Category: Moving Tips

Moving on short notice is seldom a choice, but sometimes it is a necessity. Perhaps you’ve received a job offer in another city and need to start work in a month. Or, maybe your house sold faster than you expected, or you’ve abruptly ended a relationship. Moving on short notice is challenging but doable.

Here are some ideas on how to make that quick move work for you.

Make a Plan

List all the tasks that you need to accomplish before you move. Then, working backward from the date you need to be in your new home, fill in dates by which each task needs to be complete. Tasks will include finding a new home, packing (or hiring packers), notifying landlords and utilities, reserving a moving company, then moving. 

If you can’t find a new home right away, you may consider storing your items and living in a small furnished apartment or with friends or relatives until you find the right place.

Notify The Necessary People

If you are renting, notify your landlord as soon as possible to avoid having to pay an extra month’s rent. Examine your lease and state laws to determine whether you are potentially liable for the months remaining on your lease and, if so, how you can avoid this.

If you own your home, contact a real estate agent as soon as possible to put your home on the market or to rent it out.

Develop a Realistic Budget

The more items you have to move, the more you’ll need to spend. If you are relocating for a job, ask about what type of relocation assistance the company might provide. Consider whether you will have the mover pack or do all of it yourself or with friends. 

If you need to store items, plan to build that into your budget as well.

Packing

Begin packing seldom-used items right away. As you are packing, sort through, and eliminate the things you don’t use or no longer need. You’ll save time and money by taking fewer items with you, especially if you’re going to need to store things.

Ask for help. Just one or two friends can make packing go a lot faster. You also may want to consider having your moving company do some or all of the packing. When you interview movers, ask how much packing services will add to the cost. In many cases, the additional cost is worth the time it will save you.

Browse New Homes

Begin browsing immediately to get a feel for neighborhoods and homes that will work best. If you have children in school, you might research local schools or school districts. Or, perhaps, being close to work or public transportation is critical for you. Determine what you want most in your new home, then use the Internet, real estate agents, and friends to help you find a suitable home within your budget.

Interview and Book Movers

Begin by asking friends for recommendations. Interview at least three movers, and be sure you understand each estimate or quote and what it includes so you can compare accurately. If possible, plan to move midweek. Companies are more likely to have time available then rather than on weekends.

Once you’ve decided on a company, make your reservation as soon as possible to ensure your first-choice mover is still available.

Without a doubt, packing up a kitchen can be quite a chore, and that’s why you need a moving checklist. Numerous gadgets, fragile dishware, flatware, pots and pans, and heavy appliances can make this the most challenging and time-consuming room to pack up.

Let’s explore a few kitchen packing tips to ease the transition and ensure items transport safely.

Be Selective With What You Keep

Sort through everything, taking time to pick through items you need and use. Consider having a garage sale or donating the rest to simplify packing, loading, and unpacking. You’ll thank yourself, especially if you’re downsizing to a smaller home.

Prepare With the Right Packing Materials

You’ll probably discover that you’ll need more supplies to pack the kitchen than anticipated. You will need a variety of sturdy boxes in various sizes along with:

• Packing Paper
• Bubble Wrap and Packing Peanuts
• Packing Tape
• Labels & Markers
• Box Dividers

Put Aside Essentials

If you plan on cooking meals at home before the move, keep out items you’ll need like a coffee pot, ingredients for meals, utensils, and plates for mealtime. Keep aside some dish soap, a towel, and sponge for cleaning up afterward and for last-minute cleanup before departure. These items will also be easily accessible when moving.

Pack Larger Items to Create Space

By getting the larger items like pots, pans, bakeware, mixing bowls, and storage containers out of the way, more room is created to sort the smaller kitchen goods. Nestle pots and pans, putting packing paper or dish towels between them.

Oven mitts and towels serve as excellent box stuffers to fill any gaps. Be sure to wrap glass lids or ceramic cookware and pack them in a separate box. Attempt to keep the weight minimized, and pack like items together for easier unpacking.

Tips for Packing Stemware, Glassware, Plates, and Bowls

Pack glasses and fragile stemware with care; using those specialty box dividers helps prevent breakage. Wrap individual items in packing paper or bubble wrap—stack plates and bowls on top of each other with protective paper or wrap between them. Avoid placing heavy boxes on top of glassware, and don’t attempt to overpack the boxes—even if there’s still room.

