Category: Moving Tips

Inviting people to your new place is a great way to show off your home and meet new people from your new community. Not to mention maintaining friendships with others from your old neighborhood.

Gathering for a fun event, such as a party, has many possibilities. What better way to begin making new memories in a home than to throw a housewarming party?

Let’s look at a few terrific housewarming party themes you might want to consider.

Seasonal Parties

If you’re hard-pressed for a theme to pull your housewarming party together, you can’t go wrong with seasonal parties.

• Spring. Plan a weekend brunch to show off your cooking skills. Decorate with seasonal fresh flowers. If you have a garden patio, it’s the perfect location.
• Summer. Throw yourself a backyard BBQ, have a nighttime bonfire complete with s’mores, or throw a pool party if you have a pool.
• Fall. It’s usually warm enough to throw a “summery” backyard BBQ or, if, towards the end of the month, go with seasonal pumpkins, apples, and similar fall-themed treats.
• Halloween or Thanksgiving. Get into the Halloween spirit with some of these spooky foods and treats.  If you’re beyond Halloween, go for a Thanksgiving theme with seasonal fare, sharing thanks, friendship, and fun.
• Winter. This season brings many possibilities. Decorate festively for Christmas or with a beautiful winter wonderland theme. Secret Santa, cookie decorating, ornament making, or simply cooking or catering seasonal goodies for your guests.

Other ideas for any time of the year include potlucks and inviting your neighbors to share their best dishes, hosting a wine tasting, or holding a formal sit-down dinner for a more intimate, getting-to-know-you evening.

DIY Taco Bar

Taco bars typically hold broad appeal. Set out different fillings (beef, chicken, pork, and vegetarian options), tortillas, and a variety of toppings. For beverages, offer horchata, Mexican beer, and soda. Complete your theme with festive music and decorations.

Game Night

A great way to gather people is to plan a game night with snacks and Hors D’oeuvres. You can break out traditional games, such as Trivial Pursuit, Pictionary, Yahtzee, Scattegories, or a deck of cards.

Prefer digital? Many companies, such as JackboxGames, sell games able to accommodate big groups. Guests use their smartphones and follow prompts on the TV or a laptop. Great games for big groups (some you may need to rotate players, but even non-players can participate as “audience” players) include Quiplash, Fibbage, or Bracketeering, to name a few.

Dessert Party

Every housewarming party worthy of its name involves food. If you’re not a good cook or don’t have the time or budget to plan a meal for a large group, you can always plan a dessert party. Assemble a table with pastries, doughnuts, pies, cakes, cookies, and other delectable desserts. Complete your theme with coffee, tea, milk, and hot chocolate.

Moving Made Easy!

Housewarming parties are fun to think about, but first, you’ll need to complete your move. By working with a reliable and trustworthy mover, you can get settled in more quickly and get planning your party.

When you’re ready, contact us for a free quote.

Creating a floor plan is an important task you want to tackle before you move into your new place. This way, you know well ahead of your relocation about any adjustments you need to make.

Benefits of a Floor Plan

A floor plan is a multi-purpose document that helps you and your movers. For you, it’ll save money and time, and, for your household movers, an appreciation of not having to figure out where to place heavier, more oversized items upon arrival. Benefits of a floor plan include:

• Ensuring your furniture and other oversized items fit in your new place before you move them.
• Informing your movers of exactly where to place your belongings.
• Saving you time and avoiding unnecessary heaving lifting of items if they don’t fit or look right where you initially placed them.

By taking care of a floor plan ahead of time, you’ll avoid the complications and costs of moving items that won’t fit in your new rooms. Making a floor plan isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Here we’ll list easy steps you can take.

Consider Your Layout

To start, think about the layout of each room in your new house, condo, or apartment. If you prefer a specific layout of your furniture, TV, and other items, sketch where you want your things to go on paper.

If you’re like many people, you might be “locked in” to a specific look and feel, but try to be open. You might be surprised to learn another room arrangement might give you more open space or offer the ability to take advantage of better natural lighting. To aid in your planning, try using a floor plan app.

Take Accurate Measurements

Once you know where your larger items should go, take measurements, not once, but twice. Even if your furniture fits beautifully in your current home, this configuration may not work in your new place.

Add your measurements to your floor mapping to ensure everything fits nicely. If an item doesn’t work, this provides you time to explore other layout configurations or plan to sell, give away, or donate the furniture you won’t be able to bring. In this case, you’ll also have time to look and order new furniture that will fit.

