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It’s never easy to downsize when making a household move. You accumulate possessions throughout your life that matter to you in many ways. You don’t really want to part with any of them. Unfortunately, the nature of life is change. There may come a time when you need to make a move into a smaller home, and that requires you to say goodbye to many of your possessions.

Look for Opportunities to Gift Possessions

Now is the time to share precious memories with loved ones by gifting possessions that will matter to them. It allows you to pass along these items without a sense of guilt or pain because you know they are going to someone who will appreciate them as much as you do. The more things you gift to friends and family, the fewer things you have to pack to move! It’s a win on all counts.

Keep What’s Most Important to You

While there are many things you’ll need to get rid of to accommodate a smaller living space, it doesn’t mean you can’t keep the things that matter most to you. Just remember to prioritize when deciding what to keep so that everything isn’t something you feel you must keep. You will ultimately need to get rid of things, so choose wisely when deciding which items are most precious to you.

Be Realistic About You’re Available Space

Take measurements of your new home before the move. This way, you’ll have specific dimensions in front of you to work with while you plan the new space. Downsizing isn’t easy to do, especially if you have a lifetime of possessions you’ve worked hard to accumulate – many of which have sentimental value. However, knowing the workable space will make it easier to choose which items are essential and which ones you can live without.

Allow Yourself Moments of Grace

Sorting through a lifetime of possessions is hard. The more things you must eliminate, the more difficult it can be to do so. There’s a lot of pressure to eliminate these things that matter so much to you. Allow yourself a moment to grieve for the things you must sacrifice and remind yourself why you’re making the move and how much richer your life will be once you’ve made the move. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling these losses so profoundly. Extend the same grace you would offer others in similar circumstances.

Be Strict About Weeding Out Possessions

Once you’ve had your moments of grace, though, you must embrace the more ruthless side of your nature. You must be your strictest taskmaster when it comes to relieving yourself of possessions that your new home simply cannot accommodate. It won’t be easy — there’s no denying that. But it can also be healthy and almost cathartic.

Make it Profitable

Before you head off to donate your possessions to your favorite charity, look for ways to perhaps turn a little profit from them. Consider working with an estate sales team to determine items that may carry value from estate sales. Then have a garage sale to get rid of what’s left. You might have things you can sell on eBay or Facebook Marketplace for added profit. Take the money and do a little something nice for yourself as a reward for all your hard work and sacrifice.

Moving to Your Next Chapter

Downsizing isn’t easy. But most people have few regrets down the road for giving up possessions and making the move to a smaller home. Just make sure, when the time for your moving day comes along that you have the right team to help you with the details and the heavy lifting.We can help with your move to a smaller home. Contact us for a free quote.

Moving is a significant life event. You’re essentially stuffing everything you own into boxes and containers and hoping it all makes it to the new place in sound condition. While the bigger items are bound to make you or the professional household movers sweat physically, often, the smaller belongings can cause the most stress. From packing these little items to protecting them from getting lost, here are a few useful tips for handling your smallest belongings during a move.

1. Use small fabric belongings as filler in bigger boxes.

Potholders, dish towels, washcloths, cloth table napkins, hand towels, even socks — the average household has a lot of these small fabric belongings. Try working these items in as filler in bigger boxes. For example, dish towels and potholders can be used to layer between plates to protect them in a box. Socks can be used to hold small breakables from the bedroom, such as perfume bottles or glass figurines. If you have a box that needs some filler to prevent items from shifting, fill the box with small cloth items as well.

2. Pack small breakables in small boxes inside large boxes.

When possible small breakable items, whether they are household decor, kitchen items, or something else, should be packed in their own smaller boxes. Wrap these things in packing paper or bubble wrap and secure the packing material with tape.

Place them in their own small box. Put that little box in a bigger box for an added layer of protection.

3. Keep smaller items contained where they should go as much as possible.

A lot of smaller items can be contained where they would typically be in the house. A few examples:

• Silverware can be contained in a flatware tray and wrapped with plastic wrap
• Spices and seasonings can be placed inside pots with lids
• Socks, ties, and accessories can be kept inside a dresser drawer
• Towels, shower curtains, and bathroom supplies can be housed in a bathroom laundry hamper
• Shoes can be tucked away in suitcases that will go in your closet

4. Attach removed hardware to furniture pieces for reassembly.

It’s typical to need to disassemble some furniture pieces before a move. You may have to take apart your bed frame, tables, and other large pieces that are hard to maneuver through doorways. It is all-too-easy to lose the hardware for disassembled furniture during a move, but there is an easy solution. Stick all the loose hardware in a small zipper baggie. Label the baggie, and then tape the bag to an underside area of the furniture piece if possible. Take care not to tape to a surface that might be damaged by the tape. 

