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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.

Moving into a new home during the cooler months involves a few tasks you wouldn’t usually consider in warmer months. Some winterizing tasks are to optimize energy use, but others ensure your household is comfortable and safe during the darker days of winter. Here are seven tasks you’ll want to take care of soon after your residential move.

1. Plug Up Cold Air Leaks

Drafty areas waste energy and leave your household members feeling cold. To get rid of cold air leaks, check your window areas and caulk up any holes. Also, look at your doorways and use sweeps or apply weatherstripping to drafty areas. Remember, check your attic too!

2. Service Your Furnace/Heating System

Keeping your heating system optimized increases energy efficiency and keeps your household safe. Schedule an inspection in late summer or early fall to ensure your system is ready when the temperatures dip, and scheduling appointments in the busy winter gets harder. You should also change out your furnace filters (especially if you don’t schedule service) to ensure they are clean.

3. Insulate Your Pipes

Once temperatures dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, susceptible pipes are subject to freezing or bursting. To protect vulnerable pipes throughout your new home, invest in insulation to reduce the risk of expensive damage to your pipes and avoid the headaches that come with flooding. Remember also to check outdoor areas: drain water from outdoor systems and hoses, then shut off those valves or cover the faucets.

4. Inspect Your Chimney

If you love to light a fire and enjoy a cozy time near your fireplace, have a professional inspect your chimney. This way, you can ensure no debris, animals, or other problems are present that can lead to a fire in your chimney.

5. Check Your Outdoor Areas

Gutters clogged with fallen leaves and other debris often lead to water buildup, resulting in sagging gutters, ice dams, and water leakage into your home. Be sure to do a thorough clean-out of gutters in the fall. Also, look around your property and remove any dangerous tree limbs dangling near your house.

6. Do a Home Energy Audit

A home energy assessment is a great way to identify potential problems and find ways to be more energy-efficient and conserve energy. You can hire a professional or take the DIY route when performing a home energy audit.

7. Check Smoke Alarms and Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your new home lacks smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, install them immediately. Or, if detectors are in place, check the batteries and test them. The risk of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning increases in winter due to the gas used by furnaces, stoves, generators, and other appliances. Since windows are not open at this time of the year, there is also less air ventilation. Fire risks are also higher in the winter.

Ready to Schedule Your Upcoming Move

Moving into a new home is an exciting time. Aside from readying your home for winter, be sure you have snow removal tools accessible and stock up on salt and sand. 

Our professional movers can help you move your belongings, giving you more time to focus on home winterization. Contact us today for a free quote.

Moving is a lot of work! Fortunately, staying organized and following a checklist can make it all easier. If you’re just now beginning your relocation, this checklist will help you track what you need to accomplish and can give you a start at organizing your upcoming household relocation.

Declutter

Decluttering is an essential first step to take before many other moving activities. Decluttering can be done quickly, but the more time you give yourself, the better. The more time you give yourself to declutter, the more thorough you’ll be and the easier it will make your relocation overall. Decluttering has these benefits:

• Helps you prioritize what is important
• Makes your home more appealing to potential buyers
• Saves time and money
• Aids in maintaining organization
• Boosts mental health

Establish a Moving Budget

Establishing a moving budget is the next step to take after decluttering. Knowing how much money you can afford when hiring movers, traveling to your new home, and packing, the better.

Find a Moving Company

Find a moving company early, especially if you are moving during a busy moving season. Determine your moving date and find an available company. Get moving quotes from several companies to compare and select the best one for your needs.

Plan Travel

Are you traveling to your new home? Plan your travel, including where you’ll stay, how long you’ll take to get there, and whether you’ll be flying. Pets can make travel more complicated. Remember to ask hotels if they allow pets and tell them in advance how many you’ll have with you.

Pack

Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of relocating, but it’s much less time-consuming if you’ve decluttered. You’ll need lots of boxes and tape for this part of the relocation, so stock up and keep packing materials on hand.

Clean and Prepare Your Home

Whether you’re selling your home or simply moving out of a rental, it’s essential to have your home clean during this process. You may need to pay for professional cleaners. If so, work that into your budget.

Shut Off/Turn On Utilities

Arranging to turn off utilities at your old home and turning on utilities at your new home should be done well in advance. Find out which utilities you’ll need at your new home, and take time to shop around for service providers.

Find Services in New Location

Whether you need to find a primary care doctor, dentist, grocery store, school, or veterinarian, it helps to know where these services are in your new location. Find services near your new home to make settling in more manageable when you move.

