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When preparing for a residential move, decluttering is crucial in ensuring a smooth relocation to your new home. The thought of facing hundreds of thousands of items in your current home can be overwhelming, but following some minimalist tips can simplify the process and make moving day much more manageable.

Recognize Emotional Attachments

One fundamental principle of minimalism is recognizing the emotional value of certain items in your home. While it’s natural to hold on to belongings that remind us of the past or have sentimental value, it’s important to distinguish between items that add value to our lives and those that simply take up space.

For example, you may have old toys or clothing belonging to a loved one you feel attached to. While these items may hold memories, it’s essential to remember that the memories themselves are valuable, not necessarily the physical objects. By acknowledging this distinction, you can more easily let go of items that no longer serve a purpose in your life.

Reduce Collections

Take a thorough inventory of your belongings and identify any extensive collections you have accumulated over the years. Whether it’s a collection of figurines, stuffed animals, or any other items, consider whether the quantity of these items is necessary or simply excess clutter.

Separate these collections from the rest of your belongings and evaluate whether each item truly adds value to your life. For example, if you have a collection of salt and pepper shakers but only use a few regularly, it may be worth downsizing to keep the essentials. By decluttering these collections, you can streamline the moving process and reduce the belongings you need to pack and transport to your new home.

Discard Obligatory Things

As people, we often feel obligated to hold on to items given to us as gifts, even if they no longer serve a practical purpose. While it’s essential to appreciate the sentiment behind these gifts, it’s equally important to prioritize your own needs and declutter items that contribute to unnecessary clutter in your home.

If you find yourself keeping items out of a sense of obligation rather than genuine use or enjoyment, consider letting go of these items to free up space and simplify your move. Remember, it’s okay to part with gifts that don’t align with your lifestyle or bring you joy.

Consider Time and Energy

Clutter not only takes up physical space but also consumes our time and energy. The average person spends hours each year searching for misplaced items, rearranging clutter, and navigating around unnecessary belongings in their home.

By decluttering and streamlining your possessions, you can save time and reduce the mental and physical burden of excessive stuff. You can free up valuable time and energy for activities that truly matter to you.

Enlist Professional Help

Once you’ve decluttered and pared down your belongings, consider enlisting the help of a residential moving company to assist with your upcoming move. Professional movers can help streamline the packing and transportation process, making your move more efficient and less stressful.

Contact us to schedule your upcoming move and enjoy a stress-free transition to your new home.

When the time comes to move out of your rental property, there are several essential tasks you need to complete to ensure a smooth household relocation. Whether you’re moving into a new apartment, condo, or home, check off the following items on your to-do list before you hand over the keys to your landlord.

Notify Your Landlord

One of the first things you must do when preparing to move out is review your lease agreement carefully. Pay close attention to the terms for notification of a move, as this will vary depending on the rental agreement. Typically, you must provide notice anywhere from 30 to 90 days, but it’s best to double-check the specifics with your landlord or a legal professional.

Failure to give sufficient notice could result in additional fees, loss of your security deposit, or other penalties, so adhere to the terms outlined in your lease agreement.

Contact Utility Providers

Reach out to all of your utility providers well in advance of your relocation to schedule service shut-off, turn-on, or transfer dates. Make sure to settle any outstanding balances and ensure that services are disconnected at your old residence to avoid paying for the next tenant’s utilities.

Update Address

Inform key contacts about your change of address, including your employer, family and friends, financial institutions, credit card companies, subscription services, and more. Remember to fill out a change of address form with the USPS to have your mail forwarded to your new home for up to one year.

Transfer Renter’s Insurance

Remember to contact your insurance provider when you know you’re moving. Update your address and ensure your renter’s insurance policy covers your new residence. If you don’t have renter’s insurance, consider investing in a policy to protect your belongings in your new home.

Start Packing Early

Pack non-essential things as soon as possible to avoid last-minute stress. Label boxes clearly to make unpacking easier. Moving is an excellent opportunity to declutter. As you pack, set aside unwanted items, and then donate those in good condition.

