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A residential move can be incredibly challenging for your cat, who undoubtedly prefers predictable routines. Fortunately, there are ways to successfully pack with your cat around make the packing process less stressful. 

Your cat probably loves boxes and delights in digging into a box to hide or play. Your kitty might also like to use cardboard as a favorite scratching toy.

Here are five tips to help distract your cats while you pack for a household move so that you can make progress.

1. Introduce the Moving Cartons

Bringing your moving boxes out early is a good idea, so your cat becomes familiar with them. 

If your cat perceives the boxes as fun and non-threatening, it will be less anxious about packing.

Allow your cat to explore empty moving boxes several weeks before moving day. Then, wait to fill them until your cat has had a chance to investigate them.

2. Begin Your Packing Away From the Cats

Cats are keenly aware of what you’re doing in the same room. So when you start packing, begin with the rooms your cats are least likely to occupy.

During packing time, focus on a room your cat is not in. If they are sleeping, consider closing them in the room temporarily.

3. Stage Boxes in a Separate Room

Cats often follow a different set of rules when they are alone. That’s why you want to keep them away from your packed boxes—so they don’t get into them.

Consider staging your packed boxes in a different place. A storage unit is a great option. See if you can set aside a bedroom or home office if a storage unit is unavailable.

4. Play, Then Pack

Some cats need a lot of attention. And, unfortunately, they seem to know just when you need to focus on other tasks.

If you know your cats, you can anticipate the attention they expect from you. You can use this information to plan your packing schedule.

Start by ensuring your cats have everything they need, like a bowl with fresh water or a clean litter box. Then, give them your full attention, and play with them if they need active movement. If you usually feed them during the time you will be packing, provide the meal first.

5. Provide a Distraction

Some cats are so hungry for attention that they cannot bear to be away from you at any time. So to focus on packing, you’re going to need a distraction.

Buy a few new toys for your cats. Keep these toys in a place that the cats can’t reach, like a closet or cabinet.

Periodically introduce a new toy before you start packing. Then, ensure your cats understand what to do with it before you leave.

6. Add a Scratcher

If you have to stage boxes in an area where your cats will be, you need to provide an alternative. Cat scratching is instinctive, and cats can’t necessarily avoid it.

Put a scratching post near the boxes. Whenever you see your cats trying to scratch the boxes, redirect them to the scratching post.

Scratching toys come in different sizes and shapes. When choosing a scratcher, avoid buying one that is too similar to the boxes so your cats don’t confuse them.

Moving With Cats

Moving can take a lot of your focus. If you have cats, you’ll need to distract them with these tips, or better yet, let us help with the packing too. Contact us for more information about what you’ll need for your upcoming move.

Are you retiring soon and looking to move to a home where you can enjoy retirement? When buying a house for your retirement years, there are many things to consider.

From maintenance to location, finding the right house makes it easier to enjoy your retirement years. Knowing what to consider when seeking a home can help you purchase a property supporting a relaxing and happy retirement. Here are some suggestions.

1. Consider Maintenance

Not many people want to spend their retirement years maintaining a house that needs frequent repairs. When you’re looking for a retirement home, unless you’re excited about making regular house repairs, seek a home in good overall condition. Tips for finding a home in good condition include:

• Look for one built recently
• Get a home inspection during the escrow process
• Consider buying a condo so that the condo association will manage all exterior maintenance

2. Minimize

Many people move into smaller homes when they reach retirement age. Smaller homes usually require less maintenance and less cleaning. If less maintenance and upkeep appeal to you, plan to buy a house with a minimum number of bedrooms — for you and your potential guests.

Pro tip: If you plan to downsize into a smaller home at retirement, spend some time before you move to declutter. Go through your holiday decorations, seasonal items, and furnishings to eliminate anything you no longer need or plan to use less in retirement. This will make moving into a smaller home more manageable when ready.

