You’ve wandered around the house a few times, you’ve picked things up and put them in a different room. Let’s admit it. You’re no closer to starting your move than you were last week.

We’ve all been there! When it comes to moving, one of the hardest things is merely knowing where to start. Let us tell give you a tip… “start by picking up your smartphone.”

No, we don’t mean scroll on Facebook or get lost in the world of Instagram. There are now plenty of amazing apps designed to make your big move as easy as A, B, C. Let’s take a look at the top ten.

1. MyMovingList

Are you looking for a time plan of how to manage your move? MyMove allows you to create a timeline of up to 8 weeks before the big day meaning that you won’t be leaving things to the last minute. MyMove is the ideal app to avoid moving day stress.

2.  Wunderlist

This is the ideal app if you like making lists. Wunderlist allows you to create, update and share your lists with collaborators, so you know exactly where you are in the moving process

3. Mint

Not great at budgeting? Then let Mint do the hard work for you. Simply link the app to your bank account, and you can organize your transactions, create graphs and quickly see where you are underspending or, overspending concerning your move.

4. Sortly

Do you find yourself thinking “Ah I’ll put that somewhere safe” only to forget where you packed it? If this sounds like you, then Sortly will be a dream come true. Take a photo of essential items, label them in the app and log where you pack them so when you move you know precisely where they are.

5. TaskRabbit

Sometimes it is just easier to get someone else to do the hard work, and that is precisely where TaskRabbit comes in handy. Need some repairs on your new place before you move in? With this app, you can find someone to clean your new home, hang new curtains, or even mount shelves.

6. MagicPlan

Trying to imagine how everything will look in your new home, but struggling? Then MagicPlan might be your ideal app. Take pictures of your new house (the app will tell you how), and you’ll be able to create and edit a virtual floor plan of every room.

7. Pinterest

A great app partner for MagicPlan. Search for decorating ideas and inspiration on Pinterest. You can save your favorite ideas onto different pinboards for each room.

8. Postmates

If you realize you’ve forgotten something, run out of toiletries, or maybe you’re just hungry? Whatever it is, Postmates will deliver your needs right to your door, so you can continue with your move without having to leave the house.

9. Thumbtack

A whole host of home services are available at the touch of a button. From interior designers to home security installers, Thumbtack has you covered.

10. Nextdoor

Connect with your new neighbors to find out about local events, great eateries and much more right in your community. Note, you’ll have to verify your address for access to your local group. You can also receive alerts from police, so you’re always in the loop.

Become a Moving Superstar

That’s it! Our top ten list of amazing smartphones apps that will turn you from a confused moving day wreck into a Moving Superstar. Sounds good, doesn’t it? So, what are you waiting for, it’s time to get organized!

At Browning Moving & Storage, we’re moving experts. Let us help you get all of your stuff to your new home. Contact us for a free quote.

Between creating a packing list, hiring movers, sorting everything out and packing for the move the moving experience can get overwhelming.

Waiting until the last minute to develop your moving plan can cause even more chaos. Here are some essential steps to include in your planning process.

1. Create a Moving Timeline

One of the keys to staying organized is to put all of the elements down in writing. Develop a list and assign completion dates for each task.

The moving process should start as early as possible and having a moving timeline to follow will help keep you on track. You can download one online then personalize it for your needs.

2. Inquire About Local Moving Companies

Securing a moving company is one of the first and most important steps in moving. It’s ideal to start searching approximately two months before your move.

Do some online research on local movers. Look for a moving company in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Look for a moving company that is well established and has been in business for a number of years, and confirm that online reviews are positive.

Make sure the company is licensed and that the workers are bonded and insured. Check out the website of each moving company to learn more about their services.

Once you have focused your list, contact the company for an estimate.

3. Purge Unnecessary Items

Before packing up all your belongings, take the time to sort through everything and purge items you no longer use or need.

Depending on how much stuff you have to get rid of and how much time you have, consider having a garage sale. Another way to make a little money from the sale of items it to place them on online websites or apps like eBay or Poshmark.

Or you can always donate old clothes and toys to charities like Goodwill and Salvation Army.

Finally, start finishing up any perishable foods because you won’t be able to move those items.

4. Begin Packing

If you prefer not to do the packing yourself, contact your moving company to inquire about their packing services.

If you opt to pack your own belongings rather than hire professional packers, you should start the process at least a month before the big day. Commit to packing a few boxes every day.

Holiday decorations, seasonal clothing, dress attire can be packed days or weeks in advance. Items you need daily should be packed as close to your moving date as possible.

Keep items from one room packed together in the same boxes. Label each box appropriately and label each side of the box. Make sure items are secure in the box by filling up any empty space with packing paper.

5. Pack an Essentials Box

Pack a box that will stay with you that includes important items for your first night and day in your new home.

