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Homeowners listing their properties on the market often add curb appeal to their homes to help attract potential buyers. The good news is, while excellent curb appeal is vital when selling, it doesn’t have to drain your wallet or take countless hours of work. There are numerous inexpensive – and easy – ways to boost a home’s curb appeal quickly.

1. Add Fresh Paint to the Front Door

Your front door’s appearance matters when you go to sell your home. Tired paint is a distraction and signals to buyers the owner doesn’t care about their home’s appearance since they ignore the house’s entrance. However, a fresh, bold-colored coat of paint that complements the home’s exterior makes it highly welcoming. Then add a new welcome mat and pretty seasonal wreath (or welcome sign) on the door to complete the entry’s transformation.

Pro tip: If the door is dented or damaged in any way that paint can’t hide, consider replacing the door.

2. Clean Up the Home’s Exterior

Sellers never know when interested buyers may drive by the property to check it out before scheduling a viewing. Due to “unexpected company” showing up at any time, it’s a good idea to keep the home’s exterior looking top-notch consistently.

• Manicure the lawn/regular mowing
• Add fresh annual flowers for color
• Spread mulch
• Pull out all weeds
• Remove dead or limp branches
• Trim hedges and bushes
• Clean up toys, tools, and other items
• Tuck trash cans out of sight
• Sweep driveway and walkways
• Power wash the home
• Arrange patio or lawn furniture to look inviting

People selling their properties in the off-season or winter months should keep up with removing falling leaves, snow, ice, and other debris. Add seasonal plants or other colorful decorations to the entryway to offset any dreary days.

3. Upgrade the Mailbox

Many people tend to neglect their mailboxes because if they aren’t broken, why fix them? But mailboxes can still show wear and tear, and good first impressions are essential when selling a home. Swapping an old mailbox out for a shiny new one makes the house look well-kept since plastic ones tend to fade, and metal ones become rusted. If feeling creative, add some mailbox flair to impress potential buyers.

4. Replace Exterior Light Fixtures

Homes often have dated light fixtures in the front of their homes – an excellent way to spruce up curb appeal is to swap those out for modern fixtures. If the fixtures are too expensive, try giving them a good paint job to shine them up.

5. Replace House Numbers

It’s not uncommon to find homes with old, faded, or missing numbers. To spruce up curb appeal, replace these with shiny new ones – they are pretty inexpensive, and you can pick them up at any big box or hardware store (or if still feeling creative, go the DIY route). New house numbers not only look more attractive, but they’ll also help potential buyers quickly identify the property they want to look at.

Moving Made Easy

First impressions are vital, and curb appeal can make the difference in a sale or a pass when buyers view the property. Even if your budget doesn’t accommodate significant improvements, these can go a long way towards catching a buyer’s eye.

If you’re looking to schedule an upcoming move after selling your house, call us today for a free quote!

Many people with smaller moves go the DIY route since it avoids the complications of getting quotes and paying a professional mover for a full-service move. However, going the do-it-yourself route can be stressful, especially if you’re short on time.

Did you know there is a third option where you can have your belongings shipped without having to gather estimates, make a decision, and hire a moving truck? It’s called Trünk Moves.

How Does Trünk Moves Work?

This is the perfect solution for shipping personal items before you undertake a move. Equivalent to roughly 2.5 large suitcases, you can pack up to 110 lbs. (50kg) of belongings for easy shipping. Here’s how it works:

• Select destination
• Order # of containers
• Pack possessions at your own pace
• Schedule pickup for delivery
• Track online 24/7 for updates
• Trünk is delivered to your door or designated pickup point

You can even reuse the container for everyday use, disassemble it, and save it for future moves. Let’s look at a few circumstances where Trünk Moves could seamlessly be the perfect moving solution.

1. College Students

Most students living in dorms and small college apartments simply don’t have a lot that needs to move forward. If you’re like most college students who have personal items to relocate, you don’t typically need full-scale moves, especially for long distances. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a cost-efficient method of shipping your stuff back home for summer break or when moving to your next destination after graduation?

