How To Make Packing To Move As Easy As 1-2-3
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What You’ll Need Before Packing To Move…
1. Gather all your supplies ahead of time. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make your move easier.
small moving boxes
medium moving boxes
large moving boxes
extra-large moving boxes
wardrobe boxes
a variety of electronics boxes
unprinted news wrap
rolls of bubble wrap
permanent marker
rolls of packing tape
frame protectors for the corners of your pictures
lamp boxes
mattress boxes
file boxes
You may also need some specialty boxes for pictures, mirrors and your computers. These boxes are stronger and shaped to fit your electronics.
2. It’s important that you keep your box weight under 50 lbs.
3. Take all wires and remotes from your electronics and label them. Then put them in a separate box that you can carry with you. This will allow you quick access to these items when you need them.
4. If you have any furniture that needs to be taken apart, you should take the screws and small loose parts and put them into an envelope then seal it. Now take that envelope and tape it to that particular piece of furniture. This will help keep all small parts readily available without a search or any confusion when you’re ready to put everything back together.
5. Color code all your boxes. Use a different color for each family member. That way you’ll know what boxes go where when you arrive at your new home.
6. Design a map of your new home and write in where you want each piece of furniture to go. This will make it much quicker and easier for you and the movers once your furniture arrives.
7. You should talk with your new neighbors to let them know the date and time your movers will have the truck parked in the street. Especially if the truck will be blocking their driveway.
8. Check your new home for any potential hazards. Uneven sidewalks, holes or slippery surfaces should all be corrected before your movers arrive. Let your movers know if they’ll need a traction mat for the grass if that area appears to be a problem.
9. You should prepare three kits to take with you on your move. A cleaning kit that has miscellaneous cleaning supplies and toilet paper. A temporary tool kit that contains a hammer, nails and any other tools you may need right away. And one emergency first aid kit with several basic first aid supplies and any prescriptions you may need. Don’t forget to include the phone number for the nearest hospital and make sure that your cell phones are fully charged.
More Stress Reducing moving ideas.
And remember, we are ready to help with your home or office move if you need us. Get your free online moving quote now!
Published in categories: Packing Tips
Austin Weihnachtsmarkt, A German Christmas Market
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Here’s something different! Why not take the children and the whole family to Weihnachtsmarkt, a German Christmas Market? Even if your family doesn’t have German roots you can enjoy the fun and learn about the German culture and their beautiful holiday traditions.
Offered by The German Texan Heritage Society on December 7th, 2013. You will find tables filled with hand-made crafts and decorations imported from the Erzgebirge region of Germany. Also, enjoy traditional German Christmas Music and a visit from two holiday favorites, our historic American Santa Clause and the traditional German Sankt Nikolas with gifts for the children.
And be sure to try the free serving of Glühwein, a hot spiced wine. Coffee, juice, gingerbread cookies and German style baked goods will be offered for purchase.
Austin Weihnachtsmarkt, A German Christmas Market
December 7th, 10am to 4pm
At the Historic German Free School
507 E. 10th Street at Red River Street
All purchases are Sales Tax Free on this special day
About The German Texan Heritage Society – “The German-Texan Heritage Society was founded in 1978 by a group of participants in the Society for German-American Studies’ annual symposium. At that time it was evident that German Texans needed an organization to help preserve the rich cultural heritage of the German families that immigrated to Texas since the early 1830s. In the early years of GTHS, the Society’s headquarters were unofficially based at the Southwest Texas State (now Texas State) University German Department.” Read More
And remember, when you are ready to move home or office, we would love to help! Get your free online quote today.
Published in categories: Christmas
Austin’s 2013 Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
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Looking for something to do this holiday season? Looking for unique gifts for friends and family? Looking to hear the sounds of Austin’s most popular musical talent??? Then you are so in luck! It’s a family event so round ’em up and come on out for the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar at Palmer Event Center, December 17th through 24th.
They are calling it an art fair and music festival all in one. This is a truly Austin event with mostly local artists and musicians. Enjoy cold beer (or a full bar) while you peruse the wares of 160 artists. You can expect to find everything from expensive one of a kind items to unique and affordably priced gifts for the whole family.
