The Do’s and Don’ts of Attic Storage
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The attic opens up a whole new world of storage possibilities in most residential homes. Rather than stashing your holiday decorations and unused furniture in a guest bedroom, perhaps you should take it up to the attic. Doing so will keep these items out of your way while improving your home’s function and visual appeal. With that said, there are a few things you should know about the do’s and dont’s of attic storage.
Do: Check For Moisture
Attics can become incredibly humid when there’s sources of moisture present. And when there’s a significant amount of moisture in the air, it places any stored items here at risk for damage. Check your attic for sources of moisture to reduce the risk of rot, mold and mildew.
Some of the most common sources of moisture in the attic include:
- Dryer ducts ran to the attic
- Bathroom exhaust fans ran to the attic
- Broken air conditioner condensate pump
- Roof leaks
- Lack of ventilation
Do: Lay Down Flooring
Most modern-day attics are constructed without a floor, meaning the bottom of the attic is actually the ceiling of the home’s main living area. Avoid the temptation of storing boxes and other items here, as it doesn’t offer the same level of support as actual flooring. When enough weight is places on the ceiling, it may collapse, creating a energy-sucking hole that’s both costly and time-consuming to fix.
The good news is that you install your own attic flooring using basic materials. Just measure the distances between the joists (usually 24” from center to center) and purchase the lumber from your local home improvement store.
Don’t: Store Plastic Items
It’s not uncommon for summer attic temperatures to exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit here in Texas. This extreme heat can easily melt or otherwise damage plastic items. Some of the thicker plastic items may withstand this heat, but other items will literally melt. Just to be on the safe side, it’s recommended that you avoid storing plastic items in the attic.
Don’t: Store Belongings Uncovered
Storing uncovered crates and boxes in your attic places their contents at risk for damage. Attics are a haven for insects, some of which will nest their way down into opened boxes where they build nests and reproduce. Unless you want to open up a box of spider-filled clothes, you should avoid storing uncovered belongings in the attic.
Our team of moving professionals are here to help. We specialize in making your move as stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Published in categories: Packing Tips, Storage
The 3-Step Process To Loading a Moving Truck (The Right Way)
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One of the hurdles individuals and families face in a do-it-yourself move is loading the moving truck in manner that maximizes space while protecting their belongings from damage. If boxes and furniture are chaotically tossed into the back of the truck with no sense or organization, damage may occur from items being tossed around during transit. You can protect your belongings from such damage while minimizing the number of required trips, however, by using the following 3-step approach to loading a moving truck.
Step #1 – Biggest and Heaviest Items First
The biggest and heaviest items should be loaded on the moving truck first. This improves the truck’s stability and maneuverability by focusing the bulk of its weight up front. Failure to load your moving truck in this manner may result in the truck shaking on the road, which in turn places your belongings at greater risk for damage.
Begin by loading your major home appliances on the truck – washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators and ovens. Hopefully, you have a dolly or hard cart, but if not, call up a friend or family member to assist you. Place these appliances flat on the truck (don’t stack them), and add heavy furniture and boxes next.
Note: wrap furniture in moving blankets or old comforter sheets for added protection. Even if a piece of furniture ‘appears’ to be solid and damage-proof, there’s always the chance of it getting scratched when left unprotected.
Step #2 – Create Sections
The secret to maintaining a safe, well-organized moving van is to secure your items in sections. After loading your major appliances and heavy furniture/boxes, work on a single section of the truck at a time, tying it down with rope when you are finished. This will improve the truck’s overall stability while securing your belongings in place.
The most effective way to section off the back of a moving truck is by tying down the items in each quarter. When you are finished loading a quarter of the truck, tie it down with a couple of ropes. If you look around the interior of the moving truck, you should notice a rail or similar area for attaching rope. Use this area to tie down each quarter section of the truck’s contents.
Step #3 – Filler Content
The third and final step in packing a moving truck is to add the filler content. Just as the name suggests, these are the items that can be added added to any open nook or cranny in the truck. Filler items are generally lightweight and not easily damaged, making them suitable for placing on top of furniture and boxes.
