2015 – Page 3 – Desert Moving And Storage

May

Kill Two Birds with One Stone: 3 TED Talks to Listen to While Packing

May 5, 2015January 31, 2024 Packing Tips By Wheaton World Wide Moving

Whether you’re neck deep in Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett’s love affair, you’ve just reached the most interesting argument in your medical journal or you can’t take your eyes away from the records of Malcolm Gladwell’s latest social science experiment, it’s time to break away from whatever book you’re reading and turn your attention to packing.

You hate packing, do you? Join the club. To many homeowners, packing seems like a never-ending activity full of boxes, tape, and labels. Fortunately, there is one way you can keep your mind, heart, and soul active while you slave through the various drawers and chores on your packing to-do list: utilize technology.

You live in the Information Age-information is at your fingertips. If you’re the type of person that isn’t a fan of packing and likes to learn on the go, you’re in luck. Technology allows you to kill two birds with one stone and learn a thing or two while you clean out drawers, tape boxes closed, and load furniture into your truck.

Grab your smartphone, log into the app store, and download the TED Talks app. This app has a collection of hundreds of different TED Talks that you can listen to while you pack up your belongings for a new adventure.

1. My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor

“How many brain scientists have been able to study the brain from the inside out? I’ve gotten as much out of this experience of losing my left mind as I have in my entire academic career.” – Jill Bolte Taylor

No medical journal or research findings that deal with the brain come close to Jill Bolte Taylor’s experience as a neuroanatomist turned stroke survivor. In her 2008 TED Talk, Taylor walks her listeners through the feelings and emotions she experienced during her own stroke.

Bolte Taylor was able to tap into her brain as it lost each of its functions, including memory, speech, motion, and self-awareness. Not only is Bolte Taylor’s experience fascinating, but it also helps listeners understand what it felt like to be a brain scientist who used her own stroke as a springboard into some of the most valuable scientific research available for medical professionals.

Tune in to hear how, as an unknowing scientific guinea pig, Bolte Taylor turned her terrifying stroke experience into a stroke of insight for the medical research community.

2. Why We Do What We Do by Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins, the life coach and self-help guru, has one goal: he wants to know why you do what you do. When Robbins took the TED stage in 2006, he asked the audience what “invisible forces” motivate them to move, to grow, to learn, and to work.

What motivates you to move, grow, learn, and work?

Download this episode to discover your own answers, to learn more about motivation.

3. How Schools Kill Creativity by Ken Robinson

Sir Ken Robinson, an international advisor on education, has one thing on his mind: creativity. In Robinson’s 2006 TED Talk, he wants the world to rethink the way our schools are educating our children. Listen in as he speaks to the audience and makes a case for creativity in the school system.

If you don’t want to listen to an entire TED Talk during your afternoon of packing, you can log into the app store on your smartphone and download the TED Radio Hour app. The host, Guy Raz, compiles talks and interviews a host of speakers on the same topic for one hour.

If there aren’t enough hours in the day to check off your packing checklist and do activities that will keep your mind active, rely on technology to help you multitask while you pack. Although it doesn’t take much brainpower to pack belongings and secure boxes with tape, a TED Talk will make the time go faster and help you keep your mind active on the go.

Have you used TED talks to pass the time? What would you add to your “must listen” list? Comment below and let us know!

Apr

Moving While Pregnant? Use These Tips to Have a Stress-Free Move for You and the Baby

April 29, 2015January 31, 2024 Children By Wheaton World Wide Moving

Moving when pregnant isn’t ideal. The packing and walking involved in the moving process may lead to painful back aches and swollen ankles.

Although it won’t be a walk in the park, you can still move while pregnant. If you plan for the moving day thoroughly, you can avoid the stress and body pains. Use these tips below to plan for a smooth, stress-free move for you and the baby.

Find a New Doctor

You may find that your new home is too far away to continue visiting your current doctor. A few weeks before you move, find a new doctor in your new area. Do your best to find a new healthcare provider similar to your previous doctor. You can ask your doctor for healthcare providers that they would recommend.

Once you find your new doctor, call his or her office to book your first appointment. You will need to take copies of your prenatal file and medical records to your new doctor, so make sure you get these from your old hospital before you move away.