Pro tip: Remember to measure doorways, hallways, stairways, and room entryways to ensure movers can navigate and bring oversized items inside.

Think About the Traffic Flow in Each Room

When planning your rooms, consider the traffic flow in each room. You don’t want to put a recliner chair in the pathway to your dining area or place a big-screen TV in front of a window. Try to create a floor plan that allows your household members to move through each room effortlessly.

Ready to Schedule Your Upcoming Move?

Creating a floor plan sounds complicated, but it’s not as hard as you think. Armed with one, you’ll have a more straightforward moving experience.

If you’ve found a new home and are ready to pick a date, contact our professional movers. We’re happy to answer questions and offer free quotes. Contact us today!

A company’s investment in the building or space where its activities will occur is substantial. This is still the case even if you run a business providing professional services and require an office. 

You have two choices: buy a commercial property or lease an office space. Renting versus buying can be a significant decision that affects numerous aspects of your business going forward. Take a look at a few things to consider as you determine whether buying or leasing an office space is the best plan for your operation.

How is your business anticipated to grow in the future?

The anticipated growth is essential when deciding whether to buy or lease office space. 

Leasing a small space may be fine if you operate a small business. However, leasing may be even more feasible if you expect to add more employees and need more room eventually. It is often more financially logical to lease in the beginning and consider buying once growth has stabilized and you are more confident about what kind of space you will need.

How likely is it that a specific location will be an ideal permanent setting?

One of the biggest reasons businesses relocate is to access customers. Therefore, consider your current customer base and how or if that could change shortly. Relocating your business after you have purchased the office you are using can be more time-consuming and challenging than simply allowing a lease to expire and finding a new place in a new location. If you are sure the area will be an excellent permanent base for your operation, buying may be a more feasible option.

Does your business have the funds to handle property maintenance?

One major perk of leasing office space for businesses with limited cash flow is that property maintenance is often not the tenant’s responsibility. For example, if you lease an office building, the property owner will likely be financially responsible for repairs. However, if you buy that building, those costs will be your responsibility. If your business has a steady cash flow and room in the budget to maintain the property, purchasing an office space could be a viable option.

Can you obtain financing for the investment?

Obtaining financing to purchase real estate that will be used for business purposes comes with its own challenges. Lenders often want to see the following:

• Stable business finances
• Healthy personal finances
• Sustainable business plans
• Property that can hold its value as collateral for the loan

Many small businesses start out leasing a property because obtaining commercial financing can be challenging. Therefore, if you are just getting started, leasing a property until the company is more financially stable may be the only option unless you have private funds.

Get Expert Help with Your Business Relocation Plans

Moving a company requires extensive preparation and the coordination of many moving parts. Therefore, enlisting the aid of an experienced business relocation company can be a critical step in providing support. 

Are you looking to discuss your upcoming relocation plans? Then, contact our team to get started.

Choosing a neighborhood when making a household move is a big decision. Especially if you have children, the community where you live will affect everything from the school they attend to the children they may choose to be friends with.

Finding a neighborhood with the right services and convenient features can help your family find happiness in their new home. Here are some tips for finding the ideal home if you’re looking for a new residence.

Sidewalks and Walkability

Kids need a safe way to walk throughout their neighborhood. Sidewalks give children independence from their parents, making it safe (once they reach a certain age) for them to walk to school, their friends’ houses, and other parts of the neighborhood.

To find a neighborhood where your kids can walk safely, pay attention to the presence of sidewalks when you’re looking at houses. The best sidewalks are wide and easy to traverse, free from damage by tree roots.

You can also check a neighborhood’s walkability by looking up its walk score. A community’s walk score will tell you whether the area you’re considering has good access to public transportation and how far that community is from essential services.

School District

What are the schools like in the community you’re considering? Find out which schools are highly ranked in the town or city you’re considering moving to. Knowing the quality of the schools will help you determine whether the neighborhood you’re viewing will be a good fit for your kids.

Remember that many online websites are dedicated to helping parents find the best schools in the city where they live. Looking up the reviews from parents and people who work at each school can help you make a decision that you and your kids will be happy with for years to come.

Access to Services and Amenities

When you have kids, many services and amenities can come in handy. For example, it might be vital for you to be close to the doctor, dentist, hair stylist, community sports and recreation organizations, and more.