Clean and Repair Your Rental

To maximize the return of your security deposit, thoroughly clean your rental property and make any necessary repairs. Take care of tasks like fixing blemishes, deep cleaning floors, walls, and appliances, and ensuring that all areas of the property are spotless. Consider hiring professional cleaners for a comprehensive cleaning job, and keep the receipts as proof for your landlord.

Finalize Your Move-Out Checklist

Review your move-out checklist before you say goodbye to your rental property to ensure you have handled everything. Schedule a final walk-through with the landlord or property manager to inspect the property together and return the keys.

Ready to make your move? Let professional movers make the process easier and less stressful. Contact us today for a free quote and start planning for the next chapter in your life!

The moving process involves many tasks to complete and, at times, can be chaotic. Hiring professional movers can ease stress, streamline tasks, and bring order to the process.

How about partnering with an excellent professional mover to transport your belongings? Here’s what you should expect before and during your moving day.

Before Moving Day

As you search for movers, you should look for a few qualities – here are important things to look for from a good company.

Provide Transparent Pricing

A reputable moving company will provide a clear and transparent pricing structure upfront. They will thoroughly inspect your belongings and provide an accurate moving estimate. Beware of movers offering vague or overly low estimates, as they may add hidden fees or unexpected charges later.

Aim to get at least three estimates. This empowers you to set and plan your budget. 

Provide Regular Communication

A good company will communicate with you by responding to phone calls, replying to emails, and answering questions or concerns. If you need more information, your professional mover will be happy to elaborate and give you more details, along with sharing helpful tips or giving advice.

Demonstrate Good Reliability

Professional movers are skilled in the tasks and know how to handle a moving project carefully. You can get a general idea of a mover’s reliability by checking online reviews, and BBB ratings and looking for referrals. A reliable mover will happily share references so you can check their work.

Is Licensed and Insured

Appropriate insurance and licensing are among the most crucial qualities to search for in a moving company. Good professional movers are licensed by the applicable regulatory bodies and carry adequate insurance coverage to protect your belongings in transit. Knowing that your possessions are in safe hands provides peace of mind.

On Moving Day

On moving day, you can expect a timely arrival, but keep your phone on hand. This way, they can reach you if your mover is running late due to weather or traffic. Other things you can expect:

• The crew lead to introduce themselves
• Receipt of final documents for you to read before the work starts
• To sign any paperwork
• A walk-through of your home to clarify details
• Inventory to be taken (keep a copy for yourself, too)
• Precautions to protect your items from damage (e.g., moving blankets, protective and non-slip covers for floors, etc.)
• Furniture disassembly (if applicable)
• Careful loading of boxes and furniture on the truck
• A final walk-through of the home to ensure nothing was inadvertently left behind

You will also receive a Bill of Lading. You must read and sign this before the movers depart with your belongings. The next step is to be ready for the arrival of your items at the agreed-upon window. You must be present for the truck’s arrival. Now, the movers will bring your possessions, set them in designated rooms, and reassemble any furniture.

Moving Made Easy

Working with a full-service professional mover makes a considerable task easier. You’ll have time to focus on relocation plans while your movers do the heavy lifting. Contact us today to obtain a free quote!

Moving is never easy, but things can quickly become more complicated when you have children. Not only might you need to worry about your kids changing schools and adjusting to a new place, but you’ll also need to coordinate packing and getting all their stuff to your new home.

Fortunately, no matter the age of your children, you can follow some practical tips to make packing up their bedrooms a lot easier and more efficient when making a household move.

1. Get Your Children Involved

First, get your kids involved in the process as much as possible. Even toddlers and young children can play a role in packing their belongings for a move—and doing so can help them better understand the entire process.

Depending on the age of your children, you’ll want to decide how much autonomy to give them when it comes to packing. Teens and older children may be able to completely pack their rooms themselves (perhaps with guidance on protecting fragile items), whereas smaller kids will undoubtedly need more help. Either way, more hands make for lighter (and faster) work!

