Text Us

760-200-9494

Email Us

[email protected]

Blog

Blog Large Image
23
Feb

How to Prepare Large Appliances for Your Move

Posted on Categories Moving Tips Author By Robert Sabo

If you’ve spent money on valuable appliances, you shouldn’t have to leave them behind when you move. Luckily, as long as you learn the proper way to prepare appliances for relocation, nothing can stop you from enjoying their use in your new location.

Below, you’ll find the necessary steps to prepare any large household appliance for travel. Whether you plan to store the appliance or immediately transfer it to your new home, use these tips to successfully relocate your washing machine, dryer, or refrigerator.

Washing Machine

Clean
Before you do anything, clean your appliance inside and out. Use a cloth and all-purpose cleaner to wipe off the exterior of the machine. Next, gently clean out the drum and lint filter with warm water. Leave the lid open to let any moisture evaporate.

Service
Many moving companies offer safe loading, storage, and transit of large items like a clothes washer. A moving company won’t accept responsibility for water damage that may occur while disconnecting an old appliance, so you should disconnect it before the company arrives.

Older appliances may have corroded shutoff valves that won’t turn off completely. This corrosion often leads to flooding. Keep your appliances up-to-date, and store the owner’s manual in a safe and accessible place.

If you find damage, read your owner’s manual to find out how to fix the drum or tub. Repairs will keep your machine from having problems upon reinstallation. Make sure to turn off the water, release pressure from the hoses, and drain out any liquids. Once disconnected and unplugged, you can proceed to packing and loading.

Dryer

Clean
Remove any debris from inside the machine, including emptying the lint trap and lint hose. Use a gentle cleanser to wipe out the inside and exterior, ensuring a smooth and clean surface.

Service
If your dryer runs off of natural gas, make sure to get the gas shut off the day before you move. A professional should handle this step in the process. Next, unplug your dryer. Make sure to disconnect and remove any hoses. If your dryer has a moveable drum, secure it. Your dryer is now ready to move.

Refrigerator

Clean
Although you might think it’s easier to transport all your food items in the fridge, this strategy can cause major problems. No moving company can guarantee that all your food items will stay at the proper temperature while in transit.

Furthermore, refrigerator units aren’t designed as shipping containers. When moved and stored at different angles, the storage shelves may crack and break, causing food to spill if stored inside. Remove all food from your refrigerator and freezer unit to avoid mold, odor, and other types of damage.

After you’ve removed all food items, clean the inside with a light detergent and soft rag. Make sure to mop up any spills and remove all food bits from the entire surface.

Service
Depending on whether you have a water dispenser, you’ll likely need to disconnect the water line. Turn off any water sources and empty the ice maker/water taps. Make sure to also empty and clean out the water reservoir.

Older models may require further securing with the motor or compressor. Luckily, most modern units keep the compressor in a sealed compartment.

Packing and Loading

After you clean and service everything, you still need a way to safely move your appliances. Tools such as furniture sliders, bungee cords, and a dolly are all useful. Make sure you have people to assist you when you move any of the above appliances as well.

As for loading, don’t take any chances. Use only an industry-approved truck ramp. For best results, discuss any loading plans with your moving provider beforehand.

Tagged in: Appliances, Dryer, moving, Refrigerator, Washing Machine

17
Feb

Just Moved In? Do These 6 Things Before You Go to Sleep

Posted on Categories Moving Tips Author By Robert Sabo

Once you’ve packed your life into boxes and moved miles away to a new location, you might feel exhausted when you arrive at your final destination. But the first few hours in a new place can make a huge difference. When used wisely, this time will help you adjust to your new space, get your life in order, and prevent problems with your landlord or property later on.

Read our tips below for the six most important things to do the first day in your new home.

1. Do a Walk-Through Inspection

The things that attracted you when you first looked at your new home will remind you why you decided to move in the first place.

Now that you’re ready to move in, you may start to notice a few details that didn’t cross your mind before. For example, when you use the stove or the sink for the first time, you’ll probably observe some quirks and things that need to be repaired.

