing. That way, when you start packing, they understand what you’re doing and why.

Expect them to have a lot of questions. They might even be unhappy. But they need time to process it before you leave.

2. Keep Explanations Age-Appropriate

Kids tend to react to moving in different ways, based on their age. For instance, toddlers may have a much more difficult time understanding the process, whereas young school-age children may have more opinions about it. You can expect some disagreement from any age.

Experts suggest that you focus on age-appropriate explanations. Keep it simple and repetitive for very young children. Reassure older children that you will make their needs a priority.

3. Use Books with Messages

Reading stories to your children about moving is an excellent way to introduce and reinforce positive messages about your upcoming relocation. Books about moving can open up communication about the changes ahead and help your children prepare for their new environment and perhaps feel more secure in this significant change.​

4. Pack Deliberately

As you pack, you’re likely to get some conflict. Toddlers don’t understand why you’re taking things away. Preschoolers may worry that you’re going to get rid of their belongings.

Give yourself extra time for this step. Packing with kids always takes longer, even if they’re happy about the move.

Be clear about your process from the beginning. Enlist the kids to help you pack and explain where everything will go in the meantime. If your kids struggle to set aside essential items, wait to pack them until near the end.

5. Listen to Concerns

Throughout the moving process, kids will tell you the concerns they have. Older kids can verbalize it, while younger kids may simply act out.

As a parent, your goal is to make sure your kids feel safe. They need to know that you can keep them secure while you move and afterward.

Be ready to have a lot of conversations. Keep the doors open for communication at times when you are not busy.

6. Stay Positive

Even if you’re not looking forward to the move, you need to stay positive for the kids. They look to you for hints on the ways they should react. If you’re upset, they are more likely to be unhappy. They may even try to convince you not to move.

Instead, focus on the benefits of moving. Talk about the cool things you’ll get to do as a family. Remind them that you’ll do your best to keep in contact with friends in your old location.

Families on the Move

Explaining moving to kids is difficult. It may be much more challenging than the actual process of moving. To help you make it easier, request a quote for moving services today.

Moving after you lose a loved one is hard and heartbreaking. In some cases, people can no longer afford the bills, so they must relocate. Other times, they’re just meeting the terms of the estate.

There are ways to make it less stressful. But, with extra care, you can still have a good experience.

Follow Legal Guidelines

Before they die, some people list every possession down to the last tablecloth. Others pass with no notes on anything they owned. Your job is to follow the rules.

Dealing with the terms of an estate can be easy or challenging, depending on the details. For example, if your loved one had many valuable antiques or jewelry, you should confirm all of the guidelines.

It’s even more complicated if you have survivors who don’t agree over the will or handling of the estate. So before you start sorting, you might want to consult a lawyer in this case.

Ask for Help Sorting

Sorting through a loved one’s belongings can trigger grief, even if they died years ago. So you’re probably going to need help going through those personal items.

If you can, ask a close friend or family member to assist. Choose someone who can help you stay on task. The last thing you need is to bring in a helper who encourages you to linger over every item.

Start with things that don’t have a lot of attachment for you. Then, you’ll make more progress. You’ll also save time for the more complex decisions.

Avoid Making Quick Decisions

Most moving experts recommend that you declutter and thin down your belongings before you move. It’s not always the right decision when you lose someone, though.

It’s tempting to want to wipe out a lot of the sadness by donating or giving away the decorations, furniture, and bedding. But, unfortunately, grief can make you do things you wouldn’t expect. As a result, you may get rid of something and regret it later.

Instead, give yourself time. Pack items and keep them in storage for a while if necessary. You’ll know when you are ready to go through them.

Get Help With Packing and Moving

Grief is more than sadness. It can weigh on you like a sickness. Sometimes it takes months before you return to your former energy and mood.

If you have a strict timeline for moving, you may need help with packing and moving. Professional packers can’t tell you what to keep, but they can pack it with care. Movers can take the load off your shoulders. That way, you can rest when you have the chance.

Make Space for a Loved One

Many people say that after they move, it’s like creating a blank slate. Memories of loved ones sometimes stay in the old home.

Of course, you may still grieve for them. But, you’re not going to forget your loved one just because you don’t live in their home anymore.