You can also place all the labeled bags of hardware in a safe place for easy retrieval when you get to the new home.

5. Create an inventory list of smaller items and where they are packed.

If you are really concerned about losing small items during a move, try creating an inventory list of your small items and note where you pack them. Your list may look something like this:

• Pens and pencils: contained in small box in desk drawer
• Silverware: secured in flatware tray in box labeled kitchen utensils
• Small hand tools: packed in a box inside a large tote labeled garage

Moving Doesn’t Have to Be a Chore — With the Right Help

The average American will move as many as 11 times in their adult life, and all the small and large items have to be handled every time. Make sure you get relocated with as little stress as possible by working with a professional moving company. If you need help moving, contact us for a free moving quote today.

Moving can be a lengthy and sometimes tedious process that passes through many different phases. To transition from one to another, the easiest way to make sure all of the essential steps are taken is to make checklists. One long list can be overwhelming. Instead, create as many as you need to keep you on track and the top of your game.

Planning Your Move List

The Planning Your Move checklist should include setting a date for moving and choosing your residential moving company. You will also need to know when to transfer your utilities and how much packing you may accomplish while you are waiting. 

For this checklist, you will also have to do some research. Research potential moving companies and gather their moving quotes. Are you going to need help packing? Who do you need to contact that will help you? All of these questions are important and need to be answered before you start the actual moving process.

Packing Your Home List

Packing Your Home is a checklist (or set of lists) that will help you immensely once you get moved into your new home and look for items you use regularly. During the packing process, you should label each box and where the contents in the box came from. This includes bathroom, bedroom, living room, kitchen, etc. This helps in staging for the unpacking process, and it will allow you to find exactly what you need when you need it without having to dig through several boxes. While you can create a checklist for each box, that is often an unnecessary task and may confuse things, especially if more than one person is labeling the boxes.

Catch-All List

For some, the catch-all list includes many of the most critical tasks. This includes:

• Changing your address with the post office
• Turning utilities on and off
• Transferring memberships from one location to another
• Transferring medical records
• Switching your home insurance from your old home to the new one
• Update your driver’s license

Many of these tasks are performed throughout your move, so it is easy to forget them as you go forward.

Address Change List

One of the essential steps aside from changing your actual address with the post office is to make sure all of your personal and professional contacts have your new address. This includes all of your creditors, financial institutions, insurance companies, schools, and family members. While your mail may be forwarded for several months, it’s crucial to provide them with your correct mailing address as soon as possible.

Making the Move

Although making checklists may seem time-consuming, it will be a lifesaver once you have entered your move’s chaotic stages. Having these little road maps on hand will allow you to stay focused on the tasks at hand and continue to move forward at a steady pace. As soon as you know when you are moving, start creating your checklists, and keep yourself as organized as possible.

If you still need help, contact us for a quote. We provide outstanding moving services and can help you get to your destination.

Getting goods from one place to another is a much more difficult job than you might imagine. No matter what business you’re in, choosing a logistics provider to handle your supply chain is a big decision and not one that should be rushed without much thought. 

To help you in that process, we’ve compiled a list of things to consider when choosing a third party logistics (3PL) partner.

1. 3PL’s Speciality/Area of Expertise

Many logistics companies out there cater to certain fields or regions. There aren’t many ‘one-size-fits-all providers’ when it comes to logistics. 

Therefore, you’ll need to be sure that the company you choose has the capabilities your business requires. It’s not uncommon for companies to utilize multiple providers so all their bases are covered.

Familiarize yourself with different 3PL’s points of origin and final destinations. Consider: Are they able to accommodate time sensitive shipments? Will you need access to storage and warehousing? Do their capabilities, generally, match your needs?

2. Customer Service

Another big thing to look for in a logistics company is their customer service record. Generally speaking, customer service and reliability go hand in hand.

Ask potential providers for references from current clients; this typically gives you the most nuanced picture of what working with a particular company is like. 