Our team of moving professionals are here to help. We specialize in making your move as 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
Innovative Uses For Leftover Moving Boxes
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The average family uses approximately 50-75 boxes during a move (sometimes a lot more). While most people either toss them in the trash or send them off to the local recycling facility, there are other uses for leftover moving boxes. So the next time you relocate into a new home, hang on to your boxes, because you might be surprised to learn some of the innovative ways they can be used.
Cat Furniture
According the the Humane Society, there are over 95 million pet cats in the U.S. If you are one of the many cat owners in the U.S., you should make your feline friend some furniture out of leftover moving boxes. As you can see in the image above, it’s incredibly simple, easy to make, and cats love them. This particular example is a regal-esque daybed, complete with curved sides and a raised platform to boot.
Cats aren’t difficult to please, so don’t feel bad if your “cat furniture” is nothing more than a couple boxes awkwardly glued and taped together. A basic platform alone is enough to satisfy most cats while making use of those old moving cardboard moving boxes.
Kids’ Fort
Another nifty idea is to create a kids’ fort using your leftover moving boxes. Assuming you just recently moved into a new home, you’ll likely have plenty of free space available for a fort. Whether it’s in the living room, bedroom, dining room or any other location, invoke your childhood spirit by creating a complex box fort for your kids.
If you’re really feeling innovative, you can attach ropes to create a drawbridge and add a moat with blue-painted cardboard pieces. Kids of all ages are sure to fall in love with their new play fort.
Kids’ Macaroni Artwork
Want to keep your kids busy while you rearrange furniture and prepare your new home? Here’s an idea: break down some leftover moving boxes and let them create macaroni artwork on it. Macaroni artwork, as its name suggests, consists of nothing more than a box of macaroni, glue and cardboard. The individual macaroni pieces are glued onto the cardboard to create various images and designs.
Macaroni art is a fun alternative to traditional forms of kids’ art, such as painting and sketching. When your child has successfully created a piece of macaroni artwork, display it on the fireplace mantel or coffee table. Doing so will encourage your child to continue their pursuit of artistic expression.
Our team of moving professionals are here to help. We specialize in making your move as stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Published in categories: America Moves
5 Practical Tips For Packing Fragile Items
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Glass, crystal and other fragile items should be packed with a little more TLC than your typical household items. Tossing them in a box and taping it shut could result in damage during transit. Unless you want to find your belongings shattered and broken into several pieces upon arrival, follow the tips below when packing and moving fragile items.
#1) Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need packing paper, newspaper, bubble wrap and tape when packing fragile items – and lots of it. Bubble wrap offers the highest level of protection against damage, but packing paper and newspaper can be stuffed inside open glasses and spaces inside boxes for additional protection. Go ahead and purchase plenty of packing supplies so you aren’t forced to make extra trips on your moving day.
Newspaper is cheaper to use than packing paper, but it may leave ink marks on your items. Depending on the item, you may need to wash it once you arrive at your new residence to remove the ink smudges.
#2) Get Started Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to pack your fragile items. Instead, start packing them several days or even weeks in advance. Packing fragile items is a tedious, time-consuming process that can quickly burn through your available time, as you’re forced to wrap each individual item. If you wait until your moving day to tackle this project, you could find yourself spending more time packing and less time moving.
#3) Mark Your Fragile Boxes
When you are finished packing a box full of fragile items, use a marker to write a big “FRAGILE” on the side. Whether you intend on moving it yourself, or if a professional moving company is going to do the job, this label will serve as a reminder of what’s inside. It only takes a couple of seconds to mark your fragile boxes, but doing so could protect them against breakage.
#4) Flat Items First
A good rule of thumb is to pack flat fragile items into the box first. Whether it’s a plate, picture frame, etc., wrap up your flat items in bubble wrap and place them inside the box first, filling up any available space with smaller items and/or packing paper. You can then pack awkwardly shaped fragile items on top – assuming there’s enough space available.
#5) Keep Fragile Boxes Together
Another tip that’s helpful to follow when packing and moving fragile items is to keep them together. This isn’t always an easy task when there are half a dozen people moving boxes out of your home, but try to keep your fragile boxes in a separate location. This reduces the risk of damage when they are being loaded and unloaded.