When you take the time to thoroughly examine your new home on the first day, you reduce the likelihood that you’ll run into surprises weeks and months down the road. You’ll also have the ability to call your landlord or previous owner with any complaints or requests.

2. Take Pictures of Any Trouble Spots

For big problems that affect the integrity of your home, like a bug infestation or water damage, take a photo of the issue and document the date. Send these pictures with a brief written description to your landlord. These photos let the landlord know of any problems he or she needs to fix and prevent you from getting charged for previous damages to the property.

If you own your home and notice sizable problems that could decrease your home’s value, consult with your real estate agent or attorney for the best way to get compensation.

3. Make a To-Do List 

 
For minor repairs, like a dripping faucet or cracks in the ceiling, jot them down onto a master list. Write down your findings as soon as possible. You might not notice tiny problems once you fill your home with furniture, so this list will remind you what items to take care of. In a few days, prioritize this list and set goals to fix the problems in order of importance.

4. Clean the Surfaces

Though you shouldn’t have to deep-clean your new space, you’ll feel better knowing that the counters, floors, and other open surfaces are clean.

Pack a broom and dustpan into an accessible box and sweep the floors in your new home before you unpack your belongings. You should wipe down open surfaces with disinfecting wipes as well.

5. Unpack One Day’s Worth of Supplies

When you start unpacking, don’t overwhelm yourself. Look at your box labels and find the items that you need to use every day. (You will need toothbrushes and towels on the first night, but you might not need lamps or silverware right away.)

If you feel ambitious, you can place your moving boxes into the rooms where they’ll eventually end up, but don’t worry about unloading all your knick knacks during the first 24 hours.

6. Start to Set Up a Room

After you’ve found the necessities, start to unpack one room before you go to bed. For example, if you have kids, it might help them feel comfortable if you help them get settled into their new bedrooms.

Make sure they have sheets and blankets on their beds, and tuck them in with a favorite pillow or stuffed animal. They’ll sleep well, and you’ll feel less overwhelmed at the task ahead of you.

If you’re moving alone, start with your own bedroom on the first day. Leave large projects, like the kitchen, for another time when you have more energy.

For more professional tips and tricks for moving, keep reading our blog.

Tagged in: Moving Day, Moving In, Organizing, unpacking

09
Feb

5 Ideal Color Palettes for City Apartments

Posted on Categories Organizing Author By Robert Sabo

When you move to a city, you encounter a myriad of new opportunities, from the people you meet to the locales you frequent.

Your new housing also represents an opportunity. When you move to a new city apartment, whether it’s a SoHo studio or a Georgetown townhouse, you use design to define the space and even redefine yourself.

In the city, design often comes down to optimizing space in an impactful way. The color palette you choose determines the entire atmosphere of your apartment, whether you want simple and chic or bold and vibrant.

Learn how a specific color palette can help you achieve specific atmospheres below.

1. Artsy Adventure

Rich or warm colors stimulate the mind and imagination. If you want to create an air of artistry and adventure, choose one of these palettes.

•    Dark: Choose a deep foundation color, like blood red, and elevate it using earth tone or urban complementary colors.
•    Light: Keep the walls a subtle, warm pastel and use a more saturated color version in your decor. For example, use pale pink paint with daring fuchsia or maroon accents.
•    Cool: Rely on deep eggplant or navy, accented with a bright teal or Kelly green.
•    Warm: Pair bold reds or oranges with stark whites or eggshell tones.

2. Casual Bohemian

Light, natural hues give the illusion of wide open spaces and outdoor oases. Whether your inner bohemian longs for the forested mountains or sweeping beaches, showcase your connection in one of the following palettes.

•    Dark: Surround yourself with chocolate browns and emerald greens. If you opt for a dark palette, use colors that appear in nature or ones that exaggerate natural hues. Choose a single light accent color to open up your space.
•    Light: Hint at ocean waves or seasonal breezes with sea foam greens, stormy grays, or stimulating yellows.
•    Cool: Create a beach paradise using varying blues, beiges and tans, and hints of distant purples.
•    Warm: Fill your apartment with light using a spectrum of warm colors and earth tones.

