You’ve begun moving into your new home, but you aren’t sure what should to do first. 

Unpacking your stuff is essential, but before settling in completely, it’s a good idea to inspect your home’s amenities to make sure they’re up to code!

If you don’t know what you should be taking a look at, we can help!

Here is a list of things you should do when moving to a new house.

Change the Locks

At the top of your checklist for moving into a new home should be security. Play it safe and help prevent theft by changing your locks. You don’t know who might have a key to your house, in addition to the previous owner.

You can install new deadbolts yourself or hire a locksmith to do the job.

If changing the locks isn’t enough to put your mind at ease, consider installing a security system or door and window alarms.

Turn on the Utilities

You want to get your electric, gas, and water running as soon as possible so you can detect any problems and resolve them right away. Your internet and phone are important, too, but focus on the essentials for now.

You also want to check your house for plumbing leaks, running toilets, and dripping faucets. Immediately taking care of these problems will save you time and money later.

Clean Your Carpets

If you’re not planning on removing or changing your carpets right away, you’ll want to clean them as soon as possible. You don’t know the last time they were replaced or what the previous homeowner tracked across your floors.

A professional will likely charge you per room or square foot, or you can rent a steamer and clean the carpets yourself. Cleaning your carpets will help your new house feel like home.

Check for Carbon Monoxide Leaks

If your new home has a leak, the areas around your heating equipment may have soot or brownish-yellow stains. The windows in the rooms with your heating appliances may have more condensation than usual, and the air might be musty. Check for all signs of a leak to keep your family safe.

Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors immediately. If your new home doesn’t have working detectors, purchase your own.

Meet the Neighbors

When moving to a new place, it’s a good idea to get acquainted with the locals.  You don’t have to throw a barbecue to get to know everyone, but consider going door-to-door or having a brief conversation with neighbors you see outside. 

Being friendly with your new neighbors can also connect you to information. They can tell you about local eateries, the best daycares, or where to go if you need home repairs.

Moving to a New House

Moving to a new house should be a thrilling adventure, not a stressful endeavor. Following this checklist will help you adjust and settle into your new home and neighborhood quickly!

If you still need help getting to your new house, contact us. We can make your move so smoothly!

You’re getting close to your move date. Now, you just have to get your entire home packed up for the movers. For a successful move with minimal stress, planning is the key for local moves, a long distance move, or if you’re moving internationally. Avoid the frustration, and possible damage, that can come from rushing your packing at the last minute and follow a few bits of advice. This will help your move go well.

Don’t Delay, Start early

The earlier you begin, the better your move will go. Items you need regularly can be packed close to your move date, but most things can be packed well before the move. Seasonal clothes, dress attire, holiday decorations, and other things can be packed weeks in advance. This is also a good time to donate or give away things you aren’t like to use. This will save on moving costs and space..

The Key packing boxes

From the Better Business Bureau, when packing use large boxes for light items and small boxes for heavy items like books or china. This will ensure that light items don’t get damaged by being placed in the same boxes as heavy items, and minimize injuries caused by trying to lift large boxes that are simply too heavy. Keep an inventory of what is in each box or, at the very least, have a system so that similar items, such as kitchen products, are all kept together. By keeping track of what is in each box you will be able to find what you need more easily when you’re unpacking. Also, don’t waste the storage space provided by your own furniture. In some instances, clothes can be left in your dresser, for example, if storage will not be required. The movers will secure the drawers during wrapping and prepping.

How-To Moving Videos

Check out our moving How-To Videos. Watch them and prepared to begin packing! There are more videos on other aspects of moving that can help you as well.

Start early, pack wisely and your moving day will be much less stressful. For any local or long-distance move needs, get in touch with us and we will be happy to help you out.

Many people think moving is more stressful than planning a wedding or going on a job interview.

Now add a short timeline to a move and watch the stress levels rise.

But moving in a hurry doesn’t have to come at the cost of your nerves. With some quick planning and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can get it done in no time flat.

Let’s look at how to pack to move in a hurry.

Make a Checklist

It’s easy to forget things when you’re in a rush. So before you start, take a deep breath, sit down, and make a checklist of everything you need to get done.

Once things start moving at a rapid pace, you’ll have the checklist to fall back on. The checklist should take some of the panic out of the equation when you know you’re not forgetting to do something.

Pack Now, Organize Later

Organizing each moving box according to content and room is ideal, but it’s not going to get your packing done any faster.

When you’re in a hurry, the only goal is to get everything packed. You can organize your things after you get to your new place.

But if the thought of merely throwing random things into a box scares you, assign boxes to specific rooms while still waiting to organize later.

Pack Clothes as Is

If your dresser isn’t too heavy, leave the clothes in the drawers. Move the dresser as is! Keep the drawers closed by wrapping the furniture in plastic wrap.

There’s also no need to take all your clothes in the closet off their hangers. Bundle hangers together with rubber bands and cover it in plastic to protect the clothes from getting dirty.

Toss What You Don’t Need

The less you have to pack, the less you have to worry about. With that in mind, don’t be afraid to toss things out you no longer need.

Packing in a hurry can be a blessing in disguise. It helps you be more decisive about what you keep and what goes. Plus, it keeps your new place from getting cluttered up with unneeded items.

Ask for Help

When you’re under a time crunch, nothing helps move things along like having more helping hands. That’s when it’s time to bring in reinforcements.