Our team of moving professionals are here to help. We specialize in making your move as stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Published in categories: Home Moving Tips, Packing Tips
Pros and Cons of Moving Yourself
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You’ve finally found the perfect dream home in Austin, Texas and now you’re faced with the task of relocating. There are two different ways to go about this: you can either hire a professional moving company, or you can move everything yourself. Before you jump the gun and make the decision, you should familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of a do-it-yourself move.
Pros of Moving Yourself:
- You set the moving schedule. When moving yourself, you are given full control over the schedule. Whether you want to wake up at the crack of dawn to get an early start or wait until mid-afternoon is entirely up to you.
- Know the location of your belongings. If you opt to move yourself, you’ll have a greater understanding of where exactly your belongings are located. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll know where every single item is located, but at least you’ll have a general idea of where certain boxes are located since you packaged and transported them yourself.
- May cost less. The keyword in this phrase is “may,” because DIY moves don’t always result in cost-savings. The price of a moving van rental, insurance and gas often equals or exceeds the cost of hiring a professional moving company.
- Setting up furniture and furnishings. By moving everything yourself, you can set up furniture and furnishings in the desired location of your new residence. Rather than sticking everything in the living room, you can go ahead and move it to the desired location. Of course, professional moving companies may also do this when requested.
Cons of Moving Yourself:
- It’s stressful. To say moving yourself is stressful would be an understatement. Being that every task and responsibility is on your shoulders, you may feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety and stress.
- Requires greater planning. DIY moves require greater planning on the homeowner/resident’s part. You must rent a moving vehicle, plan your trips, and make sure everything is set up at your new residence.
- More time consuming. Moving everything yourself is also more time-consuming. Even if you have an extra set of hands on deck, you won’t be able to move everything as fast as a professional moving company.
- Requires greater responsibility. One of the lesser-known disadvantages of a DIY move is the increased responsibility it places on the homeowner/resident. You’re responsible for lost, damaged or ruined items that occur as a result of the move – unless you decide to purchase moving insurance.
Our team of moving professionals are here to help. We specialize in making your move as 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 Secrets For a Smooth Move
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The stress of an upcoming move isn’t something that should keep you up at night. Relocating into a new home is both mentally and physically exhausting, but it’s also an exciting time for the entire family. And with the right approach, you can have a smooth, stress-free move where everything seems to fall right in place.
#1) Create a Boxing Station
Set up a packing/boxing station complete with tape, scissors, boxes, packing paper and bubble wrap somewhere in your home. Even if 90% of your belongings are boxed and ready to go, you’ll probably end up boxing at least some items on the day of your move. Having a boxing station set up will keep your move running smooth by providing a convenient area to package the remaining items in your home.
#2) Clean Out The Fridge
One of the most commonly overlooked steps in preparing to move is cleaning out the refrigerator. Why is this important? Well, the added weight of the fridge’s food and beverages may prove to be too much for you some people to physically handle. In addition, once the refrigerator is disconnected, its contents will gradually begin to spoil.
Transfer your refrigerator’s contents into an ice-filled cooler before you attempt to move it. This isn’t a long-term solution by any means, but it should suffice until you arrive at your new residence.
#3) Disassemble The Bed
Unless you want to waste valuable time on your moving day trying to take apart your bed, it’s recommended that you go ahead and disassemble it beforehand. Beds are assembled in dozens of different ways, and trying to take them apart is often confusing and downright frustrating.
Rather than waiting until the last minute to try and solve this puzzle, take disassemble your bed the night before your moving day and sleep on just the mattress.
#4) Ditch The Clutter
Moving is the perfect time to get rid of unnecessary clutter. Whether it’s an old set of bedroom furniture that you no longer use or a wardrobe of unused clothes, you should use this time to clean out the clutter.
Don’t just throw them in the trash, however, but instead contact a local charity organization in your area to see if they are willing to take them. Most large charity organizations will gladly take them off your hands, and some of them will even come to pick them up on your behalf.
#5) Stay Organized
Organization is critical to having a smooth move. Randomly tossing your boxes and furnishings into the back of a moving van will lead to a world of confusion when you are arrive at your new residence. Make sure that each and every box is labeled with its respective contents and/or room.
