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In a perfect world, any time you relocate, you would have months to prepare. Sometimes quick property sales, a new job, or other life circumstances can have you moving in an all-out rush. If you have just a few days to get your belongings packed up and on their way, you may need a few time-saving moving hacks to help you set a quick pace.

1. Skip serious sorting and pack things where they are.

The standard moving process involves carefully sorting everything according to the room and where it will eventually be. However, if you’re short on time and need to get moved quickly, skip the major sorting and pack your belongings where they are in the house. 

This kind of packing might take you a little longer on the other end to unpack, but by then, you will be in your new place with more time to spare. For example, if you start out in your bedroom and find a lot of odds and ends that belong in the bathroom or living room, skip bolting from room to room to relocate these items and simply pack them where they are.

2. Create a designated spot for discards or leave-behinds.

If you’re moving in a hurry, you may have to leave a few things behind or discard some items, especially if you’re downsizing or moving in with family or friends. Pick a designated spot in your home that is out of the way and use this area to stash the items you plan to discard or leave behind.

3. Pack your clothing as it is.

Clothing is not necessarily hard to pack. But it does take up a lot of time if it must go from its current location into a box. Instead of handling every piece of clothing you own, pack your clothing as it is. For example:

• Leave your clothing in your dresser drawers and tape the drawers closed
• Leave hanging clothes on hangers and place them in a portable wardrobe box, large box, or large garbage bag
• Leave stored clothing in its storage container and move as is

4. Get all hands on deck.

Moving in a hurry means you will need all the help you can get. Every family member should have a list of jobs to tackle. If you have kids, put them in charge of packing their own rooms. You can always pop in from time to time to make sure they are doing things properly. If you have a few relatives who can help, it would be a good time to call in a favor or offer dinner at the new place in exchange for a little help. Even a few extra hands for a few hours can make a big difference.

5. Schedule pro movers ASAP.

As soon as you find out you have to move, reach out to professional movers to schedule a moving truck and some professional help. Keep in mind that some moving companies stay pretty busy with their services in high demand. The sooner you can secure a spot for service, the better.

Take the Sting Out of Rushed Move with Professional Help

Having a professional moving company on-site for a hurried move means you can carry larger loads at one time. And possibly get help with packing, packing supplies, and even securing storage if needed. Reach out to a professional household moving company in your area to get the help you need during a last-minute relocation from one home to the next.

As COVID-19 continues to inflict the United States, we are gaining a better understanding of the disease’s effect on people’s behavior and mindset.One interesting way the coronavirus is affecting people is its impact on their decision to move. Not only does the disease contribute to people’s desire to move, but many households have expedited the moving process because of it. 

Below, we’ll take a look at how exactly COVID-19 has impacted movers’ mindsets and behavior.

COVID and the Decision to Move

Although the first COVID cases in the U.S. appeared in January 2020, the virus’s widespread impact wasn’t felt until March when lockdowns were first initiated. By mid-summer, nearly 15% of people moving cited COVID as a contributing factor in their decision to move. The four most common reasons that 15% of movers cited were:

1. Personal health and well being (60%)
2. Desire to be closer to family (59%)
3. Change in employment status (57%)
4. Family health and well being (53%)
5. Live in an expanded living space (45%)

Roughly two-thirds of the movers above reported that their moving process was expedited because of the virus.

Overall, however, the U.S. experienced a shift in peak moving season. While typically, most moves occur in May through late August (between Memorial Day and Labor Day), that timeframe was pushed back by a month or two. Interstate move requests jumped by 27% and 32% in August and September, respectively.

Where Are They Going?

As expected, the top outbound states for which COVID was a factor include the states hit hardest by the virus or most impacted by lockdowns, including Washington, D.C., New York, Massachusetts, Florida, and California. 

Also, unsurprisingly, the top inbound states for which COVID was a factor in the decision to move include states with lower population densities such as Vermont, North Dakota, Montana, Oregon, Ohio, and Utah.