Flatware and Utensils: Pack Cautious

If you don’t have an original box to place flatware in, the drawer tray can be wrapped in plastic and put into the box. Larger serving utensils fit nicely on top, and many use large baggies or packing paper to keep things organized. Rollup knives in heavy paper and tape them securely. Pack them on their side, blades down to prevent injury when unpacking.

Transporting and Packing Foods

Attack the spices first, wrapping them in paper or baggies. Be sure to remove anything that is expired or nearly empty to lighten the load. Pack pantry items next, making sure that they are sealed up tightly before boxing them up. Consider giving your non-perishable food to neighbors, a food pantry, or Move for Hunger. Check with your mover to see if they participate in this program where their crew will pack up your unperishable food and deliver it to a food pantry.  

Moving Kitchen Appliances

If refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers are on the moving list, a professional mover will come in handy. Strong arms and good dolly are required, along with a moving truck with a ramp for loading. Check with your movers about appliance preparation before moving to ensure the appliances are fully ready to go when the movers arrive.

Need Moving Help?

Our pro team of movers can help you pack and move your kitchen and the whole house! Contact us today to learn more about or moving services and to receive a free quote.

Moving your home or office comes with some level of stress at any time of year. But frigid temperatures and the possibility of snow makes more than a few people anxious. 

When fear drives our decision-making process, we typically miss opportunities. These may include buying a home during the winter months at a reduced price or taking advantage of prime office space that has become vacant. By adopting strategies that help overcome the fear of moving during winter, you will be positioned to make informed decisions.

1. Pack Unessential Items Well in Advance

Taking the first step in any journey tends to be the most difficult. In terms of moving, packing tends to be the first major activity. If you are considering buying a new home or relocating your office, take advantage of the time you have right now. There’s no pressure to put everything in boxes and no reason to start packing up non-essential items. By having a portion of your belongings ready to go, you’ve taken the first step.

2. Consider Hiring Experienced Packing Professionals

One of the primary fears people experience is that their valuables will get damaged due to slip and falls on icy surfaces. You can just see that box of formal dishware hitting the pavement. This is not an unreasonable fear given the fact we’ve all landed on our backside at least once.

Perhaps the best way to alleviate this fear is to work with a professional moving company that offers packing services. People who carefully wrap fragile items daily do this with the idea of protecting them from hard impacts. Pro movers can add additional bubble wrap and employ other strategies to deliver the best possible moving protections.

3: Work with Professional Movers to Account for Holidays

One of the major issues that typically hold people back from winter moves is the holiday schedule. No one wants to have everything in boxes when family gatherings are imminent. Rather than kick the relocation plan into spring, consider working with professional movers. 

Moving companies work seamlessly with people every day who have concerns about wide-reaching issues. They routinely help families and businesses navigate around holidays, birthdays, weddings, and leases that are timing out.

4: Plan for Winter Storm Delays

The trickiest part of moving at any time of year is the impact severe weather can have on your schedule. Some people think that spring and summer are safe bets in terms of weather. That’s not necessarily the case. Torrential downpours, high winds, and hailstorms can crop up at any time. The point is that no one can anticipate foul weather weeks in advance.

Consider discussing this issue with an experienced moving company that can provide an alternative date if a snowstorm does descend. Expert movers usually understand the time it takes to clear streets and can work out fallback schedules. The delay might be hours or a day or two, depending on ice and snow accumulation. But having a moving date and snow date in hand can certainly minimize any fear of long-term delays.

5: Moving Day Strategies Worth Considering

Winter presents unique logistical challenges that professionals negotiate all the time. But if you’re handling a move on your own, you would be wise to consider investing in items such as floor protection and snowmelt products, among others. Consider putting down plastic or other protections over carpet and flooring to avoid tracking mud. 

Whether a DIY move or using a professional moving company, make sure that walkways are shoveled and doused with a suitable product to prevent a slip and fall.

Take a moment and review areas that require secure footing and take precautions. Knowing you have these and other winter protections in place will likely make you feel more confident about a winter move.

Winter Moving Reinforcements

Let professionals help you with your move. Contact us for a free quote. We can help make your winter move stress-free.