Our team of moving professionals are here to help. We specialize in making your move as smooth 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
The Obvious and Not-So-Obvious Costs of Moving
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Moving into a new home or residence is an exciting time for everyone involved. Whether you want to create a modern, contemporary, French country, or any other style of décor, you’ll have a blank slate to work with. But moving can also place a heavy financial burden on individuals and families, with both obvious and not-so-obvious costs adding to the total bill.
Time Off Work
One rather obvious cost of moving is time off from work. Depending on how many belongings you own, and the distance to your new residence, you may need just one day off or several. Each day that you’re not working, however, is money lost, so try to consolidate your move into the fewest amount of days possible.
Boxes and Packing Supplies
This is a rather small expense, but it’s still worth noting that boxes and packing supplies are required when moving. You can usually pick up used boxes from liquor stores, gas stations and grocery stores for free. Alternatively, you can purchase boxes, tape, packing paper and other supplies form the local post office or other shipping stores.
New Utilities
Some people will luck out on their move, as their current utility companies offer service at their new residence. In this case, the only extra expense would be activation, which is usually around $20-$40 for each utility. In most cases, though, you’ll have to change at least some of your utilities to new companies.
Along with the activation fee, utility companies may also require a security deposit. Security deposits can range anywhere from $100-$500, the total of which is usually based on the resident’s credit score. Don’t be afraid to call multiple utility companies in your area to compare service price quotes.
DIY Moving Van Rental
If you plan on moving everything yourself, you’ll probably want to rent a DIY moving van. Companies advertise rentals at dirt-cheap prices, but this is somewhat misleading once you realize their true cost. Along with the actual rental fee (usually a flat fee per day), you’ll also have to pay for hard cart rentals, insurance, extra drivers, and most importantly, gas.
The cost of gas alone can quickly eat through your budget. Let’s say your DIY moving van gets 7-10 mpg, which is about standard for most. Assuming gas is priced at $3-$4 per gallon, it’s easy to see just how much a DIY moving van will cost. Making just a few round trips in the same city can cost over $100 in gas, and that’s not factoring in the other cost associated with a DIY moving van.
Our team of moving professionals are here to help. We specialize in making your move as 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, Preparing To Move
How To Box Your Belongings For a Move
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Packing your belongings into durable cardboard boxes will make moving much easier. With your items packed into boxes, you’ll make fewer trips to and from your new home. Boxes are easily carried – either by hand or with a handcart – and they stack neatly in the back of moving vehicles. Now that you know a little bit about the benefits of using them, let’s talk about how to box your belongings for a move.
Choose The Right Boxes
Don’t use thin, flimsy boxes that feel cheap when you hold them, as there’s a very real chance of them falling apart once you’ve filled them. Instead, choose thick cardboard boxes that look and feel durable. You can either purchase them from a shipping company, or you can ask around at some of the local retail stores in your area. Most stores will gladly supply you with their leftover cardboard boxes, as it helps keep their storage room clean.
It’s also recommended that you stick with standard square-shaped boxes. Packing your belongings into a variety of different shaped boxes will make them more difficult to stack; thus, adding another hurdle you must face on your moving day.
Tape The Bottom
Even if there’s glue holding the bottom of the box together, you should still tape it up for extra security. Place a minimum of two strips of tape across the bottom, going about an inch up the sides. After taping the bottom, run your hands across it to ensure there’s direct contact with the cardboard.
Fill ‘er Up!
With your box taped and ready to go, you can begin adding your belongings to it. Try to focus on boxing up one room at a time to make unpacking easier. And when you finish a box, label the outside of it with the respective room.
Here are some tips to follow when boxing up your belongings:
- Use caution when boxing up books, as the weight may prove to be too much for a cardboard box.
- Add items with geometric symmetry first. In other words, pack square, rectangular and other easy-to-stack items into the box first and then add awkwardly shaped items.
- Fill voided space with packing paper (note: newspaper may bleed ink on your belongings).
- Wrap glass and other fragile items in bubble wrap and pack them in a separate box labeled “fragile.”
- If an item has a sharp edges or corners, wrap it in packing paper so it won’t puncture the box.
- Mark boxes with “this side up” to indicate the proper direction of which they should be held.