Organize Important Documents

You should know where your important documents are at all times and have them available in case of an emergency. Pack them in an overnight bag that you plan to keep with you. These documents may include:

Birth certificates
Social Security cards
Homeowners insurance
Health insurance
Closing papers
Immunization records
Pack a 3-Day Bag

Many pregnant women find they have a few items they can’t live without. Whether you prefer a body pillow or a specific snack, keep a few needed objects with you during the move. You may also want to include lotion, food, and comfort items in your bag.

Pack enough items to last you at least three days.

You will find these items will bring comfort and reduce stress while you’re between houses. Having needed items on-hand will also save you from frantically searching through boxes to try and find your favorite lotion at the last second.

Arrange Childcare

If you have children and you’re pregnant, arrange childcare for the days while you’re moving. Once you start packing for the move, life will get even more hectic, and you may not have time to call someone. You can save yourself a fair amount of stress by having a babysitter come watch your kids while you focus on packing and organizing.

A babysitter ready may also come in handy if your baby comes before his or her due date. Make sure you start researching babysitters in that area well before the move. Arranging childcare in advance will reduce stress and give you enough time to interview plenty of babysitters.

Take Care of Yourself

If your family or friends offer to help during your move, don’t hesitate to say yes. Although you may not ask for help very often, moving while pregnant should be your one exception. Your main goal should be to take care of yourself and the baby. Stay as relaxed and stress-free as possible. Your physical and emotional state can have a huge impact on your pregnancy, so take care of yourself during the moving period.

Get plenty of sleep and stay out of extreme temperatures. Take breaks from packing and drink plenty of water. Never exhaust yourself. You may also want to try eating citrus fruits to enhance your strength and energy. Schedule naps and go for relaxing walks. Plan extra time to regain your physical and mental energy.

Hire Out

No matter how much rest you get or how well you take care of yourself, you should never lift heavy objects during pregnancy.

For a safe pregnancy, consider hiring a moving company to pack and take away your home items. A moving company will keep your baby safe and reduce pressure.

These tips will help you and your baby have a stress-free move. If you feel well enough, you can try to help with the move more, but always pay attention to your body and never overwork yourself.

Apr

Decorating Tips for When You’re Starting Out or Starting Over

April 28, 2015January 31, 2024 Organizing By Wheaton World Wide Moving

One of the more fun parts about moving involves decorating your new home. However, the daunting task of deciding between all the designs possibilities can leave you feeling slightly overwhelmed. You will need to decide what colors you want to paint your home, where to place your old furniture, and which new decor items you should buy.

In the end, many people settle with the familiar designs they had in their last home. If you want to take advantage of starting over, try incorporating these design tips to make sure your new home is the place you’ve always dreamed about.

Set a Budget

After you buy a home, you may not want to spend even more money on new furniture and décor. Set a budget early in the decorating process to avoid overspending. Prioritize which areas you want to decorate first in your home. Then focus on decorating one room at a time. This way you will have at least one decorated area that you can feel confident taking guests.

As you set your budget, think of ways to save money. For example, try mixing new decorations with old decorations from your previous home. You can match a new painting with an old throw pillow.

You can also look for inexpensive accessories in antique stores, flea markets and auctions. These locations have hidden treasures that may give your living room that perfect vintage touch for an affordable price. By using old or inexpensive decorations, you can create new room designs for half the price.

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Create a Design Plan

After you’ve decided on which room you want to decorate first and how much you can spend, you can start to decorate. Many people struggle with where to start on the decorating process. Consider determining the main function of the room first, such as watching TV, reading, relaxing, or entertaining. Use the main function of the room as the focal point. For example, the focal point in a library will most likely be the bookcases or reading couch.

Now, assess the shape, size, and architectural features, this will determine where you will place your furniture. You will also want to plan enough lighting for each area. As a rule of thumb, you should use roughly 100 watts for every square foot.

Now decide on the color palette for each room. If you plan to use furniture from your old home, use colors from these furniture pieces to determine wall colors, accessories, and window treatments. If you’ll buy new furniture, find a design and color palette online that you want your room to look like. Then incorporate the color palette with accessories throughout the room.

Focus on the First Impression

When you’re at a loss for how to start decorating, focus on where people go the most. For many homes, this includes the front door or foyer. Consider painting the front door a bright color or adding an area rug in the foyer.

These small accessories will instantly set a design tone for the rest of your home. Try designing the foyer with warm colors such as reds, yellows, and oranges. These colors represent a joyful, welcoming atmosphere, which is ideal for the entryway of your home.