Even undertaking a small apartment move can be a challenge, and packing up for a large family brings about even more complexities. To help you avoid as much stress and inconvenience as possible, here are some tips for simplifying your next move to a new home.

Tip #1: Declutter Your Home

It only takes more time and energy to pack, move, and unpack household items that you really don’t need, want, or use. Tame the clutter through donations, trash, sales, or recycling as far in advance of the move as possible to have a more realistic picture of what you’ll face on moving day.

Tip #2: Prepare a Detailed Moving List

Taking time to prepare a master moving list is essential to a smoother move all around. Outline a plan of essentials to-do, and create a timeline to achieve each task, including obtaining supplies, packing, utilities, school and medical records, and hiring movers.

Tip #3: Secure Essential Moving Supplies

The need for boxes and tape is evident, but that’s only the beginning of having a solid packing plan before moving. Easing the transition also requires labels for boxes, scissors, packing paper, and bubble wrap. Pick up a handy carryall to tote items from room to room and keep them organized. Having a dolly on hand to prevent injuries and back strain might be a good idea, too.

Tip #4: Research Food Options in Your New Town

One thing you likely won’t have on hand right away—especially during a long-distance move—is food. Take some time to explore the various delivery services for groceries and restaurants to ease your duties as you unpack and get settled in.

Tip #5: Arrange for Essential Home Services

Be sure to search for the best utility companies and arrange for service to be connected a day or two before your arrival. You’ll want to have scheduled providers for essentials such as electricity, gas, Internet, television, water, and a security system.

Tip #6: Transfer Vital Records

Families with children will want to officially arrange for a transfer of documents to confirm their new school status. You should secure medical records from providers or make arrangements to get pertinent health documents and current prescriptions sent to new providers. It will be especially useful if you contact local schools and doctors beforehand to streamline the process.

Tip #7: Pack an Essentials Kit

There will be items that you will need to access right away after or during the move. Pack an essentials kit, a personal suitcase with ample toiletries, and clothing in your vehicle for convenience and comfort. If traveling with pets, include a bag with food and water along with bowls to meet their needs. If you’re moving with kids, a cooler of beverages and snacks will make their journey (and yours) more pleasant.

Tip #8: Employ Movers for Packing Help and Transportation

Packing can be exhausting but not as much as loading and unloading it from a moving van or truck. Those heavy couches, mattresses, and chairs can be loaded and transported to your destination with caution by a professional moving company, along with the dozens of boxes you have.

Movers can even handle packing for you if you don’t have time or energy to do it yourself. Contact moving companies for quotes as soon as you know you are moving.

Time to Move

We can help simplify your move. Contact us for more information. We’ll provide you with a free quote. Let us help get you into your new home.

In a perfect world, any time you relocate, you would have months to prepare. Sometimes quick property sales, a new job, or other life circumstances can have you moving in an all-out rush. If you have just a few days to get your belongings packed up and on their way, you may need a few time-saving moving hacks to help you set a quick pace.

1. Skip serious sorting and pack things where they are.

The standard moving process involves carefully sorting everything according to the room and where it will eventually be. However, if you’re short on time and need to get moved quickly, skip the major sorting and pack your belongings where they are in the house. 

This kind of packing might take you a little longer on the other end to unpack, but by then, you will be in your new place with more time to spare. For example, if you start out in your bedroom and find a lot of odds and ends that belong in the bathroom or living room, skip bolting from room to room to relocate these items and simply pack them where they are.

2. Create a designated spot for discards or leave-behinds.

If you’re moving in a hurry, you may have to leave a few things behind or discard some items, especially if you’re downsizing or moving in with family or friends. Pick a designated spot in your home that is out of the way and use this area to stash the items you plan to discard or leave behind.

3. Pack your clothing as it is.

Clothing is not necessarily hard to pack. But it does take up a lot of time if it must go from its current location into a box. Instead of handling every piece of clothing you own, pack your clothing as it is. For example:

• Leave your clothing in your dresser drawers and tape the drawers closed
• Leave hanging clothes on hangers and place them in a portable wardrobe box, large box, or large garbage bag
• Leave stored clothing in its storage container and move as is

4. Get all hands on deck.

Moving in a hurry means you will need all the help you can get. Every family member should have a list of jobs to tackle. If you have kids, put them in charge of packing their own rooms. You can always pop in from time to time to make sure they are doing things properly. If you have a few relatives who can help, it would be a good time to call in a favor or offer dinner at the new place in exchange for a little help. Even a few extra hands for a few hours can make a big difference.