3. Choose the Right Location

You don’t have to stay in the town where you’re living after you’ve retired. To choose the city or location where you’d like to live in retirement, decide what kind of community you’d like to live in and what geographic features are most important to you. Some factors to consider as you’re trying to choose your ideal location:

• Cost of living
• Taxes
• Climate
• Geographic features (beaches, etc.)
• Healthcare providers
• Safety
• Proximity to family and friends

If you need help deciding which community or location is best, consider writing a pro/con list to help you prioritize the community where you’ll be happiest. For instance, if you enjoy walking to shops and restaurants, move near them. Likewise, if you like being near the beach, move there; every day will feel like a vacation.

4. Make a Budget

Know how much you can afford to spend on your future home. Then, if you still need to retire, you may need help gauging the amount you’ll have to pay monthly on living expenses.

Work with an accountant to find out how much you can plan to draw out monthly for your retirement. Assuming you’ll need a loan for a mortgage, work with a lender to determine how much you’ll need to spend each month on your loan. This will help you decide how much you can invest in your retirement home.

Contact a Moving Company You Trust

Are you moving soon? Call us, a trusted company, to get started with your relocation. We can provide a free quote for your upcoming move.

When trying to find a home in which to live, you’ll face a significant question – do you buy a house or rent one? The housing market in the US is still intense, so many individuals and families are looking at that question to figure out which option works best for them.

If you’re facing that kind of decision, it helps to break down the advantages and disadvantages of owning or renting a home. Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you, so let’s dive into those differences.

Cost of Living

The price is the first thing you’ll likely pay attention to when looking at new homes. When buying a house, you will probably use a mortgage lender to pay for the property. However, even with a lender, you’ll also have to make a down payment, which can be around three to five percent of the purchase price.

You’ll be looking at at least $15,000 to $20,000 for a down payment (depending on your market) and a mortgage payment that could fluctuate if you have a variable interest rate.

When renting a house, you’re signing a lease, meaning you agree to pay the landlord a set amount each month. Once the lease expires, you can renew it or leave the property. Typically, rents go up during renewal, but the amount depends on different variables.

Overall, a mortgage payment can be less than monthly rent because you’re not getting extra incentives like repairs and utility bills set into the price. However, you’re locked into a mortgage for about 25 to 30 years, whereas a lease is typically only for one year.

Application and Approval Process

Whether you’re looking to rent or buy a house, you’ll have to submit to a credit and background check. Landlords and mortgage lenders want to make sure you’re going to stay on your payments.

That said, a landlord may only need a background check to have you move into the home. With a mortgage lender, approval doesn’t mean you can buy a house. It only means you’re approved for a set amount, which you can use to make an offer on a property.

In this case, buying a home is more time-consuming and requires many more steps to complete. On average, closing on a house can take up to 45 days, while you can sometimes move into a rental in a week or two.

Repairs and Maintenance

While owning a home means you’re building equity that you can leverage for a new house or other substantial purchases, you’re also on the hook for any repairs and maintenance. Yes, homeowners insurance can cover some unexpected disasters, but it won’t pay for faulty appliances or normal wear and tear.

The primary advantage of renting a house is that your landlord keeps the property in good working order. Of course, you can’t intentionally destroy something to get a new one, but if something breaks on its own, you don’t have to pay out of pocket to replace it.

Get Moving Help Today!

Whether you decide to rent or own a home, you’ll need help moving your belongings into your new property. We can take care of everything from packing to transporting so you can focus on settling in and starting the next chapter of your life. Contact us today to find out more.

If you’re facing that kind of decision, it helps to break down the advantages and disadvantages of owning or renting a home. Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you, so let’s dive into those differences.

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If you’re planning a household move, it’s common to wonder how much it will cost. Costs vary depending on the distance and size of the load.

Before setting a moving budget, you must include everything you’ll need. Here are factors to keep in mind as you research.

1. Estimate Size and Weight

Before you start requesting estimates for a move, you need to figure out how much stuff you plan to bring with you. To get a rough guess, you can estimate the average load on the number of bedrooms or the square footage of your existing home.

Keep in mind that online averages could vary significantly from the actual weight of your moving load. So if you have a lot of heavy furniture or more belongings than most people, you may need to budget more.

