We’ve all relocated at some point; those long sleepless nights, the endless lists circling in your head, the ever-expanding budget and so on. So, let’s momentarily step-in as your virtual assistant and tell you exactly what needs to be included in your moving plan to ensure that you stay stress-free.

Make a Moving Binder

Start off right by getting and staying organized. Create a moving binder to keep all of your move-related documents. Here you can keep all of your checklists, proposals, contracts, measurements, receipts, and all items related to your move.

Divide the binder into useful sections to keep all your pertinent information at your fingertips. Perhaps one half of the binder is material related to your current home, and the other half is specific to your new home.

Craft a Master To-Do List

A successful move depends on excellent planning and timing. Create a master to-do list to help guide you through the entire moving process. Find one online or customize your own list to be your individualized resource during your relocation journey. Place your master list in your moving binder to keep everything in one central place.

Be Brave and Budget

Moving costs can easily multiply without you even realizing it. Many tend to underestimate how the cost of relocation can add to the stress of moving. It’s essential to dedicate a little time creating a personalized moving budget, so you know what to expect.

Consider every possible expense associated with your move when you develop your budget. That may include everything from: the packaging, storage space, and insurance, to take out meals, childcare, and pet sitters. There are hundreds of budget templates online so you can source one most suitable or create your own in excel.

Make a Floor Plan

Fun and practical at the same time, a floor plan of your new home will come in handy. Share this floorplan with your movers so they can see where items need to go. You can create a floor plan on paper, or you use an online website like Homestyler.

Plan a Purge

Now is the perfect time to purge your home of items you longer need. Delve into that cabinet that hasn’t been opened for years, donate unwanted clothes to charity, and think carefully before deciding if you really need your collection of old cell phones which have been collecting dust since 1999.

Also, consider that some items might be less expensive to replace once you arrive at your new home than they are to move.

Moving Day Schedule

As part of your moving binder, you might have a specific list for the actual moving day. Your schedule can be as detailed or loose as it suits you, but remember to be clear in your communication and expectation with your movers and helpers. Coordinate and confirm the times with everyone from your pet-sitter to the person at the new home waiting for the movers to arrive.

Ready for the Big Move

With these moving plans in place you will be prepared and in control on moving day, and you won’t feel quite so overwhelmed. If you need more help with your move contact us today!

It is key to stay on top of your moving budget when relocating. Without care and attention, you might find your costs start spiraling out of control. To save you stress, and your dollars, we’ve come up with the best ways to avoid any monetary surprises.

Written Quote

Avoid unnecessary moving day cost surprises by getting a written quote. Work with a moving company that will send a moving specialist out to your home to estimate the approximate size and weight of your belongings and to speak with you about your moving day needs. At the end of the consultation, the moving specialist will give you a written estimate of your moving costs.

Be sure to ask about any additional charges that might arise that might affect your quote. If you don’t ask or note the details of your contract, you might not budget enough for the move.

Follow Packing Rules

Do you know precisely how your moving company wants your items packed? To avoid breakage of any of your special items make sure you follow their instructions. Arm yourself with the right packing material; packing paper, bubble wrap, solid boxes, and tape. Properly packed items will save you time and money in the long run.

Avoid Waiting Fees by Creating a Schedule

Start planning and scheduling your move six weeks in advance. One of the most significant unseen charges when relocating is the waiting time fee charged for overtime. It can add up quickly and soon your expected budget is shot. Waiting time often occurs when there is no access to the new property. If you aren’t there, ask a friend or family member to be based at the new property so that upon arrival the movers can gain instant access.

Utility Costs

Water, gas, and electricity are all necessities, but many hidden costs that can pop up. You may find that there is a cancellation or new account service fee with your provider. If you are moving a long distance, it might be true that you have to change service providers and this may see an increase in price. Research companies in your new town for better deals on utilities. The US News and World Report recommend keeping a file with your bills to ensure you are not overcharged. This will be particularly useful if you are in the situation of paying for both your old house and new house utilities for a short ‘cross-over’ period.

Update Address and Cancel Memberships

Make a list of all of your recurring expenses and make sure that they are covered, canceled or changed for the move. Even though you may have forwarded bills to your new address, the time it could take for the transfer – depending on where you move – could cause charges to incur. When possible, switch to online correspondence to receive your bills directly and avoid those expenses.