5. Schedule pro movers ASAP.

As soon as you find out you have to move, reach out to professional movers to schedule a moving truck and some professional help. Keep in mind that some moving companies stay pretty busy with their services in high demand. The sooner you can secure a spot for service, the better.

Take the Sting Out of Rushed Move with Professional Help

Having a professional moving company on-site for a hurried move means you can carry larger loads at one time. And possibly get help with packing, packing supplies, and even securing storage if needed. Reach out to a professional household moving company in your area to get the help you need during a last-minute relocation from one home to the next.

As COVID-19 continues to inflict the United States, we are gaining a better understanding of the disease’s effect on people’s behavior and mindset.One interesting way the coronavirus is affecting people is its impact on their decision to move. Not only does the disease contribute to people’s desire to move, but many households have expedited the moving process because of it. 

Below, we’ll take a look at how exactly COVID-19 has impacted movers’ mindsets and behavior.

COVID and the Decision to Move

Although the first COVID cases in the U.S. appeared in January 2020, the virus’s widespread impact wasn’t felt until March when lockdowns were first initiated. By mid-summer, nearly 15% of people moving cited COVID as a contributing factor in their decision to move. The four most common reasons that 15% of movers cited were:

1. Personal health and well being (60%)
2. Desire to be closer to family (59%)
3. Change in employment status (57%)
4. Family health and well being (53%)
5. Live in an expanded living space (45%)

Roughly two-thirds of the movers above reported that their moving process was expedited because of the virus.

Overall, however, the U.S. experienced a shift in peak moving season. While typically, most moves occur in May through late August (between Memorial Day and Labor Day), that timeframe was pushed back by a month or two. Interstate move requests jumped by 27% and 32% in August and September, respectively.

Where Are They Going?

As expected, the top outbound states for which COVID was a factor include the states hit hardest by the virus or most impacted by lockdowns, including Washington, D.C., New York, Massachusetts, Florida, and California. 

Also, unsurprisingly, the top inbound states for which COVID was a factor in the decision to move include states with lower population densities such as Vermont, North Dakota, Montana, Oregon, Ohio, and Utah.

The data from New York show a pretty dramatic shift in moving trends over previous years. In May and August, moving requests increased by more than 50% over 2019.

But that pales in comparison to a city like San Francisco, whose requests skyrocketed 59% for August year over year and 129% in September!

COVID-19 is changing our behavior in many ways. While some are content to simply adhere to recommended precautions like mask-wearing and hand washing, others either feel the need to take more drastic steps to protect their family or escape the partial lockdowns and mandated safety measures. 

For the time being, the virus isn’t going anywhere. However, you can feel safe when conducting a move with a reputable moving company that follows the recommended guidelines and safety precautions like Schroeder Moving Systems.

When you move to a new home, all the old stuff in your attic suddenly becomes suspicious. Where did that dress come from? What is in that box, anyway?

Having a few items ready to load may seem like a huge plus. But if you aren’t sure what they contain, it is time to find out.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid bringing along any visiting pests as you pack for your relocation.

Clean and Declutter While Packing

Even if you maintain a clean home, you could still have a problem with insects or rodents. They prefer to stay in places you don’t visit often, like the bottom of the closet or the basement.

You can start your packing journey in these places, as a way to uncover them. As a bonus, you might find a bunch of stuff you forgot you had. Decluttering your belongings now saves you time and space later.

Look for Signs of Pests

Of course, your home might be pest-free. But if you live in an older house, you’re more likely to have a hidden problem.

This means you need to look for clues. The good news is, they’re not hard to find. Start with the most common signs of an infestation, like droppings or peeling paint on the walls.

If all seems clear, keep going ahead with decluttering and packing. Sometimes you find more indicators as you clean and load up.

Treat for Pests Early

If you do notice a pest problem, you should act quickly. No one enjoys hiring an exterminator a month before moving. But it’s better to do it now than have to deal with it after you move.

Dealing with an infestation may take a few days. It depends on the kind of pest and the extent of the problem. Most of the time, you can just clear out for the day and come back later.