You should also replace outdated screen doors with glass. The front door is a great place to spend a little extra money because this area will make your first impression with friends and family.

Take Your Time

Don’t feel like you need to have everything decorated in the first month. When you take your time, you allow yourself to prioritize which rooms need attention first.

You may find that the $5,000 you originally planned to renovate your bathroom with would be better spent on an entertainment system in the living room. Or you may also find that the loveseat you have in the living room looks better in your master bedroom. Use the first few months to organize your home and find out what you need most.

Apr

4 Ways to Make Your Corporate Relocation Easier

April 9, 2015January 31, 2024 Moving for Work By Wheaton World Wide Moving

Moving an office or business is a huge event that takes careful planning to execute successfully. If your company is planning a move in the near future, there are certain things you can do to make the experience easier on everyone. This includes you, the administration, employees, movers and anyone else involved. Simplify your life by using the four tips listed below to achieve a successful corporate move.

1. Book a Moving Service Early On

What does it mean to start planning your move “early on?” The truth is, the larger your company is, the more time you’ll need to nail down the details. For a company of around 200 employees, you should be discussing moving rates at least four months in advance. This will give you plenty of time to choose a moving service that fits your needs and budget.

When researching moving companies, it’s good to ask about the basics. These include:

Pricing and estimates
Damage protection options
Pre- and post-move inventories
Delivery service guarantees
Boxes and other moving materials

As soon as you know what to expect from the company, you can make an informed choice about which moving service you’ll employ. Once you’ve made this important choice, stay in touch with the company to confirm dates and prices as well as to plan your ideal moving strategy.

2. Communicate Throughout

Communication is key to a successful move. Establish clear expectations to your moving company and employees. Every single person should be responsible for a specific job. Likewise, every single item should have a place. Make your team of employees and movers aware of these preferences so they can meet them.

Give each department a checklist of things to accomplish by certain dates before the move. This will keep things clear and prepare you for the big event. As long as everyone knows their assignments beforehand, you’ll achieve a smooth moving process.

3. Get Organized

Packing is what everyone thinks about in connection with moving, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. In truth, packing is one of the final steps in the moving process. What will increase efficiency is preparing items (and employees) in advance.

Have each employee start with their own personal area. Instruct them to pack away any loose items. This should prevent any messy mishaps. Next, have each department head manage the organization of their products, area and items. Companies have lines of delegation and authority for a reason, so use them to your advantage.

Make sure you take special care when packing office décor. This includes artwork, curtain rods or blinds, rugs, etc. It’s useful to give your moving service a list of fragile items and how you would like them packed and transported.

4. Emphasize Safety for All

As an employer, the last thing you need during your corporate move is for someone to get injured. Take steps to train on the latest safety policies before the move, and provide all the necessary equipment. This could include back braces, dollies, lifting instruction, and thick gloves.

One important way to prevent injury consists of arranging packed items and boxes according to weight. Placing things in their proper category on moving day is always helpful, too. You should also create a sensible moving path from your location to the moving truck. Anything that makes things easier on the movers will help your move go off without a problem.

Follow safety protocol and take precautionary measures to protect yourself and others from potential accidents. Consider each of these four steps as you prepare for your office relocation. When you do, your move can be successful for both the movers and the employees.

Mar

Road Trip Games for Kids for Your Long-Distance Move

March 30, 2015January 31, 2024 Children By Wheaton World Wide Moving

When you finally get into the car to start the drive to your new home, you may think you’re done with the hard part. You packed up every inch of your home, labeled boxes, and lifted everything into an enormous truck. You’re all ready for your new home—you just have to get there.

But did you think about what to do once you got in the car? Long drives can be hard with small children. And children who are nervous about moving to a new location can be even more difficult, especially in an enclosed space like a car.

To keep your long-distance drive free from incident, try playing some of these road trip games to keep your kids (and yourself) entertained.

The Animal Spying Game

If your kids are motivated by competition, let them compete by promising a quarter to the first child who can spot a particular animal on your drive. Choose an animal that you are likely to see on your trip. If you’re going through the mountains, you may try to spot a deer or fox. If you only drive through residential neighborhoods, maybe you can find a certain breed or color of dog. Once a child finds one animal, change the challenge to finding a different one.

The License Plate Game

If you’re traveling across state lines, you have a greater chance of seeing license plates from a variety of states. Have your kids write down the different states they see on a piece of paper. Set different challenges, like declaring a winner for the first child who sees 10 different states or who finds a state with a certain letter in its name.

