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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.

Ah, the exhilarating feeling of moving to a new city. There are all kinds of new sites and sounds, new friends that you have yet to meet, and new tastes to explore.

No matter where you go, you will want to make sure you have a job secured to help take care of your finances. After all, the bills aren’t going away just because you moved. That said, it can be more than a challenge to find a place to work in a new territory.

With the right tools and knowledge, however, knowing how to find a job in a new city can be made a simple task. Here are some tips for landing yourself a new job in a new city. Keep reading to find out more!

Research the City

Above all, before you make plans to move, do your homework. 

Consider if a move to this particular city is a good fit for you. Does this new community align with your lifestyle, personality, and career goals?

Research the industries and companies hiring in the new city. Pinpoint industries and areas where you’d like to work.

Use Your LinkedIn

LinkedIn is perhaps one of the most effective tools for finding work, and you should use it to your advantage when making a move. Updating your account is one of the best things you can do to help find a new job.

The trick is to plan ahead. Before you relocate to a new city, make sure to change your current address on your LinkedIn to the one you are planning on moving to. This gives any potential employers ample time to notice you and give you a call before you even move to your location, increasing your chances of securing a job.

Join locally-focused LinkedIn groups such as job-seeking and networking groups. Also, participate in discussions and establish relationships with members in those groups.

Build a Network In Your New City

A considerable challenge you will have in leaving your current city is not being able to use the local network you’ve developed thoroughly. So, it’s essential to start building a new network in your new city. 

Reach out to friends, associates, or family members in the new area. Check to see if they know anyone in your field that they could introduce you to. Also, use your alumni networks on social media to make contacts and connections. 

Pursue Additional Resources

Check area-specific job sites and local publications for job listings. Contact a headhunter in the new city to help you identify and find jobs.

Take Your Job With You

Maybe you love your job but want to explore a new part of the country, and the best way is a relocation. So, why not see if you can take your position with you when you move? If you’re on good terms with your employer, they value your work and would hate to lose you; maybe they would be willing to let you work remotely from your new city. This is particularly a possibility if you’re able to travel back to the office for meetings.

Let’s Get You Moving

Now that you know how to find a job in a new city, you’ll be ready to work as soon as you move into your new home. But first, you’ll need to find a way to get to your new place so you can start transforming your life. Luckily for you, we can help you do just that.

Ready to get started with your moving experience? Give us a call or send us a message. Let us help with your relocation!

Getting ready to move? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Many people feel like the moving to-do list is endless. 

Whether you’re just starting to set your move-out date, or you’re already collecting boxes, following a task list is helpful. Resist the urge to keep a list going in your head. Writing down your to-dos can be a lifesaver. 

Let’s take a look at how you can break down essential moving tasks week by week, starting with a month before your move.

4 Weeks

1. Purchase your moving supplies. Include boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, tape, labels, markers, and box cutters. Check with your moving company to order specialty boxes like dish pack kits, wardrobe boxes, and special TV boxes.
2. Start packing the non-essential items. Get the things you use the least into boxes first. While you probably won’t miss old sporting equipment, you’ll want to hold off on packing up your bed and bath towels. A good rule of thumb: if you haven’t used it in the past two months, you can pack it.
3. Get on the phone with utility companies. Set up the cancellation date for your old services, and set up the start date for your new services. Don’t forget to save the phone numbers of new service providers in case there’s a problem at your new home.

3 Weeks

1. Take a look in your freezer and make a meal plan that lets you use up food that you don’t want to move to the new house. Two weeks should be long enough. Once you are a week out from your move, it’ll be time to resort to takeout as you dismantle your kitchen. Plan to donate nonperishable items that you don’t want to take with you to your local food pantry.
2. Set up mail forwarding to your new home – it’s easy to do this online.
3. Stop in at the mechanic for a once-over on your car. If you need an oil change, this is the time. If your mechanic typically books up early, you may need to do this even sooner.
4. Check to see if you have overdue library books, rental items, or things borrowed from neighbors, and return them. Also, pick up any dry cleaning and other items that are out for repair.

2 Weeks

1. Pack with a purpose. Label each box with the contents and the room to which it is to go to at the new house. Consider color-coding by room.
2. Pack your valuables and important documents in a special box. Include things like checkbooks, wills, and insurance documents. These items should stay with you and be transported by you and not be loaded onto the moving truck during the move.
3. Properly dispose of restricted items that can’t go onto the moving truck like cleaning supplies, propane tanks, paint, other flammable items. 
4. Secure a cleaning company for cleaning your new house before moving in.
5. Talk with babysitters, your employer, your children’s school, daycare centers, etc., about final dates for attendance.
6. Figure out the things you want to do one last time in your area with your family. Visit your favorite restaurant, have one more movie date with a friend, or check out that new coffee shop you’ve been eyeing for months.