This is especially important if your children are involved in sports and other activities that can take up much of your time. You will only want to spend a little bit of time on the road for essential services if you’re already running your kids around after school to various events. Finding a centrally located home might be ideal for you.

Presence of Other Children

Often, children like to be around other kids. They need friends for their personal happiness and social development. 

To help your child find friends in their new neighborhood, choose a location where many other children live. While it’s not always easy to tell if an area has many children, look for clues like toys in the driveway or scattered around the yard, a basketball hoop in the driveway, kid-sized bikes in the front yard, local playgrounds, park district offerings, and so on.

Prepare For Your Upcoming Relocation

Make your upcoming relocation a positive event for everyone in the family. Hire professional movers to pack your items and safely get them to your new home. Contact us today to get started.

When preparing for a residential move, one essential component is figuring out how to pack all your belongings. If you have high-value items or antiques, you should take extra care with them to ensure they arrive in one piece.

However, while determining the logistics of your move is vital, you may be missing another step — appraisal. If you haven’t considered appraising your valuables before moving them or putting them into a storage unit, now’s the time to set it up. Let’s discuss the appraisal process and why you might consider it.

How to Appraise Items Professionally

Fortunately, you can find professional appraisers online with a quick search and filter by ratings and their proximity to your location. When looking at appraisers, make sure they specialize in the types of belongings they’ll look at. For example, if you’re appraising high-end electronics, you might not want to work exclusively with an antique specialist.

Be sure to contact the appraiser beforehand to discuss the items they’ll be looking at and their condition. The more information you can provide ahead of time, the faster and smoother the appraisal process will be, so you can get back to planning your move.

It’s also a good idea to separate and clean these items before the appraiser arrives. If you’re worried about using harsh chemicals on some belongings, you can wait and ask the appraiser for their recommendation. Most items just require good dusting.

Which Items Should You Appraise Before Moving?

Technically, you could appraise all of your belongings before transporting them, but as a rule, these items are appraised the most often:

• Gold and Jewelry
• Antiques
• Fine Art
• High-End Electronics
• Vintage Collectibles
• Firearms

If you need help deciding what to appraise, consider how much you paid for the item and how much it would cost to replace it if it gets lost, stolen, or damaged during transit. Generally, anything $500 or more is worth an appraisal, but ultimately, it’s up to you what you consider valuable and what you want to attach a dollar value to.

Why Appraise Your Valuables?

There are a couple of reasons to appraise your valuables before moving or shipping them to storage, such as:

• Insurance Claims – You may have property insurance on individual items or hope for your homeowner’s coverage to take care of them. Either way, you need to know how much the item is worth before making a claim.
• Paperwork Protection – If something does happen to your valuables during a move, it may be impossible to determine their worth after the fact. For example, if an item gets stolen, you need proof of ownership and its value when filing a police report. So, appraising your belongings beforehand gives you ample evidence and establishes a paper trail.

Get Moving Help for Your Most Precious Belongings

Work with trusted professional movers if you need assistance with your upcoming move. Contact us to see what moving options we provide.

Consider the impact moving has on your pets if you think it’s stressful for people. Dogs and cats have a unique sense that allows them to anticipate life-changing events. As soon as boxes and packing supplies appear, pets become anxious. 

Here are some suggestions to help your beloved furry friends cope with moving stress.

Select a Home You Both Will Love

Consider how much space your pets require when you are looking for a house or apartment. Before signing a contract, you should consider

• How much space do they need? 
• Would a yard be preferable for your dog? 
• Is the area suitable and secure for your pets?
• Are there places nearby to walk with your dog? 

Packing Tips With Pets

Anxiety in pets is common during the packing process. Therefore, you should start packing a few weeks before your moving day. Give yourself plenty of time to pack slowly. 

Put the boxes in a separate room where the pets can’t reach them. First, maintain as much of a regular schedule as possible to keep them busy. Then, gradually introduce the rest of the packing supplies and have them become accustomed to them.

Prepare for the Trip

You should always keep your pets in crates or carriers during the relocation trip. Even during a short move, crates are essential to prevent them from escaping or becoming a distraction for the driver. Therefore, introduce a crate gradually if your pet needs to be crate-trained or isn’t used to one.

Get them used to being in the crate. Put some treats or food inside the crate to entice your pet inside. After each successful crate session, treat them. 