2. Research Packing Supplies

If you plan to pack your belongings, you should factor in the cost of packing supplies. Boxes and other packing equipment can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the size of your home. You should plan to buy the following:

• Boxes
• Packing tape
• Packing paper or bubble wrap
• Labels
• Markers

Calculating the number of boxes needed for your square footage or home type should be pretty straightforward. However, remember that you may use a different combination of sizes than what comes with an average recommendation.

3. Thin Out Belongings

You may not be able to change the distance of the move, but you can certainly affect the weight of the load. For example, you will probably pay less if you bring fewer items.

Go through each room. Remove anything that you don’t use or that doesn’t make sense to have in your new home.

If you’re looking to save money, try to make the decluttering process as effective as possible. For example, finding a new home for old furniture is more efficient than thinning out a junk drawer.

4. Request Estimates

Once you have specific details about your move’s size and weight, you can request estimates from moving companies. Again, getting quotes from more than one company is a good idea, particularly if your move is happening in the next month or two.

When you review the moving quotes, be sure to ask about any aspects of the estimate you need help understanding. Remember that the best moving company for the job may have a higher bid.

5. Leave a Cushion for Additional Expenses

Even if you do your research and get an accurate estimate from the moving company, you may need to spend more money. In the last week or two before the move, it’s common to make several trips to the store for more boxes or tape. The last thing you want to do is worry about how you will pay for it.

Build in a cushion of 10% over the original budget. That way, if you need to make a few extra purchases, you’ll have some flexibility.

Let the Pros Help Out

Setting a moving budget is easier when you get a reliable estimate from an experienced professional moving company. For more information about your options for your next move, request a quote today!

Moving is exciting but challenging. If you are relocating with an infant in tow, you face a unique set of challenges. Here are some tips to make your relocation with your infant easier.

Check with Your Pediatrician

If your baby is a newborn, check with your pediatrician to find out when moving is safe for both mother and infant. Every child and woman is different.

Your pediatrician can also provide tips on keeping your baby happy during a long car or plane ride. They can also help you find a pediatrician in your new location and transfer your medical records.

Allow Time for Snuggles

Infants want attention. Take time to play with your infant and provide hugs. Remember also that routines are vital for infants. Try to keep feeding time and sleep times the same.

Use Childcare

You can do some of your packing during the baby’s sleep times. However, chances are, you’ll need someone to watch your infant while you finish packing, especially as the moving day looms closer.

Ask your professional mover about their packing services to help with that task. Often, the cost is less than you expect, especially if professional packing gives you more time with your baby.

Pack Baby’s Things Last

Pack the items in the baby’s room at the last minute. Then, unpack and set up those items first when you arrive at your new home. Try to keep the nursery arrangement as near as possible to the set-up in the old house.

Examine the crib for any loose hardware or broken parts.

Pack An Essentials Kit

You’re used to packing a baby bag for everywhere you go. In this case, however, you’ll want to pack essentials for as long as three days or longer if your move is long-distance. So keep the baby’s essentials kit with you.

Items to pack include

• Diapers, wipes, and plenty of plastic bags for used ones
• Baby food and formula
• Breast pump if you need one
• A cooler for milk
• A favorite toy
• Clothes
• Pajamas
• Sippy cups, bottles, and pacifiers
• Infant car seat
• Bath needs
• Stroller and carrier
• First aid kid and thermometer
• Your old pediatrician’s phone number in case you have questions

Baby Proof Your New Home

Ensure your new home is safe for your baby. While they might not be crawling yet, that milestone will come before you know it! Check out your home through your baby’s perspective — crawl through it on your hands and knees.

Look to see which items you can reach and remove any hazards.

Install gates at the top and bottom of the stairs. Secure furniture to the walls. Check all your alarms and detectors to ensure they are in working order. SafeKids Worldwide offers a home safety checklist.

Be Mindful When Unpacking

Remember to consider medicine safety by securing all your medicines immediately after unpacking. Also, be careful to lock up or store paints, cleaning products, and other hazardous materials away from your baby’s reach when unpacking them.

Pro Movers Help Along the Way

Professional movers can help make your day go smoothly. In addition, they can provide packing tips or assistance. Contact us today for a free quote.