1 Week

1. Time to pack your overnight bag! Pack like you’re going on a weeklong vacation, and assume that you won’t have access to any of your things for at least that amount of time.
2. Stop by the pharmacy to get prescription refills for you, your family, and your pets.
3. Confirm the moving company’s arrival date and time. Finalize any loose ends with the movers.
4. Unplug your electronic appliances, including computers and video equipment 24 hours before the move, so that they’ll be at room temperature on moving day. 

Move Day

1. Have everything packed before the movers arrive, and be ready when they get there. The movers will want to begin as soon as they show up.
2. Indicate to your movers all extra-fragile items that need special care. Have those boxes and items set aside, so they are separate from the other general moving boxes.
3. Leave your new home address for the new residents. This will allow them to forward any stray mail that comes in.
4. Pack your car with your overnight essentials bag. Also, pack your valuables and essential files box with you. 

Settling In

Moving can be stressful, but making a list makes it easier. When you finally get settled in your new home, don’t forget to kick your feet up and congratulate yourself on a job well done.

You’re moving – the list of things you need to do seems endless. Your days are filled with setting up utilities, making travel plans, boxing things up, and more. No matter how many things you check off, more seem to be added. For many people, this can result in a high-stress level and a sense of being overwhelmed. 

It’s important to remember that you’re not the only one who is feeling this way. Your pets are getting ready for a huge adjustment too. They’re depending on you to get them through the moving process. 

While helping your pets adjust to a new home can be a challenge, it’s far from impossible. Here are some tips.

Provide Plenty of Snuggles

You love your pet – don’t forget to let them know it during your move. Take time out of your busy schedule to give your pet some extra playtime, exercise, and cuddles. Spending some time together will reassure your pet that not everything is changing. You’ll also benefit from taking some time to relax with your pet.

Keep the Routine

Your pet knows what to expect on a daily basis right now, and that’s all about to change. Keep a sense of consistency for your pets whenever you can. This can mean keeping them on their regular eating schedule. It can also mean taking them to a dog park they know and love, if possible. Providing their favorite treats can help too. Keep their bedtime and wake up time on a schedule, and make sure they get their regular exercise.

Expect An Adjustment Period

Just like the human members of your family, it will take your furry friends some time to settle in. It’s normal for unusual behaviors to arise as you move into your new home. Struggles with pets may include chewing, urinating in the house, becoming destructive, or showing anxious behavior. Try not to worry – these behaviors usually dissipate as your pet gets used to their new home.

Baby Steps When It’s Time To Explore

Your pet is curious, and you love to watch them explore. While it’s fun to watch your pet get used to their new home, take it slow. Limit your pet to one room at a time to start. Slowly expand the area they can explore. This will stop them from becoming overwhelmed and help them to feel safe.

Talk With The Vet

Your vet knows the nuances of your pet’s health and behavior. They’ll be able to give you unique tools and tricks to help your pet settle into your new home. 

Moving is never easy, but you and your pets will settle into your new home in good time. Take it slow, and if you have any questions, reach out to your vet.

Are you preparing for a residential move? You’re likely overwhelmed with all you have to do. Much of your time is spent trying to organize the endless sea of boxes littering your home, and the packing can feel all-consuming. 

Organizing your belongings is an essential part of the moving process. But, there are a few other areas to pay attention to before saying goodbye to your old home for good.

Check Cell Phone Service

If you’re relocating far from your current home, check the cell phone coverage map for your new area. You may find that you have spotty coverage in your new area. It might be time to switch cell phone providers before you leave home. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your new house and struggling to make phone calls. Be sure your service extends to your new home.

Notify Credit Card Companies

Give your credit and debit card companies a call. When you begin to make purchases on your way to your new home as you’re getting settled in your new area, your bank may flag your card for fraud, temporarily limiting your access to money. 

When you call your bank before you move, let them know your new address and the approximate dates that you’ll be traveling to your new home. This will allow your bank to lift any fraud alerts on your account during that time, allowing you to make purchases along the way without any hassle.

Learn About Your New Area

Become familiar with your new community before you arrive. There are many ways to get excited about where you’re headed. 

Join social media groups that let you get to know people in your new neighborhood. Scope out the local restaurant scene. Maybe even make a reservation for the first week that you’ll be in town. Keeping up with some of your old routines. Going to the gym, working out on local running trails, taking your kids to the library —  are great ways to keep your stress levels low as you adjust to your new environment.

Pack an Essentials Bag

You may feel like you never want to pack another bag in your life. But it’s key that you have a bag of essentials with you as you go through the moving process. No matter how organized your packing process is, the last thing you’ll want to do when you arrive in your new home is to have to sort through boxes trying to find your contact solution or a hairbrush. Having a vacation-type bag with you is a great way to keep the essentials nearby.