Here’s a list of categories for the vendor/artists at the bazaar: Apparel, Books, Ceramics, Glass, Home Furnishings, Jewelry, Leatherwork, Metalwork, Mixed Media, Photography, Sculpture, Woodwork and more!
“The Armadillo stage showcases some of Austin’s most popular musical talent, with live, intimate performances throughout the afternoon and evening. Featured musicians—25 bands over the eight-day show—range from new and emerging stars to local legends.”
Musicians include: Peterson Brothers, Emily Bell & John Evans, The Eggmen, Clay McClinton, Patricia Vonne, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Sarah Pierce, The Carper Family, Shinyribs, Suzanna Choffel, Eliza Gilkyson, Jimmy LaFave, Shelley King Band, Carolyn Wonderland, Alpha Rev, Sons of Fathers and many, many more!
Make Your Plans To Come To
Palmer Events Center
900 Barton Springs Road
Austin, Texas 78704
Parking is available in the Palmer Events Center/Long Center garage.
The Date
Tuesday December 17th through Tuesday December 24th
11am to 11pm daily
Food and drink from open to close
Admission is $7 for a single day pass and kids 12 and under get in free.
More Information about Austin’s Armadillo Christmas Bazaar.
More Christmas Events Around Austin.
And of course, when you are ready to move home or office, we would love to help!!! Get your free online quote today.
Published in categories: Christmas
Getting Organized For Moving Long Distances
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You are setting out on an exciting, new adventure in your life. Moving long distances can be a challenge. Getting organized before the move will make it easier for you and your family.
Take Inventory of everything in your current home including indoor and outdoor furniture, personal items, clothing, children’s toys, and pet items. Don’t forget the lawn care items, lawn mower, ladders, and snow blower if have them.
Sell, Store, or Give Away any items that you no longer need or don’t want to take with you. Have a garage sale. Donate anything left over to charity. If your move is temporary you may consider storing large items that will be difficult and costly to move or give them away to friends and family.
Pack up Early. Start with things you don’t need on a daily basis like art work, collectibles, photos, seasonal clothes, and holiday decorations. The sooner you pack, the less rushed you will feel as moving day approaches. Plus, your belongs will better organized. Label Boxes to make sure they go to the right room once they are there.
Pack For Yourself As If You’re Going On Vacation. Whether you are renting a moving van to drive yourself or hiring a professional moving company and driving your own car, you will need certain items for the trip. Packing for yourself as if you’re going on vacation will ensure you have everything you and your family needs during the journey such as toiletries, clothing, medications, pet food, and pet dishes. Make sure the kids have items to keep them busy during the drive. Bring along a picnic lunch, snacks, and drinks.
Plan Your Route. There are many tools available for you to plan your route to your new home such as GPS unit, internet maps, and the old fashioned paper maps. If your long distance move is longer than 6 or 8 hours, you may want to stop overnight. Make hotel or motel reservations ahead of time so you know exactly where you will stop and that you are guaranteed a room.
Arrange For Help on Moving Day. If you hire a moving company and you need to leave before pick up day, ask a friend or family member to stay at your former residence to make sure nothing is left behind and answer any questions the movers may have.
More Long Distance Moving Strategies.
And when you are ready to move home or office, we are here to help! Get your free online quote today.
Published in categories: Moving Long Distances
2013 3rd Quarter Austin Real Estate Update
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2013 3rd Quarter Austin Real Estate Update. The 3rd Quarter is usually a quieter time in real estate. We normally see a slowdown in this part of the year as people settle into school and holidays. However the fall of 2013 has kept up the pace: Sales for September were 2,391 – almost equal to sales for June – 2,767. There was only a 13% drop in sales between June to September, compared to a normal 25-30% decline.
A hot market means that months of inventory are low. Central Austin averages 1.9 months of inventory; close in Suburban areas average 1.8 months of inventory; and outer Suburban areas average 3.9 months of inventory.