Do Last Minute Tasks Before Move Day

Remember you’ll have quite a few last-minute tasks before move day. Taking apart furniture, unplugging electronics, and taking down art may happen at the last minute. Make time for it.

Get Ready for Your Relocation

It helps to work with the experts when you’re moving. As a reputable moving company, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a consultation and free quote for your upcoming relocation.

Apart from the endless work of making your house feel like a home, you must also become familiar with your new community after a residential relocation. Your local area and neighborhood are an infinite source of new friends and opportunities if you only know where to look. Below are a few great resources and tools to help you learn more about your new community.

Throw a Housewarming Party

One of the best ways to meet your neighbors is to have a housewarming party. Invite people in your neighborhood and on your local street to come to your home to enjoy a bite and a few drinks. You’ll get to interact with your neighbors and hopefully build new friendships. Plus, having the party in your space will help keep you comfortable with the barrage of new and unfamiliar faces.

Volunteer

If you have school-age children, consider volunteering at your child’s school. You can volunteer for a single day, a field trip, or join the PTA. You will have a chance to make a lasting impression on your child and spend valuable bonding time together, and you’ll also get to meet other parents in your local community.

If you don’t have kids, consider volunteering for a cause that interests you. Getting involved in a cause that matters to you gives you a sense of direction. Additionally, it is a fantastic way to meet others who share your values. These volunteers share your concern for social issues and have decided to take action. They share your desire to improve the world, a wonderful place to begin a friendship. Building cross-generational relationships is another great benefit of volunteering.

Join a Community Team

Often, communities will have their own adult sports leagues. Get some exercise, spend time outside, and meet some people in your community. You can join a softball or kickball team with people in your community who share the same interests as you. Plus, being a part of a team will help build a comfortable routine with regular game days and practices.

Take a Class

Whether or not you continue your education, you can use your hobbies to meet new people. Consider enrolling in a community college or community center class where you can meet new people and have fun learning a new skill.

Try an App

Although people usually use apps for dating, they can also help you make friends if you move to a new area. Download a free app and search for people in your local area. Apps like MeetMee, Bumble, and We3 can help you search for people with similar likes and interests in your area. You can change your filters and settings to ensure you are just looking to make new friends. Other apps like Nextdoor can help you become more comfortable in your neighborhood.

Take a Walk (Or a Drive)

Finding the necessities of your new community can help you settle in faster. Take a walk or a drive through your new community to learn the basics. For example, you’ll want to find the closest grocery store, bank, ATM, and gas station. Think about other necessities like the doctor’s office, emergency room, and veterinarian’s office. For fun activities, try to locate a local gym, park, or playground for kids.

Utilize Social Media Pages

Many communities will have their social media pages on Facebook or Instagram. Subscribe to local pages dedicated to your park, community center, or library. Community centers often post local events and volunteer opportunities, allowing you to join the community and meet people.

Moving Assistance

A new neighborhood can be intimidating until you can better explore your area. Call on professional movers for help. A caring, professional, and dedicated moving team can help take the guesswork and frustration out of your move. Contact us today for a moving quote to make your move easy, allowing you to get out into your community sooner.

While moving can always be challenging, moving when you have a large household and family can be even more exciting. Not only do you have more belongings to manage during the move, but there can also be many more familial obligations to navigate. Check out these strategies for coordinating and executing a smooth household move when you have a large family with varying needs and belongings.

Hone Your Pre-Move Plan to Perfection

A moving plan is always recommended before packing the first box, especially when you have a big family. Before getting started, create a detailed plan and schedule that includes:

• All the items on the to-do list
• Information about moving companies
• A list of packing supplies you need to secure
• A timeline that reflects what must be done by specific dates
• Information about entities that need to be contacted, such as utility companies and schools

If you need help to create a timeline, Real Simple offers an excellent week-by-week layout detailing many objectives that often accompany moving.

Get All Family Members Involved in Decluttering

When you have a large household, each family member can have their own collection of clutter. Usually, it is not feasible for only the parents or head of the household to mitigate all the clutter. Therefore, getting everyone on board with the process is a good idea. Make sure each family member is responsible for weeding out items that don’t necessarily need to be packed, such as:

• Toys that the kids no longer play with
• Outdated documents that are no longer needed
• Clothing that doesn’t fit
• Broken items or items in disrepair
• Books and magazines that are no longer read or useful

Assign Responsibilities to Everyone

When preparing to pack and while moving, make sure each person in the house has assigned responsibilities. While younger children may not be able to handle much, most household members can handle some tasks. For example, children and teens may be responsible for packing their own bedrooms or even cleaning a particular room once all items have been packed and labeled.