The Alphabet Hunt

Find various letters written on the road around you, from A to Z. Start with A and work your way through the alphabet until you and your kids have found every letter in order. You can see the letters on billboards, road signs, license plates, or even store signs as you pass through cities. Teach your kids tricks to find all the letters, especially hard ones like X, Q, and Z (Hint: these hard letters are more common on license plates than any road sign).

“I’m Going on a Picnic”

Use the alphabet to play a memory game that will challenge your kids to pay attention to the game. The first person should say “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing. . .” and then name an item that starts with the letter A, like an anteater. The second player repeats the same phrase, but adds something that starts with B to the sentence. You might say “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing an anteater and bubbles.” For even more fun, try to think of zany things to bring that will be easy to remember. If a player forgets an item in the list, they’re out. Keep playing until only one person can say the whole list without hesitating.

The Animal Name Game

This game involves spelling, so it’s best to play with children who can read. The first player names an animal, and the second player has to name another animal that starts with the last letter of the first animal. For example, if the first player says “fish,” the second player could say “hyena,” and so on. This game has no winners or losers, so no one will feel left out.

20 Questions

This classic guessing game is perfect for kids who are always asking questions. Choose one player to be “it.” This player should think of a person, place, or thing, that the others have to guess. Let’s say one player chooses “lion” for the others to guess. The other players must ask yes or no questions to figure out what the first player is thinking of. Whoever guesses correctly gets to be “it” and think of a new word.

Make Moving Fun

Moving doesn’t have to be a hassle. For more tips and tricks on how to keep moving fun for you, your kids, and everyone involved in the process, see our blog for regular updates.

Mar

The Art of Feng Shui and How it Will Help You Adjust to Your New Space

March 16, 2015January 31, 2024 Organizing By Wheaton World Wide Moving

Feng shui enhances any environment and empowers individuals to improve every aspect of life-health, wealth, relationships, and career. The art of Feng shui spans centuries. As a Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing everyone with the environment, Feng shui translates to literally mean “wind and water” in English.

Wind and Water

How does the concept of wind and water play into this ancient system? Feng shui discusses invisible forces and how those forces bind the universe, earth, and humanity together to create qi. According to the Zang Shu, or Book of Burial, Chinese philosophers believe “qi rides the wind and scatters, but it is retained when encountering water.” Qi is the central aspect of feng shui and attaining qi will allow any home and its residents to thrive.

But how can you attain qi-a perfect balance of wind and water-in your home?

Through feng shui, you can move things around in your new place to create a perfect balance and enhance your quality of life. It doesn’t take much to make the change, but once you do, you’ll feel an immense improvement in your day-to-day life.

Keep Your Space Clean

De-cluttering is one of the perks of moving and one of the most important aspects of feng shui. Instead of packing up junk and transporting it from one location to another, leave it behind. Arrive at your new location with as little as possible so you don’t have to worry about crowding bookshelves and counter space with stuff.

If you’re about to move, gather your belongings and place each item into one of the following piles:

Sell – What items can you sell to make a marginal profit?
Donate – What items can you do without, but want to donate to a charitable cause?
Keep – What items must you keep?
Throw away – What items don’t have any value and belong in the nearest landfill?

Decide which item belongs in which pile and then stay true to your word. If something ends up in the throw away pile, throw it away. Try to donate as many used clothes and useful belongings as possible. Local shelters accept donations year-round and will appreciate your contribution.

Let in the Light

Once you move in, open up every window and let light into your new home. Natural light increases productivity and comfort while providing mental and visual stimulation. Natural light has also been touted for other aesthetic, environmental, and health benefits, including the following:

Stabilizes moods
Increases energy levels
Balances sleep patterns
Improves vision and eye development
Increases vitamin D absorption (vitamin D regulates the immune system, helps you maintains body weight, controls asthma, and keeps the brain energized)
Reduces mold and mildew
Improves the look of any space (illuminates interior structures)
Decreases energy waste (eliminates the need for artificial light)

Natural light also helps the plants in your home thrive-and lush greenery is another key element of feng shui in your home.