So, you need to move your office. Perhaps your company has grown, and you need a larger space. Or, your business has changed slightly, and you need a different type of space. Whatever the reason, you can begin again in a new space.

Here are some things to remember when choosing a new office space.

1. Location

You’ll want to consider clients and employees when choosing the ideal location. Generally, you’ll want a site accessible by highway and public transportation, close to suppliers, and ample parking.

Company culture may also be a factor in choosing office space. For example, if your company culture is to celebrate the completion of projects or new business frequently, you should be close to restaurants. Or, if you allow your employees to bring their pets to work, is the building accommodating to that need?

2. Budget

Your budget will be a significant factor in where you can relocate. Prime locations tend to have expensive price tags. Therefore, you’ll want to be sure you’ll benefit enough from the area to be worth the investment. Also, you want to ensure you’ll still be able to set aside money for future projects, office renovations, and your commercial mover.

3. Image

Your location is a part of your brand. You’ll want to send a consistent message. For instance, if your clientele is affluent, you’ll want an elegant office space. Or, If you’re a nonprofit, you might want a functional space that is more understated, and the rent isn’t too high.

4. Space and Layout

Your office should be functional and help you streamline operations. It also should be a comfortable place for your employees and clients.

Begin by asking employees what they want in the space; they may have ideas you’ve never considered. About 87 percent of workers want their employers to offer workplace wellness benefits, for example. According to Forbes, some benefits might be workout rooms, ergonomic seating, and healthy lunch options. In addition, some offices with cubicles instead of desks offer a private place where employees can briefly go to make personal phone calls or have uninterrupted time for projects.

Consider the functions that take place in your office. Look for a space with room for each role, such as collaborative, meeting, and personal spaces. Also, consider specialty rooms, such as a media theater or reception area. Finally, determine your storage needs.

5. Comfort and Aesthetics

You want to choose a space that requires minor renovation or, at the very least, one with the overall structure you need for maximum creativity and productivity. High ceilings tend to promote innovative thinking, for example. Sunlight makes people happier and improves employee sleep. An interior designer can make suggestions about your space.

6. Health and Safety

Your new office must meet all the safety and health requirements. Ensure the office has excellent air quality and ventilation, low noise and popper acoustics, and proper lighting inside and out.

Contact a Commercial Mover

Once you’ve found your office space, contact us, your commercial mover. We can help ensure your office move goes smoothly.

If you’re lucky, your new kitchen will have a nice pantry when you move into your new home. And, you’ll need to stock it ideally to find everything.

Organizing the pantry is the key to easy meals and snacks. It’s better to come up with a plan in advance of a big shopping trip.

Keep these things in mind as you devise an organizational plan for the pantry in your new home.

Organize by Frequency

Before unpacking kitchen items or unloading grocery bags, list the things you use most frequently. Those items need to be in a place that is easy to reach.

It may make sense for a larger kitchen to break this down by cooking tools, serving and eating utensils, and food. Put each category closest to the appliances you need for them.

You may need to set priorities for limited space in a smaller kitchen. That way, you’re not compromising on a more critical task.

Set Kids’ Items Lower

Ideally, your children will grow up to prepare, serve, and clean up after their own meals. However, you can start at any age.

If your children are small, designate some portion as a kid-friendly pantry. Ensure your kids can see what is inside and access it with minimal assistance.

The kids’ items don’t necessarily have to work with the rest of the pantry organization. If it makes sense for you to put their plates and bowls next to their snacks, do it.

Use Clear Bins

Keep a critical eye on the function of organized pantries on social media. For example, several opaque baskets help hide visual distractions, but they can make it harder to figure out what’s inside.

If you’re not building a custom pantry, you may want to invest in some clear bins. You can get them in virtually any shape or dimension.

Try to choose sizes and shapes that allow you to change the layout over time. That’s better than buying a new set every time you change your eating habits.

Save Room for Appliances

These days, it’s common to have several small appliances that make your life easier. But, if you don’t have a place to put them, they will take up valuable space on your countertop.

It’s a good idea to be selective about buying small appliances, particularly if you have a smaller kitchen. There’s no point in dedicating storage space to a device you never use.