2. Declutter and Purge as You Go

Over the years, there’s a good chance that your kids have accumulated some toys, clothes, books, and other items that they no longer use or need. While packing for a move is a great time to declutter and get rid of some of these items so you can start fresh in your new place.

As you help your child pack their room, create piles of things you might want to donate, sell, or even throw in the trash. Selling unwanted items before the move can also be a great way to bring in some extra pocket change that may come in handy for things such as the first carry-out meal in your new place.

3. Don’t Forget Essentials Boxes

As you pack your children’s bedrooms, designate a box or suitcase for essentials—things they’ll need access to as soon as you arrive at your new place.

An essentials box should include at least one change of clothes, pajamas, toiletries, and any chargers they may need for such devices as tablets or cell phones.

4. Know How to Pack Common Kids’ Items

How do you pack some specific items in your kids’ rooms? Check out these tips:

• Books – are heavy, so pack them in smaller boxes and keep spines facing upward to minimize damage.
• Clothes and shoes – Make moving a breeze by using wardrobe boxes for clothes hanging in your kids’ closets. Make sure shoes have their own designated box to avoid soiling items.
• Toys – Remove batteries (where applicable) and separate hard from soft toys. Wrap any fragile toys in bubble wrap or packing paper to minimize damage.

As you can see, there are many tips you can keep in mind to make packing your kids’ rooms easier. Hire professional movers to relocate everything to your new place. Get in touch to request your free moving quote today!

You’ve been steadily planning, packing, and organizing your household move for several weeks or months. You have most likely done most of the work, but now the time is here. It’s time for the hectic last hours of getting ready to move. To avoid complete chaos, we have some tips to help you manage your last-minute moving prep.

1. Speak to Your Moving Company

In the days leading up to your move, contact your moving company to confirm the date, time, and other logistics. This is also an excellent time to get answers to any lingering questions you have or to inform your mover about any last-minute changes.

2. Arrange for Child and Pet Care

If you haven’t done so, make arrangements for any child or pet care you need to ensure they are safe while you move. If you have made arrangements, call your caregiver to confirm plans, including but not limited to pickups, drop-offs, and any other information they’ll need. Pack any bags, food, or equipment your caregiver will need for your children or pets.

3. Assemble Meals

It isn’t easy to pull together meals while you’re in the midst of moving. To make things easier, have healthier meals, and save money on takeout, assemble meals for your last week that you can put into the freezer to reheat when you’re ready 

4. Assemble First Night Kit

If you’ve been steadily packing for your first night kit for yourself and your household members, great! But if you haven’t, it’s time to start now. Don’t leave this to the last minute, because you don’t want to inadvertently forget something important you or your household members will need. Once you put your first-night kit together, label it, set it aside, or immediately place it in your vehicle.

5. Gather All Sets of Keys

Organize all sets of keys and have them ready to go. Prepare keys to hand over to your landlord, rental office, or new homeowner for your old home. Also, ensure the keys to your new home are safe and easily accessible.

6. Assign Someone to Check Home:

If you are packing yourself, assign yourself or someone else the task of thoroughly checking the home before movers arrive. This person can ensure everything is put into containers before movers arrive. This helps to streamline and speed up the process.

Pro Tip: Do this step again before you exit your home for the last time. This way, you ensure you didn’t accidentally overlook or drop anything during the moving process.

5. Watch the Weather

Keep an eye on the weather forecast. In case of inclement weather, you can plan for it to ensure everyone’s safety and protect your belongings. If you are moving outdoor furniture and other items and the forecast calls for rain, cover them. This way, they won’t be sopping wet when movers arrive.

Arrange for Your Movers:

Do you have a move soon and are getting prepared to make arrangements? We can help! Our expert professional movers have the skills and experience you need to transport your household belongings safely. Contact us today for a free quote.

When you’re moving your office or business, one of the things that you’ll need to do to make your relocation a success is to get your employees on board with the change. Some employees may be excited to work in a new location, but others may hesitate or be concerned.

