How to Help Your Teen Adjust Going to a New School

The complexity of high school and its unspoken social rules is one of the reasons it’s so hard for a teen to imagine themselves in a new school. They may feel like they’re just getting the hang of the school they’re at now.

And while you can’t change the fact that they’ll be going to a new school, you can help them prepare. We can’t promise they won’t be upset, but we can provide you with tools to help the transition go more smoothly.

Here are some ideas!

Making the Announcement

Teens want to be treated like adults, which means you should let them know you’re moving as soon as it’s a sure thing (but not before).

If you say maybe, they’re going to get false hope.

The faster you bring them in the loop, the more time they’ll have to prepare and the more respected they’ll feel.

If they’re mad, let them be mad. The idea that they’re going to have to uproot their life is a shocking one that takes time to process.

Throw a Going Away Party

One of the issues teens have with going to a new school is leaving their friends behind.

Allowing them to throw a going-away party helps them get closure and is a nice celebration with friends.

Going to a New School: Do the Prep Work

Most schools have a new-student orientation before school officially starts.

While your child probably doesn’t want to go, it’s a good idea to take them.

They may make fast friends with another new kid and will likely get a tour of the school.

The idea of recognizing a few faces and not being stressed about getting to class on day one will reduce their anxiety.

Get Them Involved After School

Whether your child is more of a football/basketball type or they want to join the art or Spanish club, encourage them to get involved in an extracurricular activity.

This will help them meet new friends in context, and associate with kids who have common interests.

Even if they decide not to join the team or club next year, they’ve established relationships with the other participants — and now know some school staff better.

It’s impressive how much the sense of belonging, whether to a team or a club, can do for a high school student.

Make Their First Day Special

On day one of going to a new school, send them with money for lunch or with their favorite food. You could even wake up early and take them out to breakfast.

Starting the year off by making them feel special will mean a lot to them — even if they don’t say it.

When they get home, don’t push too much to get information out of them. They’re likely overwhelmed and missing their old friends. They’ll come to you about things they’re excited about when they’re ready.Need to prep for the move in a more practical ‘boxes and truck’ way? We can help.


“Do We Have Everything?” A Moving and Packing Supplies Checklist

With any project, you’re only as successful as the tools you use. When moving, having the right packing supplies is a make or break detail — literally.

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, the goal is to get your things there in one piece. The best way to do that is to make sure you pack using materials that keep items safe and secure.

To help you pack like a pro, let’s look at the packing supplies you’ll need for a successful move.

Boxes of All Sizes

Packing boxes seems like a no-brainer, yet it’s crucial to have the right size and sturdiness to protect your items.

Pack heavier things in small boxes, so the load doesn’t weigh too much. Lighter items such as clothing and bedding work great in large boxes.

Plus, always make sure the boxes are clean and dry. You don’t want anything to compromise the construction of the cardboard. That increases the risk of your box falling apart and items falling out.

Wrapping Material

Protecting fragile items is a top priority; that’s why having various wrapping material is one of the most essential packing supplies to have on hand.

Styrofoam peanuts and bubble wrap will add cushion between items. Wrap your glassware and dishes with packing paper, tissue paper, or newspaper to prevent them from getting scratched. Plus, box dividers will keep fragile items from crashing into each other.

You can also use things you already have as wrapping material. Blankets and towels work great as cushioned box liners or to wrap fragile items.

Quality Packing Tape

It’s tempting to grab the cheapest packing tape you can find, but investing in the high-quality tape will better protect your things against the abuse of moving.

Look for tape made with nylon fibers embedded in it. You shouldn’t be able to tear it with your hands. Using scissors or a box cutter will be the only way to cut it.

Make sure to reinforce the bottom of all your boxes with packing tape. Protect heavier loads with an extra layer.

Labeling Supplies

Unpacking will be much easier when you label each box with what’s inside.

Keep markers and sharpies on hand as part of your packing supplies.

On each box, write what room the box belongs in and a general description of the items inside. This will prevent you from having to dig through every box to find the things you’re looking for.

