A Few Tips for Moving During the Fall
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Fall is characterized by lower temperatures, reduced humidity, and the changing of plant foliage throughout the country. It marks the end of the sunny, warm summers and the beginning of a cooler season. If you plan on moving during this time of year, we have some tips to make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Why Fall Is The Perfect Time of Year To Move
There are several reasons why fall is the perfect time of year to move, one of which is lower prices for moving services. Generally speaking, the spring and summer months are the busiest time of year for professional moving companies, which subsequently means higher prices. People often use their vacation time during the spring and summer to relocate. If you are able to wait until the fall (which is just around the corner), you’ll reap the benefits of lower moving rates.
Moving during the fall season will also allow you to enjoy the colorful landscape. As the seasons change, plants and trees will shed their leaves, leaving behind a colorful blanket on the ground. This will make long-distance moves just a little more enjoyable for you and the family.
Of course, another reason why fall is the perfect time of year to move is because the temperatures are cooler. The scorching hot 100 degrees Fahrenheit plus “dog days” of summer makes moving difficult. Thankfully, the fall months are cooler and all-around more comfortable, allowing you to move without experiencing heat exhaustion.
Tips For Moving During The Fall
- Dress in layers. It may be chilly when you begin to load up the moving truck in the morning, but the mercury can quickly rise once the sun comes up.
- Check the weather. Depending on where you live (and where you are moving), fall season can bring unpredictable weather. Keep a close eye on your local weather during the days leading up to your moving day so you’ll have a better idea on how to dress.
- Drink plenty of water before, during and after your move. The cooler temperatures can trick your body into thinking it’s hydrated when it’s actually dehydrated.
- Clear a path from the driveway to your home’s front and rear doors. If the ground is covered in leaves and other debris, it can make moving large pieces of furniture more difficult, so clear a path before you move.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Read more home moving tips here.
Published in categories: Home Moving Tips
5 Fun Facts About Austin, Texas
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Thinking about moving to Austin, Texas? This thriving city is memorable for all the right reasons. Along with its diverse culture and booming economy, it features a countless number of attractions and amenities that aren’t found elsewhere. Now, let’s take a look at some fun facts about this city and what it has to offer.
#1) It’s The Second Largest State Capital
With over 885,400 residents, Austin is the second largest state capital in the U.S. People from across the country continue to pack their bags and head to this city, which subsequently boosts its economy and infrastructure. From 2000 to 2006, Austin was the third fastest growing city in the U.S.
Phoenix, Arizona currently holds the title of being the largest state capital, with a population of 1,601,587.
#2) It’s One of The Safest Cities In The U.S.
Some people assume that all major cities are unsafe; characterized by high rates of crime. In 2012, however, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) ranked Austin as the second safest major city (source). This isn’t the first time it’s been given this title. Just one year prior, the FBI ranked Austin second in this category as well.
#3) It’s Nicknamed “The Live Music Capital of the World”
With a name like this, you can rest assured knowing there’s plenty of great music originating out of Austin. The city was officially given the title of “The Live Music Capital of the World” in 1991, when it was discovered that Austin had more music venues per capita than any other city in the U.S.
Whether you enjoy listening to rock, country, blues, jazz or any other genre, there’s a music festival for you in Austin, Texas.
#4) It’s Home To The Largest Urban Bat Colony
Located under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge is the largest urban bat colony in North America. Experts estimate that some 1.5 million Mexican Free-tailed bats reside here.
When the sun begins to set on the horizon, hundreds of thousands of these bats emerge from the darkness in search of food. The bridge has also become a popular tourist attraction, as people of all ages come here to watch this phenomenon of mother nature.
#5) There are Dozens of Statues Scattered Throughout The City
You don’t have to search very hard to find statues scattered throughout Austin. The city is home to wide variety of memorial statues, some of which include Stevie Ray Vaughan, Willie Nelson, the Loca Maria lady, and the giant flexed arm at the Hyde Park gym.
Thinking about moving to Austin, Texas? Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Read more about the great city of Austin, Texas here.