2. Temporary Job Relocations

Many professionals travel to oversee offices openings, are traveling nurses, or take on other types of temporary assignments. How easy would it be to simply send your essentials ahead without the hassles of a full-scale move?

3. Military Moves

If you’ve already gone through a PCS, you know the challenges of having what you need when you need it, especially for international change of duty stations. Trünk Moves empowers you to take charge of your essentials without having to lug them in your vehicle or pack excess luggage for your flight. PCS hassle-free!

4. Advance Moves

Often people who are moving long distances struggle to take essentials with them, which is costly and stressful. If you want to transition more quickly into your new life while waiting for your other belongings, just order the number of containers you need and ship the essentials ahead of time.

5. Vacations

Are you planning a long-distance or extensive vacation? Imagine a way to ship your essentials ahead of time, so you can have what you need waiting for you upon your arrival to your beach vacation or to take a break to become a digital nomad while checking out different cities.

6. Retirement Moves

Typically, people retiring and downsizing into smaller homes, condos, or apartments don’t need a full-scale move. Instead, many want to start fresh and buy new things to furnish their new home upon arrival. Packing up personal essentials equates to seamless and easy moves.

Let Us Help You With Your Trünk Moves

Ready to get going? Schroeder Moving Systems Inc. provides Trünk Moves services to offer you a quick and easy way to move your essential belongings to your new destination minus the hassles. The containers come with flat-rate shipping and are yours to keep!

Want to learn more about how Trünk Moves can simplify your next temporary or permanent move? Contact Schroeder Moving Systems, Inc. today.

Although you’d probably love to take two months off to plan your residential move, it’s not an option for most people. So how do you get it done?

There are many options, from hiring professional packers to hiring nannies to take care of your kids. They all depend on your situation.

Try these tips to keep your work productivity in check while you prepare to relocate.

Start Early

Moving almost always takes longer than you expect. Early progress feels great, but then it starts to slow down. You may get tired and find that you’re not getting as much done as you did at the beginning of the process.

The best solution for this is time. If you can give yourself 2 to 3 months to prepare, you’ll have a chance to work through exhaustion and burnout. In addition, you’ll be more likely to strike a good balance between work and moving obligations.

Keep a Manageable Work Schedule

Now, when you’re relocating,  it is not the time to step up your work schedule. Instead, you need a manageable number of hours that give you enough time and energy to focus on your moving process and logistics in your off-hours.

It’s particularly challenging for those people winding down one job and getting ready to start a new one. But it’s still a good idea to know your limits and stick to them. You’ll be better off making smaller commitments than making big ones and not fulfilling them.

Break Up Responsibilities

It’s tempting to leave work for the weekdays and moving responsibilities for the weekend, but it often doesn’t work that way. Most people only have 2 to 3 good hours of packing each day before they get too tired to continue.

Instead, make a plan that provides time for packing and taking breaks. Then put on your favorite show or movie and empty some drawers. You don’t have to spend hours on it — even 30 to 60 minutes each weekday adds up to five hours that you wouldn’t have otherwise.

Consider Professional Packing Services

To bypass most of this physical labor, hire your full-service moving company to pack up your belongings. When you select this service, professional packers come in and pack up your belongings for you. If you’re short on time, this packing service helps ensure that you are ready to move on the big day.

 Ask for Help

Even if you plan to do all the packing on your own, there’s a high likelihood that you may need help. Families often need childcare so they can focus on packing. If you have a yard with much upkeep, you may not have as much time to dedicate.

Taking care of everything yourself is great, but sometimes it’s too impractical. So instead, hire out or delegate some tasks. Even ordering food delivery on busy packing nights can make it easier to balance responsibilities.

Moving Soon? Contact Us

Most people have to balance work and moving responsibilities which aren’t always easy. We are here to help. From packing to special crating to heavy lifting, we can help make your move a little easier. Schedule your upcoming move, contact us for a quote.

Toddlers need to adjust to their new homes just like their parents. So when you’re just settling into your new home after a household move, it’s essential to ensure that you’re doing everything you can to make your toddler safe and comfortable.