Introduce Green

Open up your home to the freshest greens of every season. When you incorporate green into your home, you add a natural element and allow energy to congregate in each space. Indoor plants will keep your indoor air clean and pure-and fill it with much needed oxygen. The top five air-purifying plants include:

Areca Palm
Lady Palm
Bamboo Palm
Rubber Plant
Dracaena Janet Craig

Each of these air-purifying plants is easy to care for and incredibly attractive. While some remove toxins and resist insect infestation, others soften energy and improve air quality. Whatever indoor needs you have, trust indoor plants to improve the qi in your home space.

Map It Out

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Each space has a feng shui energy map, also known as bagua. Once you define the bagua of your space, you can know which areas of your home have a connection with specific areas of your life. Generally, the bagua of most homes is as follows:

North: Career
Northeast: Spirituality
East: Health and family
Southeast: Wealth and abundance
South: Fame and reputation
Southwest: Love and marriage
West: Creativity and children
Northwest: Charity and blessings

If you don’t know how to define the bagua of your home, just assume it has a similar bagua as the common list above.

Create Feng Shui

Now that you have a general idea of your home’s feng shui energy map, start creating balance and harmony. If you want to increase your wealth, incorporate natural elements (wood, water, plants, etc.) into the southeast area of your home. If you want to improve your relationship with your spouse or children, focus on the west and southwest areas.

Feng shui allows you to get creative and use your own energy to improve your home’s energy. Don’t move into a new space without de-cluttering, letting in light, incorporating plants, mapping out your home’s bagua, and creating balance and harmony. Use these steps to improve the qi in your home and improve the most important aspects of your life.

Mar

What to Do with Your Car When You Move

March 11, 2015January 31, 2024 Moving for Work By Wheaton World Wide Moving

Have you ever been driving around one of the mainland states and seen a car with license plates from Hawaii? You may have wondered “How did that car get here?” or “How much does it cost to ship your car from Hawaii?”

For people moving to or from Hawaii, moving their vehicles when they relocate is a major consideration-and a big expense. Auto shipping rates to the 50th state start around $1,000 for West Coast residents and increase to $2,500 or more for people living farther east.

You don’t have to be moving across an ocean to wonder about the best way to get your car from your old house to your new one.

Most people face questions about how to transport their vehicle during a move. To simplify the decision for you, in this blog we cover the pros and cons of all the major auto moving options.

Drive It

For many people who are moving, this is the obvious and easy solution for getting their car to their new home. The movers pack a van with your stuff and head to your new house, and you take off in the same direction in your own car.

If you’re driving yourself, you’ll want to plan your trip and budget for it. You should estimate how much you’ll spend on these typical road trip expenses:

Pre-trip vehicle checkup. Don’t skip this! It costs you more up-front, but it could save you a lot of time, money, and stress by preventing your car from breaking down in unfamiliar territory.

Gas. Calculate your car’s average highway gas mileage and the distance from your old house to your new one. You should also look up current gas prices in major cities along the way, since they can vary widely.

Food. If your new home is more than a few hours away from your current one, you’ll most likely eat on the road. Plan to stop every 3-4 hours for a snack or a larger meal.

Lodging. Extra-long moving trips could cover several days, so book hotel rooms along your route in advance.

Tow It

Do you need to move multiple vehicles? You might be able to tow one car behind another.

If you choose this option, make sure the towing vehicle has plenty of power. It may have to tow the other vehicle up steep slopes.

Plus, both vehicles might have a few of your extra belongings stashed inside, which adds extra weight.

You have two main options for vehicle towing trailers:

A tow dolly. This type of vehicle trailer lifts a car’s two front wheels off the road. Tow dollies are usually less expensive. They work well for small- to medium-sized front-wheel drive cars.

A car carrier. This type of trailer sits under the entire car and uses its own wheels. It’s a more reliable option for long distance moves.

Maybe driving to your new house isn’t a possibility. You might need to be in your new city right away or dread the thought of driving cross-country with young kids and feisty pets. In that case, you should investigate the other car-moving options below.

Ship It

This is the main alternative for people who choose not to drive their cars when they move. You can shop around for quotes or talk to your local Wheaton agents about rates for shipping your car.talk to your local Wheaton agents about rates for shipping your car.

Before you call for quotes, you need to gather information that will help each company give you a more precise estimate. Figure out the approximate weight of your car, the distance between the starting point and destination, and the dates you plan on moving in and out. You should also ask your car insurance agent whether your policy protects your car in transit.