Once the pet is comfortable in the crate, you can gradually introduce them to short car trips. This will ease the transition into car travel with your pet in the crate carrier. Moving day will go much more smoothly if you put in the time and effort to practice.

Plan for a Pet Sitter

When a lot of disruptive activity is going on, pets become anxious. Have a trusted friend or pet sitter care for them on your moving day to ease their anxiety. This will prevent them from getting in the movers’ way and keep them safe. Plan for them to stay with a friend at their house, or set up a “safe room” in your own home, free of packing materials and other potential dangers.

Prepare Your New House for Your Pets

Strive to make your new house 100% pet-proof by taking precautions in every room. Also, examine the entire perimeter of your yard’s fence for any openings they could use to get away.

If your pets are coming along for the move, keeping them in a separate room while you unpack so they can feel comfortable in their new surroundings without being in the way is best.

When unpacking, it’s essential to eliminate anything harmful, like chemicals, trash, or human food.

Tips for Calming Pets

Pets will be unfamiliar with the new space, but letting them explore too soon can make them uneasy. Instead, place the food and water in a quiet area away from the unpacking areas, and show them where to find them. Pets’ “home bases” should be stocked with all the essentials, including litter for cats, pee pads for dogs, and a selection of their favorite toys.

Make sure your dog is always on a leash. Your dog may experience anxiety in a new setting and attempt to run away. In addition, it will take your dog some time to learn the boundaries of your new home.

Once your pet has settled in and adjusted to your home, you can start introducing them to larger areas. Of course, they’ll feed off your worries, so being patient is critical. Keeping your cool will help ease the stress on your pet.

Plan a Successful Relocation With Your Pets

Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, we’re your solution! Contact us today for a quote and more information.

Sometimes things just resonate with you. Whether it’s that cozy bungalow that reminds you of your childhood home or a destination that provides a lifestyle you crave, there are all sorts of reasons people find a home. 

Admittedly, though, moving is a major life decision, one that’s often filled with complex — even conflicting — emotions. Depending on the circumstances, its prospect can feel joyous, exciting, paralyzing or sad. All these reactions are fair. It’s also perfectly normal if you’re feeling a mix of all of them at once.  

Perhaps it’s hard to leave a place where many of life’s momentous occasions occurred. Maybe your neighborhood or school district changed, leaving you disconnected from a location that once felt like home. Then again, you may simply feel you’re “done” and need a fresh start. 

The Mayflower 2022 Finding Home Study identified a noticeableshift in priorities when it came to why people did — or didn’t — move. Of the 1,100 surveyed U.S. respondents — 550 of which moved to a new state in the last two years and another 550 of which plan to move soon — there were revelations aplenty. 

Whatever your reasons for considering a move, it’s a time to be kind to yourself and give yourself grace as you work through decisions shaping the next phase in your life. Here are some things to ask yourself, and consider, while you do. 

What Stirs Your Soul? 

Ask anyone who’s moved and searched for a home: When you find it, you just know. Risks, change and scariness of the unknown aside, you straight-up know when it feels right. Sometimes that happens on vacation, when you’re in a beautiful place you never want to leave — and don’t. Other times, it’s being immersed in a community that feels supportive, architecturally inspiring, family-oriented or professionally or politically likeminded. (Interestingly, 13% of those surveyed actually prioritized political views.)  

Many of the best things in life happen when you go out of your comfort zone to embrace change, provided it makes sense in the context of your life. That idealized vision of a white-picket-fenced home is still a baseline and life goal for many people. Understandably though, between the pandemic, whacked-out job market, housing market and recession concerns, a lot of people did find themselves reevaluating what matters most. Still, 18% of survey respondents admitted to having compromised on a less-than-ideal location (be it city, state or property size). 

What’s Important from a Resale Perspective? 

From a resale perspective, your home’s location is one of — if not the — most important factors in determining the long-term appreciation of a home. Are you expecting to stay in a location long-term? To sell your home in a few years? Either way, your home’s location should be a strong consideration.  

Of course, climate cannot be overlooked. What may have seemed like a dream location years back may be a reason to take a pause from a property ownership perspective today. Whether you dreamed of living by the coast, settling into the mountains or seeking solace in the American heartland, things like the flora, fauna, proximity to water and potential for natural disasters are important to weigh — especially since lenders typically won’t commit to a mortgage they deem is a risk.  