Reviews of many 3PL companies are available online as well. Although the reviews may not be as in depth as a phone call or email exchange with a current client, it gives you a broader idea of what can be expected.

3. Scalability

One aspect that is often overlooked is scalability. Your needs this year will be different than your needs two, five, or ten years from now. 

Your 3PL will need to adapt to those changes as well. As your company grows and it’s demands evolve, your logistics provider will need to be able to evolve with you. Consider the clients they currently serve and how long they’ve been together.

Before approaching potential providers, make sure you have a sense of your business’ potential growth and future requirements.

4. Company Stability and Experience

As with any industry, experience is invaluable.

A 3PL with several years of experience, at the very least, is a necessity. With experienced companies, you can feel a little more secure knowing they have the needed stability and won’t shut down on you a few months in.

Moreover, an experienced and stable company is less likely to become a liability for your supply chain. This is a must since any hiccups become a liability for your business; your customers won’t know or care if your company is at fault or if the issue is with the logistics company.

5. Cost

While price will certainly play a big role in your decision, it should definitely not be the only factor you look at. 

Cutting corners on cost of service isn’t something you want to do. A bump in the supply chain can cost you a lot more in the long run, both in headaches and financially. 

As a partner with United Van Lines, Schroeder is able to provide reliable corporate services including logistics and supply chain management, last mile delivery, and more!

Whether you are relocating to a new home or a new office, you have to pick the best option for you making your move as stress-free as possible. Continue reading to learn more about which five questions to ask about a long-distance moving company before choosing a mover.

1. Are You a Certified, Licensed Moving Company?

Any reputable business will have no problem providing you with documentation proving that they are, in fact, a licensed moving company. 

You want to make sure that the moving company that you choose is verified by the United States Department of Transportation (USDoT) under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). 

2. Do You Offer All of the Services That I Need?

Can the moving company you’re looking into do it all, from packing supplies to shipping your belongings to unpacking the truck? A long-distance move is about more than the loading and delivery of your belongings.

Ask your potential moving companies about all of the services they offer and match up to the requirements you have set for your movers.

3. Should I Expect Any Additional Fees?

Moving is already a stressful feat. The last thing you want is to find out at the last minute that there are additional fees for something you thought was standard. You don’t want any kind of surprises on moving day. Ask the movers from the beginning if your move requires any special services that require additional fees.

4. Do You Have References?

Ask potential professional moving companies for references before hiring them. You will be trusting your expensive belongings and keepsakes to them during the move. An experienced, professional, trustworthy moving company will be happy to provide you with references. 

Also, take the time to explore and do your own research about the company. In addition to references, Don’t rely on references alone, also pursue online reviews. See if you can get input from friends, family, and others in your community who have used the same professional movers. 

5. When Can I Expect My Delivery?

If you are working on a set timeline or are a little impatient when it comes to waiting, you want to know when to expect the truck’s arrival. Maybe traffic or other issues may prevent you from making it to the new house or office on time, so you want to be prepared.

Most companies will have a time frame for estimated arrival or offer a tracking system to know exactly when the truck will be at the new home or office. 

Choosing a Mover, Making the Right Choice

Now you know what to look for when choosing a mover for your next relocation; you’ll be prepared to hire your new mover. Pick the right one for you!

Contact us today to get started.

While moving is exciting, it can also be stressful. Stress can be unusually high for kids who are leaving their home and friends behind. Here are some ways you can help your kids adjust to their new home.

Prepare Them

Talk with your kids before you prepare to move. Explain why you are moving. Assure your child that although many aspects of their lives will change, your love for them will remain the same. Welcome their questions, and be as open with them as possible.

Encourage Participation

Assign your child chores related to the move. Give them some responsibility. Also, encourage your child to pack their own belongings. This way they feel more comfortable that their things will be waiting for them at the new house. Let your child pack a box of their favorite items to carry in the car so that they can unpack as soon as you arrive.

Make Their Room Familiar

Children feel more comfortable when surrounded by familiar things. Set up their room as soon as possible and try to keep the same rugs, spreads, and other objects as in your previous house. If you feel you must change some item of decor, let the child help choose the new items.

Expect Regressive Behavior

Stressful situations can cause children to regress, especially with potty-training, baby talk, and separation anxiety. Stay calm if your child does regress. Allow them to adjust at their own pace. If regression continues for more than a few months, contact a doctor.