When you call for quotes, be sure to ask:

What the pick-up and drop-off options are. Shipping companies may offer to pick your car up at your house and deliver it right to your new front door. This is more convenient, but it likely costs more, too. Alternatively, you may have to take your car to a terminal and pick it up from a different terminal.

Whether shipping is open or enclosed. A car-shipping company may move your vehicle on an open-air truck, like those you’ve seen carrying multiple cars to dealerships. You might be able to select an enclosed truck, which gives your car better protection from weather and road hazards. But, enclosed car shipping costs about 60% more.

What the company’s insurance policy is. Even with a reputable company, your car might meet problems on the road that cause damage. That’s why you should ask about this, regardless of the protection your personal auto insurance policy offers.

Store It

If your move is only temporary, storing your vehicle may be a better option than moving it with you. People find this option feasible when they face military deployment or a short-term relocation overseas for work.

Call local storage facilities and ask about their rates and amenities for long-term vehicle storage. You don’t need anything fancy, but you’ll want a secure location where your car won’t be vulnerable to theft, exposed to the elements, or likely to sustain damage.

Sell It

If none of the above options appeal to you, you can always sell your car. This is usually a last resort, but it can be a good choice in certain situations. Maybe your car is old and unreliable. Perhaps you’re planning on buying a new car soon anyway. You might even be worried about tougher emissions and safety standards in another state. In those cases, selling your car might give you the least hassle.

Now that you’ve seen all your options, it’s time to decide what you’ll do with your car when you move. Consider your situation and choose whatever works best. You may have to compare pricing on several options (for example, driving versus shipping).

Once you decide, call a moving company to help you move everything else.

Mar

Plan Now to Host a Successful Yard Sale Later

March 4, 2015January 31, 2024 Organizing By Wheaton World Wide Moving

You just got word from the boss that you’re moving in four months. What’s more, you’ll need to look for a smaller home to keep your budget on track. Uh-oh. What do you do with all your stuff?

You’ve just faced a conundrum that’s common to anyone downsizing. Sounds like a yard sale is in your future. If you’ve ever gone to a successful yard sale, you may already have a few ideas in mind for your own.

However, every great yard sale has one thing in common: a good plan. Here are a few strategies to help you sell your extra belongings, collect a decent profit, and fit all the most important items in your new home after the move.

Take the Time to Craft Your Plan

Anyone who’s moving relatively soon has a lot to manage. You have to search for a home in your new area. You need to sell your current place. You have to figure out what you’re going to keep, what you should throw away, and what items are best to sell at your yard sale.

Ideally, you need a few months to plan for a successful yard sale. Of course, if you need to hold the sale soon so you can artfully stage your home for the realtor, you may have less time.

The main thing is to get started and devote some real thought to the process, not just carry out a few boxes of junk to the curb and slap a few price tags on them. Create a step-by-step checklist that you know you can follow. If you don’t want to make one yourself, search online for a printable list.

Also, don’t forget to ask your HOA or landlord for permission and yard-sale guidelines. You may need a permit from your city, as well.

Set Aside a Collection Zone

Allocate a zone in your basement or garage for the items you know you want to sell. If you’re on the fence about any items, do a little research online to find out how similar items are selling on classified boards or auction websites.

To help you decide, browse the following list of items that tend to sell well:

Working appliances
Audio-visual items (camcorders, DVD players, and so forth)
Safe, working baby equipment or furniture (don’t sell it if it’s not up to code)
Books, LPs, DVDs, and CDs
Furniture and lamps
Sheet music and instruments
Kitchen supplies
Gardening supplies and tools
Bicycles and scooters
Toys and games
Re-potted plants or seedlings you can’t take with you
Area rugs
Sporting equipment

If time is of the essence, you may be able to sell higher-ticket items online before the yard sale. Everything else can wait.

Fix a Fair Price

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably think your stuff is worth more than buyers do. If you’re in doubt, ask a friend who lives in your area to help you decide. Don’t try to influence them first by suggesting your ideal price.

The reason this is helpful is because it distances you emotionally from each item and makes the pricing more objective.

In the end, it’s a good rule of thumb to charge 20-30 percent of the original price. If you purchased a sofa for $400, then, you can probably ask between $80 and $120 for it if it’s still in great shape. Charge less if your item really shows its age.

It’s also a mistake to price your sale items too low, though. You need to leave a little room for bargain hunters to haggle prices with you. If you have a bunch of less-desirable items to sell, consider selling them in a package deal; for example, 20 books for $5 bucks.