Also, make sure you cancel memberships at local gyms, swimming pools, clubs, and day care centers. You don’t want to continue paying for these services after you have moved.

Ask the Experts

The best way to avoid unexpected costs is to plan and make sure that you have contingencies in place. Speak to your moving company, remember that they are the experts in relocating and can help make sure that your big day goes without any surprises. We can help with your move. Reach out to us for a free quote!

Picture this; you’re happily relaxing at home with a nice coffee, safe in the knowledge that the next day you will be relocating. The phone rings. Suddenly, your perfectly organized big move has turned into a disaster. Let us save you from this scenario and help you avoid the top five pitfalls that people who are moving face.  

1. Damaged Goods

Solve by: Appropriate packing

Before you start packing boxes, talk with your moving company and ask about their packing policies. Most companies have preferences of how items are wrapped and can offer tips and guidance. Be sure to think about:

• How many boxes do you need? What are the best sizes?
• Have you purchased enough bubble wrap and packing paper to ensure that your fragile items arrive intact?
• Could you save newspaper a few weeks beforehand to use as lining?

2. Boxes Aren’t Ready

Solve by: Begin packing earlier

Sometimes people moving underestimate the amount of time it will take them to pack their own boxes. Don’t start your packing the night before. As soon as you know your move day, you should begin the packing process.

Ideally at least six weeks before your move day, start by purging the items you longer need or use. Then begin packing at least a few boxes each day so that you are not left with the lion’s share of the packing as the big day draws near. Start with areas and items you use less frequently like guest bedrooms, attics, and basements and leave the bathroom, and bedrooms for the last areas to be boxed up.

Stick to a schedule and plan to complete the packing at least one day before moving day.

3. Furniture Doesn’t Fit

Solve by: Measure everything

At first glance, you were confident that sectional sofa was going to fit up the stairs easily, but, for now, it appears to be stuck halfway. If you don’t want this situation to occur, make sure that you accurately measure the furniture and the area that it needs to be placed. This is one of the biggest issues when it comes to moving day.

4. Surprise Overspending

Solve by: Budget, budget, budget

Even in the best times, we all worry about expenses. Ensure that you have secured, in writing, your moving quote. You’ll then need to work-out additional costs for relocating and enter this information into a spreadsheet. Be as concise as possible; if you think you will need to stay in a hotel for a night, then include it. If you need to board your pet pooch at a sitter for a week, then plan that cost in too. Don’t be left with a nasty surprise at the end of your move.  

5. Argh! Nothing is Going as Planned!

Solve by: Creating a solid moving day schedule with a contingency plan

It can’t stress enough how important it is to have a solid moving day schedule in place. Make sure that you and your moving company know exactly what should happen, when and, of course, where the items will end up. It may seem like more work in the lead-up to the day, but believe us, it will save you a lot of stress.

Sleep With Peace of Mind

Some of the things mentioned above might seem obvious to you now, but in the throes of moving day, things can easily be forgotten. Make sure that you avoid these top 5 pitfalls and create a step-by-step moving day checklist.

Research from Pew claims that fewer and fewer Americans know their neighbors. In fact, nearly a third have never even met their neighbors.

Reclaim the small-town American charm and meet the neighbors. Take some of the uncertainty out of your move by getting to know the people in your neighborhood with these exciting tips and ideas.

1. Introduce Yourself

Moving to a new neighborhood is a challenging endeavor. Even a planned, happy move is a daunting experience.

Don’t wait for your neighbor to make the first move. Take the initiative and introduce yourself. Begin by explaining that you’re their new neighbor and don’t forget to smile!

Having trouble making conversation? Find something you have in common. After all, you already have your new neighborhood in common. Discuss your children, work, or pets!

2. Host a Housewarming

Housewarming parties are an excellent way to meet the neighbors in the comfort of your own home, surrounded by your family and friends.

Show off your interior decorating chops or brush off an old family recipe and “Wow!” your new neighbors.

3. Be the Helpful Neighbor

Lend a helping hand when it’s needed. Perhaps you see an older neighbor struggling with the lawnmower, or you see a neighbor that could use a tool you have in your garage.

Be the helpful neighbor and make a great first impression.

4. Be Social On and Offline

Many neighborhoods today are staying connected in person and online. You may be invited to a neighborhood Facebook group or group message. Accept with grace and introduce yourself virtually.