Allow Grief and Anxiety

Most kids require at least six months to become acclimated to their new surroundings. Even if your child is excited about the move, accept that they may have moments when they cry for old friends or seem cranky or out of sorts. These teary times and tantrums are normal.

Model Emotions

If you have a positive attitude about the move, chances are your child will too. Likewise, any negativity will also spread to your child. Letting your child see you experience sadness is okay; it provides the child an opportunity to learn how to manage emotions constructively.

Maintain Schedules

Children find security in schedules and rituals. Maintain similar mealtimes and family times as at your old home. Do the same bedtime rituals in the same order for toddlers. Consider putting baby to bed in the old crib or on old crib sheets.

Show Them How to Make Friends

Practice opening lines with kids, such as “Hi, my name is Joan. I moved here because my mom just got a new job.” Remind them how easily they made friends at the old house and encourage them to easily make friends at their new home.  

Explore the New Community

Take your child on a fun tour around the new neighborhood and surrounding community. Discover new places of interest for the whole family like exciting parks, playgrounds, and historical spots. Find fun places like a donut shop or ice cream shop where you can begin to create new family memories.

Getting There

If you are making plans for your move, we can help. Contact us for a free quote.

The big day is just around the corner. The house is sold, your boxes are packed, and it’s almost time to move into your new home! As you prepare for the household movers to arrive, there are a few last-minute things that you’ll want to do before they do.

Do A Walkthrough

Complete a final walkthrough of your home, and then do it again with a friend. Another set of eyes can help ensure that you didn’t miss anything. Don’t forget to check the cabinets above the fridge, the storage space in the garage, the shelves in the guest bathroom, etc. Scour the place to make sure that nothing is left behind.

Get Outside

In addition to doing a walkthrough of the inside of your home, do a walkthrough of the outside as well. Toys, hoses, and pet equipment are often left behind.

Clearly Label Your Essentials Kit

You should have an essentials box packed with everything you need to get you through until you have all of your boxes to unpack at your new home — you don’t want this box to get packed on the moving truck! Clearly label this box “Do Not Pack” or ‘Essentials Box.” Put the box in your car or on your porch. Allow no room for error when it comes to the things you’ll need to make it through the first few days or so as you get settled into your new home.

Pack Your Car

If you’re driving to your new home and its a long-distance, you’ll want to pack your car with comfort items to make the trip more pleasurable. Pack up games for the kids, pet supplies, and snacks and drinks for everyone to eat on the road trip. Make sure you place this box in a safe but accessible spot within the car.

Take Out The Trash

Don’t forget to take out the garbage for the last time. It’s crazy to think about, but many times, a full trash can gets packed right along with other belongings. Take your trash, and reach out to your homeowner’s association or trash company to find out what you need to do with your large, outdoor trash can. If you find that you need to bleach or otherwise clean the trash can, get that done before the movers arrive.

Clear a Space

Clear the driveway before movers arrive. Remove your car from the driveway so that your vehicle isn’t blocked in by the moving truck. Moving your car will also allow the moving company space to work.

Let your neighbors know about your moving schedule and ask for their cooperation ahead of time. Request that they do not park in front of your home on the day of the move. Tell them when the moving truck will arrive and how long it should be there.  

Then make sure you do the same at your new home. If you’re moving locally, go to your new house before the move, and as a courtesy, notify your new neighbors about the moving truck schedule.

Moving Made Easy

Follow these helpful tips for prepping for moving day and your move will be a breeze.

Do you need help packing? Or, maybe you need help moving. Contact us for a free quote today. We can make your move easy.

Potential buyers start forming an opinion of your home before they even walk through the front door. Are you getting serious about selling and moving to a new home? Make sure you stage your yard as well as the inside of your home. An appealing exterior helps draw potential buyers in with a positive mindset.

Check out these tips for wowing potential buyers with your landscaping.

Stay on Top of Lawn Upkeep

It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most important things that you can do to sway potential buyers to consider your home. When you take care of your lawn, it’s clear that you take care of other aspects of your home too. 

Keep your grass trimmed, and use a weed whacker to make clean, neat edges. If it’s hard for you to keep up with your lawn, consider hiring a mowing service to come by once a week to keep it under control.