Price Appreciation – It has been a strong year in Austin, with steady job growth fueling an increase in demand from both newcomers and local move up buyers. Demand for homes has been driven by real need – not an investor mindset, looking for quick profit. But, as predicted, strong demand and low inventory has brought price appreciation. Prices have moved up by about 8% over the past year. Now, in the fourth quarter, prices appear to have stabilized and leveled off.
Interest Rates – The news in the third quarter was interest rates. They inched up to 4.75% in September. Since then, they have fallen to 4.375%.
These are still very good rates in a historical sense, and worth locking in. Robert Shiller, professor of economics at Yale, says, “Affordability is still good compared to any time over the last 50 years. Mortgage rates are still around 4½ percent; that’s not high. Homes are still roughly, in real terms, where they were 25 to 50 years ago.”
Downtown Condos – We have several buyers for downtown condos, and have been keeping tabs on this inventory. It has really tightened up this year:
On the Market – 61 condos in MLS
Under $500,000 – 34 condos
Between $500,000 – 1,000,000 – 19 condos
Between $1M – $3M – 8 condos
(The Austonian has some new inventory, not in MLS. Also, the Seaholm Condos are scheduled for completion in 2015, however all 280 units have been reserved.)
Still Affordable – Praxis Strategy Group studied the cities that have generated STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) jobs at the fastest rate over the last 12 years. The results?
“In first place: Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, Texas, where tech companies have expanded employment by 41% since 2001 and the number of STEM workers has risen by 17% over the same period. Looking at the near-term, 2010-13, the Austin metro area also ranks first in the nation. The keys to Austin’s success lies largely in its affordability and high quality of life, both in its small urban core and rapidly expanding suburbs.”
With interest rates and prices still affordable, it’s a great time to get into the market and be a part of Austin’s success.
Roselind Hejl, CRS
Coldwell Banker United Realtors
512-327-0385 – Direct
512-789-4563 – Cell
www.weloveaustin.com
roselind@weloveaustin.com
More than 30 years in Austin real estate has taught us that service is the key to success, and we look forward to serving you.
Be sure to let us know when you are ready to move! Get a free online quote to get you started, or call 512-451-5595 today!
Published in categories: Austin Real Estate News
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree At Evergreen Farms in Elgin
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Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!!! Want to do something different this year, like maybe…cut your own Christmas Tree at Evergreen Farms in Elgin, Texas! It’s tree harvesting season and they are ready for you with Virgina Pine and Leyland Cypress Trees. Bring the family on the weekend and enjoy a campfire, complementary marshmallows, cider and coffee. They also have pine cone painting and a concession stand with yummy food and Elgin Sausage.
Evergreen Farms – Started in 1989 by Mike and Beth Walterscheidt the farm has been serving Central Texas with fresh Christmas trees since 1996. Don’t bring a thing except a way to haul your tree home, they provide (at no extra cost) the tools for cutting and measuring your perfect tree and they clean, shake, net and rope your choice for the ride home. Bring the little ones, because after cutting your tree you can enjoy tether ball, hopscotch, bean bag toss, a nature trail, farm animals and a gift shop.
The Trees at Evergreen Farms
Virginia Pine is short needled with dense foliage and a wonderful pine fragrance.
Leyland Cypress is a very beautiful and soft tree that outlasts other trees if kept in water. Because it is a sterile hybrid it does not pollinate naturally, and is a good option for those with tree allergies.
Frasier Fir – does not grow in Texas, but because of popularity, these trees a shipped from North Carolina in refrigerated trucks, stored in water and watered daily for freshness.
“The trees grown at Evergreen Farms are Virginia Pine and Leyland Cypress. Special care is given to hand plant each seedling on a yearly basis. For each tree that is cut down during the Christmas season, at least one more is planted to replace it.
“All fields are on a drip irrigation system, conserving water and insuring healthy, beautiful trees. Soils are taken care of and enhanced using mulch. Pests are controlled using a pest management system. Trees are sheared yearly to maintain full and beautifully shaped trees.”
Evergreen Farms Christmas Trees
242 Monkey Road
Elgin, Texas 78621
512-281-4833
More information about Evergreen Farms.
