Category: Moving Tips

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.