Also, protect fragile items by clearly labeling each box to handle with care.

Blankets or Furniture Pads

Protecting larger pieces of furniture is trickier when you can’t put it in a box.

Using blankets or furniture pads when loading the truck will help prevent scratches and dings to exposed areas.

Use pads made with a densely woven fabric. Lay them between items to protect surfaces and to keep the upholstery from getting dirty.

Make Your Move Easy with the Right Packing Supplies

Paying attention to the details will make your move as stress-free as possible.

By using these essential packing supplies, you’ll get peace of mind knowing your items will arrive at your new place safe and secure.

Need help with your upcoming move?Contact us today for a free estimate!


Making a move to Assisted Living

It can be a difficult choice to make the move to an assisted living home. But once you’ve made the decision, a whole new set of challenges await and it can be a bit of a scary experience.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of tips to help with the transition of moving to an assisted living community.

Be Positive and Supportive

The most crucial thing you can do to help with the transition is to remain positive and offer your support. It’s a tough decision to make but once it’s made, don’t criticize it.

This transition is about your loved one so offer your continual support if they ask for it. In order to ensure they’re comfortable in their new home, the decisions made should be about what’s best for them.

It’s so important to emit a positive attitude during this process. Remember to visit and call frequently, especially in the first several days and weeks while the resident is still getting settled. Knowing someone is there for you can help keep you comfortable in a new environment.

Identify Your Concerns Early On

Because it’s such a big change, it’s perfectly normal for new residents to have concerns. These can range from what daily routines will be like how you’ll make new friends.

One easy way to address these is to read the literature provided by the new home.

Ask about clubs and programs that residents enjoy. Most of the time, you can join before you ever move in. It would be a great way to introduce yourself to the community and get acclimated early.

Getting Ready for the Move

It’s a good idea to start the moving process early. Having time to prepare can save everyone from a lot of undue stress.

First, you’re going to need to establish what you can bring with and what needs to be left behind. Before starting that process, it’s a good idea to get a layout of your room/suite, its dimensions, and what furniture the community provides. You may also be given a list of items they provide for you and what you’ll have to supply yourself.

This will make deciding what to bring much easier. Sort your items by “move,” to take with; “family,” for sentimental items to hold onto; “donate,” for functioning but non-sentimental items; and “trash.” Although you won’t be able to take the whole house with you, you’d be surprised how much a few treasured items can make the place feel like home.

The packing should probably begin in the rooms used less frequently. Most of these items will likely go in the family or get rid of piles. From there you can move into rooms you frequent more. Be sure to recognize your limits and ask family or friends for help.

Many assisted living homes have staff members to help with the moving process, especially with the heavy lifting. Don’t be shy toward them either. And once your belongings are in your suite, have loved ones help arrange it the way you like. This will really help it feel like home.

Making the Move

Moving under any circumstances can be a big transition. One of the best things during such a transition is to have loved ones around showing their support. Hopefully, these tips have been useful.

If you’re looking for more helpful tips or a moving company to help with your transition, contact Browning today for a free quote.


Expert Moving: What To Expect From Professional Full-Service Movers

Your new home awaits you, and frankly, you and your entire family couldn’t be more ecstatic about transitioning to the next phase of your life.

You’re not the only person in this situation, either. Research shows that moving to a better house is the most commonly cited reason for transitioning to a new home.

The problem? You’re not very excited about the process of actually getting everything you own to your new home.

Fortunately, with professional movers, you don’t have to worry about all of the tasks of moving. Instead, you can rely on their expertise to get the job done. 

Here’s a rundown on what you can expect from professional full-service movers.

Coordinator

When you secure the help of a professional mover, they will assign a residential relocation coordinator to your move.

The coordinator will provide a free in-home estimate, listen to your moving needs, and assist you in choosing the products and services that your family’s move requires. 

This move coordinator will also help you create a comprehensive moving schedule and budget. 