Published in categories: Austin Texas
‘Gone With The Wind’ Exhibit To Open at University of Texas, Austin
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It’s hard to believe that 75 years have passed since the historical romance adaptation film Gone with the Wind was released. To celebrate this milestone, the University of Texas, Austin is launching a new exhibit.
Starting next week, hundreds of props, gowns and other items used in the filming of Gone with the Wind will go on display at the University of Texas, Austin in the Harry Ransom Center. The exhibit, rightfully known as “The Making of Gone With the Wind,” is intended to celebrate the film’s 75th anniversary. It will run through January 4, 2015, taking visitors on a trip to the past in which they experience one of America’s most notable films of all time.
So, where did UT find all of these historic movie items to use in its exhibit? According to a press release issued by the University, the items were once owned by David O. Selznick, producer of the Gone with the Wind. Selznick donated the items to the UT’s Ransom Center.
Upon receiving the items, staff members launched an extensive fundraising campaign to earn revenue so they could better preserve these precious items, many of which were already in a state of decay. The fundraising campaign was a success, with over $30,000 in donations coming in from all parts of the world.
Wilson, one of the exhibit’s curator’s, shared his thoughts on the original casting for Scarlett. During the initial stages of production, thousands of women – young and old – send letters to producer David O. Selznick, requesting to play the role of Scarlett. Wilson believes many women at the time experienced similar relationship problems, so it was a part to which they could relate.
“There’s something in this character that really grabbed people. A lot of women feel they are right to play the part because they’ve had the same kind of romantic problems Scarlett had. More often it seems they’ve had the hardships Scarlett survived,” said Wilson, the exhibit’s curator. “The curtain dress is the star of the show. She looks just terrific,” he added.
A large portion of the exhibit is dedicated to the film’s casting of Scarlett, including rumors that Batte Davis and/or Katherine Hapburn would play the role. In the end, however, Selznick chose Leigh to play the role of Scarlett. The Making of Gone With the Wind exhibit will also cover sensitive topics, such as the decision to remove mentions of the Klan, which was a key element in the original novel written by Margaret Mitchell.
For more information about this exhibit please visit http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/visit/gwtw/.
Published in categories: Austin Attractions, Cool Things To Do In Austin
How To Safely Move With Your Parrot
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According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), approximately 3.1% of residential homes in the U.S. have at least one pet bird. If you are the proud owner of a parrot and plan on moving in the near future, there are a few things you should know to make the process safer and more enjoyable for your feathered friend. Whether it’s a large Macaw or small parakeet, all parrots are creatures of habit, and abruptly displacing them from their normal environment can lead to emotional and/or physical health problems.
It’s recommended that you inspect your new residence ahead of time to ensure it’s suitable for your parrot. Parrots have delicate respiratory systems and airborne pollutants like dust, mold, bacteria, smoke and volatile organic compounds (VOC) may cause irritation. If the residence is visibly dirty, clean it before retrieving your parrot.
After cleaning your new home, bring your parrot over to let them grow accustomed to the new environment. You don’t have to spend the entire day there, as a short 30-minute session should suffice. Just remember to keep your parrot confined to their cage to prevent them from escaping or flying away. Exposing your parrot to its new home will make the move a little easier for the both of you.
Many owners unknowingly have toxic household plants around their parrots. Even if a plant isn’t toxic to humans, it may still prove deadly when consumed by a parrot. For this reason, it’s recommended that you go through all of the plants before you move to determine their toxicity levels to parrots. A simple online search for the plant’s name should reveal whether or not it’s toxic to pet birds.
Another highly toxic element that owners should be aware of is Teflon. Pots, pans and other cookware coated in this material are deadly when used in the presence of a parrot. If you receive a set of Teflon-coated cookware as a housewarming present, do not attempt to use it. Once heated, it will emit fumes that are toxic and potentially deadly to parrots.
The secret to having a smooth move with your parrot is to avoid making significant changes to their normal routine. In other words, you should continue feeding your parrot at the same time, using the same brand of food, and keeping your parrot in the same cage with the same toys. You can always change your parrot’s routine later, but it’s recommended that you wait until the move is over to do so.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Read more tips on moving with pets here.