Once you’ve decided on prices, keep an inventory book so you know exactly what you have at any time.

Pick a Date, Watch the Weather-or Move It Indoors

If you want to hold your yard sale just before you move in the spring, pay attention to the date. It rarely pays to hold your sale on a holiday weekend such as Memorial Day, for example. Take stock of the weekends when you may have less competition, if possible.

If you’re short on time and need to hold your yard sale earlier in the season, you may want to make an event of it by installing outdoor heaters for the event. Buyers who were deprived of yard sales during the winter months may be anxious to get out there and nab great buys.

If the weather looks too foreboding to hold a traditional yard sale, consider moving yours indoors. If it’s too crowded inside your garage, think about arranging part of your hoard inside your living room.

If you go indoors, recruit friends or family members to keep an eye on your no-entry areas. Also, keep a nearby bathroom available and stocked with supplies so buyers will linger even when nature calls.

Now that you know a few sure-fire strategies for a successful yard sale at any time of year, you’ll be ready for any challenge that lies ahead-even fitting your belongings in a smaller home! Here’s wishing you great yard sale success.

Jan

13 Things You Might Forget During a Move

January 20, 2015January 30, 2024 Organizing By Wheaton World Wide Moving

You know the feeling. You set off on vacation, ready for a few relaxing days away from work and home life. But then you realize you forgot something-and the further you get from home, the more things you realize you forgot. Soon enough, you’re so worried about these forgotten items things that you can’t enjoy your vacation.

You might experience the same worried feelings as you move. Moving is inherently stressful, and you may fret over everything that could go wrong.

Fret no more! We’ve compiled a list of 13 things people often forget to pack, leave behind, and do before moving. Remember these things as moving day approaches to ease your mind.

6 Things People Forget to Pack

You won’t forget to pack the bed or computer, but you might forget to pack one or a few of the following items:

Safe Deposit Box

Leaving your safe deposit box and all its contents behind could cause you heartache and cost you money. And making the trip back to your old home to retrieve the box would cost you even more time.

Dry Cleaning

You love that red silk dress and your favorite cashmere sweater. Don’t forget to collect them from the dry cleaner before moving day. Also remember to pick items up your tailor and shoe-repair shops, if necessary.

Important Documents

Collect all important documents (including personal records and contact info) eight weeks before the move.

Personal records include medical, dental, vaccine, and veterinarian files. You should also obtain your children’s school portfolios.

Important contact info includes business cards, phone books, and friends’ addresses. The Internet makes it easier to find this kind of information, but having hard copies might save you time when you need to contact someone.

Items in Storage

You’ve checked and double checked every closet and cupboard in your house. But what about the shed in your backyard? The crawl space above your garage? Clear out all storage units, sheds, and crawl spaces before moving. And don’t forget to plan for these items on the moving truck.

Hidden Valuables

Do you keep a spare key under that loose fence post in your backyard? Did you hide a gift in a secret cupboard in your closet?

Remember to find and pack these items before you leave.

Curtains and Decor

You’re so used to seeing your curtains, window treatments, and wreaths that you might see them as part of your home. This makes it easy to forget to remove them from walls and pack them.

Even if you plan to buy new curtains and décor for your new home, remove the existing items and donate them.

4 Things People Forget to Leave Behind

Just like you might forget to pack some essential items, you might forget to leave some important things behind.

Spare Keys

Collect all house keys for your home’s next owner. If you have multiple keys-such as deadbolt keys, window keys, or shed keys label them so the future owners don’t have to call you with questions.

Garage Door Opener

You’re used to having the garage door opener in your glove compartment, so you might make it all the way to your new house before you notice it. Remember to remove it from your vehicle on moving day.

Borrowed Items

Did you borrow your neighbor’s blender? Did your friend loan you their favorite movie? Return these items before you move to save yourself from the wrath of your friends (and shipping costs).

Rental Items

You might have terrible memories of your elementary school librarian hounding you about an overdue library book. Save yourself from a similar (and more costly) experience, and return any rental items before hitting the road.

3 Things People Forget to Do Before Moving

Between finding a new home, scheduling movers, and packing your items, you might neglect a few important processes. As you prepare to move, don’t forget to:

Turn Off the Utilities

The last thing you want to do is pay a month of water and electric bills in a house you don’t even use. Notify your local utility services of your moving day so they can stop charging you.