Packing

You might choose to have your movers pack your belongings for you. In that case, you won’t have to worry about making numerous trips to the store to buy bubble wrap, packing tape, and boxes. That’s because a full-service moving company will supply all of the items needed to move your belongings.

Also, as part of the packing process, your movers will box up all of your home’s belongings more quickly than you could on your own. In addition, they will pack up your items securely and expertly, paying particular attention to artwork and glass. 

Your movers will also disassemble each of your furniture pieces as needed. So, there’s no need to try to do this yourself ahead of time.

Loading

Once all of your belongings have been boxed up and labeled, it’s time to load them up.

Movers are trained on how to load your various items on to their truck in the safest manner possible. Therefore, you can rest assured that all of your appliances and other essential or delicate pieces will arrive in your new house ready for use.

Next, your movers will take your items to your new home. They’ll give you an idea of when your belongings will get there so that you can be there on time to receive your shipment.

Unpacking

Once you accept your shipment, your movers will unpack all of your belongings for you. In other words, they’ll ensure that all of your items go in their proper place in the designated rooms.

Finally, they’ll discard your packing materials for you so that all you’re left with are your belongings. You can’t beat that.

How We Can Help with Our Professional Full-Service Movers

We’re a top-tier moving company dedicated to making your next move a dream one.

Our moving staff members are all background checked and certified. In addition, we use top-notch packing materials. You can rest assured that you will receive first-rate moving services no matter where you’re moving.

Contact us to begin working with high-quality full-service movers today.


Settling In: Tips to Help You Feel at Home in Your New House

You can make yourself feel right at home in your new place with a few simple tips.

Every year, roughly 40 million people in the US move into a new home. The first few days in your new place can feel scary or unfamiliar. No matter how many of your boxed-up belongings surround you, it can feel like a stranger’s home until you’re settled in.

 You can settle in comfortably by using these tips to feel at home in your new house.

Research the Area Ahead of Time

Feeling comfortable in a new home can include the neighborhood you live in. Before you move, use a satellite map to navigate your new surroundings. There may be a few businesses or parks nearby that can help you feel more secure with your move.

If you live nearby, consider visiting the area a few times. This can help it feel more familiar.

Unbox Your Things

The last thing you may want to do after moving is to unbox all your belongings right away. However, visually seeing where your things will remain can help you feel like you belong in your new place. You don’t have to hurry and unpack everything at once, but consider unloading your treasures to help you feel at home.

You can hire a household mover to help with the heavy lifting while you get a head start on finding the right spots for your favorite things.

Hang Family Photos

Sometimes all you need to feel at home is the comfort of your family. Take some time to unbox the photos of your loved ones and hang them on the bare walls. This subtle trick can help your home feel filled with warmth, laughter, and love.

You can avoid damaging the walls by putting framed photos on tables or magnetized to the fridge.

Make the Bed

Nothing beats curling up in your cozy bed after a long day. That’s why you should add making your bed to the top of your list. You’ll feel at home as your crawl under your blankets to give your tired body a good night’s rest.

When you get up first thing in the morning, remember to make your bed again. A recent survey showed that 74% of bed makers feel accomplished at the end of the day.

Eat a Meal at the Table to Feel at Home

Utilize your cooking skills to celebrate your first night in your new home. You’ll get to know your way around the kitchen before eating at the table. Remaining in your daily routine can encourage your comfort.

If you’re not in the mood to cook, or you’re more of a drive-thru type of person, it’s okay to grab some takeout. Just remember to eat at home instead of in the restaurant.

Display Things Familiar to the Senses

One of the best ways to feel at home is to fill your new house with familiar scents and sounds.

Play your favorite music while you unpack. Display some of your favorite fresh flowers to brighten up into the house. Light a scented candle or break out your favorite scented diffuser to fill the air with the smells of home.

Enjoy the Next Chapter of Your Life

When you move into a new place, you’ll feel a combination of excitement and fear. There are steps you can take from before you move in to help you feel at home. You can visit our blog to learn more about how to plan, organize, and prepare for your move.