The data from New York show a pretty dramatic shift in moving trends over previous years. In May and August, moving requests increased by more than 50% over 2019.

But that pales in comparison to a city like San Francisco, whose requests skyrocketed 59% for August year over year and 129% in September!

COVID-19 is changing our behavior in many ways. While some are content to simply adhere to recommended precautions like mask-wearing and hand washing, others either feel the need to take more drastic steps to protect their family or escape the partial lockdowns and mandated safety measures. 

For the time being, the virus isn’t going anywhere. However, you can feel safe when conducting a move with a reputable moving company that follows the recommended guidelines and safety precautions like Schroeder Moving Systems.

When you move to a new home, all the old stuff in your attic suddenly becomes suspicious. Where did that dress come from? What is in that box, anyway?

Having a few items ready to load may seem like a huge plus. But if you aren’t sure what they contain, it is time to find out.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid bringing along any visiting pests as you pack for your relocation.

Clean and Declutter While Packing

Even if you maintain a clean home, you could still have a problem with insects or rodents. They prefer to stay in places you don’t visit often, like the bottom of the closet or the basement.

You can start your packing journey in these places, as a way to uncover them. As a bonus, you might find a bunch of stuff you forgot you had. Decluttering your belongings now saves you time and space later.

Look for Signs of Pests

Of course, your home might be pest-free. But if you live in an older house, you’re more likely to have a hidden problem.

This means you need to look for clues. The good news is, they’re not hard to find. Start with the most common signs of an infestation, like droppings or peeling paint on the walls.

If all seems clear, keep going ahead with decluttering and packing. Sometimes you find more indicators as you clean and load up.

Treat for Pests Early

If you do notice a pest problem, you should act quickly. No one enjoys hiring an exterminator a month before moving. But it’s better to do it now than have to deal with it after you move.

Dealing with an infestation may take a few days. It depends on the kind of pest and the extent of the problem. Most of the time, you can just clear out for the day and come back later.

Treating early allows you to see if it works. If it doesn’t, you can try another course in a few weeks. For significant infestations like termites, you’ll probably need more than one treatment.

Consider Repacking Old Boxes

Even if everything appears good, you should still take a peek inside those old boxes in the attic or basement. Rodents and insects love quiet, dark places. They are much more likely to hide in a box you never open.

Repacking old boxes makes it easy to confirm that everything inside is good to go. Set the items on a towel or old newspaper that you can wash or throw out later. If you don’t find any problems, you can pack it in a fresh, new box.

Stage Packed Items Before Moving Day

If you have to pack while dealing with pests, you may need a staging system. Once you finish packing a box, you can seal it and take it to a different location.

Ask us about your options for temporary storage. That way, you don’t have to worry that your boxes will get infested again before you move.

Moving is stressful enough. Bringing along a bunch of unwanted pests is even worse. If you follow these tips, you can move to your new home without them.

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but moving while pregnant can be stressful. Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, you could be dealing with exhaustion, morning sickness, or other health conditions. If you’re later in your pregnancy, you also might be very limited in what you can physically do.

Moving to a new home comes with many details to manage, and, while you’re coping with changes in your body, you don’t need the extra stress. We’ve got some tips to help keep you and your baby safe while keeping the stress levels down.

Talk to Your Doctor

You and your baby’s health are at the top of your priority list. During pregnancy, you don’t want to do any heavy lifting or other moving tasks that might result in too much exertion. Once you know you’re moving, consult with your doctor. He or she will look at your pregnancy history, how far along you are, and then provide guidance on what is or isn’t safe for you to do during your move.

Listen to Your Body

Making a move during any stage of pregnancy is taxing on both your body and mind. If you’re feeling worn out, be sure to take breaks when you need them. In the months, weeks, and days leading up to your move, get enough rest, eat healthily, and stay hydrated. While there always feels like much to do when moving (and usually there is!), your health comes first – ultimately, things will get done.