There are many ways that you can make this happen. By identifying opportunities to babyproof your home, setting up play dates with local groups, and doing what you can to keep your toddler entertained and happy, you can make this time a positive one for your little one.

1. Identify Opportunities to Babyproof

Your little one should be safe in their new environment. Baby proofing your new home from the very beginning can help keep them safe and help lower your anxiety and stress levels, while your toddler can do the things they used to do in their old babyproofed home.

As soon as possible, hopefully within the first few days, go through your new home and babyproof areas that you know are most important for your child. Of course, pay close attention to most dangerous rooms like the kitchen and bathroom first, but do all house rooms as soon as possible.

2. Set Up Play Dates at Parks with Local Groups

Let your toddler get to know the other toddlers in the neighborhood while they learn that their new home can be a lot of fun! Get involved in local parent groups through social media, park district classes, or clubs, then set up play dates when you have the time. Doing this is good for you and your little one, as it gives you a chance to get to know other parents in the area.

3. Explore Preschools and Day Care Centers

Another way your little one can get to know other children and become adapted to their new home is to enroll them in a preschool or daycare.

It’s hard to choose the right preschool or daycare for your child. Unless you see them in person, it may seem like they’re all the same! The best way to ensure that your child is going to the right place is to visit the organization first.

Set up appointments with each preschool or daycare service that you’re considering. You may want to visit with your child or visit alone so you can ask questions without being distracted.

Enrolling your child in preschool or daycare will give you free time at home without your child – time to babyproof and unpack. This makes the transition to your new home easier for you and thus your little one.

4. Visit the Parks

You don’t have to wait for a play date with a local parent group to visit your local park. First, make a list of the local parks, and then make a point of bringing your toddler to each park that seems appropriate for them. Not all parks will have playground equipment suitable for toddlers, so pay attention to the park descriptions before deciding which parks to visit.

Moving Soon? Find the Right Moving Company

The right moving company can help make your transition to your new home a smooth one. Contact our company for a free quote to get started with your upcoming relocation.

A household move involves a lot of changes, and cats, by nature, are averse to change. Cats who become too anxious can make messes, become aggressive, or escape. However, you can take steps to ease your cat’s transition to your new home.

Before and During the Move

Preparing your cat for the move will ease the adjustment. 

Introduce boxes to your home before you begin packing so that they become part of the landscape. Also, introduce the cat carrier by placing it in a room and including blankets and treats to encourage the cat to explore the carrier. Allow them to enter and leave freely up to the day of the move.

On the day of the move, close the cat in the carrier. Resist the urge to open the carrier to comfort your kitty until you arrive at your destination.

Ensure your cat’s collar is up-to-date and the correct size. Updating the microchip before moving is a good idea; reunions are more likely with current microchip data.

Confine your cat in one room during the move. Put food and water on one side and a litter box on the other side. Also, include a scratching pad and favorite toys.

Create A “Safe” Room 

Cats adjust to new situations slowly. Prepare a “safe” room with a secure door and ceiling in your new home. Include food, water, a litter box, toys, and a few boxes for play. Familiar scents are comforting; have a tee shirt or other item of your clothing. Also, include blankets or toys with his scent.

Open the carrier and let the cat leave it at his speed. Sit with him as he explores the room the first time and frequently visit while the cat remains in the room. The cat will stay in the room until he begins to feel safe exploring the rest of the home. Some cats will feel safe after only a few days; others will take weeks.

Use Calming Aids

Pheromone sprays, diffusers, and plug-ins can help calm your adult cat, although they aren’t appropriate for kittens.  Products that contain rosemary, camomile, or tryptophan also can help your cat relax.

Keep The Cat Indoors

Even if your cat roamed outside frequently at your old home, keep him indoors for at least the first several weeks at your new home. Cats sometimes try to return to their old homes if allowed outside too quickly in the new location. So begin by taking him outdoors for ten minutes at a time and staying with him. Gradually increase the time, but continue to supervise him until you’re sure he’s comfortable with the yard and neighborhood.

Be Patient

Cats may react to the stress of change by not eating, hiding, or acting out. Play with your cat more and reward him more frequently with treats to encourage positive associations with the new home. If your pet continues to be anxious or misbehave for more than three weeks after the move, consult a veterinarian.