Ideally, this essentials box will include necessities like medication, toiletries, bedding, snacks, paper towels, soap, cleaning supplies, garbage bags and a toolkit. Think about would items you will want to have on hand with easy accessibility. Pack them in this essentials box so that you can have peace of mind.

6. Get the Word Out About Your Move

A month before moving, begin notifying others of your move. Fill out an online change-of-address form with the US Post Office.

Contact utility companies at your current address as well as new location. Arrange for utility services to be set up at your new address, and schedule the cancellation at your old address.

Inform all your family and friends about your new address as well. Provide them with your new contact information via email or text.

Final Thoughts

Remember to begin your moving process early and implement a timeline plan. With these moving steps, your move is sure to be a success!

Do you need help with your move, contact us for a free quote today!

Are you moving from your family home? Perhaps your children have now left, and it’s time to downsize to a smaller location.

We all know that downsizing can be difficult, you’ll need to either store or part with some beloved items in your home.

You have spent your hard earned money purchasing everything in your house. Or, perhaps you are surrounded by numerous boxes filled with your child’s drawings, their first pair of shoes, their first book, and first A-graded assignment.

Don’t fall into the trap of saving everything! Want to learn how to downsize without hoarding? Follow these basic rules.

1. Enlist the Help of Friends

Sometimes, you need a friend to offer a shoulder of support. Choose a friend that will be firm and help you make the right decisions. It’s time to purge your belongings, so you need to be a bit ruthless.

Just remember that your friend is doing this as a favor, so no arguments, please! You are purging items, not friendships!

2. Ask yourself three important questions

• When did I last use this item?
• Do I plan to use it again? (The answer “Well, I might,” is probably the same as “no.”)
• What is the worst case scenario if I don’t have this item?

Hopefully, by answering these questions, you’ll realize if it is essential to keep.

If you are still unsure, establish a ‘maybe’ storage box so you can come back to that item later and have another look at it at the end of the day. Only allow one storage box for this exercise. If there is no room to add a new item to the “maybe” box, then you’ll have to get rid of something before you can add another.

You never know, as the day progresses, you might become more decisive.

3. Be realistically sentimental

This is one of the hardest things to do because sentimental feelings are powerful. If you feel especially connected to some items, think about where you might store them in your house. If the item is one of a kind, will it continue to be stored in the closet or put on display?

If you have a whole draw-load of artwork or projects from your children, keep one or two favorites and perhaps frame those. Take a photo of the others together for remembrance and then discard them.

4. Don’t give up!

Once you have gone through all of the items in your house, you’ll feel much better. Now you won’t take things that you won’t use or see to your new home.

After your purging is complete, treat your helpful friend to a nice meal to celebrate. You’ll both need it!

Help With the Move?

If you need help executing the move to your new home contact us! We can help!

Relocating your office and team is a massive task for any company. There is a lot to think about, so we’ve put together top tips to save time and money. Above all else, you’ll keep yourself from some unnecessary stress.

Plan in Advance

An office move is a lot of hard work, and planning is your key to success. For a small company, three to six months of planning is needed. For a medium to large company move, at least six to eight months of preparation is necessary.

Determine your needs for your new space and develop a timeline and checklist to make sure you stay on track.

Begin the process as early as possible. As soon as you have established your move date, contact moving companies for estimates, and secure one as quickly as possible.

Assign Your Team

Involve your staff in the move. Consider assigning a moving team or committee. This team can help organize the move and help transition the rest of the employees.

This moving team can help assign tasks and set deadlines for the move.

Create a Communications Plan

It is essential for your company to establish both an internal and external communication plan.

The internal communications plan for your employees will help keep them apprised of important events and procedures during the move.

An external communications plan will be for your valued external partners such as your customers and vendors. Develop a plan to communicate and share your new address, contact, and marketing information as well as to alert your customers and vendors about any downtime your office might have during the move.

Protect Confidential Information

Many office documents have confidential information included on them. Establish processes and policies to ensure that this information stays safe during the move.

Plan to Purge

At the back of those filing cabinets, there is likely old paperwork that hasn’t seen the light of day for years. Determine if you need to take it all with you. Have workers purge outdated documents based on standards you have established for retention.

Consider scanning documents into an electronic version or shredding the old ones that are no longer needed. Remember, the less you take, the less it will cost to move.

Take a Detailed Inventory

Assign a move manager for each department and ensure that they have involved their staff early on. Ask for them to keep a detailed inventory of each box and provide clear labeling. Consider using a color-coding system as the material is boxed up.

Check Insurance

Check with your insurance provider to see if you need specialized coverage during your move and transition period. Also, make sure that your insurance policies carry over to your business’s new location. You might need to update or adjust your coverage.

Keep insurance and emergency contact information with you during the moving process. This is important information to have handy.

Remember Time is Money

Moving an entire office can be stressful for everyone involved. Make sure that you have everything planned well in advance and that you have clearly communicated to all team members what will happen.

Let Browning Moving & Storage help your company with its relocation. Contact us today!