Addressing these feelings upfront can help foster goodwill among employees and can help make your relocation a success. If you’re a business owner, here’s what you can do to help your employees feel good about your upcoming move.

1. Foster Productive Conversation

Use change management techniques to foster transparency and productive conversation about the upcoming relocation. Discuss the benefits of your upcoming relocation in meetings and everyday conversations to continue reminding employees about what matters about your new workplace.

Encourage employees to ask questions and be upfront about any challenges you’ll face during the move. Talking about the benefits puts this at the front of everyone’s mind and keeps it there so your employees can maintain positive feelings about their new workplace.

2. Provide Facility Tours

Provide employees with a tour of the new workplace. Seeing the facility in person can be very convincing to those hesitant to change, especially if the facility is a step up from your old location. If you have many employees, you may need to offer multiple showings of the facility to allow everyone to see it for themselves.

When giving them a tour, point out everything you like about that facility, including amenities and features that make it a pleasing workplace.

Is the parking lot bigger and in better condition? Are the bathrooms more modern and cleaner? Is there more capability for plugging in printers and computers with more wall outlets? Does the structure have an improved state in its entirety? Is it closer to your customers? Is there a nice view? Are there better amenities close by?

Look at your new workplace from all these angles and list things to show your employees while they’re looking at it.

3. Encourage Employee Involvement

Relocation implies change, but it should not only come from the top down. Your staff members must have a voice in their new workspace. Consider allowing them to input about the layout and design. Invite them to weigh in on choices such as where to arrange team seating or where to hold brainstorming sessions. By encouraging this kind of involvement, you are telling them that their comfort and productivity are just as important as the benefits of the new location. It will give employees more ownership and investment in the new space.

4. Address Their Concerns

Your employees may have very legitimate concerns about their new workplace. For example, if the commute is longer, this could impact their quality of life. Work with your employees to make changes that will lessen the impact of any changes they find problematic. This will help foster good relationships between management and employees.

Plan Your Office Relocation

Work with full-service moving professionals during your upcoming office relocation. Seek a moving company with years of experience moving businesses. Contact us today for a free quote.

With technology making remote work possible, an out-of-town move no longer always means changing employment. Many employees switch to working from home as remote employees when they move and their job permits. If this is your first time setting up a home office, having a few guidelines along the way will be helpful.

Here are some excellent tips to help you navigate setting up a home office after a residential move. We’ll cover everything from picking ergonomic furniture choices to optimizing your workspace for productivity.

Crafting an Ergonomic Home Office with the Right Furniture

From the desk you use to the chair you sit in, you should consider every piece of furniture in your home office carefully. If you use furnishings that are not ergonomically designed, they can put undue stress on your body as you work. For example, choosing the right office chair is essential to your spine health.

Therefore, be sure to look for a chair that:

• Offers adjustable seat height, so you remain the proper height from the floor
• Has adequate seat depth and width to support your body shape and weight
• Provides lumbar support to protect your lower back
• Contains a backrest for full back support
• Rotates so you can turn without straining
• Provides armrests to support your elbows

Optimizing Your Home Workspace for Productivity

Work and home often don’t mix well. The everyday happenings taking place at home are not always conducive to productivity. Therefore, when working remotely, you must carefully create a more focused work area. The Muse offers a nice collection of tips to help you achieve the most productive and efficient workspace at home. A few good ideas include:

• Ensure your office is in a quiet room, separate from noisy household happenings.
• Keep clutter to a minimum inside the office.
• Remove distractions from the space, such as a television or a to-do list, that have nothing to do with work.
• Make sure family members know when you are in the office, you are “on the clock.”