Moving Assistance

Are you relocating your family? Contact us for a quote. We can help ease your transition by helping with the packing, unpacking and everything in between.

When moving into your new home, your moving to-do list can seem endless. However, setting up your utilities is vital for getting comfortable as you begin to unpack your belongings. Here, we’ll look at things you need to do to get your utilities set up in your new space. 

Bare-Minimum Basics for the First 24 Hours

Before spending your first night in your new home, you’ll want to be sure to set up the following utility services: 

• Water
• Sewer
• Gas (if your house requires gas for heat or cooking)
• Electricity

You’ll need more utilities set up in the coming days, but as long as you have these ready to go, you’ll have a comfortable place to lay your head. In addition, you’ll be able to set up these services in advance, so you don’t need to wait until you arrive in your new town to create new accounts. Several weeks before the move, simply reach out to the local service provider for each of the utility services you need and let them know when you’d like your service turned on. 

In some states, you may have an option of utility providers. Take your time and research the option that makes the most sense for your budget, and be sure to reach out to several companies to learn more about their options. If you let a company know that you’ve found a better offer, they may provide you with a special rate to gain your business. 

Setting Up For Comfort

Once you have the bare necessities taken care of, it’s time to set your home up with all the services you need. When setting up the rest of your utilities, you’ll want to include: 

• Cable or other TV services
• Internet
• Landline phone
• Home security system
• Trash and recycling services

You may not have an option for some of these utilities (like trash and recycling), as there may only be one servicer for your area. For other services (like TV service and internet), you’ll likely have many choices. If you were happy with your TV or internet service in your last home and your provider is still available in the same area, you may want to simply transfer service from your old address to your new address. If you prefer, you may want to take advantage of the move-in specials many TV and internet companies offer. Be sure to check how long the move-in deals you’re provided last — some companies offer low rates for a year and then raise prices when the promotional period ends.

Moving? We’re Here To Help.

Moving is stressful, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. So reach out to us today for a free price quote on how we can help make your move as simple as possible. 

Your family is probably excited about your upcoming household move. But, before you start unpacking in your new home, you’ll need to choose bedrooms. The choices might be obvious, but they might not.

Selecting bedrooms isn’t simple, especially if you have several to choose from. However, the right decision will help you sleep better and enjoy your home more.

Use these tips to help you determine which bedrooms are best for each member of the family.

Square Footage

Typically, the most significant square footage room is the primary bedroom. But deciding who should have that room depends on a few factors. It’s not always parents or couples at the top.

If you’re a minimalist parent, you might not need as much space as you do for a baby or a small child. On the other hand, more space may be best if you have to put multiple teens in one room.

Natural Lighting

Next, think about the amount of natural lighting you get. Natural lighting is great for brightening a room. But, unfortunately, it’s not so great for people who need to sleep during the day.

Rooms facing east get more light in the morning. Rooms facing south or west will be brighter in the afternoon or evening.

Remember that you can choose window treatments to encourage or block out light. Remember that you’ll need to use them consistently if you want the desired effect.

Noise Inside or Outside

If you can, spend some time at your new home listening to noises from outside. Try this at a few different times of the day to see how it changes. With this information, you can determine which rooms might be affected by outside noises.

Remember that indoor sounds can be as loud and distracting as the road. For example, putting an infant next to the kitchen or laundry room might be a nightmare for naptime.

You can add sound-blocking materials on the walls or the ceiling. But that takes time and money. It might be less hassle to prioritize noise instead.

Proximity to a Bathroom

Proximity to a bathroom is a practical factor. Modern homes might have more than one suite. Homes built in the 20th century usually don’t.

If you love the ability to take a leisurely bath before you go to bed, a suite might be important to you. But if you don’t, you might not need it as much.

By comparison, if your kids take a bath every night, putting them in a suite might make the routine that much easier. But, of course, it’s an even better idea if the primary suite has the only bathtub in the house.

Privacy

Of course, privacy is a big deal too. If you want peace and quiet, choosing the room farthest from the others is ideal.