Making a shrine at home helps a lot of people create a place to process. Add pictures and a few favorite items. It gives you a tiny spot in the new home where you can think about your loved one.

Moving Assistance

The loss of a loved one sometimes involves a move, but you can make it easier. To find out how we can improve your moving experience, schedule a consultation today.

Tucked away on your property housing all those landscaping and garden necessities, the garden shed often stands as an afterthought when it is time for a household move. Nevertheless, this building is usually brimming with items that can be somewhat precarious to pack and transport. So here are a few good tips to help you along the way. 

1. Remove the fuel from gas-powered equipment.

How many gas-powered items do you have in your garden shed? If you are like most people, you will have everything from a weed trimmer to a lawnmower. While professional movers can move these items, they require the gas tanks to be empty. Therefore, be sure you take the time to either utilize or dispose of whatever fuel you have in the tanks. 

2. Get proper packing supplies.

The ideal way to pack your garage for moving is with the right types of packing materials. Here are some essential supplies.

• Moving boxes. Make sure to get moving boxes in various sizes. They should be solid, strong, and dry. 
• Packing paper and bubble wrap. You will need bubble wrap and packing paper when packing your garage to protect the many sharp and unusually shaped items. 
• Moving blankets. These specially designed, well-padded blankets will come in handy protecting your garage contents. 
• Corrugated cardboard sheets. These can help you when packing oversized and odd-shaped equipment.
• Zip-lock bags. Have various sizes of these resealable bags available to prevents smaller items from getting separated and getting lost.
• Water-proof markers. Heavy-duty markers will help you label the moving cartons once you have them packed.

 3. Wrap your saws, blades, and trimmers for safety.

The average garden shed can be overrun with tools with sharp, hazardous edges. These items can be risky to maneuver and even riskier to transport because they are so capable of causing injury. A few examples include:

• Garden hoes 
• Hard rakes 
• Handsaws 
• Spade shovels 
• Axes 
• Knives 

Wrap these sharp-edged items in appropriate material like cardboard, moving blankets, or bubble wrap and tape the protective covering closed. Some of the same rules for shipping sharp objects can apply when packing for transport during a move. Here is a good rundown of tips on how to properly pack sharp items before shipment. 

3. Disassemble the oversized items.

Whether it is workbenches or power equipment, many of these items are easier to transport when disassembled. For example, a leaf blower is a somewhat oblong and awkward item until you remove the blower attachment; then, the item can fit into just about any large box. So before you start packing up the items in your shed, disassemble the bulky or awkward things that would otherwise take up too much space or be hard to transport. 

4. Remember, movers won’t transport certain items.

The garden shed can contain some pretty hazardous items. Properly dispose of these before your moving company arrives. A few examples of things your movers will not handle include:

• Lawn fertilizer 
• Pesticides 
• Batteries 
• Fuel
• Live plants 

To ensure you know what things you will have to handle on your own, request a list of prohibited items from your movers. 

Tackle Even the Toughest Moving Jobs with Professional Help 

From the garden shed to the garage, every move involves a lot of heavy lifting. Need a little help along the way? Reach out to speak with one of our representatives today to get a free moving quote to get the process started. 

If you’re selling your home so that you can move into a new one, you’ll want to get the best price you can. One of the best ways to increase the price buyers are willing to pay for your home is to make strategic repairs. Strategic repairs are those that will increase the value of your home without requiring too large an outlay of time or money. 

Here are a few high-value repairs:

Fix Flooring Problems

Worn carpeting or peeling vinyl flooring is noticeable and can dramatically affect a potential buyer’s opinion about your home. However, you can often replace flooring without spending a lot of money. Instead, choose neutral-colored carpet and wide wood plank tiles or light-colored laminate flooring.

Paint

A fresh coat of paint in the primary rooms of your house can enliven the space. Choose a neutral color that will show your home positively and works well with whatever furnishings the buyer will bring with them. Gray, for example, makes the room feel more spacious and is calming.

Fix Water Stains

You may have gotten used to the water stains on the ceiling from a long-ago plumbing snafu. Buyers, however, will see those stains and imagine all sorts of current problems.