3. Delicate Sophistication

Intricacy and subtlety create understated class. Create an air of sophistication in these color schemes.

•    Dark: Pair royal purples, crimsons, or blues with complementary metallic accents for Old World elegance.
•    Light: Choose an unobtrusive alabaster or mother of pearl. Highlight your main color’s subtleties with a single dark accent, such as smoky gray.
•    Cool: Blend lavenders, grays or silvers, or white for simple grace.
•    Warm: Rely on bronze or gold to craft an inviting air of sophistication.

4. Modern Minimalist

To find beauty in simplicity, create a distinct, stark palette like those below.

•    Dark: Find your inner minimalist using black, white, and a dark accent color like Tyrian purple.
•    Light: Use a steel gray rather than black to create bold, geometric designs. Pair your chosen gray with white and a light accent, like powder blue.
•    Cool: Don’t hesitate to call on bold, cool colors when you aim for minimalism. Use color blocking to let a range of blues, greens, or purples play off each other.
•    Warm: To create warm minimalism without overpowering a space, pair a shade of white with punchy red or orange accents.

5. Vintage Couture

The distinct vintage look relies on muted colors and whimsical charm. Find both in the following palettes.

•    Dark: If you like deep colors but want a vintage look, consider distressing. With a little sanding or extra layer of sponged paint, you can age dark teal, brown-black, or ruby reds.
•    Light: Vintage palettes rely on tiny variations to create depth. Choose a range of pinks, beiges, or whites to get the look.
•    Cool: For a timeless cool palette, pair distressed white furniture with a range of matte blues or pastel greens.
•    Warm: Evoke antique warmth using brown and gold with warm pumpkin or mustard colors.

As you settle in and work to pair decor with your new paint, consider the purpose of each room. For a more intimate setting, opt for a darker overall palette. To expand a small space, choose the lightest and brightest colors in your scheme.

Use one of these timeless color palettes to make your new apartment the ideal space for entertaining, creating, or relaxing.

Tagged in: Bold, Chic, Color Palettes, Decorating, Minimalist, New Apartment, Painting

02
Feb

4 Questions to Consider Before You Relocate for a New Job

Posted on Categories Moving for Work Author By Robert Sabo

After weeks of searching, calling, and interviewing, you finally managed to land a new job. You feel excited about the new opportunity, as well as a little nervous about the responsibilities you will have.

But not long after you shake hands and accept the offer, your employer says, “We’re opening a new branch in another state, are you willing to relocate?”

You pause and ask for a few days to think about it. You don’t want to lose the job or disappoint your employer, but you don’t know whether you feel ready to pack and move so quickly.

Before you decide to stay or go, carefully consider the following questions.

1.    Can You Afford the Move?

Sure, your new job offers a pay increase as well as a stable income, but is it enough to cover the costs of a move?

As you plan your future, take a few minutes to calculate your budget. Some states have higher costs of living that could take a significant bite out of your income. Furthermore, you might lose money in an attempt to sell your home in time for the relocation. And you need to anticipate the expense of hiring a professional moving team and account for transportation, temporary housing, and fuel.

If possible, ask your employer about whether the company will cover some, or all, of these relocation costs.

2.    Does Your Family Support the Move?


When you’re young, single, and free to travel, you may have no qualms relocating to another state, or even another country. However, if you have a family, you need to find out their feelings about the move.

Your spouse, for example, might receive a promotion soon and would have to sacrifice his or her career to join you in another state. Or, your teen may have just joined a school sports team and would have to re-take specific classes to graduate. And your younger children may feel uncomfortable making new friends in a new place.

According to a study published in the “Journal of Social and Personality Psychology”, moves disrupt important childhood friendships. The study also noted that children who move frequently often scored lower on well-being and life satisfaction tests and had fewer high-quality relationships as adults.