Moving Is Worth the Effort

If you’re in the midst of the moving process, you may be frustrated and swearing up and down that you’ll never move again. Moving is hard and stressful. But, it will be well worth it when you’re relaxing in the comfort of your new home.

If you feel overwhelmed, remember to take things one step at a time, crossing tasks off your list as you go. Before you know it, you’ll be kicking up your feet in your new living room.

When you’re moving internationally, one of the most comforting things you can have is the knowledge that you’re still able to get in contact with the people you love back home. One of the most common anxieties about moving abroad is how to handle cell phone service. With a little preparation, staying in contact with people back home doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated.

Let’s take a look at some of the best things you can do before and after your move to ensure that the lines of communication stay open between you and your loved ones.

Contact Current Provider

Before you leave the U.S., stop to see your current service provider, or give their customer service line a call. Explain that you’re moving abroad, and see if they offer cell phone service in your new home country. They may be able to set you up with a plan that makes sense for you in your new home.

If they don’t offer service in the area that you’re moving to, they’ll likely be able to provide you with recommendations on companies to consider. They can also set you up with a few weeks of bridge service. You’ll pay their international rates, but you’ll still be able to use your phone. This is a great way to stay in contact with loved ones while you’re still settling in your new home.

Try an Interim Solution

You’ll have some downtime between when you arrive in your new country and when you’re able to get to a cell phone company office to get your new phone set up and ready to go. 

While you’re waiting to make the trip to an office, try Google Voice. For $20 per month, messages and phone calls from your U.S. phone number can be rerouted to the device of your choosing. This makes it easy for you to stay in touch with friends and family back home, all without having to sign up for a new cell phone plan. 

Skype can also work well, as long as you have wireless service.

Provide a Message

Set up an outgoing voicemail message explaining your move. Give people an alternative way to contact you (such as through email or Facebook Messenger). While total cell downtime will likely be minimal, you’ll want people back home to know you’re not ignoring their calls.

Identify a New Provider

Once you’ve got some of your clothes unpacked and you’re ready to venture out and explore your new neighborhood, head to a cell phone provider. Asking new friends and co-workers about whether they like their current cell phone provider is a great way to get a list of offices you’d like to visit to learn more about getting signed up for a plan.

Settle In

Figuring out what to do with your cell phone plan can be a stressful part of moving. Does it have to be that way? Nope! A little planning on the front end before you get on the plane can help you know exactly what to do to stay in touch with the people you love while you get settled into your new home.

Moving is often the toughest for children.

If you are planning a household move, your kids might be sad and possibly act out in frustration. However, moving doesn’t have to be a drama-filled event that saddens your little ones to the point of tears. It’s possible to make moving fun for the entire family. Here’s how to do it.

Have a Moving Party

Your kids will view the move in a negative light unless you give them a reason to smile. After all, no child wants to leave everything he or she is familiar with to settle down in a new and strange space. However, if you turn the move into a party, your kids will have a ball while packing their possessions. Order some pizza and wings, put on some upbeat tunes, and packing up your belongings will not be nearly as upsetting for your kids.

Create a Memory Album

Creating a memory album will help your kids close the door on their old living space, ultimately facilitating the transition to their new home. 

Encourage everyone in the family to add one or several photos to the memory album. These photos should be of family, friends, the house, and other memories from your time at the home you’re leaving. The process of making the memory album will bring you and your children closer to one another during this changing time, making it easier to transition to your new home. 

Reinforce the fact that you will make new memories at your new home. Try to frame the move as an adventure with the potential for fun and new discoveries, and your kids just might look forward to the move. 

Get Familiar With Your New Community

Learn as much as possible about your new neighborhood with your kids. If it’s doable, drive or walk through your new neighborhood. Make a note of fun places like parks, community centers, libraries, and restaurants.

Research and identifying local clubs, sports teams, or park district programs ahead of time will help your little ones forge new bonds after making the move.

If you’re not nearby the new community to take a drive-through, try an internet search with your child to explore all the things your new town and community have to offer.

Give Children Some Control Over Packing

The packing process can be emotional for young kids who fear that their favorite toys won’t be there when the moving van arrives at your new home. Lessen that fear by allowing your children to pack some of their own things. Wait until you’re close to moving day to pack their most cherished toys and belongings. 

Giving your kids some control over moving gives them a sense of responsibility, shifting their focus away from negative feelings about the move onto helping with the moving process.

Help With Your Move

If you are planning a local move or a long-distance move, let Schroeder Moving Systems help. Allow our moving crew to handle the hard work and heavy lifting. This way, you can focus on organizing your things at your new home, helping your kids get situated, and enjoying your living space.