Consider devoting space inside deep drawers or high shelves for occasional appliances. You’ll get more efficiency from these spaces with an appliance.

Avoid Overcrowding

When you have a pantry, it’s tempting to organize it so that you can maximize every square inch. But, unless your kitchen is exceptionally small, you may not need to overcrowd it.

An overcrowded pantry is hard to organize. It also doesn’t leave much room for additions, like a new appliance or a bulk food purchase.

Leave at least 10 to 20 percent of the pantry as available space. You’ll find it easier to restock or clean with that flexibility.

Organizing your pantry is one of your first tasks in your new home. 

Moving Made Simple

From beginning to end, our team of professional household movers ensures a hassle-free moving experience, regardless of where you are moving. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of a seamless move. 

Looking for a new house is exciting and daunting, mainly because there are so many details to pay attention to. However, during the rush of exploring new homes and comparing features, many more minor details can get overlooked. Since you need to double-check everything, let’s dive into those little-known things you may miss when buying a new house.

Storage Capacity

Assess how much stuff you have right now. If you’re moving into a bigger house, you’ll probably have plenty of room for everything. But sometimes, people tend to grow into their homes. For instance, over time, you will undoubtedly acquire extra stuff. As a result, you need lots of storage space for all the items you currently have and those you may accumulate in the future.

Most of your storage areas will typically be in the kitchen and the garage. However, what if you have seasonal items or stuff that you only bring out a few times per year? For example, what if you have Christmas decorations that you need to store for 11 months of the year? You’ll discover it quickly if you’re short on storage space. But you don’t want to learn that after you’ve closed the deal.

Neighborhood

Most people will research their neighborhood, such as the school district, shopping areas, median income, etc. However, spreadsheets and statistics will only tell you so much. To get acquainted with your potential new neighborhood, you must walk around and explore before moving in.

How are the streets? Are they well-maintained or rough around the edges? Do most neighbors park their cars on the road, driveway, or garage? How does the neighborhood feel at different times of the day? Does it seem safe and welcoming at night? What is your vibe from neighbors and other people on the street?

Generally, you can get a good sense of what your neighborhood will be like by walking around it a few times. While you may not be able to pinpoint exact issues, you can tell when an area is unsafe or undesirable, regardless of how it looks on paper.

Cracks and Cosmetic Damage

Part of the home-buying process is getting a four-point inspection. While this inspection covers the primary elements of the house, it doesn’t look at everything. Minor cracks and cosmetic damage could be potential disasters waiting to happen. For example, a small crack in the foundation today could expand and become more significant after a few years. You don’t want to be on the hook for a hugely expensive repair like that.

Pay closer attention to these minor damages to determine if they’re warning signs or just regular wear and tear. If they’re the latter, you can rest easier.

Resale Value

It may seem strange to consider selling your new house before buying it, but the thought should be on your mind. Also, consider whether this is a starter home, a family home, or a forever home. If you’re planning to stay in the house for 20 or 30 years at least, you should think about how the neighborhood will evolve. If you’re thinking of reselling it within five or ten years, you want to make sure you can build equity and use it to upgrade to another place.

Get Moving Help From Us Today!

Once you’ve found your perfect house, you must figure out how to move in. We can manage the logistics so you can focus on getting settled. Contact us today to find out more!

Typically, moving involves significant life changes, even if you’re only moving across town. However, if you’re uprooting completely, this adds additional challenges and stresses. Finding a household mover that you’re comfortable with can help to make your move seamless.

To make your upcoming move a worry-free experience, connecting with the right mover can make a difference, especially if you seek additional services, such as packing and unpacking. Here are four tips to help.

1. Seek Referrals

To begin your quest to find the right moving company, talk to people you trust. Individuals you should ask include family, friends, neighbors, and recently moved colleagues. If no one you know has recommendations, your realtor might be able to help you. In addition, referrals from people who were happy with the services they received can give you a good feeling of reassurance.

2. Get Written Estimates

Generally, a good rule of thumb is to try to get at least three estimates from moving companies as you start your planning. Remember that you might get three drastically different estimates, which is not uncommon. This is because every moving company has another way of estimating the costs associated with a move.