Seek Out Help to Pack, Move, and Clean

Don’t be timid to ask or accept help. Seek out as much help as you can to assist with packing and moving as possible. You’ll find that there are plenty of avenues to get help.

• Recruit family, friends, and neighbors to help with heavy lifting. (Order pizzas and make a party of it!)
• Hire professional packers and movers who are experienced with moving and will get the work done quickly.
• Assign another household member, or ask a friend, to do the deep cleaning so you can avoid harmful chemicals – if you don’t have help, hire a cleaning company to do it for you.

Most people are very willing to lend a helping hand, especially when you’re expecting. Receiving help from others not only relieves some of the burdens with moving, but also allows you to focus on tasks such as arranging utilities, putting in change of address notices, and making lists of other important details you’ll need to manage.

Delay Setting Up the Nursery

While you’re probably anxious to plan your nursery and start gathering baby supplies, it’s best to wait until after your move. Baby items create extra packing, not to mention it’ll cost more in both time and money. Any supplies you need immediately, you can order online and have them delivered to your new place. Even if you move close to your due date and need supplies, you can delay planning your nursery. Chances are your baby will be sharing a room with you in the initial weeks or months, so you can take your time planning and setting up the nursery the way you imagine it to be.

Moving Soon

Learn more about our moving service options; contact us today. We can customize the services you need to help your move be as seamless as possible while you focus on moving your most precious cargo, your baby.

Of all the types of businesses, small businesses tend to relocate more than others. Whether it is transitioning to a better building, a better part of town, or something else, every relocation can be challenging for a smaller company. Too much downtime, and you can face significant interruptions in incoming profits and problems with loss of clientele or customers. 

Check out five must-know tips for getting your operation from point A to point B with as little interruption as possible.

1. Plan, Plan, and Plan Some More

When it comes to moving your business to a new location as seamlessly as possible, your prior planning can mean everything. You should have detailed plans covering:

• A timeline of how and when everything will take place
• A moving budget with a breakdown of each cost involved
• A detailed writeup of what employees will be responsible for what tasks
• What loose ends must be tied up by the time you get to the new place
• A plan of when and how you will notify customers and clients

2. Find a Moving Company for Help

Sourcing a moving company early is good because you can lock in specific dates on a calendar and know precisely what you will spend. Plus, having professional movers to help means the transition will happen much faster. Speed means less downtime for your small business, which is ideal.

3. Create an Inventory Spreadsheet

Everything in your building should be treated as inventory because every asset is valuable. The more detailed you are about everything within your business that has to be moved, the easier it will be to plan and pack as time goes on. Therefore, the less likely it will be that you run into issues due to forgotten items that have to be handled. Your inventory should include:

• All equipment pieces used in your operation, such as printers, laptops, or machinery
• Furniture, such as shelves, tables, and desks
• Filing cabinets, documents, files, data CDs, etcetera

4. Consider Replacing What Is Logical

Replacing some things during a move can be logical. For one, you won’t have to move what is being replaced; it can be sold or donated. Two, what you are replacing can be up, running, and ready at the new place, so when you get there, at least that much is ready for business. If you have some equipment that can be replaced because it is nearing the end of its life span, it is now an excellent time to do it.

5. Know Your Moving Timeline and How It Will Affect Business

Your moving timeline, hopefully, created early on in the planning phase, is your roadmap for everything during the move. You will need to look at:

• How much of the business can continue to function during the move
• If there will be specific times when no operation will be possible
• How long it will take you to open for business once everything is in place at the new building
• What employees will be at the current location packing vs. who will need to be at the new location

In some cases, if you plan to remain open with as little downtime as possible, a gradual move makes more sense. However, it is common to have to be down or entirely closed for a few days.

Work with a Pro Moving Company for a Seamless Transition

Moving a business will always bring about unique challenges and more stress than a typical residential move. However, when you have a good team of professional movers to help you through, things can be easier to handle. Reach out to get a free quote from professional movers today.

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!