Setting Up Your Home Office Infrastructure

Your home office infrastructure is the functional element that makes working at home possible. Naturally, the specifics of what equipment you need will vary depending on the type of work that you do. For example, if you work remotely for a call center, you may need a good-quality headset to answer calls hands-free. At the minimum, you may need:

• A computer system or laptop capable of handling everyday tasks
• A stable, high-speed internet connection with a bandwidth that can handle the work you do
• A computer-incorporated or freestanding digital camera for remote meetings and conferences

Adding Comfort and Inspiration to Your Workspace

Your home office may be a space for getting work done. However, the beauty of working from home is you can also transform your office space to hold the decorative items and personal touches that make you happy. Consider items that make you feel at ease and comfortable, such as live plants, family photos, essential oil diffusers, or even artwork for the walls.

Get Help with the Transition So You Can Focus on the Important Things

As you transition from working in the office to working remotely, be sure to work with a residential moving company to handle the move. Reach out to discuss your needs and get a moving quote.

A good marketing plan is one of the most critical steps to take when you get ready to list your home for sale. This includes listing your property, cleaning up and readying your home, holding open houses, and welcoming buyers to tour your property.

Preparing and marketing a home is a critical part of this process. One of the decisions you’ll need to make is investing in staging for your home. What is home staging, and what are the pros and cons of this practice when planning a household relocation?

What is Staging, and What Does it Entail?

Staging a home is prepping it for a potential buyer to let them view the house in a generic yet attractive manner. This empowers them to envision the space as their own. It involves:

• Redecorating
• Moving or replacing furniture
• Decluttering
• Removing personal items (photos, mementos, and knick-knacks)
• Doing a deep clean
• Adding in “niceties,” such as mirrors or artwork
• Cleaning up your yard and garden areas

You can do this as a DIY project, but many invest in a professional stager. The services offered may vary, so if you’re considering staging, ask lots of questions.

Benefits of Staging Your Home

Sellers often find the money spent on staging is well worth the investment and essentially pays for itself. Some benefits include:

• Removes the burden of preparing the home for sale
• Enjoy faster selling times, allowing you to move on more quickly
• Receive higher bids to buy the home
• Entice more buyers to come to view your property
• Stagers do all interior and exterior areas of your property

People typically have a high emotional attachment to their homes. Working with a neutral third party makes it possible to view your interior and exterior spaces objectively to reshape them so they’ll attract buyers.

Drawbacks of Staging Your Home

Most professional real estate agents endorse staging because it yields a strong ROI (return on investment) and sells the house faster. However, this doesn’t mean the practice doesn’t have some drawbacks. Points you’ll want to consider:

• The cost of professional staging can be pricey, $300 to $600 on average for an initial design consult and then $500 to $600 per month for each staged room
• You may need to rent furniture in addition to other costs
• Stagers may require a minimum number of months to utilize their services (e.g., a three-month contract)
• DIY staging can also add up quickly (and depending on skill level, may not yield good results)
• If you’re in a hurry to sell, staging may interfere with your timeline

You’ll want to consider your budget, financial resources, time, and other factors to decide if the benefits of staging are worth the trade-offs.

Ready to Get Started to Plan Your Move

You may need to move fast depending on the current real estate market. To prepare for when the time comes to move, it’s a good idea to get a few moving estimates and check availability with different companies so you know all your options.Ready to start planning your move? Contact us today! We’re happy to answer any questions and provide a free quote.

Moving can be stressful; more than 60 percent of people rank moving as the most stressful life event. However, moving without undue stress is possible, and self-care behaviors after your move can ease any stress. Here are ways to de-stress after a residential move.

1. Get Physical

Physical activity can be a great way to eliminate stress and improve your health. Aerobic exercise promotes blood flow through the body and removes stress hormones. Yoga is also an excellent de-stressor. Yoga slows the breath and helps the body shift from fight-or-flight to relaxation mode.

2. Socialize

Being with others can help draw the focus away from yourself. Socializing with people in your new neighborhood can also help you make new friends and adjust quickly. Throw a housewarming party or visit activity spots in your new city.

3. Listen to Music

Studies say that listening to music can change brain functioning. Everyone’s musical tastes differ, and any enjoyable music can have benefits. However, scientists say the most relaxing music is around 60 beats per minute and may include light jazz, classical, and easy listening. Music combined with nature sounds also tends to relax you.