How About Taxes? And Rent? 

One unpleasant reality for those purchasing a home is the fact that property taxes are always on the rise. Renting instead? Well, that increases at a regular clip, too. If you’re considering staying where you move for a period of time, it’s wise to consider not just a location’s cost of living, but also the potential for the cost of living to increase. 

Come to terms with whether you’re willing to pay more to live in the place (hello, ever-present sunshine!) or if what matters most is truly the space, in which case you’re not alone. In fact, 36% of those who plan on moving or recently moved leaned into finding their “forever home”. 

What’s the Educational System Like? 

As homeowners know, a significant portion of property taxes goes to the local school district. That’s a fact that not only impacts home prices in the neighborhood — it also can significantly impact a home’s resale value. 

Regardless of whether you’re buying or renting, those with school-age children would be wise to consider the quality of schools. After all, a good education opens doors for the future, while setting kids up for success.  Not surprisingly, 25% or those surveyed considered schools a key component in their moving decision. 

Are You Close to Family and Friends? 

Your proximity to loved ones is always a consideration. Depending on your reason for moving, you may want to be closer to family (32% of our survey respondents do). Then again, proximity to outdoor recreation may matter more (as is the case with 21%). If it’s the amenities that have you beginning anew, is that something you’re comfortable with for the long haul? Many seem to think so — 13% say the ability to work remotely has opened up doors. 

Then again, it doesn’t have to be one or the other — outdoor recreation and closeness to family can exist in tandem. As a past mover noted, “I want to see new places and be able to be close to my family.” 

Take time to weigh the pros and cons of your destination and its potential to bring you long-term happiness or the happiness you need right now. In either case, it may be one of the best decisions you’ve made. 

Full-service movers can make relocating a breeze! From box packing to moving furniture, full-service movers have the experience and know-how to handle almost everything. 

Here are eight reasons to work with a full-service moving company.

1. Less Stress and Worry

Moving is stressful because it’s so much work, and there’s often a limited time to finish it. When you hire a full-service moving company, your movers can handle a significant portion of your relocation, and they’ll know how to do it right. In addition, the right relocation experts are trained to complete the work efficiently and safely. This means there’s much less to worry about when hiring full-service movers.

2. More Time to Focus on Your Relocation

Packing can take many hours if you’re doing it yourself. If you’re packing without the assistance of movers, give yourself a lot of time. That’s less time to focus on other aspects of your relocation, like finding a job, a new house, setting up utilities, settling in your new community, and more. When you have full-service movers working for you, you’ll have far more time to dedicate to the other aspects of moving.

3. Everything Is Packed Properly

Full-service movers use all the suitable packing materials, from bubble wrap to furniture pads and moving blankets, to complete the job. With everything packed correctly, you know our possessions will be safe and arrive at their destination in good condition.

4. Cost Efficient

Full-service moving may be more cost-efficient than you imagine. Full-service moving companies keep their prices affordable by getting the work done quickly, much faster than it would take untrained professionals to get the job done. Given how much time it will save, full-service moving is surprisingly cost-effective!

5. Safety

Moving can be dangerous for someone untrained. It’s easy to lift a box incorrectly and hurt your back, and it’s easy to fall while carrying piles of heavy boxes. Falls, overheating, pulled muscles – all these problems can happen during relocation.

6. Move Coordination

 A personal move coordinator is invaluable and can help guide you through every step of your move and answer any questions. With so many other things going on during your move, having one point of contact from start to finish lets you rest easier.

7. Add-On Services 

Full-service movers are often able to tailor a moving plan to your needs. Make sure your full-service movers can provide you with these services

• Storage
• Packing services
• Unpacking
• Custom crating
• Debris removal

8. Customizable Solutions

Professional moving companies offer customized services to enhance your move experience. Every move is unique, so finding movers that meet your timeline and needs is essential. Whether you need partial or full packing or help packaging fragile or specialty items, your full-service mover can help with custom crating, car shipping, and more.

Hire a Full-Service Moving Company Today

Moving is better when you hire a full-service moving company. Find out why working with a full-service moving company can transform your relocation experience. Contact us to schedule a quote on your upcoming relocation. 

If you’re a weekend boating or sailing enthusiast, your vessel is something you’ll likely want to take along with you. But moving your boat securely over a long distance will take some prep and planning to make sure it’s shipshape upon arrival.  