Make sure you ask your family for advice before making such a life-changing decision in their behalf.

3.    What Are You Leaving Behind?

Although your new move may present new opportunities to grow and discover, your current situation may have a lot to offer you as well. Your parents might live just around the corner, or your best friend from high school still plays video games with you on Saturday nights. You might be a few months away from paying off your mortgage, or you attended the local school and want your children to follow in your footsteps.

When you have to sever these emotional ties or uproot your entire history to relocate, you might not feel as comfortable packing your photos into boxes or selling your favorite furniture.

On the other hand, if you had a negative experience in your current area, or you formed few friendships over the years, you may feel thrilled at the idea of starting fresh.

4.    What Does Your Heart Tell You?

While you could argue for or against job relocation with your brain, your heart may disagree with your arguments, as cliché as that sounds. Your instinct may tell you that you should jump at the chance, or it may nag at you that something doesn’t seem right. Of course, some doubts are normal, but if you face complete dread at the idea, you may want to reconsider the move.

As you consider these questions, don’t forget that though moving represents a big commitment, it doesn’t have to be a permanent decision. If for some reason the new job or new city doesn’t work well for you or your family, you can always move back.

Tagged in: Jobs, Moving for Work, relocating

12
Jan

Why Moving Can Make You Sick and How to Avoid it

Posted on Categories Lifestyle Author By Robert Sabo

Despite countless scientific advancements in the medical field, there’s still a lot we don’t understand about what makes people receptive to sickness. However, those who plan to move may be especially at risk. If you plan to move, you need to prepare for more than just homesickness.

Have you ever noticed that you often get the sniffles after a move? Although many aspects of relocation cause excitement, some also cause sickness. Below you’ll find common causes for illness in connection with relocation. We’ll also address some basic ways to avoid sickness before, during, and after your move.

New Microbes

At any given time, environmental factors contribute to your health. When you relocate, your new surroundings definitely change, including exposure to new places, people, and microbes.

A geographically unfamiliar place might confuse your navigational abilities, and it also gives pause to your immune system. Unfortunately, the actual relocation may have already set you up for illness too.

Prevention: Stay up-to-date on your vaccinations, along with vitamin supplements. Drink plenty of fluids and get the proper amount of rest to promote a healthy immune system. Also, take time to de-stress and relax, even if it means a hot bath in the middle of everything. Make sure to also eat a healthy diet rich in fiber and nutrients.

Allergies

When you take items out of the attic and less-trafficked areas of your home, you stir up dust and other allergens. These irritants may already exist in your home, but they remained dormant until the hustle and bustle of the move.

Allergies irritate the sinuses and eyes. This irritation creates a perfect atmosphere for sinus infections. Consequently, people often mistake simple sinus irritation or asthma for the common cold.

Prevention: Change your filters ahead of time to promote healthy air supply and ventilation. Dust and vacuum before you begin to pack. If you know of personal allergies to dust mites, take medication before you begin to pack.

Cuts

When you move cardboard around, you can cut your hands and fingers on the rough edges. Even if you have a fairly shallow cut, it still could leave an opening for possible infection.

Amid the rush to pack and box-up items, many people forget a simple hand wash that would prevent unwanted infection and problems.

Prevention: It sounds simple, but wash your hands. Use sanitizer throughout the process, and seek antiseptic treatment and bandages for any cuts, scrapes, or lacerations.

Sick Building Syndrome

Much like the dust from your attic, other elements in a building can cause illness during a move as well. “Sick building syndrome” refers to poorly maintained structures that expose occupants to various irritants and toxins.

Chemicals, asbestos, radon, and mold all pose risks to occupants of old buildings. You also increase risk factors every time you move. Each jostle or bump could yield a leak or breakage in weak pipes.

Symptoms of sick building syndrome include throat irritation, dizziness or fatigue, headaches, and nausea.

Prevention: Get living spaces appraised and inspected before you make a purchase. Many local governments supply free radon test kits for public use. Also, make sure to check the basement and attic for signs of mold, rot, or decay.