And please remember, when you are ready to move home or office we would love to help! Get started with a free online quote right now!
Published in categories: Christmas
Moving Your Office – Creative and Affordable Office Space
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Moving Your Office – Creative and Affordable Office Space
Are you thinking about moving your office to a new location in Texas? Perhaps you want to move your business out of the Lone Star State. Either way, you’ll undoubtedly need to find an ideal, affordable site. With that said, you may want to check-out the following options to see if they are available in your preferred, new destination:
#1: Small Business Incubators
Small business incubators are one of the best things to appear in recent decades. Designed with fledgling businesses in mind, they are located all across the country. Depending on the location, you may be able to enjoy free or low-cost access to office equipment, meeting space, a work area and networking events. To locate a reputable one in your area, consider contacting the National Business Incubation Association.
#2: Temporary Urbanism/Pop-Ups
Temporary urbanism programs are another way to secure commercial space for your business. Some people refer to the programs as pop-ups. Either way, the programs are traditionally offered by local governments and real estate owners as a way to revitalize downtown areas. Basically, the property owner allows entrepreneurs to temporarily takeover a retail space for free. In some instances, the entrepreneur may opt to remain in the space for a fee. In others, they have to agree to leave the commercial space within a select time frame to make way for new start-ups.
#3: Co-working/Shared Space
Similar in concept to small business incubators, co-working or shared space agreements may also be a viable alternative for your business. They are essentially situations where multiple entrepreneurs agree to share a retail space. For example, a store that sells bathing suits may agree to share space with an airbrush tanning business. That way, they could offer their customers a chance to purchase airbrush tanning services without having to take on the extra work by themselves. The ideal way to establish such a relationship is to network with non-competing businesses that appeal to your target markets.
More Ideas for Moving Your Office.
And remember, when you are ready to move home or office we would love to help! Get your free online quote today.
Published in categories: Moving Your Office
2014 Zilker Garden Festival
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Springtime Bliss Anyone? The 2014 Zilker Garden Festival has been a local gardening destination in Austin for over 50 years! Bring the family and your wagon because there is something for everyone and you’ll want to take home your spring plant purchases.
Among the festivities you’ll find the Zilker Festival Flower Show, a food court to enjoy, a Kid’s corner and plant vendors from central Texas.
Zilker Festival Flower Show
This annual event is in the Garden Center and features judged designs, horticultural specimens and gardening talks from local gardening experts. There will also be City of Austin information tables sharing how to grow healthy, earth-friendly, sustainable gardens.
The Food Court found in the Oak Grove on the Escarpment Trail will offer tasty treats during the festival.
The Kids’ Corner
You can find the Kid’s Corner in the Rose Garden. This year’s fun includes building a birdhouse, face painting, making dinosaur masks and butterfly wings.
Plant Vendors
The garden will be filled with vendors from central Texas offering annuals, perennials, cactus, succulents, vegetables, herbs and tropicals.
And let’s not forget the other wonderful garden items available for purchase from vendors, including garden arts and crafts, pottery, baskets, birdhouses, garden benches and much more!
Where
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, Texas 78746
When
Saturday March 29 and Sunday March 30, 2014
10am to 5pm
Cost
$7 Adults, $3 Children (age 5-12)
The Zilker Garden Festival is the primary fundraiser for Austin Area Garden Council and proceeds support Zilker Botanical Garden.
Learn More About the Zilker Botanical Garden.
And remember, when you are ready to move home or office we would love to help! Get your free online quote today!
Published in categories: Austin Attractions, Cool Things To Do In Austin
Cool Holiday Stuff Austin – Elgin Holiday by the Tracks
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This holiday season round up the family and come over to Elgin Holiday by the Tracks! They are cooking up a day filled with wonderful holiday events including a Holiday Bazaar, the River Valley Farmer’s Market, the Depot Museum, Pictures with Santa Clause and other kid’s activities, a lighted Christmas Parade and a Live Nativity. It’s all happening on Saturday December 7th, 2013.