Our team of moving professionals are here to help. We specialize in making your move as 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 To Avoid Furniture Damage During a Move
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Damaged furniture is a major concern for individuals and families looking to move into a new home. Whether it occurs in the moving van or when you’re hauling it into the residence, there’s a very real possibility of your furniture being damaged. It’s downright frustrating when you finally get settled into your new home only to notice a large scratch down your favorite coffee or end table.
Moving is already a stressful task, and the thought of scratching up your new dining set will only add to the stress. Thankfully, there are some precautions you can take to protect your furniture against damage.
Wrap Furniture In Blankets
Before loading furniture onto a truck or moving van, wrap it up in a thick blanket. Don’t just use your old bedsheets, but instead use a thick, quilted blanket for additional cushion and support. There are even blankets designed specifically for furniture which obviously work well in this situation.
Check to make sure the entire furniture piece is covered, and that no edges or armrests are left exposed. Blankets will only prove useful if they are fully covering the furniture.
Quilted Sofa Slip-Cover
You can protect your sofas from moving-related damage by using a quilted sofa cover. Just as the name suggests, these covers are designed to slip directly over the sofa, offering a stylish new appearance. Most people use them for aesthetic purposes, but quilted sofa covers can also be used to protect sofas and other similar-sized furniture against damage during a move.
Bubble Wrap
This might sound a little silly to some, but bubble-wrapping your furniture is a great way to protect it against scratches, scuffs, nicks and other damage. If you have fine, delicate furniture, try wrapping it with a couple layers of bubble wrap. Assuming the piece is small – end table, coffee table, chair, etc. – it should only require a minimal amount of bubble wrap. If the furniture is large, however, you may find this bubble wrap to be too much of a hassle.
Tips For Moving Furniture Into a New Residence:
- Go slow. Take your time when moving furniture into a new home, especially when you’re entering doorways and going up or down flights of stairs.
- Measure it. If you’re unsure if a piece of furniture will fit through a door, measure it before attempting to move it.
- Moving pads. Place moving pads on the bottom of your furniture to protect both it and the floor.
- Get help. Don’t attempt to move large furniture yourself. Instead, get help from friends, family members, and/or professional movers.
Our team of moving professionals are here to help. We specialize in making your move as 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
Moving Tips for Dog Owners: Relocating with Fido
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Dogs are habitual creatures that prefer familiar environments. Moving into a new home turns their normal routine upside down, placing them in a scary new place that lacks the stability and security felt in their previous home. But moving doesn’t have to create psychological turmoil for your four-legged friend. With the right approach, you can comfortably transition them into your new home.
According to the Humane Society, pet ownership in the U.S. has tripled over the past 40 years. Today, nearly 1 in 2 households (47%) own at least one dog. Ask any owner and they’ll agree: there’s nothing that compares to the unconditional loyalty and affection offered by man’s best friend. Unfortunately, moving can be a frightening experience for a dog, as they simply don’t know where they are going or what’s happening to their familiar home.
Gradually Introduce Fido To Your New Home
Instead of waiting until the moving day to let your dog check out their new home, take them over several weeks ahead of time (assuming its vacant, of course). Walk them through the house so they can grow accustomed to each of the rooms and how they smell. You can also use this time to walk your dog outside the home, allowing them to see their future home up close and personal.
In the event that your dog is hesitant to enter their future home, bring some treats as a form of encouragement. Placing your dog’s favorite treat a couple feet in the front door will instantly erase any sense of doubt or hesitation they previously had.
Don’t Box Up Fido’s Belongings
Rather than boxing up your dog’s bed, blankets, toys, etc., keep them off to the side so you can personally deliver them to your new home. This eliminates the possibility of your dog’s belongings becoming lost or misplaced during the move. When you and your dog arrive at your new home, you can set up their bed just like it was at the old house, instilling a sense of familiarity for added comfort.
Maintain Fido’s Routine
It might be difficult to keep the exact same schedule with your dog, especially on the moving day, but do your best to maintain your dog’s normal routine throughout the move. If you typically walk your dog at 8 AM, 3 PM and 8 PM, continue this schedule in your new home. Going back to the importance of familiarity, routines help to maintain the balance and structure that dogs instinctively crave.
Our team of moving professionals are here to help. We specialize in making your move as 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, Moving With Pets