Depression

Although not a result of microbial infection, depression affects people during and after relocations as well. Teens especially experience difficulty adjusting to new surroundings. Some may struggle to function without a familiar support system nearby.

Prevention: Maintain old friendships via video chat, phone calls, and emails. Try to help your family meet new people through community activities and social events. Work together to create your new support group.
If you take time to take care of yourself during your move, you’ll avoid sickness and fatigue. Use these prevention tips to stay happy and healthy.

Tagged in: Flu, Healthy, moving, Prevention, relocation, Sick

06
Jan

How to Choose a New Area to Live In

Posted on Categories Lifestyle Author By Robert Sabo

Maybe you have lived in the same West Coast town your entire life, but have always wanted to live on the East Coast. Maybe you finally have the means to move into your dream home, but it requires you to move a few towns away. Maybe pursuing your dreams means moving to a new town that will give you new opportunities.

Once you’ve decided it’s time to move, how do you choose where to go? How do you narrow down your choices to find the perfect place for you? Follow this handy guide to pinpoint the destination of your next move.

Reasons to Move

First, it’s important to understand the reasons why you want or need to move. These underlying reasons can help you determine your next locale.

Health – If you or a family member need to live somewhere warmer, less humid, or less crowded to improve your health, that will be a big factor in which state or even country you move to.

Family – Perhaps you want to live closer to family that just moved. Or maybe you need to buy a bigger house so your mom can come live with you and the kids.

Career – When you want to move up in your career, or even switch careers completely, location is key. You may need to move to a more metropolitan area to increase job opportunities. Or your new career may take you to a remote area of the world.

Adventure – Many people these days are choosing to give up the lives they have built to chase adventure. No matter how old you are, you can also sell your home and move to a new country simply because you crave adventure.

Finances – If you want to buy more land, you may want to move to a less-populated area where land is cheap. Or maybe your current home is too expensive and you’d like to move to an apartment and spend more money on experiences.

All of these factors should be considered when you think about moving. Keep these in mind as you learn about how to choose a place to live.

How to Choose a Place

Start Big – Now that you have thought about why you’d like to move, it’s time to narrow down your choices. No matter how crazy it seems, think big at first. Envision moving anywhere in the world. If you’re going to move, you might as well move somewhere that truly makes you happy. This could include an area you’ve never considered before.

Make a List – If it helps you, make a list of all the places you could live. Write them down in order of how much you want to live there, or print out a map and physically black out areas that don’t make the cut.
Prioritize Your Reasons to Move – Next, rank the reasons you want to move. Which reasons are most important to you? If your top priority is health, for instance, cross off any places that won’t improve your health.

Take a Trip – Once you’ve narrowed down your potential new home to a specific country, state, or town, take a trip. Experience the place you’ve always dreamed of living in. You may find it completely enchanting, or surprisingly underwhelming. Notice how you feel in this new space; do you feel at home, or do you feel anxious? Listen to your feelings as you make your decision.

Visualize Your Life – Now, visualize the life you’ll lead in this new place. Can you see yourself pursuing your dreams, keeping up your hobbies, and living a happy life here? Envision a regular day in your new home. You’ll still have to complete chores, deal with bills, and go to the grocery store here.

Make Your Move Easier

Use the tips listed above to find a place where you can thrive. Once you’ve figured out where you want to move, hire a moving company to manage the logistics of your big change. Let them take the hassle out of moving so you can focus on life in your exciting new location.

Tagged in: Community, moving, New Area, New Home, relocating

16
Dec

Small Town vs. Big City: Which Is Right for Your Family?

Posted on Categories Lifestyle Author By Robert Sabo

Have you heard of Aesop’s fable “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse”? One mouse believes city life is the most luxurious life, while the other mouse feels comfortable with a simple country lifestyle.

You may envy the decisiveness of each mouse. Which is better-city, or country? You would like to move your family to a new area, but you’re not sure whether to move to a smaller town or a bigger city.
We’ll go over some of the most important factors for you to consider as you make your decision.