Treating early allows you to see if it works. If it doesn’t, you can try another course in a few weeks. For significant infestations like termites, you’ll probably need more than one treatment.

Consider Repacking Old Boxes

Even if everything appears good, you should still take a peek inside those old boxes in the attic or basement. Rodents and insects love quiet, dark places. They are much more likely to hide in a box you never open.

Repacking old boxes makes it easy to confirm that everything inside is good to go. Set the items on a towel or old newspaper that you can wash or throw out later. If you don’t find any problems, you can pack it in a fresh, new box.

Stage Packed Items Before Moving Day

If you have to pack while dealing with pests, you may need a staging system. Once you finish packing a box, you can seal it and take it to a different location.

Ask us about your options for temporary storage. That way, you don’t have to worry that your boxes will get infested again before you move.

Moving is stressful enough. Bringing along a bunch of unwanted pests is even worse. If you follow these tips, you can move to your new home without them.

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but moving while pregnant can be stressful. Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, you could be dealing with exhaustion, morning sickness, or other health conditions. If you’re later in your pregnancy, you also might be very limited in what you can physically do.

Moving to a new home comes with many details to manage, and, while you’re coping with changes in your body, you don’t need the extra stress. We’ve got some tips to help keep you and your baby safe while keeping the stress levels down.

Talk to Your Doctor

You and your baby’s health are at the top of your priority list. During pregnancy, you don’t want to do any heavy lifting or other moving tasks that might result in too much exertion. Once you know you’re moving, consult with your doctor. He or she will look at your pregnancy history, how far along you are, and then provide guidance on what is or isn’t safe for you to do during your move.

Listen to Your Body

Making a move during any stage of pregnancy is taxing on both your body and mind. If you’re feeling worn out, be sure to take breaks when you need them. In the months, weeks, and days leading up to your move, get enough rest, eat healthily, and stay hydrated. While there always feels like much to do when moving (and usually there is!), your health comes first – ultimately, things will get done.

Seek Out Help to Pack, Move, and Clean

Don’t be timid to ask or accept help. Seek out as much help as you can to assist with packing and moving as possible. You’ll find that there are plenty of avenues to get help.

• Recruit family, friends, and neighbors to help with heavy lifting. (Order pizzas and make a party of it!)
• Hire professional packers and movers who are experienced with moving and will get the work done quickly.
• Assign another household member, or ask a friend, to do the deep cleaning so you can avoid harmful chemicals – if you don’t have help, hire a cleaning company to do it for you.

Most people are very willing to lend a helping hand, especially when you’re expecting. Receiving help from others not only relieves some of the burdens with moving, but also allows you to focus on tasks such as arranging utilities, putting in change of address notices, and making lists of other important details you’ll need to manage.

Delay Setting Up the Nursery

While you’re probably anxious to plan your nursery and start gathering baby supplies, it’s best to wait until after your move. Baby items create extra packing, not to mention it’ll cost more in both time and money. Any supplies you need immediately, you can order online and have them delivered to your new place. Even if you move close to your due date and need supplies, you can delay planning your nursery. Chances are your baby will be sharing a room with you in the initial weeks or months, so you can take your time planning and setting up the nursery the way you imagine it to be.

Moving Soon

Learn more about our moving service options; contact us today. We can customize the services you need to help your move be as seamless as possible while you focus on moving your most precious cargo, your baby.

Of all the types of businesses, small businesses tend to relocate more than others. Whether it is transitioning to a better building, a better part of town, or something else, every relocation can be challenging for a smaller company. Too much downtime, and you can face significant interruptions in incoming profits and problems with loss of clientele or customers. 

Check out five must-know tips for getting your operation from point A to point B with as little interruption as possible.

1. Plan, Plan, and Plan Some More

When it comes to moving your business to a new location as seamlessly as possible, your prior planning can mean everything. You should have detailed plans covering:

• A timeline of how and when everything will take place
• A moving budget with a breakdown of each cost involved
• A detailed writeup of what employees will be responsible for what tasks
• What loose ends must be tied up by the time you get to the new place
• A plan of when and how you will notify customers and clients

2. Find a Moving Company for Help

Sourcing a moving company early is good because you can lock in specific dates on a calendar and know precisely what you will spend. Plus, having professional movers to help means the transition will happen much faster. Speed means less downtime for your small business, which is ideal.