4. Go Outdoors

Fresh air and sunshine help calm us, reduce blood pressure, and improve our mood. Time outside can also help you absorb vitamin D, which promotes bone health and reduces inflammation. Outdoor time can also help you sleep better.

Examples of stress-relieving outdoor activities are:

• Exercising, including hiking, fishing, boating, golfing, and swimming
• Planting a tree
• Working in the garden
• Hosting a cookout
• Camping
• Taking a nature walk

5. Meditate

During meditation, you focus on one thing. You rid yourself of the stream of thoughts that keeps your brain racing and causes stress. It also lowers your heart rate and blood pressure and improves your health.

6. Read

Reading can calm your mind and focus it away from stressful activities. Pack an e-reader or some books in your essentials box to immediately unpack them in your new home. Then, block off 15 to 20 minutes of reading time each night to improve your sleep.

7. Sleep

Moving involves many tasks, and you may be tempted to stay up late to unpack a few more boxes. However, sleep reduces cortisol and other stress hormones in our bodies. Ensure you sleep well at night and don’t feel guilty if you need to nap during your first days in your new home.

8. Eat Healthy

Fruits and vegetables help reduce stress levels. Avoid the urge to rely exclusively on fast food and try eating at restaurants that offer healthy options. Keep fresh fruits and veggies on hand as snacks during your move.

9. Soak in a Tub

Hot water can relieve stress and soothe muscles. Adding essential oils, such as lavender, to the bath can also relax your mind and improve your sleep.

10. Ask for Help

One cause of stress is trying to do too much. Ask for help. Friends and family may help you unpack. Having a professional mover handle the move can decrease your to-do list and stress.

Contact us today for a quote.

Receiving the news that you’ve been hired for a new job or that your company values you enough to relocate you is exciting. However, a successful job-related move requires juggling many details.

Here are some tips for a successful job-related household move.

Check Company Benefits

Many companies offer relocation benefits. Listen closely and ensure you know what benefits may be available.

If you are relocating with the same company, chances are the company has a relocation policy and budget. Relocation packages can include paying or reimbursing you for all or part of the moving costs and may help you sell your home. They also may provide job search help for your spouse and help finding a new place to live.

If you are offered a job with a new company, negotiate for moving benefits as part of your compensation package, even if the company doesn’t have a policy.

Be Organized

Organization is critical to a successful move. Determine your budget. Then, list all the tasks you must complete and set deadlines. Tasks include:

• Contacting movers.
• Packing.
• Notifying utilities and the post office.
• Finding suitable housing in the new city.

Leave Professionally

If you are resigning from your current company, do so professionally. Consult your contract to see how much notice you must give; in all cases, give at least two weeks’ notice. Depending on your relationship with your boss, you may want to tell them personally. Either way, you’ll still write a resignation letter.

A resignation letter is usually brief and states the date your resignation is effective. Be positive and thank your boss for the opportunity to work at the company, even if you dislike the job. You may need your boss for a reference in the future.

Research The New Area

Learn as much as you can about the new city before you move. Explore the neighborhoods to find those that suit your lifestyle needs and are close to your new workplace. Talk with people who live in the new location about what you can expect. If you have to make a move quickly, consider renting for the first year to give yourself time to find the right fit before committing to a neighborhood long-term.

Costs can vary significantly between cities, even within the same state. Do some research into the cost of living in your new city, preferably before you negotiate salaries in your new job.

Build a New Network

Build social and professional networks in your new location. Ask colleagues to refer you to others in your field. If you belong to a professional association, find information on the chapter in your new city. Also, participate in outings or special events your company might offer.

Join groups linked to your hobbies and interests. They are an excellent way to make friends in your new city. Having a solid social network can help you adjust quickly.

Use Professional Movers

Professional movers can handle many details of your move, giving you the time and energy to devote to leaving your old job well and beginning the new job enthusiastically. Contact us for a free quote and help with your job-related move.