Cost of Living

If saving money on your housing costs is a big priority, you’re likely to find much lower prices in a smaller community. Big cities have the highest cost of living; in fact, in April 2014, the average monthly cost of a two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan was $4,042. Compare that to an apartment in upper-state New York, where housing costs are 30% than they are in the city.

However, consider how much money you’ll make in your new place. You might nail a high-paying job in a big city at a salary you wouldn’t find in a smaller town.

Job Market

There are more total jobs in a big city, so you’re likely to find more opportunities that fit your training and interests. A city is a better choice if you hope to work for a high-paying, top-level corporation.

However, in a big city, you’ll face more competition, so it might take a while to find your dream job. Depending on your line of work, you might find the perfect small-town job with less competition.

Making Friends

Does your family prefer a close-knit, friendly atmosphere? Many people enjoy smaller communities where they can socialize with friendly people who like to reach out.

In a big city, you’ll still make friends at work and other places you frequent, but you might feel lonely and outnumbered.

Medical Care

You’ll likely find basic medical services in a small town. But keep in mind that you might have to drive for hours to the nearest specialist. In a city, you’ll have access to most types of medical care in your immediate vicinity.

The same goes for other services like high-end clothing stores and restaurants. Can you live without certain services? Consider this before you move to a small town.

Nature

In general, you’ll feel closer to nature in a small town. For one thing, you can enjoy the stars at night and feel safer outdoors than you might in a city.

But don’t rule out a large city entirely. Large cities often have parks and recreational areas where you can enjoy the outdoors.

Entertainment

Thousands of people flock to large cities for entertainment options. In the largest cities, you’ll find sporting events, theaters, historical sites, and plenty of other things to do and see.

That’s not to say that there’s nothing to do in a small town, though. Many small towns still have movie theaters, museums, and other attractions.

Before you choose between the two, keep your family’s needs in mind. As you search for places to live, think about the kinds of entertainment you enjoy and whether you’ll find them in your new place.

Safety

You might think small towns are safer because they’re quieter and less crowded. However, a study by the University of Pennsylvania found that the risk of injury-related death is 20% higher in a small town than it is in a large city. This may because of limited access to immediate medical care.

On the other hand, crime rates tend to be lower in smaller communities, and many people report that they just feel safer in the country than they do in a city.

Whether you live in a big city or a small town, you can keep your family safe. Look for housing in a low-crime area.

Weigh all these factors in consideration as you decide where to move. You’ll find pros and cons in both big cities and small towns, so choose what’s best for your family.

Tagged in: Big City, Family, moving, Small Town

07
Dec

The Home Stretch: Unpack with a Plan

Posted on Categories Organizing Author By Robert Sabo

You planned, packed, ran last minute errands, and journeyed for a long time. When you eventually arrive at your new home, the adventure will continue on, only this time, you’ll have to unload everything and set up your house. Luckily, we have some simple tips to help you unpack with ease.

Items in their proper place help you feel at home. Unfortunately, most people arrive in their new home only to find piles of cardboard boxes. How do you avoid feeling overwhelmed?

Unpack Essentials First

You need a plan to unpack the smart way. Stop and take a moment to think about each room, including the kitchen, living area, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Which ones do you spend the most time in?

Next, consider what you’ll want access to first. Many people wisely pack an “open first” box, which provides immediate use of essentials. Apply this same philosophy to your entire strategy: unpack the essential rooms first.

The Kitchen

Most people use their kitchen more than any other room. After all, you and your family need to eat, and takeout only satisfies for so long. You can take advantage of a nearby drive-thru for the first couple days, but an organized kitchen relieves stress and helps you feel at home.

Begin with the most breakable items first, such as dishes and other glassware. Try to imagine where you’ll want things, such as hot pads near the oven and glasses near the sink.

Next, unpack your pots and pans. Then proceed to arrange your dry goods and other pantry items. You now have the bare minimum needed to craft quick and simple meals.

