Tag Archives: move

Moving Across The Country Made Easy

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There is a lot to do and think about when it comes time to move into a new house, especially if that new home is on the other side of the country. If you have a family that you need to bring with you, then the process becomes that much more complicated. The good news is that although it won’t always be fun, you can make a long-distance move with the family more manageable with proper planning, smart packing, and some great tips that we’ll discuss here today.

Proper Packing And Preparation Are Key

There is no way around it. Moving a family across the country will be an expensive endeavor. However, you can make many adjustments to cut unnecessary costs, so you aren’t so financially stressed. One big expense that you can cut is the cost of hiring professional movers and instead, pack and transport your belongings yourself. You can either rent a moving truck, a moving container, or a freight trainer to get your stuff from point A to B.

Packing your house can be a nightmare, so keep the process as organized as possible. Go room by room and start separating items that you want to keep from what you plan to donate or give away. This is a good chance to clear out unneeded clutter. If you are packing any of the belongings in your garage, then make sure to drain all of the fuel from the gas-powered equipment and bundle garden tools together for easy handling. That way, you will have everything together when you arrive at your destination.

Once the truck is loaded, you will want to start planning your trip. This is especially important if you have children that you know will get hungry or tired during the cross-country drive. Take the time to find affordable restaurants and hotels along the way that you can stay at to rest your eyes and wake up refreshed for another long day of driving. Also, consider making your hotel reservations ahead of time so you can just show up and get to your room with little fanfare.

Keep Your Kids And Pets At Bay

A road trip across the country may be fun at first, but as the drive goes on, your kids and pets may begin to get a bit restless. Since you will want to be cautious and responsible when driving, it is important that you ensure that your passengers are safe and entertained.

Safety is key during the drive. Before you leave for the trip, make an appointment to have your vehicle inspected so you can verify that you won’t have an accident along the way. Have them check the brakes, oil, tire pressure, and top off all of the fluids. Also, verify that all seat belts are in good working order before you leave and that kid’s car seats are properly attached.

If you have a dog along for the ride, then it is only a matter of time before it starts moving around, so you will want to help your pet get used to the car and provide them with a comfortable seat. If your pet has never been in a car before, then help them acclimate to the vehicle before you leave and never let them sit on your lap during the drive. It is also a good idea to give your pet a microchip or update your contact information on their tag before you leave so you can find them if they get lost.

When your kids inevitably get restless during the trip, keep them entertained by having them create a scrapbook of the move as you go about the journey and allow them to have their favorite toys, so you don’t have to dig through boxes to find them if the kids get crabby.

Other Tactics To Save Your Sanity

There are other strategies that you can use that can make an already stressful endeavor more tolerable. For instance, if you can afford to pay for hired help, then consider contacting professional movers as they can take a lot of stress off of your shoulders. Many moving companies will help you pack your house, transport the goods to the new location, and then help you unpack or at least put the boxes in the proper rooms when you arrive. Before you contact potential movers, look at online customer reviews to ensure that you are hiring a quality company.

It is very important that you practice self-care during the trip. You may be in a rush to get to your new home, but if you don’t take care of yourself, then you could do more harm than good. When you go to the hotels, get seven to nine hours of sleep, so you don’t get tired on the road. Also, eat a good breakfast and consider spending a few minutes in the hotel gym. Both of these activities will give you some natural energy for the trip.

Finally, although you likely want to make good time, don’t forget that this is an adventure for the entire family, so don’t be afraid to stop at some roadside pit stops where you can either see cool attractions or get a bite to eat at a unique restaurant. Plus, it will give everyone in the car a chance to stretch their legs.

So there you have it. Great tips to make your cross-country move fun, inexpensive, and relatively stress-free. Consider these tips, and you’ll be arriving and moving into your new home in no time.

5 Actionable Steps to Get Online Quickly When Moving Home

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Internet connection is a necessity in the modern age. Some people use internet in lieu of other services, cutting the cable and streaming their favorite TV shows. Many households rely on the internet for their accounting and paying the bills. The idea of being stuck in a new home without an internet connection likely doesn’t sit well. Here’s what you can do to avoid that frustration and get online as quickly as possible after moving home.

  1. See Who Services Your New Area

Your current provider may not offer service in your new area. Some internet companies have more infrastructure in certain areas, making it difficult for smaller or newer providers to find their footing. Before moving, be sure to check your current provider’s coverage areas. If you can use the same provider, things will likely be easier. If not, you’ll have to determine which available provider offers the best service in your new neighborhood. Checking all the internet providers in your new area before you actually pack and move will save you a lot of stress. Don’t forget to do it.

  1. Transfer Your Existing Service if Possible

If your current provider serves your new neighborhood, you can begin to process of transferring the service. Service availability might mean you need to switch your plan with your provider. If they offer better coverage near your new home, that’s great. You can improve the quality of your service. If they play a limited role in the new market, you might have to settle for something less than what you previously had. A representative for your internet company will let you know what they can do for you.