Published in categories: Moving With Pets
Austin Pushes For Greater Focus on Solar Energy
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Austin’s future is looking a little brighter thanks to a new solar energy resolution. The City Council passed the Affordable Energy Resolution on August 28, which aims to shift Austin’s energy sector from coal-burning power plants to solar energy.
Among other things, the new resolution states that Austin Energy – the city’s largest provider of energy and the country’s 8th largest publicly owned utility company – is to generate a minimum of 600 megawatts of power through solar panels by 2025. In other words, well over half (65%) of the city’s power will come from clean, renewable sources in just over a decade.
The Affordable Energy Resolution also aims to eliminate all carbon emissions from Austin Energy’s coal-burning power plants by 2030. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), carbon dioxide accounts for approximately 82% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. (source).
When power plants burn coal to produce electricity, they subsequently release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Experts believe these carbon emissions are contributing to global warming, respiratory illness, and even deaths.
This is a monumental step for not only Austin, but the entire state of Texas. Assuming the energy companies follow through with the commitment set forth in the resolution, Austin will produce more solar energy than nearly any other city or state by 2025 – with the exception of Arizona, California and New Jersey.
Normally, a transition from coal to renewable energy sources like solar is done for environmental reasons. Solar is a completely renewable source of energy that doesn’t emit harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. What makes Austin’s Affordable Energy Resolution different, however, is that it’s being implemented to reduce costs.
Recent advancements in solar energy technology has allowed manufacturers to produce better panels at lower prices, which ultimately means lower utility prices for customers connected to solar power grids.
“In the past, the people involved used environmental arguments to justify renewable goals. This time around, the case for renewables was based on economics – operational cost data from the utility, robust dynamic models projecting market prices and the very low PPA rates that we have seen from PV in response to recent RFPs,” said Chad Blevins, a financial analyst who works primarily on transactions involving renewable energy sources.
There are still plenty of hurdles city officials must pass to achieve the goals defined in the Affordable Energy Resolution. However, everything is on track to make Austin a cleaner and safer city.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Read more about what’s going on in Austin here.
Published in categories: Austin Texas, Community News
Good Neighborhood Etiquette For First-Time Homeowners
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Congratulations on purchasing your first home. It’s an exciting and memorable time that marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Upon moving into your home, however, you should make it a point to introduce yourself to the neighbors. Establishing a strong connection with individuals and families in the surrounding neighborhood is an important step in turning a “house” into a “home.”
Introduce Yourself
Try to introduce yourself to the neighbors within 48 hours of moving into your new home. Even if you don’t see them, chances are they know you moved in.
Wait until 5:00-6:00 PM (usually when most people are off work), and walk over to their home and ring the doorbell. You don’t have to spend an hour chatting; just shake his or her hand and tell them your name. A quick 5-minute introduction goes a long ways in establishing a positive relationship with the neighbors.
Offer Assistance
If you see your neighbor struggling to move a new piece of furniture, lumber, etc., offer your assistance. Chances are they’ll decline, but it’s the small things such as this that make a good neighbor. And if you ever find yourself in need of assistance, they may return the favor.
Watch The Noise
It should come as no surprise that noise is the single most common complaint among neighbors. When you lie down at night in preparation of a busy workday the following morning, you expect peace and quiet. Unfortunately, some people underestimate the importance of a peaceful night’s rest, blasting music and performing other high-volume activities. See below for some helpful tips on how to keep the noise level down.
- Don’t mow your lawn or use other loud equipment before 7:00 AM or past 7:00 PM.
- If your dog is barking at night, bring them indoors.
- Don’t blast your car stereo late at night or early in the morning.
- If you must perform late-night renovations and/or remodeling work on your home, wait until the weekend.
Housewarming Party
Lastly, consider hosting a housewarming party once you’ve settled into your new home. Something as simple as some burgers on the grill is a great way to break the ice with your neighbors. This will give you the opportunity to find out more about your neighbors and what they do. Being that it’s a housewarming party, they may also bring gifts for your new home.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Read more first time home buyer wisdom here.