The Bedroom/Bathroom

First needs include food and rest. You’ve dealt with food already, so unpack the essentials to prepare your bed for the night.

Now that you’ve unpacked your bed, don’t worry about the rest of the bedroom for now. Bathroom toiletries represent your next need. When you have these hygiene items at your disposal, feel free to rest until a new day dawns.

Start Big, Then Go Smaller

If you have copies of them, use floor plans beforehand to make decisions about where you would like larger furniture to go. Once you know where you want larger items, you’ll know how to arrange the rest of your things. Furniture, linens, and the TV should come before pencils, tissues, and other small objects.

Alternately, you can also start with a large object and focus on the smaller items that fill it. For instance, decide where your bedroom dresser goes, assemble it, and then focus on clothes assembly in each drawer. This “big, then smaller” tip works for an office desk, the living room ottoman, and even the china closet.

Also, watch out for distractions. Distraction from one task comes easily as you walk by other things you need to set up or unpack. Focus on small areas to accomplish one task at a time. Such focus prevents wasted minutes or hours while you try to do many tasks simultaneously.

Let Yourself Enjoy the Process

Avoid exhausted or otherwise negative attitudes, especially in your new home. Plan your new space and have fun doing it. Think about convenience and accessibility.

A new space presents many possibilities for comfort and organization. Take advantage of the chance to have your home exactly as you want it. If you want to keep your skis right next to the front door, indulge and put them in the front coat closet. Focus on the freedom you have to make this the most enjoyable part of your move.

For more tips on efficiently and safely moving from one home to a new one, check out the rest of our blog.

Tagged in: planning, tips, unpacking

02
Dec

Make Moving with Your Dog Easier

Posted on Categories Children Author By Wheaton World Wide Moving

When you decide to move, you give yourself a chance to start over in a new and exciting location. However, if you have a dog, you have to do a little extra work involved to make sure it enjoys the move, too. Most dogs are quite adaptable, but use the tips below to keep your furry friend as happy, healthy, safe, and secure as possible during your move.

1. Choose Pet-Friendly Housing

It might seem like a no-brainer to secure “pet-friendly” housing when you look for a new place to live. But just because a landlord allows dogs doesn’t mean your pooch will like the place. Look for a home or duplex with a well-constructed privacy fence. Especially after a big move, your dog might try to dig or break through a fence to return to familiar surroundings.

You should also see what kind of flooring the home has. Choose a home with mostly tile or wood flooring instead of carpet. Muddy paws have less of an effect on these surfaces. And lastly, ask your landlord if you can install a doggy door for easy access to late-night potty runs. Chances are good that a pet-friendly landlord will welcome the free upgrade, but double-check to make sure.

2. Update Pet ID Information

You do everything in your power to keep your pet from getting lost. You have microchips and ID tags to help it return safely home if it gets out for any reason. Remember to update these identifications to reflect your new address and home phone number.

Your pet’s microchip should have an online registration. Simply log in to your account and update your address. And you can pick up a new ID at a local pet store. Have your pooch wear both tags for a while just to be safe.

3. Travel Safety

When your moving van is all packed and you drive to your new home, follow these safety tips.

If possible, drive your dog in your personal car prior to the road trip to your new home to help get it used to the car. Dogs should sit in the back seat either in a crate or a harness. You can buy a backseat harness that clips to your dog’s collar. The collar allows your pet to freely move side to side, but your dog can’t fall backwards or forwards if you make a sudden move.

Remember to never leave your dog in a parked car while you pack or unload the moving van. Find a safe spot for your pooch, such as a bathroom or a bedroom. Keep your pet in the room with its bed, toys, food, and water so it doesn’t escape while you attend to other tasks.

4. Settle In

Once you get to your new house, take special measures to make your dog comfortable. Some dogs don’t adjust well to new places and need to be eased into them. Set up a dog area immediately and fill it with all the comforts of your old home, plus a new toy as a reward and distraction. Go on a long walk around the neighborhood to see where other dogs live and let your pooch sniff around.