Online groups are an excellent way of easily chatting with your new neighbors and even meeting familiar faces that live farther down the street. Be active and kind online and in person.

5. Stay Active

The ideal way to get your bearings in a new neighborhood is to go for a walk or run. Learn the streets, meet people you normally would never run into, and get to know the geographic layout of your new neighborhood.

You may even find a running buddy while you’re at it!

6. Become a Member of the Community

Being an active member in your community shows commitment and charm. Become a voice in your community and attend meetings and events.

Show your emerging passion for your new neighborhood and become a trusted member of the community.

7. Know Your Boundaries

It’s important to be kind, but it’s also important to know your boundaries. Some people may not be that keen to meet their neighbors. Others may be on the quiet side.

Be conscious of people’s body language and look out for strained smiles.

You want to be a nice neighbor, not a nosy one.

8. Be Watchful

Keep a vigilant eye out in your neighborhood. Be aware and alert to what goes on, who you should watch out for, and always trust your gut.

Be watchful for the safety of your neighbors, as well as your own family.

Move and Meet the Neighbors

Your neighbors are very much a part of the moving experience. By following these eight tips, you can develop great relationships and lasting friendships with your neighbors!

Need help making the move?

Browning Moving & Storage has been helping families in Tampa, Lakeland, and Tallahassee find ease in moving. Contact us to learn more about our moving and storage facilities and receive a free estimate!

It’s no secret that moving creates stress — in fact, experts say it’s the third most stressful event in our lives, after the death of a loved one or a divorce. If you’re packing up your life and moving a long distance, the stress is compounded.

There are some ways to keep your sanity and make sure your long distance move goes without a hitch, however.

Here are our top five tips for moving success!

1. Plan Ahead

What’s more nerve-racking than a long distance move? A sudden one!

Although life doesn’t always give us plenty of time to prepare for the experience, it’s important to plan out your move as far ahead of time as possible.

A moving checklist can help you decide when to tackle such chores as forwarding your mail and contacting utilities to turn services on or off.

It’s also a good idea to compile a moving binder. Use it to store moving company estimates and contracts, keep to-do lists at your fingertips, and stash calendar pages marked with all important dates and deadlines.

A systematic approach to your move will help you stay organized, get everything taken care of, and eliminate last-minute panic.

2. Clear Out Unnecessary Clutter

Even if you’re just moving a few streets away, if you downsize your belongings before the move, it can make the relocation much easier. It’s even more imperative when you are embarking on a long distance move.

As soon as you know you’ll be relocating, start clearing out your attic, basement, and other storage areas. Then move on to your bedrooms, living room, and kitchen.

Get rid of everything you possibly can. That means clothes you haven’t worn in more than a year, books you’ll never read again, sports equipment gathering dust in the garage, and anything else that’s taking up space. Sell it at a garage sale or simply donate it to charity.

Lightening your load will make moving much easier.

3. Research Your New Hometown

It’s easy to forget, in the hustle and bustle of a long distance move, that exploring a new city or town can be fun! Do some research on the internet, ask your friends and followers on social media, and learn whatever you can about your new home.

It also doesn’t hurt to find out ahead of time where the nearest grocery and department stores, coffee shops, and pizza places are. You will use that information in the first few, frantic days after you’ve arrived.

4. Get Professional Help

Since you won’t be able to take carloads of your belongings to your destination, as you would with an in-town move, it makes sense to hire a professional moving company. They can help you pack your belongings as well as with loading them on the truck and transporting them to your new home.

Professional movers are a boon to your sanity. You have enough to take care of, so why not delegate the heavy lifting — both literally and figuratively?

5. Take Time for Yourself

During this stressful period, make self-care a priority. If that means donating your old appliances rather than selling them on Craigslist, so be it.

Make sure you are eating healthy, getting exercise, and getting enough sleep. Taking care of your body during times of stress is important.

Spend time with your family and pursue relaxing activities. It’s OK to take an afternoon off from packing and head to the movie theater instead!

Ready to Make Your Long Distance Move?

Moving is stressful, especially long distance. But it doesn’t have to consume your life!

Contact Browning Moving & Storage for a complimentary estimate. We can help take the stress out of your long distance move, and we’ll get your belongings to your new home safe and sound!