Published in categories: First Time Home Buyer Wisdom
How To Move With Your Car
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All of your boxes, furniture, furnishings and belongings can usually fit into the back of a moving truck with little effort. However, the one item that cannot is your vehicle. If you’re preparing to move in the near future, you should arrange plans to transport any cars, trucks or other vehicles in your possession to your new home.
Ask a Friend or Family Member
Thankfully, there are several simple and effective solutions for transporting automobiles, one of which is to ask a friend or family member to ride behind you. Assuming you are moving everything yourself (as opposed to hiring professional movers), you could drive the moving van while a friend or family member drives your vehicle. Once you reach your new home, you can drive them back to get their car.
By asking a friend or family member to help you transport your vehicle, you’ll also have another set of hands to move large furniture and heavy boxes. Let’s face it, no good friend is going to leave you with a truck full of belongings to unload yourself. Just remember to buy him or her dinner at the end of the day to show appreciation for their hard work.
Auto Transport Company
A second option is to purchase the services of an auto transport company. There are dozens of companies throughout the country that specialize in the transportation of automobiles. Also known as auto movers, they will place your vehicle on a large carrier and haul it to your home.
The cost of using an auto transport company varies depending on a number of different factors, some of which include distance, type of vehicle (smaller vehicles typically cost less), condition, insurance, and whether or not you need it delivered by a certain date/time. When choosing an auto transport company, request a quote and ask about any hidden fees or other related expenses.
When moving across state lines, it’s recommended that you contact the respective state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) beforehand and ask the following questions:
- Are emission tests required? If so, how much do they cost and how often should I have them performed?
- What documentation do I need to change my driver’s license?
- How long do I have to change my driver’s license?
- What do I need to obtain a tag?
Note: you should also contact your insurance company to ensure your vehicle is covered in your new area.
Our team of moving professionals are here to help. We specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Read more home moving tips here.
Published in categories: Home Moving Tips
Advantages and Disadvantages of Moving To a Warmer State
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Are you thinking about moving to a warmer state? There are both advantages and disadvantages to relocating to a warmer region. Before you make a final decision, you should familiarize yourself with them. Doing so will allow you to make a smarter and more education decision regarding your new home.
Moving to a new state is a major, life-changing event that shouldn’t be taken lightly. You’ll essentially pack up all of your physical belongings and transport them to a new area for a fresh start. To get off on the right foot, you should choose a state that’s best suited for your particular needs. Granted, some individuals and families are restricted to certain areas due to job locations or other constraints, but if you have the option, you should choose a state that meets you and your family’s needs the best. Now, let’s go over some of the pros and cons of moving to a warmer state.
Advantages of Moving To a Warmer State:
- Access to more outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, outdoor concerts, horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, biking, sports, etc.
- Lower heating expenses during the winter months.
- Studies have shown that people who live in warmer states are generally healthier than people who live in cooler states.
- Most kids prefer warmer states because it allows them to play and have fun outdoors.
- Warmer states provide an excellent source of vitamin D via greater sun exposure. In turn, this boosts the body’s immune system, which subsequently wards off disease and illness.
- Warmer states are beautiful and all-around more enjoyable. The warm temperatures will allow you to go outside and enjoy mother nature in an up close and personal setting.
Disadvantages of Moving To a Warmer State:
- Increased cooling expenses during the summer months.
- Greater risk of heat exhaustion when working outside during the hot “dog days of summer.”
- Bugs and pests are usually (although not always) more problematic in warmer states.
- The heat may cause damage to furnishings or other items stored outdoors (note: families in warm states should store their belongings either indoors or in a humidity/temperature-controlled storage facility).
As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages of moving to a warmer state. With that said, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. So if you’re still trying to choose a destination for your upcoming move, get out the map and look for warmer regions.
Our team of moving professionals are here to help. We specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Read more tips about moving to a new city here.
Published in categories: America Moves, Moving To A New City
Protect Your Security Deposit When You Move!
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There are several unique benefits to renting a home or apartment instead of buying, such as access to shared facilities (gym, pool, clubhouse, etc.), no lawn maintenance, and free repairs of all major services.