Don’t forget to turn on the utilities in your new home. Arranging furniture and unpacking boxes in the dark is an adventure you don’t need to experience.

Notify Schools and Caregivers

If you have children, talk to administrators at their current and future schools to notify them of the switch. Inform administrators at the new school about any special needs your child has.

Remember to tell nannies, pet sitters, tutors, and housekeepers about your move at least one month in advance.

Cancel Memberships

Paying for a gym membership is expensive enough. Don’t double-pay for memberships in your both your old and new cities.

Some clubs require you to notify them of your intent to cancel at least 30 days in advance, so double check your clubs’ policies.

Avoid costly mishaps by keeping these tips in mind. Visit our other blogs for more tips on making a smooth move.

Jan

6 Steps to Prepare Your Kids for First-Day Jitters

January 5, 2015January 31, 2024 Children By Wheaton World Wide Moving

Moving takes a toll on you and your kids. One of the hardest parts of moving for children is the first day of school. They have to make new friends, get to know their new teacher, and find their way around the buildings. Whether your kids are in high school or in elementary school, the transition can cause anxiety. Last year we wrote a blog about moving with kids that offered suggestions from recently moved families and what they did to create a smooth transition.

This blog goes further in-depth on how to help kids transition, specifically on their first day of school. Here are a few ways you can help your children beat the first-day jitters.

Practice the Route to School

To give your child an idea of what to expect on the first day of school, walk them through their morning routine. Go to the bus stop, then drive them to the school. Point out basic geographic locations on the way to prepare them if they ever get lost. Point out colorful billboards, shopping centers, or parks that they may remember later.

Talk with the new school to see if you and your child can come for a school tour. Most schools encourage tours to ensure new students have a smooth transition. As you walk through the school, locate homerooms, gyms, and the cafeteria. For high school students, you may want to find their locker and walk through their class schedule.

Occasionally schools assign new students a “buddy” for their first few weeks. Ask your child’s school administrators if they have a similar program. Having a buddy may help your child feel less anxiety if they know a classmate is there to help them.

Establish a Calm Morning Routine

Kids need plenty of sleep and food to deal with the stress and emotions accompanied with moving. Set early bedtimes and make breakfast in the morning to make sure they have the nutrition they need to handle the rigor of the day.

The more relaxing you can make the morning, the more your kids will feel prepared and confident about the day. Organize clothes and lunches the night before to avoid rushing in the morning. You should also wake everyone early enough so they have plenty of time to get ready. This time allows them to calmly prepare for the day and leave the house on time.

And remember to go to bed early yourself. This will help you be happier and more alert.

Make Friends with Other Families

Throughout the move, your kids will watch you as a model on how to socialize. Join a community center for a stress-free way to meet families. Or find a family in your neighborhood who has kids the same age as your own and invite them over for dinner or dessert. A dinner event will allow your kids to make friends in the comfort of your home and give them a familiar face in their new classroom.

You may also find activities for children in the community, such as summer camps or story time at a library. Look for outgoing, friendly children that will help your child adjust. You can also talk with a teacher or another parent to help bridge the gap for your child. As you socialize, don’t expect your child to talk very much. Most children assume their parents will take the lead during the socializing process.

Keep Contact with Old Friends

Help your child stay connected with old friends by throwing a going-away party. Have friends write their addresses and phone numbers down. This will give your child a way to stay connected once you move. You can also have their friends stay over for a weekend to keep your child’s spirits up after the move.

Consider visiting your old community if your child seems lonely. Remind your child that even though they moved, they don’t have to break ties with their old life.

Expect Changes

Don’t be surprised if you initially see a change in your child’s grades. The change may result from different curriculum requirements, teaching styles, or the emotional impact from moving. Instead of reprimanding your child for lower grades, consider a more helpful approach. Talk with them and ask what you can do to support them. Taking time to help with homework can make a big difference on their stress and anxiety levels.

Make Your Home Their Refuge

Your kids need a place to go that doesn’t intensify anxiety levels. If they come home to stressed-out parents, they won’t feel comfortable in their own home. Instead, make your home a place where they can laugh and play. Laughing helps children relax and relieve stress from an unfamiliar school environment.

Play games with your kids and help them have fun at home. This interaction will give them something to look forward to if they have a rough day at school.

Use these tips to help your child transition to a new school and help your family grow closer together during this experience.

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