Be sure to given them enough notice. As soon as you know your move-in date, let your internet service provider know. Although you shouldn’t count on it, some providers might be able to accommodate a last-minute move. They’ll typically attempt to schedule installation as soon as possible, but they might not be able to get you online right away if they only have a few days’ notice.

  1. Review Your Current Contract

Since internet is a monthly service, it typically comes with a contract. Very few internet service providers offer month-to-month service without one. If your provider utilizes contracts, be sure to review the one you’ve signed. Some providers require you to make a commitment to use their service for a prolonged period of time in exchange for a lower rate or sign-up special. If you’re going with a different provider after you move, there many be penalties for discontinuing your service before your contract runs out.

  1. Negotiate If You’re Using a New Provider

New providers are eager to pick up business. If there’s a cancellation penalty for leaving your old provider, your new one might be willing to pay the fees on your behalf in exchange for a lengthy commitment with them.

Even if you’re not dealing with any cancellation penalties, you still may be able to negotiate. Many providers are eager to outshine their competitors. You might be able to score a lower monthly rate if you ask around. Some providers will lower their asking price or add more value to a bundle package, like including home phone or increasing maximum speeds. Don’t accept the sticker price if you don’t have to – a little negotiation now can save you a lot of money over time.

  1. Plan Ahead for Installation

Some providers will give customers a quick install kit. They can hook up their own internet connection in a matter of a few minutes if the home is already equipped with the necessary co-ax cables and necessary infrastructure for connection. If you don’t want to install the internet yourself or if more extensive work needs to be done, prepare for your installer by picking an ideal spot for the equipment and a nearby electrical outlet.

Once your internet is installed, make sure you receive the necessary documents with your passwords and important equipment information. You may also want to test your internet speed to assure you’re getting the rate you were promised. If everything checks out, you’re good to go.

As long as you’re treating internet connection as an important priority and thinking ahead, you’ll be back to normal browsing in no time. Just make sure to log off once in a while to enjoy your new home.

Bio:

Ariana Williams is a pedagogy graduate with a huge love for teaching children. She is also an avid writer and, whenever not spending time with her family, she enjoys writing for blogs and newspaper from her quiet apartment. Feel free to visit Ariana on @AriWilliamsAri and say “hi”.

How To Survive A Last-Minute House Move: 5 Easy-To-Follow Steps

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A house move usually requires at least two months of planning and preparation to ensure that everything is dealt with accordingly. Unfortunately, there are some instances where a quick, last-minute relocation cannot be avoided.

While it may seem more daunting to tackle compared to a thoroughly planned move, you can still succeed in the task without too much stress. The key is to know the different parts of the process and the most efficient way of completing them.

To help you out, here are five easy-to-follow steps you can use as a guide to surviving that last-minute relocation:

Step #1: Choose a Removal Company

Removal companies are experts when it comes to dealing with the logistics of a move. They can handle almost everything — from packing and transporting your belongings to helping with the unpacking at your new residence.

Because their role in the success of the relocation is huge, it is imperative that you hire the best in the business who can accommodate a rushed move. When choosing a removal company in Sydney, Australia or in any other location in the world, you should do a good amount of research and ask the right questions.

Some of the things you must learn are the cost, the type of services you require, and the standard fees so you’ll know if you’re getting the most out of your money.

Step #2: Pack an Essentials Bag

An essentials bag should contain all the necessary items that you may need on your first couple of days in your new place. This way, you won’t have to rush with the unpacking and it will help you to stay organized after your move.

Here are some of the things you need to include in your essentials pack:

  • Chargers
  • Keys
  • First-aid kit complete with all necessary maintenance medications
  • Beddings, such as pillows, blankets, and bed sheets
  • Toiletries
  • A few changes of clothes
  • Paper towels, toilet paper, and other essential paper supplies
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Flashlight
  • Meal staples and easy-cook (or no-cook) food
  • Water and other replenishments
  • Kitchen utensils and dishes
  • Coffee or tea
  • Portable tool kit and scissors
  • Identification documents and other important papers
  • Cash and/or credit cards

Step #3: Pack the Rest of Your Belongings

Now that you’re done with your essentials, it is time to proceed to the rest of your belongings. Since you’re short on time, you may need all the help you can get to complete this. This means you should also consider hiring experts to complete the packing faster.

It is also wise to follow these time-saving tips:

  1. Sort them later. If you don’t have enough time to pack, it would be wiser to sort your items during the unpacking. You can skip labeling and segregating items according to a “theme,” but never forgo the “fragile” stickers to avoid the mishandling of your breakables.
  2. Use socks and towels to protect fragile items from damage. Since time is limited, it’s likely that you have no time to shop for bubble wrap and packing peanuts. Instead, you can use soft items like clothing, towels, and even bedding to wrap stemware and other breakable items. Newspapers can work too, but be wary of the ink.
  3. Only set up boxes when you need them. Packing for a last-minute move means you need all the space you have in a room, which is why you should only set up boxes when you’re ready to put things in them.
  4. Don’t remove clothes from their hangers. When packing for a rushed relocation, it would be better to put plastic bags over your clothes while they are still in their hangers. This will also make unpacking them easier later.