Family and friends are always there to help, with maybe a payment in pizza. Or if you need more professional help, hire movers to get the job done efficiently within your deadline.

Pack an Essentials Box

When the packing organization is out the window, it can make finding your immediate essentials hard to do once you’re at your new place. Avoid the hassle by creating an essentials box.

Designate one or two boxes for this purpose, throwing in toothbrushes, medication, coffee supplies, and everything else you may need right away. Your tired, stressed-out body will thank you later.

Avoid the Chaos by Knowing How to Pack to Move in a Hurry

Save yourself the time and stress levels. By knowing how to pack to move in a hurry, you can make quick work out of an intensive chore.

Need help with a tight moving deadline? Contact us today! We’ll even give you a free estimate to keep things stress-free.

In the U.S., over 40 million people move to a different home, city, or state at least once per year. This means tons of packing, organizing, checklists, hiring movers, and uprooting your entire life.

Moving to a new, better home is exciting, but also challenging and stressful for everyone. It’s important to plan ahead and choose the perfect timing for your family, but also the best time of year.

Each season has its pros and cons, and you should base your decision on budget, free time, and weather conditions.

Keep reading to learn when the best time to move is, and how you can prepare your family for this life-changing step.

Best Time of Year to Move

The ideal time of year to move depends on your family schedule and lifestyle. For example, if you have a full-time job and can’t take much time off work, consider moving in the summer when business is slower. A summer move is also great if you have school-age kids, so they can settle in the new home before the school year starts.

On the other hand, the best month to move is any month between September and April, both cost-wise and weather-wise. This is also when moving companies have a slower season, so that you might find better rates.

To ensure an easy, stress-free, and smooth move, follow a moving timeline— plan to start packing and organizing at least six weeks before you move. If you’re relocating to a different city or state, give yourself at least a month beforehand. 

Best Day of the Week to Move

The best day of the week to move is any day between Monday and Thursday. We recommend avoiding weekends to move, as this is the busiest time of the week for movers.

If you’re careful about your budget, note that most moving companies rates are reduced during the week when demand is less. It’s best to get a couple of days off during the week to avoid the weekend rush. Mid-month moves are also less busy and can be more cost-effective.

Best Time of Day to Move

The best time of day to move is as early in the morning as possible. Start early by clearing the paths for the movers and making sure they have access outside as well as inside.

The earlier you start, the earlier you’ll finish so you can unpack some things while it’s still light out. This way, you can go to bed earlier in your new home and start fresh the next morning.

The Best Time to Move Is When You’re Ready!

Whether you’re moving into a new neighborhood or a new city, moving is a stressful time for many families. Luckily, you can eliminate some of the stress by choosing the right time of year to start your new life.

Ultimately, the best time to move is when your family is ready and on board with this big life decision.

Ready to make the big move? Here’s what to expect from professional movers and how they’ll make the process go smoothly.

Toasting to your new home seems like the perfect way to end a long day of moving. That is until you open the box to find your champagne glasses in pieces.

Moving fragile items can be tricky. Not only do you want to keep treasured heirlooms and valuable pieces intact, but you also want to hold on to the memories that come with them.

To make sure you get everything to your new place in one piece, let’s look at five tips to help you move fragile items the right way.

1. Gather the Right Supplies

Set yourself up for packing success by having the right supplies ahead of time. Fragile items need things such as bubble wrap, packing paper, sturdy packing tape, pliable cardboard, and scissors.

Blankets and pillows make for excellent supplemental packing protection. Plus, you’ll need to pack them anyway, so they’ll be pulling double duty.

And make sure your boxes are sturdy. If you are using repurposed boxes, keep in mind that cardboard tends to weaken over time, which can spell disaster for heavier fragile items.

2. Wrap Everything Individually

Placing all your dishes in one box and calling it good won’t ensure they make it to your new home in one piece. Individual protection is key for fragile items.

Wrap each item in bubble wrap or quality packing paper. For flat items such as plates or picture frames, put a layer of protection between each one. Crumpled packing paper should fill hollow objects, such as wine glasses.

For extra protection, wrap items in pliable cardboard and secure with tape.

3. Leave No Wiggle Room

You don’t want your fragile items to knock into each other when moving. Even when dishes are wrapped, chips and breakage can occur.

With every box you pack, don’t leave any wiggle room inside. Fill empty spaces with crumpled packing paper, blankets, or pillows. It also helps to use specialty storage or moving boxes for a custom fit.

Placing padding both below and above fragile items also gives some cushion while keeping things snug and secure.

4. Don’t Overload

Packing as much into a box as you can seems like a space and time saver. Though, it’s a different story when moving fragile items.

Resist the temptation to overload a box. Try to pack heavier fragile items into a smaller box by itself. Lighter things can go in a bigger box. That’s why having a variety of box sizes to choose from is an excellent idea for any move.

5. Mark Boxes Clearly

When it comes to moving fragile items, you can’t communicate fragile contents enough. Label it “loud” for everyone to see!

Mark each fragile box clearly. If you need to, use bright-colored markers and write it large on every surface.

It’s also a good idea to keep fragile boxes away from the other items. That way they won’t get confused with the “regular” boxes and get handled roughly by accident.

Keep Your Move in One Piece When Moving Fragile Items

Blending old memories with new ones is what moving is all about. By using these fragile item moving tips, you can successfully bring all those delicate heirloom pieces into the new home you love.

Want to know how we can make your next move easier? Contact us with your questions! We’ll even give you a free estimate.