3. Create an Inventory Spreadsheet

Everything in your building should be treated as inventory because every asset is valuable. The more detailed you are about everything within your business that has to be moved, the easier it will be to plan and pack as time goes on. Therefore, the less likely it will be that you run into issues due to forgotten items that have to be handled. Your inventory should include:

• All equipment pieces used in your operation, such as printers, laptops, or machinery
• Furniture, such as shelves, tables, and desks
• Filing cabinets, documents, files, data CDs, etcetera

4. Consider Replacing What Is Logical

Replacing some things during a move can be logical. For one, you won’t have to move what is being replaced; it can be sold or donated. Two, what you are replacing can be up, running, and ready at the new place, so when you get there, at least that much is ready for business. If you have some equipment that can be replaced because it is nearing the end of its life span, it is now an excellent time to do it.

5. Know Your Moving Timeline and How It Will Affect Business

Your moving timeline, hopefully, created early on in the planning phase, is your roadmap for everything during the move. You will need to look at:

• How much of the business can continue to function during the move
• If there will be specific times when no operation will be possible
• How long it will take you to open for business once everything is in place at the new building
• What employees will be at the current location packing vs. who will need to be at the new location

In some cases, if you plan to remain open with as little downtime as possible, a gradual move makes more sense. However, it is common to have to be down or entirely closed for a few days.

Work with a Pro Moving Company for a Seamless Transition

Moving a business will always bring about unique challenges and more stress than a typical residential move. However, when you have a good team of professional movers to help you through, things can be easier to handle. Reach out to get a free quote from professional movers today.

It’s never easy to downsize when making a household move. You accumulate possessions throughout your life that matter to you in many ways. You don’t really want to part with any of them. Unfortunately, the nature of life is change. There may come a time when you need to make a move into a smaller home, and that requires you to say goodbye to many of your possessions.

Look for Opportunities to Gift Possessions

Now is the time to share precious memories with loved ones by gifting possessions that will matter to them. It allows you to pass along these items without a sense of guilt or pain because you know they are going to someone who will appreciate them as much as you do. The more things you gift to friends and family, the fewer things you have to pack to move! It’s a win on all counts.

Keep What’s Most Important to You

While there are many things you’ll need to get rid of to accommodate a smaller living space, it doesn’t mean you can’t keep the things that matter most to you. Just remember to prioritize when deciding what to keep so that everything isn’t something you feel you must keep. You will ultimately need to get rid of things, so choose wisely when deciding which items are most precious to you.

Be Realistic About You’re Available Space

Take measurements of your new home before the move. This way, you’ll have specific dimensions in front of you to work with while you plan the new space. Downsizing isn’t easy to do, especially if you have a lifetime of possessions you’ve worked hard to accumulate – many of which have sentimental value. However, knowing the workable space will make it easier to choose which items are essential and which ones you can live without.

Allow Yourself Moments of Grace

Sorting through a lifetime of possessions is hard. The more things you must eliminate, the more difficult it can be to do so. There’s a lot of pressure to eliminate these things that matter so much to you. Allow yourself a moment to grieve for the things you must sacrifice and remind yourself why you’re making the move and how much richer your life will be once you’ve made the move. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling these losses so profoundly. Extend the same grace you would offer others in similar circumstances.

Be Strict About Weeding Out Possessions

Once you’ve had your moments of grace, though, you must embrace the more ruthless side of your nature. You must be your strictest taskmaster when it comes to relieving yourself of possessions that your new home simply cannot accommodate. It won’t be easy — there’s no denying that. But it can also be healthy and almost cathartic.

Make it Profitable

Before you head off to donate your possessions to your favorite charity, look for ways to perhaps turn a little profit from them. Consider working with an estate sales team to determine items that may carry value from estate sales. Then have a garage sale to get rid of what’s left. You might have things you can sell on eBay or Facebook Marketplace for added profit. Take the money and do a little something nice for yourself as a reward for all your hard work and sacrifice.

Moving to Your Next Chapter

Downsizing isn’t easy. But most people have few regrets down the road for giving up possessions and making the move to a smaller home. Just make sure, when the time for your moving day comes along that you have the right team to help you with the details and the heavy lifting.We can help with your move to a smaller home. Contact us for a free quote.