Keep in mind that teens need privacy too, particularly from their younger siblings. A basement or attic bedroom might be the perfect choice for this age group.

Remember that proximity to the public also affects privacy. If you need space to yourself, choose rooms facing the backyard.

Moving Made Simple

Picking bedrooms might seem easy, but it isn’t always. Sometimes it’s a difficult choice. Contact us for more guidance on planning your upcoming move.

Are you considering a household move this winter? Smart idea! While most people move during the summer, winter can offer several benefits. 

Moving companies consider December, January, and February an off-season, so you’re more likely to find discounts and score a cost-effective rate. Plus, sometimes movers have more availability during the winter months, making it easier for you to schedule your move. 

Of course, chilly temperatures can mean snowy roads, icy sidewalks, and slippery surfaces. These potential hazards add another layer to the moving process. So when moving in winter, keep these safety tips in mind. 

Ensure Utilities Are Up and Running

Imagine arriving at your new home, only to find the electricity and heat aren’t turned on. Avoid this unnecessary and inconvenient scenario by setting up utilities beforehand. 

Contact utility companies in your new locale about a month before moving day. These may include power, natural gas, telephone, water, sewer, garbage, cable, and internet. Ensure that the services will be transferred into your name and turned on by the time you arrive.

If temperatures drop, consider ensuring the heat is on for a few days before moving in. This will help prevent frozen pipes and other issues.

Clear a Path

Before movers arrive, make sure that their path is clear of snow and ice. Think of the walkways, sidewalks, and roadways that movers will need to use, and do your best to shovel snow and break up the ice. Spread gravel, sand, or salt to reduce ice and prevent slipping. Pay special attention to stairs, ramps, and other particularly slippery areas.

Where will the moving truck park? If possible, clear the parking area of snow, as well. You may want to research your city’s plowing schedule and alert movers to any potential issues ahead of time.

Protect Floors and Furniture

When moving in winter, it’s almost impossible to avoid tracking in slush, sand, and salt —  none of which are great for wood floors and carpets. Protect your floors by laying down durable tarps covered with a layer of sturdy cardboard. The combination helps keep floors dry while providing additional traction. 

If it’s raining or snowing outside, you’ll want to protect your furniture, as well. Draping items with large, waterproof tarps or wrapping with plastic will keep moisture at bay.

Pack a Winter Emergency Car Kit

If you’re driving to your new home, bring winter emergency supplies with you if you break down or encounter adverse road conditions. This essential survival kit should include items such as: 

• Blankets or sleeping bag
• Coat, gloves, hat, and boots
• Drinking water
• First aid kit
• Flares
• Flashlight and batteries
• Ice scraper
• Jumper cables
• Road maps
• Tire chains (if applicable)

Have a Backup Plan

There’s one thing for sure about winter weather — it’s often unpredictable. No matter how closely you watch the forecast, there’s a chance you’ll be surprised by a winter storm. 

That’s why it’s important to develop a “plan B” before moving day. Discuss alternate scenarios with your moving company ahead of time; if the conditions are too hazardous, you’ll all have a backup plan.

Winter Moving Made Easier

Moving in winter offers some advantages while also posing a few challenges. Work with your moving company to stay updated, keep your eye on the weather and be ready to adjust your plans if needed.

Contact us today for a free quote. Then, we can assist you with your winter move.

Electronic devices play an essential role in our modern tech-centric lifestyles. Whether it’s working remotely, watching TV, listening to music, or just surfing the web, most people heavily rely on their devices being ready on-demand. Likewise, most people want to ensure they are accessible shortly after arriving in their new home when getting ready for a household move.

Moving electronics can be tricky. Aside from keeping devices safe from harm during the physical move, you want to be able to ensure they’re reconnected correctly upon arrival at your new home. So here are some expert tips for packing up electronics for your move.

Take Photos of Everything

Let’s be honest. The wires associated with many electronic devices can get downright confusing. For example, most homes have a desktop, printer, and other peripherals that you must connect adequately. In addition, televisions and other video and audio components must be configured correctly and the cables connected in the proper places. To ensure these devices are reinstalled correctly at your new home, take a photo of how they are arranged and then mark wires and connections with different tape colors.