Small, easily portable craft such as a kayak or canoe can usually ride along in the moving van. For this blog, we’ll focus on moving trailer-able vessels that fall within a particular set of parameters. Use this checklist as a guideline for a self-move scenario. 

The Boat You’re Planning to Move  

• Is approximately 22 feet or less 
• Has a beam width of 8’ 6″ or less 
• Is less than 12 ½ feet tall when on the trailer 
• Has a trailer and hitch rated to safely tow the boat based on weight and dimensions 
• Has a centerboard, dagger board or an outboard motor versus a keel or inboard engine 
• Has an easily steppable (removable) mast if it’s a sailboat 
• Has been regularly towed by you or the designated driver before 
• Has an up-to-date license and plates on the trailer 

If you’re planning to move a larger boat, reach out to an experienced mover like Mayflower for assistance. 

1. Plan Your Route  

It’s no surprise that the longer and wider your boat is, the trickier it will be to haul. Add in some winding stretches or mountains, and it soon becomes clear that you can’t always just take the route with the shortest distance. Things you’ll want to consider include the terrain on which you will be hauling, the tow vehicle weight, the trailer weight and the stops (rest and otherwise) you plan on making during your journey.  

Keep in mind that towing any heavy load affects a vehicle’s acceleration, braking distance and maneuverability. No matter what route you decide upon, braking, reversing, parking and navigating underneath overpasses and power lines are skills you and any other designated drivers will need to master. The more you practice these maneuvers beforehand, the better. 

2. Determine the GCVW 

Knowing the gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCVR), in other words, the total weight of the boat, trailer and the vehicle hauling them, is key to ensuring a safe journey. 

Your vehicle’s approximate weight can usually be found in the owner’s manual. The best way to determine trailer weight is to take the boat and trailer to a scale at a truck stop. Be sure to weigh your trailer when it’s off the vehicle hitch, it has all the gear you want to keep aboard, and if applicable, when the boat’s fuel tank is full.  

Also, be sure to check the info on the trailer’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) sticker to make sure that the axles and tires on your trailer are capable of carrying the load.  

3. Prep Your Vehicle 

This is the perfect time to give your vehicle a thorough once-over —or, even better, a tune-up. Make sure the tires are in good shape and that your brakes, headlights, wipers and turn signals are in working order.

Double-check that your vehicle can tow your boat over a long distance. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will have a chart showing the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow, but don’t forget to consider the weight of spare tires, tools, outboard engines and other things you want to bring. As a rule, you don’t want to exceed 80% of the vehicle’s maximum towing weight.  

4. Batten Down the Hatches 

Carefully securing your boat to the trailer is a must, especially for any long-distance haul. Some weekend warriors make do with their own ad hoc combination of shock cords, straps and cushions even if it’s not best; however, securing a boat for a longer journey requires a certain degree of planning and attention to ensure that the boat rides without swaying, jostling or — in the worst-case scenario— falling off.  

There are three points where a boat should be tied down: The stern on both sides of the boat and at the point of the bow. Use ratchet straps — not rope — to snugly attach your boat to the trailer. Cut up pieces of old foam or, alternately, use rubber mats to pad between the boat and strap to protect the vessel’s finish. 

And one last thing: If your cockpit is uncovered, be sure the drain plug at the bottom of the boat is open and free of any debris. 

5. Check the Trailer’s Electrical System 

If your boat has been stored for a long time in your yard or at a boat storage area, chances are the electrical system will need some attention before you embark. Start out by determining whether the plug-in connection between your vehicle and the trailer is in good condition. If necessary, repair or replace it. Next, have someone stationed at the back of your trailer to check that the brake lights and turn signals function properly and walk around the entire trailer to see if any reflectors or reflecting tape need replacing.  

One thing that’s often overlooked is the small light on your trailer’s license plate: — it needs to work, both for safety reasons and to avoid getting a ticket. 

6. Don’t Forget the Brakes and Tires 

For a smaller boat, your vehicle’s brakes should be adequate. However, if the total weight of your boat and trailer exceeds 3000 pounds, your trailer will need its own brake system. Any trailer so equipped will also have breakaway brakes that will automatically activate and bring it to a stop if the trailer becomes disconnected from your vehicle.  

Remember to check the condition of your trailer tires —especially if the trailer’s been sitting in one place for an extended period of time. In addition to making sure the tires are in good shape and at the recommended pressure, check that your spare tire/wheel is ready, and that all wheels turn freely without any friction. 