Keep Everyone Engaged Throughout the Process

Much like operating a business with a collection of employees, managing the move of a large household can require effort to keep all parties engaged. Have a daily family or household meeting to review the schedule and what your family needs to achieve for the day. For example, if you have breakfast together as a family, take a few minutes to discuss each assigned objective and ensure everyone is on track to complete things on time.

Plan a Day Off to Refresh and Boost Morale

Moving with a large family can be emotionally and physically challenging for everyone. While you may be on a tight timeline, taking a breather can refresh the family and motivate them to keep going. Therefore, plan a fun activity or break amid the move to give everyone a break. A few fun ideas may be:

• Playing a game of hide-and-seek
• Going on a family picnic
• Cooking a special meal or going out for a family dinner at a favorite restaurant
• Going to see a movie together

Get All the Extra Help You Need from Pro Movers

Are you ready to solidify your moving plans with a large family? Reach out to discuss your plans with residential movers with the experience to get the job done right. Contact us today for a free quote.

Moving can already be stressful, with so many pieces to consider and tasks to complete. While getting moving help can alleviate many of these issues, what about the weather?

The weather is more agreeable in the spring and summer, making these seasons ideal for relocation. However, it’s only sometimes possible to move during the warmer months of the year. When that happens, you must consider elements like snow and ice.

Here are some ways to prepare you and your family for a winter residential move.

Plan Your Route

Some areas are hit with lots of snow, while others have a milder winter. For example, if you cross over mountains, you may have to worry about getting caught or facing delays because of too much snow.

Therefore, planning a different route that avoids such travel conditions may be better. Although a new route may take longer, it could save time and give you peace of mind.

Prepare Your Vehicle 

The last thing you need is a mechanical failure or an accident while on the road. Make an appointment with a reputable mechanic to check your vehicle’s ignition, fuel, heating, and computer systems to ensure they are in good working order. Snow tires would also be a smart pre-move investment in many regions of the nation. 

Ideally, your move will go smoothly, but you want to prepare for the worst. This way, if something does happen (even if it’s relatively mild), you can handle it more easily.

Consider Temperature Fluctuations for Valuables

Even if you don’t wind up in a snow flurry, you must consider how cold weather affects your belongings. Most moving trucks aren’t climate-controlled, so items like glass and electronics can get pretty chilly, especially if they must stay in a vehicle overnight.

One of the best ways to protect your belongings is to wrap them in blankets or other coverings so the frigid temperatures don’t affect them as much. Also, when it comes to glass items, avoid bringing them into warmer settings too quickly, as they could crack or shatter.

Give Yourself Extra Time for Everything

Moving under ideal conditions can still take time to pack, ship, and unpack everything. When moving in winter weather, you want to plan for extra time. For example, if road conditions are icy, it will take longer to reach your destination. Also, if you’re taking a safer route, you might have to accommodate a more extended trip.

Even packing and unpacking your vehicles can take longer since you don’t want to be outside for too long at once. You may have to take more breaks to warm up and stay comfortable.

Ensure That Every Access Point is Clear 

Driveways and sidewalks must be as free of snow, ice, and slush as possible at both your old and new homes. Also, the ends of both driveways should have enough room for the moving truck to get in and out by backing up. Or ensure the street in front of both homes is clear of snow and ice so the truck can park there. Spread sand or salt on the walkways ahead of time for added security.

Get Moving Help, Regardless of the Time of Year

Moving with professionals can help you transition to your new place faster and more smoothly than ever before. We’re here to help no matter what, so contact us regardless of the time of year.

You’ve spent months finding the perfect house, weeks packing and moving, and now it is finally time to relax in your new home. But what happens when you can’t settle into your new space? Feeling like a stranger in your new home is normal, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Let’s look at some of the best ways to quickly adjust to your new dwelling so you can start enjoying your beautiful home.

Unpack Priorities

Of course, a home won’t feel welcoming when unpacked boxes and clutter are all you see. Start unpacking by attacking the priorities first. You’ll need your comfort items, like bedding, towels, pillows, and a blanket or two, along with practical things like plates, silverware, and a few pots and pans to make a meal. Unpack your priority items first to return to your daily routines quickly.