First, call a plumber to be sure the issue is repaired. Then, fix the ceiling. Depending on the leak and stain size, a simple touch-up with spackle and paint may work. However, if the damage is more extensive, you may need to replace and repaint some or the entire ceiling. 

Update Grout

Buyers are likely to notice old, yellowing grout and wonder if more serious maintenance issues have been neglected. Updated grout can make tiles and floors look new. Many homeowners can complete a grouting project themselves, but paying another person to complete the project is relatively inexpensive.

Landscaping

Curb appeal gives buyers the first impression of your home. Many potential buyers look at houses first on the Internet and, if they don’t like what they see there, avoid touring the home. Sprucing up your landscaping can be an efficient and effective way to encourage buyers to take a closer look at your home.

Focus on Kitchens and Bathrooms

Buyers tend to focus closely on kitchens and bathrooms, so updates and repairs in these rooms can make a big difference.

If you can’t afford significant updates, you can still add value with a few minor repairs. First, repaint or replace kitchen cabinet doors and hardware. Finally, update the counters, fixtures, and appliances for added appeal.

In the bathroom, add new plumbing and light fixtures, clean your tiles, and recaulk. Next, invest in new shower curtains and rugs. Then create a spa look with fluffy towels and pretty soaps.

Replace Light Bulbs

Incandescent light bulbs give off an outdated yellowish glow and are not energy efficient. As a result, many modern home buyers look for homes with integrated LED lighting. Going through your house and replacing the incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs will make your home seem more comfortable and up-to-date.

Time for Your Move

House repairs go a long way to help you sell your home fast. Once that’s taken care of, you’re on to the next stage in the process – packing and moving. We can help with your moving needs. Contact us for a quote. Then, we can relocate you to your new home quickly and efficiently. 

You may be moving your office for one of several reasons. For example, you may have outgrown the space, the landlord may have raised your rent too much, or you want an office in a different part of town or an entirely new area. Whatever the reason for your move, you can leverage the relocation as a marketing opportunity.

Opportunity to Rebrand

A new office provides an opportunity for a fresh start, which often means rebranding. Take a look at your logo; if you haven’t updated it in several years, it may be due for a refresh.

Your website and all your other collateral are updated, as well. Avoid the temptation to cut costs when printing new collateral pieces; these items influence a potential customer’s first impression of your brand.

Reach Out to Customers

While your new offices are being readied, use the time to communicate one-on-one with each customer through email, snail-mail, and phone calls. Explain how your move puts you into a position to meet their needs better now and in the future.

Update Online Profiles

Use the move as an excuse to update social media and online profiles. For example, rather than just updating your office location on your Website, announce the move with great fanfare, creating a special landing page with information on the new site. Interact with customers frequently during the process by posting photos of the new office being prepared.

Develop a Content Marketing Plan

Develop a robust content strategy to bring customers to your website to learn about your move and about how your business can help them. Explain the reasons for your move and how the new location will help you. Write blog topics of interest to your customers that demonstrate how your product or service can solve a problem they may be experiencing.

Incorporate search engine optimization into your blog strategy. People who don’t communicate with you may still be looking for you. Being accessible online is essential to their being able to find you during and after the transition.

Arrange For Signage 

Signage needs vary by location. Find a signage expert near your new place and follow their suggestions to draw attention to your new site.

Re-energize Your Staff

Your staff is a vital part of your marketing as well. Your employees are often the potential customer’s first contact with your firm. If they are enthusiastic about your brand, customers are much more likely to be as well.

Employees will be energized if they are engaged. When you’re beginning the process of finding a new office, ask them what they’d like to see in the new space. Take their suggestions seriously.

If their work is apt to be disrupted during the move, consider letting your staff telecommute for the first a bit. And help them become acquainted with the new office neighborhood quickly by supplying lists of restaurants, gyms, and child care nearby.

Hire Professional Office Movers

One of the worst things that could happen during this time is to announce a moving date and have difficulties meeting that. Professional movers with experience in commercial moves can help ensure you’ll be in your new office, ready to serve your customers, when your marketing materials say you will.

We can help you relocate your business with ease. Contact us today for a quote.