Pine Trees Go a Long Way

Planting a few evergreen trees can give your home a private look and provide an open area of some desperately needed shade. Many people use pine trees to define their property line, and this can be a great way to show potential buyers exactly how much yard space they’ll get with your home.

Use Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting doesn’t just have to be used at night —  on cloudy days; it can add an inviting touch to your home. Outdoor lighting in a few strategic locations can brighten the feel of your outdoor space. It can help your potential buyers imagine entertaining outside or enjoying a night on the back deck. You don’t want outdoor lighting to be too harsh or bright. Sticking with golden yellow bulbs provides an inviting hue to help your potential buyers get a warm and cozy feel from your home.

Add Some Color

Flowers add a nice touch of hominess and charm. Select a color theme of flowers if possible and stick to it. A pop of color can be a great sign that you’ve invested in your home’s look. Too many uncoordinated colors of flowers can create a chaotic feel that might turn potential buyers off. Consider picking a color that already exists in your home or your yard. Play up that color with your landscaping choices.

Clean It Up

Above everything, keep your yard clean. If you have kids, be sure that all toys are picked up regularly. Place them into an organized area in the garage or shed. Don’t let pet waste accumulate — pick it up daily. 

If there are rocks or debris in your yard, do an afternoon walk around to clear things out. The cleanliness of your yard is one of the most crucial selling points for potential buyers. Just like the upkeep of your lawn, the cleanliness of your yard gives buyers an idea of how you care for your home. You’ve put years of work into making your home fantastic, and you want your yard to reflect that as well.

Moving

If you are on the move and need help, contact us for a free quote. We can help simplify your move.

No matter where or how far you’re moving, packing is an essential part of the residential moving process. And packing an essentials kit for when you arrive at your new home is invaluable.

An essentials kit will help keep you organized. It keeps all of your necessary items together so that when you reach your new home, the important stuff you need right away is at your fingertips. Your essentials kit is the box you load up last, keep with you, and unpack first. 

Consider this essentials kit your first-night survival box with things like a basic toolkit, electronics chargers, and cleaning materials that will help make the process smooth.

Each family’s essentials kit should be a little different and unique to them. Chances are you can’t start packing your box right away, so it is key to make a list before you start packing your house.

Here are some suggestions about how to pack your essentials kit.

Gather Cleaning Supplies

Chances are you did a deep cleaning of your new home before the move. But on move-in day, you likely will need to do some more light cleaning. These cleaning tools will also be handy throughout move-in day.

• Sponges
• Paper towels
• All-purpose cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Dish soap
• Hand soap for each sink
• Broom and dustpan
• Trash bags

Assemble a Small Tool Kit

You will probably need a few tools to get you through the first couple of days at your new home. These basic tools will come in handy for opening boxes, reassembling furniture, and repairing things as you go.

• Boxcutter
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Scissors
• Tape
• Flashlight

Select Snacks and Kitchen Essentials

Keep up your energy on moving day by staying nourished and hydrated. Pack a few nutritional snacks, non-perishable foods, and beverages to help you get through the day. You might want to plan ahead about how you will handle meals on moving day. Decide and plan if you will make something or opt for carryout.

• Bottled water
• Energy Drinks
• Protein bars
• Non-perishable foods
• Paper plates
• Cutlery
• Napkins
• Cups
• Pet’s food and bowls

Choose Personal Comfort Items

Since you don’t know exactly when you will have access to your personal belongings following your move, plan to include some crucial ones in your essentials kit.

• Medicines
• Toiletries
• Toilet paper
• Bathroom towels
• Contact lens supplies
• Bandaids
• Alcohol wipes
• Antibacterial cream
• Pajamas
• Change of clothes for a day or two
• Phone charger
• Toys for kids
• Dog leash

Include Bedding

As soon as the beds are assembled, use the bedding packed in your essentials kits to make the beds. You will want to have a comfortable spot to rest on moving night so that you’re ready for a full day of unpacking and organizing the next day.

• Bedding
• Pillows

Complete Your Essentials Kit

Label your essentials kit as soon as you have it packed, then make sure it’s the last item loaded onto the moving truck or your vehicle so that it’s the first box to come off. It might be more convenient to keep your moving day essential kit with you in your own car. Keeping it with you is particularly handy if you arrive at your new home before the movers. 

Additional Moving Help

Your personalized essentials kits will help you on moving day. Let us also help you navigate through the residential moving process. Contact us today for a quote.