Ask each company what they include in the estimate and whether the estimate is binding or non-binding. For your convenience, many companies also offer virtual surveys. Once you have your estimates, you can look at overall costs, what you’re receiving, and if a mover’s process aligns with what you’ll need.

The bottom line, understand what’s involved with each estimate and ask questions. This way, you don’t find any surprises.

3. Ask the Mover About Their Process

Understanding how the moving process will go alleviates stress and gives you the information you need to decide which mover to hire. Ask the following questions.

• How do you take inventory of my belongings?
• What is your scheduling procedure?
• How will you calculate the costs of my move?
• Can I expect my possessions to arrive on a specific date?
• Will there be additional fees I should know about?
• What are your non-allowable items?
• What do your packing and unpacking services entail?
• Will I be able to contact the driver or have another direct contact to ask questions?

Understanding a mover’s process will help you make the right decision for you.

4. Ask the Movers Company-Specific Questions

Like any other professional company you’d contract with, it’s helpful to know who you’re doing business with. Asking questions not just helps familiarize you with the process but can serve as a “getting to know you” session.

• How long has your company been in business?
• Does your company have the required state and local licenses?
• Are you registered with the FMCSA? (for interstate moves)
• Do you have references you can provide?

Moving Made Easy!

It can be complicated for most people to pack up and unpack an entire household, whether moving just miles down the road or out of state. Hiring an experienced professional mover that can handle the heavy stuff makes the process much easier and stress-free.

Are you ready to plan your move? Contact us today for a free quote! We’re happy to answer any questions you have about the services we provide.

When prepping for a move, it sometimes feels easier to pack everything into boxes and plan to deal with the sorting later to decide what to keep and save. Unfortunately, this is a bad idea for at least two reasons.

First, moving items you may not even want will cost you extra money. Second, it’ll be challenging to wade through boxes to get to the items you need sooner rather than later. The best thing to do is to set aside some time to declutter areas of your home before you prepare for your moving day. Here are four top areas to tackle.

1. Kitchen

To declutter your kitchen of non-food items, start by going through cabinets and other storage areas. If you have items collecting cobwebs in the dark corners of your kitchen, these are good items to donate or give away. Next, turn an eye towards your everyday items – do you need two sets of dishes or more coffee mugs? If not, consider donating these items before packing; it’ll lighten your load.

One of the things you’ll have to do before moving is to reduce the amount of food in your kitchen. Movers have specific policies related to food—be sure to check with your mover before you start packing.

• Plan to eat perishables.
• Go through cabinets, drawers, and pantry and dispose of anything expired.
• Determine pantry items you want to donate or give away and set those aside.

Check out these additional tips to declutter your kitchen.

2. Bathroom

Bathrooms tend to get very cluttered over time. To reduce the number of items to move, take the following steps.

• Clear out the medicine cabinets; dispose of unneeded or expired medication.
• Organize soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions, and only keep what you use.
• Dispose of old makeup and personal hygiene products long past their lifespan.
• Convert old faded or worn towels to packing materials or cleaning rags.

These four items can easily save you from packing a box or two and possibly more if you ask yourself these questions when decluttering your bathroom.

3. Closets

Over the years, closets tend to become jam-packed. Chances are there are numerous items you either don’t wear, don’t fit, or are out of style. It’s easy to get sentimental about clothing and shoes but resist this. Instead, encourage each household member to keep what they need for each season and donate, sell, or give away the rest.

4. Basement and Attic

You’ll probably need to set aside a fair amount of time to declutter your basement and attic since these areas where everything is not being used tends to end up. Consider downsizing the following items you’re probably not using anymore.

• Old and excess holiday décor
• Knick-knacks
• Sports equipment
• Cleaners, bleach, and laundry detergents
• Paints
• Tools
• Mousetraps
• Unused furniture
• Mementos no one remembers anymore

Start with these and see what other items you can add to it. Chances are you’ll be able to reduce boxes by quite a bit if you spend time decluttering these home areas.

Ready to Plan Your Next Move?

Decluttering your home before your move makes a lot of sense. While it’s not a fun task, it’s well worth the effort. When you’re ready, call us for a free quote!