5. Ask for Help

When you move with dogs, the process doesn’t have to be hard. Bring in a team of family and friends to help you relocate so you can save time and energy to care for your dog correctly. Talk to your vet about ways to ease your dog’s transition to a new home. Add a professional team of movers to your list of helpers to shorten the move time. Your dog will thank you later.

Tagged in: Dogs, Moving Tips, Pets, relocating, Travel

22
Sep

Pack Your Artwork Like A Professional

Posted on Categories Packing Tips Author By Wheaton World Wide Moving

You’ve packed up almost all of your belongings for your upcoming move, but you don’t know how to transport valuable artwork. Paintings and framed can add stress to your packing list. Mishaps occur during moves, and the risk of transporting valuables makes it difficult to guarantee the flawless protection you need for artwork.

However, when you take these simple steps to pack artwork carefully, you can ensure your home’s art will arrive at your new place in the best shape possible.

Hire Professionals or Do It Yourself?

Most moving companies provide packing services for customers like you. Many companies have special procedures for packing fragile artwork, mirrors, and antiques. If you choose the right moving team, you have nothing to worry about. You can trust that they have experience packing valuables and that they ensure your artwork makes it to your new home safely.

However, some people still prefer to pack their artwork themselves. You may save you money in the long run if you don’t have to pay for moving services. When you know you carefully hand-wrapped each piece yourself, you have a different peace of mind

If you do decide to pack your artwork yourself, use these tips from the professionals to get your valuables into your new home safe and sound.

What Do You Need?

To prepare your sentimental items and artwork for transportation, you’ll need to Wheaton Moverspurchase the right packing supplies. Take a look at our list for suggested items, including:

  • Moving boxes slightly larger than the artwork. You might even invest in picture boxes, adjustable moving boxes made specifically for transporting artwork.
  • Cardboard tubes for any unframed canvases, paintings, or posters. You can buy these at packing stores, the post office, or online. You can also stop by your local craft or hobby store and ask if they have any extra tubes lying around.
  • Bubble wrap or corner protectors for wrapping the artwork.
  • Packing paper to cushion the artwork inside the moving boxes.
  • Flat sheets of cardboard to lay over the framed paintings. These should be just larger than the painting itself.
  • Masking tape or blue painter’s tape to protect glass.
  • Packing tape to close the moving boxes.
  • Permanent markers to label your containers.

How Should You Pack Your Artwork?

  1. First, make a list of all the artwork you intend to pack. An inventory will help you keep track of the artwork and estimate its value in case of an emergency. Depending on the value, you may consider insuring the artwork against the move.
  2. Lay the artwork out on a flat surface.
  3. As a precaution, use either masking tape or blue painter’s tape to mark a large X across the glass of the artwork. Should the glass break, the tape will keep it from shattering and damaging the artwork beneath and the other items in the box.

For artwork not covered by glass, place a sheet of packing paper over the painting. Do not use printed newspaper, because it will leave ink marks on the painting.

  1. Place a sheet of cardboard over the glass or painting. The sheet should be slightly larger than the painting.
  2. Put protectors on the corners of the frame or canvas. Then wrap the entire frame in bubble wrap and tape it down to secure the bubble wrap from shifting.
  3. Crunch up packing paper and place at the bottom of the moving box. Place pieces of artwork vertically in the box, not lying down on top of each other, and place crumpled packing paper on each side.
  4. Repeat steps one through six with each piece of artwork. You can pack multiple pieces of wrapped artwork in the same box as long as you place a cushion of crumpled packing paper between each one.
  5. Close the box up with packing tape and label it as “Fragile.” List pieces of artwork on the side of the box to help you locate specific pieces once you are in your new home.

Follow these steps and you won’t have to worry about breakage or damage to your artwork. You can expect that each piece will arrive ready to be hung in your new home.

Tagged in: Art work, DIY, moving, packing

1 … 3 4 5 6 7 … 14