Lighted Christmas Parade – The parade starts as dusk (6pm) and goes along Main Street starting at Elgin Memeorial Park through downtown. The parade is sponsored by the Elgin Volunteer Fire Department.
Live Nativity
The Live Nativity will be performed by St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and will be after the parade.
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
Elgin has two Christmas tree farms where you can choose and cut your own tree.
Elgin Christmas Tree Farm and Evergreen Farms.
When
Saturday December 7th, 2013
Holiday By the Tracks – 9am to 3pm
Lighted Christmas Parade – Starts at dusk (6pm)
Where
Veterans Memorial Park
Elgin, Texas
Note: Historic Downtown Elgin is located 19 miles east of Austin on Hwy. 290
Click through for more information about Holiday By The Tracks.
If you are interested in entering the parade here are a few important details…
Participation form
and here are some rules:
Nothing thrown from the parade entries
Walkers should bring a flashlight
Supervise children at all times
No ATVs or go-carts
Please keep in mind the line up is in the park and there are low tree limbs and power lines.
Any questions please call Harry Meads @ 281-6344.
Entries must be turned in at the time of check in at 5:30 on parade day.
More Christmas 2013 around Austin, Texas.
And don’t forget when you are ready to move home or office, we are ready to help! Get your free online quote today.
Published in categories: Christmas
Christmas Austin – The Rock’n Lights Holiday Light Tour
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This year you won’t want to miss the Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour & Christmas Towne. Come to Old Settlers Park in Round Rock and enjoy 2 million sparkling lights along a mile and a half drive through light show. And this year you can come to Christmas Towne at the end of the Light Tour.
The whole thing kicks off on December 2nd and runs through December 31st. This year see all new displays and a longer light tunnel.
Reindeer Run on December 1st
The Round Rock Rotary offers this Reindeer Run 5k and Fun Run benefiting Round Rock’s Play for All Abilities Park. The run is from 5:30pm to 8pm and the cost for anyone 10 years+ is $25 to $30 per participant, including a t-shirt. Kids 9 and under are free with a parent or guardian and they don’t need to register and will not receive a t-shirt.
Participants enjoy holiday decorations and Christmas music as they run/walk through Round Rock’s premiere park and the Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour!
Food Vendors
Fullhouse BBQ
Dels Tacos(with Funnel Cakes)
The Grilled Cheese Truck
Americuba Sandwiches
Austins Pizza
Kona Ice
Yougurt Experience
Baked’n’Sconed
Christmas Towne
“After the light show, visit Christmas Towne at the Old Settlers Association features amazing light displays, historic holiday displays, holiday food, pony rides, petting zoo, holiday entertainment and more. The Christmas Towne will be open to the public Friday and Saturday evenings (weather permitting).”
Christmas Towne is FREE and open to the public. But you will have to pay to get into the park.
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show
Be sure to catch Penfold Theatre Company’s It’s A Wonderful Life, a live radio show at the Rice’s Crossing Store from Dec. 5 to 22.
Location
Enter the park at Old Settlers Boulevard and Harrell Parkway. Participants will exit at Hwy. 79. The Christmas Towne is located in the Old Settlers Association at the exit to Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour.
Rock’N Lights Hours
Dec. 2-19: Sunday through Thursday 6 to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 6 to 10pm
Dec. 20-24: 6 to 10pm
Dec. 25-31: 6 to 9pm
Christmas Towne Hours
Dec. 7, 13, 14, 20, 21: 6pm to 15 minutes after the last car exits Rock’n Lights (likely around 10:30-10:45pm)
Dec. 27, 28: 6pm to 15 minutes after the last car exits Rock’n Lights (likely around 9:30-9:45pm)
Ticket prices/Park Admission
Family Vehicles – $15
Limos – $50
Commercial Shuttle Bus – $45
Commercial Bus – $75
Park admission includes entry into Christmas Towne
For More Information Go To – http://www.roundrocktexas.gov/home/index.asp?page=1985
Find More Christmas and Holiday Fun.
And when you are ready to move home or office we would love to help. Get your free online quote today!
Published in categories: Christmas