7. Follow the Rules of the Road 

Some states have a lower speed limit for vehicles towing a trailer, often varying by its height or weight. For example, in Alaska, the maximum towing speed is 45 miles per hour, while Arizona sets a 66 mile-per-hour limit. 

When trailering a boat across multiple states, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the different compliance regulations in each state. If you are moving to a new state, you may end up needing to buy a new trailer so you’re compliant with local laws.  

Can passengers ride in a boat that’s being towed? In short, no. It’s illegal to ride in anything that is being trailered, boats included. 

8. Keep Your Craft Secure 

If you’re spending more than one night on the road, make sure your accommodations allow boat and trailer parking, and that it’s secure and preferably not adjacent to traffic.  

If you don’t already have one, consider buying a lockable trailer hitch, which prevents someone from making off with your boat during the night. Another item well worth owning is a trailer-tracking GPS, which can be magnetically attached to an out-of-the-way place on your boat’s hull. 

In addition to a canvas or plastic cover, you may want to consider shrink-wrapping your boat. Not only will this keep everything out of sight, but it also offers protection from the elements. Professional shrink wrappers use the boat’s size to figure out the final amount, though you can plan on spending $15-$25 per square foot. 

Whether you’re downsizing, looking for a fresh start or relocating for a job, moving to a new city can be exciting and scary at once.

People move for all sorts of reasons, but there is a common thread: moving to a new city is filled with possibilities. From discovering local gems to setting up and settling into your new home, it’s an opportunity to carve out — or, as the case may be, reinvent — your identity.  

Admittedly, that takes time. So does feeling “at home.” Since you may find yourself pining for what’s familiar — feeling a bit homesick, even — it helps to establish a group of friends. Unsure of where to start? Here are a few ways to begin building not just connections, but also the support network to you need to feel at ease (not to mention at home). 

Find a cultural center or place of worship 

One of the best ways to meet new people is by joining groups and communities in which people share the same beliefs and principles. Consider what’s most important to you in life and seek out spots that help forge connections with likeminded locals. Whether that’s a church, cultural club or community center, becoming a part of something larger can help you discover and explore new — or comfortingly familiar — things. 

Meet friends of friends 

It helps to have someone to show you the ropes so don’t be afraid to ask your hometown friends to introduce you to friends, family and acquaintances they know. In addition to helping you feel less alone, they can point you to places of interest, make other introductions and help familiarize you with your surroundings. 

Become a regular  

Whether that’s a coffee shop, bar or fitness class, establishing a habit or routine that puts you in front of the same people makes it easier to build natural connections with them over time. 

Join local interest groups 

Do you like to run? Read books? Cook? Whatever you’re into, there’s a group for that. When you have common interests, conversation flows more easily and it opens doors to talk about other things. Consider joining MeetUp.com, an online forum that lets you enter your city and interests to find “meetups” near you. Who knows — you may even find someone willing to take you under their wing.  

Do things that cultivate conversation 

Think about interactive activities you enjoy and sign yourself up. Whether it’s an improv class, trivia night, professional networking group or fan club, participating in engaging experiences is a natural way to make introductions and spark conversation. 

Head to the dog park 

Your furry friends need a place to unwind and so do you. So, why not head to your neighborhood dog park? Often frequented by the same people time and time again, paying regular visits can help ensure you see the same people while making it easier to chat with friends-to-be. Never mind the fact that they follow a similar routine, they’re also likely live nearby. Bonus: your pup may even make a BFF of its own. 

Join a sports league 

Rather than see activities as one-off experiences, find outlets that allow you to interact with same group of individuals over time. Sports leagues and teams are a great choice since they foster comradery and have you working toward a common goal. 

Volunteer for a cause 

Helping others not only makes a difference, it also feels good. Plus, it puts you in contact with people who are passionate about the same causes you are. When you have something to rally around, you can advocate with others, while fostering friendships at the same time. 

Join school organizations 

Those with families may find it helpful to join the PTA — or a booster club — at your child’s new school. In addition to meeting potential friends at a similar stage in life, it’s also a way to ingrain yourself in a community you’re now a part of. 

As you explore and settle in to your new neighborhood, we’re here to help. Be sure to check out our blog for tips to help your new city feel familiar — and help you feel at home.