One of the disadvantages of renting, however, is the possibility of forfeiting your security deposit if the landlord believes you damaged the property or otherwise broke your lease agreement. Roblox HackBigo Live Beans HackYUGIOH DUEL LINKS HACKPokemon Duel HackRoblox HackPixel Gun 3d HackGrowtopia HackClash Royale Hackmy cafe recipes stories hackMobile Legends HackMobile Strike Hack
So if you’re a renter who’s preparing to move, you should follow some steps to ensure you get back 100% of the security deposit you originally paid.
Did you take pictures when you first moved into the rental property? If so, make sure you have access to them. Assuming you stayed at the property for just 12 months, that’s an entire year in which those pictures can get lost. Pictures are arguably a renter’s most valuable tool when attempting to retrieve a security deposit.
If the landlord accuses you of damaging a light fixture – but the fixture was already damaged when you arrived – you can show him or her a photo of it. If you took photos upon arriving at the property, keep them in an easily accessible location for future reference.
According to an article published by the U.S. News & World Report, more than a third of renters whom forfeited their security deposits said the landlord did not provide a clear explanation.
“More than a third of the renters surveyed who did not get back their deposits (36%) said the landlord gave no explanation—which is actually illegal in 47 states. Unless you live in Louisiana, North Carolina or West Virginia, your landlord is required by law to give you a written account of charges to your security deposit,” wrote the report.
To protect yourself against crooked landlords such as this, you should read your contract word-for-word. The fact is that most tenants sign their name without reading the details in the fine print. The landlord may issue a verbal explanation of the lease agreement, but it’s ultimately what’s written in the contract that matters. Whether it’s located in your office file cabinet, your car’s glove compartment, or the “junk drawer” in your bedroom, dig up your contract and read it.
When reading your contract, look to see if there’s a clause for sending a written notice. It’s not uncommon for landlords to request a written notice of 30 days or more in advance from tenants who intend to move. Failing to send this notice in time, or not at all, could result in forfeiture of your security deposit.
Cleaning up after you move is another important step in getting back your security deposit. Check out our previous blog post here for some helpful cleaning tips.
Our team of moving professionals are here to help. We specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Read more home moving tips here.
Published in categories: Home Moving Tips
Tips For Moving Into Your First House or Apartment
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Congratulations on your first home or apartment! It’s arguably one of the most important and memorable occasions in your life. But don’t let the excitement and exhilaration of living on your own deter you from planning a proper move. Being that this is your first home, you’ll want to make sure all of your ducks are in order – so to speak.
The Two Step Process of Planning a Move
It’s recommended that you start planning by creating two separate lists: one for physical items that need to be moved, and a second for a “to-do” list. If you currently live with your parents, for instance, you should sit down and create a list of exactly what you intend to take with you. This will likely include most (if not all) of the items in your bedroom, and possibly other items in the basement, attic, living room, etc.
The second list, the “to-do” list, is a bit more complicated to create. There’s no exact formula to follow since everyone’s situation is different. However, we have a list of some common moving tasks listed below.
Tasks For a To Do List:
- Set up USPS mail forwarding to your new address.
- Decide whether you are going to move everything yourself or hire a professional moving company.
- Pick up plenty of boxes in a variety of sizes. Remember, you can never have too many boxes when moving.
- Pick up bubble wrap, packing taper, a box cutter, permanent marker, and several rolls of tape.
- Call around and get quotes from utility companies who service your new area.
Packaging and Boxing: Where Do I Start?
Once you’ve created the two lists mentioned above, you should start packing. Hopefully, you already have boxes and packing supplies. If not, read our previous blog post for some tips on how to acquire moving supplies at little-to-no cost.
There’s really no wrong way to begin the packing process. Some people prefer to start with their clothes, whereas other prefer to pack their electronics or other belongings. Just remember to pack your belongings in a somewhat organized manner, such as loading all of your toiletries and bathroom supplies in one box and your dishes and utensils in another box.
It’s also helpful to keep a box aside for important/sensitive documents. Whether it’s tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, high school and college diplomas, etc., you want these documents stored in a safe location.
Our team of moving professionals are here to help. We specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Read more home moving tips here.
Published in categories: First Time Home Buyer Wisdom, Home Moving Tips