Step #4: Hire Professionals for the Cleaning

It is a good idea to have your old home deep cleaned first before you move out. If you were renting, it is likely that this is necessary for you to get your deposit or bond back. You could also leave the cleaning of your new place to the professionals to ensure that it gets done before you arrive.

Step #5: Think About Storage

If you have too many items that you cannot let go of, but you cannot take everything with you on the move, it may be time to consider hiring storage solutions. This way, the stored items will remain in your possession and you can make arrangements later for having them taken out of the storage facility and transported to your new home, if needed.

Talk to your trusted removals company as they may also offer flexible short-term or long-term storage solutions.

Ready, Set, Move!

A last-minute relocation doesn’t need to be daunting. When preparing for a rushed move, it is important that you know the most important things that need to be accomplished to make it work. This way, you can avoid missing important steps and your relocation can be a success.

AUTHOR BIO

Robert Wise, Sales Administration Manager at Nuss Removals, has been a respected figure in the removals industry for over 20 years. His attention to detail and the ability to truly understand the needs of the customer have ensured the successful relocation of thousands of satisfied individuals and families. For moving and storage across Australia and around the world, Robert’s wealth of experience ensures his customers are in safe hands.

Things You Should Do Before Moving Into A New House By Diana Smith

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image-2Buying a house is one of the biggest and most important steps in life. You’ll finally live in a home you’ve always dreamed about, and decorate it the way you like. However, you must take care of a few things before you can start arranging furniture and creating the perfect home for your family. This is what the pre-moving activities should look like.

Checking the Leaks

The home inspector should notify you if there are any plumbing damages in the house before you decide to buy the place. However, inspectors may overlook these things sometime, which will leave you in quite a predicament. A broken pipe or a damaged faucet could cause major problems, like flood, so it would be perfect to double-check all the plumbing before you move in. Additionally, check the fuse box for potential electricity malfunction as well.

Pest Control

Make sure you call the exterminator a day or two before you decide to move in, so that they can see if there is any pest problem. Setting a couple of bug bombs or having the exterminator simply spray the place would be enough. Do it before you move in, because it will be easier for you to catch rodents or insects in an unfurnished house than with all the sofas and end tables in the way.

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Change the Locks

Changing the locks on the exterior doors is imperative when moving into a new house. You never know if the previous owners gave their spare key to someone they know, but who is a complete stranger to you. Once you move in, start securing the home with security systems. Install an alarm, smoke detectors and have at least two fire extinguishers in the house.

Clean the House

The house that’s supposed to be sold will always look clean, but it’s definitely not clean enough for you to just move in without making it spotless. Start from scratch, get the buckets, brooms, mops, and a vacuum cleaner, and start cleaning from top to bottom. Mop the floors, wash the windows, sanitize the bathroom and the kitchen, and vacuum the entire place.

Paint the Walls

You might like the colour of the walls, but you should still paint all the walls and ceilings in the house. Not only will the house look fresh, but it will actually be fresh and bacteria free. On the other hand, if the walls are damaged and not in a good shape, you might need to call for professional help. If you decide to do it yourself, make sure to get proper workwear Sydney has to offer, and stay safe and clean during the work.

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New Switch Plates

If your new home has been renovated more than once, it’s possible that it has dirty and discoloured cover plates, mismatched outlets and rusted or damaged air vent covers. Therefore, make sure you change them after you have painted the walls. Once all the painting is done, you won’t have to worry about old and dirty spots in the house anymore.

Check for Breakage

The moving service usually delivers everything in one piece, but the damages are sometimes inevitable. Therefore, make sure to double-check all the fragile pieces of furniture that could have been broken or damaged during the move. Glass objects are especially sensitive, so be careful when unpacking. If they’ve cracked or broken, you could seriously hurt yourself.

Every new house needs a couple of fix-ups before the family moves in. Now that you have considered all of these suggestions, get to work and have the house in order. Once you have changed the locks, repainted, cleaned and secured the home, you’ll be able to start decorating and designing the beautiful interior.

 

 

Moving: Packing Lawn & Garage

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How to Pack Lawn and Garage Items

  • Drain all gasoline and oil from lawn mowers, weed eaters, chain saws and other gas-powered equipment.
  • Bundle garden tools together for easy handling.
  • Pack heavy tools in small boxes and fill in the gaps with crushed packing paper.
  • Check the “Do Not Ship” list for items that cannot be shipped, such as poisonous or flammable items and corrosives.

 

SOURCE: http://www.upack.com/moving-resources/packing-tips.asp