Help Children and Pets Get Adjusted

You want your family to feel comfortable in their new home so that they can relax. When those around you are calm, you’ll start to settle in, too. Help your kids adjust to their new surroundings by unpacking a few toys or putting their bedrooms back together first. Remember, your pets need to feel comfortable, too, so unpacking their toys, food, water bowl, and bed will help them settle into their new home faster.

Change Address

Be sure to update all necessary documents with your new address. You’ll want mail redirected to your new home and your important documents, like your driver’s license, changed. Remember to change your utilities to your new name and any credit card billing information. The more you start using your new address, the more you’ll feel at home.

Learn About Your Community

Take time to explore your new community to learn what your neighborhood offers. You’ll need to find practical locations, like the closest grocery store, pharmacy, gas station, and places for fun adventure, like local restaurants, parks, or trails. The more you feel at home in your community, the more comfortable you’ll become.

Meet Your Neighbors

Knowing your neighbors will help give you a sense of community and belonging. Take the time to introduce yourself and your family. Not only will your neighbors give you some new friends in the local area, but they may have fabulous suggestions for places to see or visit in your neighborhood. Because your new neighbors will be a part of your life in your new home, you should establish a good relationship with them as soon as possible.

Decorate

To settle into your new home, you need your space to feel like your own. Although it might feel unnecessary, start to unpack decorative items that give your home a personal touch. Adding personal photographs or favorite decorations to your new space will make your house feel like a home. While unpacking priorities is essential, feeling safe and comfortable in your new home is equally important.

Host a Housewarming Party

To celebrate your new house, host a housewarming party. Inviting your closest friends and family to your home will allow you to show off your new space and celebrate your move. Seeing your loved ones in your new home will have an instant calming sensation and make you feel happy and proud of your new place.

Moving Successfully

Moving to a new area can be challenging, especially when adjusting to new surroundings. Make quick work of the move with professional movers so you can spend more time exploring your neighborhood. Contact us today for a free moving quote so you can start enjoying your new home with friends and family faster.

An office move is naturally more costly than a residential move. Therefore, moving with a tight budget can be a struggle for some smaller businesses. However, there are ways you can conserve during the transition. Take a look at a few tips to help you save money during your office move.

1. Choose an off-season moving date.

Certain seasons are most in demand when it comes to moving services. For example, many companies will choose to relocate offices during off-peak business times, such as in the fall or spring. Therefore, if you can schedule your move during a time of year when the moving company gets fewer service requests, you may get a less-expensive rate.

2. Negotiate lease terms.

One fundamental way you can save money during an office move is by what you pay for leasing the new office space. Many commercial leases are negotiable, especially in areas with low demand for office spaces. Legal Zoom offers some excellent tips for negotiating a reasonable price for a commercial lease, such as:

• Evaluating the lease term and offering to pay less in exchange for a longer commitment
• Researching rent costs for comparable properties to use as leverage
• Looking closely at clauses and stipulations to make sure you’re not paying for anything you don’t need

3. Downsize when possible.

Downsizing when you relocate can save you a substantial amount of money, and downsizing may be more doable than expected. For example, many companies now have hybrid workplace models involving remote and in-office workers. If you have several employees who have transitioned to remote or hybrid work, you may not need as much office space or as many cubicles.

4. Minimize what you need to move.

Most moving companies base their cost to move an office largely on how much there is to be moved. Therefore, the more you can eliminate before you relocate, the better off you will be.

You may find many office items amid packing that you don’t necessarily need to take with you, such as:

• Outdated office furniture
• Unused office decor
• Old office supplies

Consider donating the items you no longer need to a local charity, school, or even religious organization that could use the things. In some cases, this may even get you a small tax deduction that can save you money on business taxes. Check with your moving company to see if they have a program for repurposing or disposing of furniture and old equipment.

6. Plan for unexpected costs.

Unexpected costs can and do come up during an office move. If these unexpected events come up, and you do not have room in the budget, this could cost you more money in the long run. For example, if you discover damage to the current office that has to be repaired before you sign off on the old lease, it will be important to have the funds to cover the costs. Otherwise, you may be left dipping into business savings accounts or the next month’s profits to cover the costs.

Work with an Experienced Office Moving Company to Help

Hiring office movers with the experience to help you navigate your relocation can also be a good way to make a move more efficient. Are you anticipating an upcoming relocation for your business? If so, let us help. Reach out for a free quote.