Prep Devices Properly

Before disconnecting a desktop, printer, scanner, CD, DVD, or Blu-ray player, be sure to prep them for moving. For computers, CDs, DVD/Blu-rays, ensure all disks are taken out and ensure trays are securely closed. While prepping the computer, take it a step further and make sure to perform a backup of any important documents, photos, or programs – this way, in the event the equipment is damaged, you don’t lose valuable digital resources.

When moving printers and scanners, remove all ink cartridges and pack them separately so you avoid any potential spills of ink/toner, which can lead to damage to your devices or other items they’re packed with. If you’re sure a box won’t tip, you can leave ink cartridges in (but why risk it?), but you should always remove cartridges for laser printers.

Pack Deliberately and Carefully

Ideally, you want to pack your electronics in their original boxes and padding if you still have them. If these boxes aren’t available, be sure to pack TVs, computers, and other items in boxes that are large enough to accommodate packing materials to keep devices snug and immobile. Use packing supplies that offer a little more cushion than paper, such as bubble wrap or other thick materials. For devices that have remotes, try to keep them with their devices. If not, be sure to label them with masking tape indicating which device remotes belong to.

Additionally, be sure to mark any box containing electronics as “fragile.” This way, your movers or anyone else handling these boxes will know to treat them with extra care and to ensure they are well-secured during transport to your new home.

Let Devices ‘Settle’ In

Once you arrive in your new home, try to avoid plugging in major electronics immediately. Instead, wait roughly 24 hours to allow them time to “settle” and get used to the temperature and humidity in the new location.

Moving Made Easy

Packing up and transporting electronics involves careful handling. Our expert movers will treat your valuable electronics with great care. If you have any questions about how to pack up your devices or would like a free quote for your move, contact us today! We offer a range of different moving services to make your move easy.

Moving day is just a month away — exciting! Now, it’s time to make sure you’re as prepared as possible for all the changes the coming month will bring. Follow these tips to prepare for the big household moving day when you’re still a month out. 

1. Plan your trip. 

If you’re moving across state lines, it’s time to plan the route you’ll take to your new home. Book hotels and your plane ticket if you haven’t done so already (so that you can meet your moving truck at your new home). Don’t wait until the last minute to try and find hotels along the way — you don’t want to be stuck without a place to stay after an exhausting day of travel. 

2. Transfer cable and internet service. 

Be sure to notify your cable and internet provider of your upcoming move. If you’re moving locally, you’ll likely be able to transfer your service quickly (but you might need an appointment to have a technician come set up your equipment in your new home). If your move isn’t local, you’ll need to set up an appointment with your new cable and internet provider. Don’t wait until you’re in your new home to do this (primarily if you depend on the internet to work from home). Appointments for cable and internet can fill up quickly, so reaching out to your new provider with at least a month to spare is a smart move. 

3. Start donating. 

As you begin to pack up your things, think about what won’t make sense in your new home and decide what you’d like to donate, sell, or give away. You may need to schedule a donation pick-up time for more oversized items (like furniture or large clothing containers). If you’re donating to a local charity, reach out to them to schedule a pick-up time for large donation items. 

4. Think about where you’ll park your moving truck on the big day. 

If you have a driveway where you can easily back in your moving truck when it’s time to load up, you’re all set. However, if you live in a town where parking isn’t simple, or if you’re in an apartment building with a complicated parking situation, you may need to put some thought into where you can park your truck. Reach out to your landlord, talk to your neighbors — make sure you have a set area where you’ll be able to park when moving day arrives. 

5. Reach out to your moving company. 

If you haven’t already confirmed moving day details with your moving company, be sure to reach out to them a month in advance. During your call, be sure to ensure all services (whether they’re packing your belongings or just loading, transporting, and unloading the truck). 

Preparing To Move? We Can Help. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all that you need to do to move to your new home, you don’t have to try to figure it out on your own. Instead, reach out to us today for a price quote on our moving services.