Avoid These Common Mistakes on Moving Day

By Logan / 11/30/2018



Don’t Leave Everything to Late!





DIY Is Not For Everyone



Don’t Forget Your Moving Day Survival Kit






Top Tips for Moving a Mattress

By Logan / 03/30/2019

High quality mattresses can make all the difference when it comes to a good sleeping experience.  A high quality mattress can help you feel well-rested, pain-free and refreshed the next morning.  However, mattresses can be expensive, so most people will choose to move their mattresses instead of buying a new one when relocating.  The problem arises when you need to go about moving the mattress.  This article will provide some information and top tips for moving a Layla mattress.

Before you begin to move the mattress, it is essential that you assess the condition of the bed accessory and determine if it is worth the move.  This early assessment can save a lot of effort, time and money.  If you feel the mattress has served its purpose and needs to be changed, then it may not be worthwhile moving the item.  If, however, you are satisfied that the mattress needs to be moved then there are steps to be followed.

What Are the Different Mattress Packing Tips?

Without a doubt, the simplest means of moving a mattress and transporting it to a new residence is by hiring professional movers.  Professional packers and movers will not only move the mattress, but they can move the bed as well.  This being said, the services of a professional moving company can be costly.  It may not be as expensive as one may think, but it is more expensive than using a DIY approach.  If you choose to move the mattress independently, it is recommended that you use a mattress cover.  This piece of packing material will make all the difference when relocating and transporting a mattress.

Mattress covers are available in different forms, but the plastic mattress cover is most beneficial as it protects the item from dust, dirt, water, moisture and other damage.  The protector is widely available and affordable costing approximately $10 from a home depot store.  Durable mattress covers can also be ordered online if you are willing to wait for its delivery.

If you do not have time to search for and purchase a plastic mattress protector, then you should consider using furniture blankets.  Cover the mattress completely using the blankets, then secure the blankets using rope, twine or packing tape.

What Are the Mattress Moving Tips?

Here are five tips to help you move your mattress.

#1:  Using the Correct Moving Vehicle

Once you have adequately prepared the mattress for moving, it is time to relocate the item.  As long as you have the correct moving vehicle, the task is not very challenging.  It comes as no surprise that the most significant part of the moving vehicle is to have enough space to accommodate the large bed accessory.  If you own or can rent a pick-up truck, then you should not have problems fitting a standard-sized mattress in the vehicle.  If you are using a large SUV, then it is possible to fit the mattress by putting the seats of the car down or folding the mattress in half.  A moving truck is the ideal moving vehicle as you can definitely fit any size mattress in this type of automobile.

#2:  Asking Friends for Assistance

It is important to remember that moving a mattress requires more than one pair of hands.  This is because mattresses are very heavy and too large to be handled safely by a single person.  If you have decided not to hire professional movers, then it is advised that you ask friends for assistance in moving the mattress.  Be sure you ask for help from at least two other people.

#3:  Clearing an Exit Route

Before moving the mattress, it is recommended that you inspect the exit route from your bedroom where the mattress is packed to the moving vehicle.  This will help assure the path is clear of obstacles that could damage the mattress or cause injury.

#4:  Carrying the Mattress To The Vehicle

When carrying the mattress to the vehicle, it is advised that the item is placed on its longer side with a moving strap under the corners.  If the mattress has handles, it is possible to use these handles instead of straps.  You and your helpers should lift the mattress at the same time to ensure the weight is evenly distributed.  Even distribution of weight is essential to remain balanced, so you will need to move slowly in the direction of the moving vehicle.

#5:  Loading the Mattress

Using all of the manpower you have, load the protected mattress onto the moving vehicle securing it with rope to immobilize it.  Gel and memory foam mattresses should be transported flat to avoid any damage to the item.

Tips And Tricks for Unpacking after your House Relocation

The process of house relocation, or moving from one home to another, can be quite stressful. It means packing everything up from one home and physically transporting it all to your new one. That’s also on top of wrapping things up at your old home and finding a new one. If you’re selling a previous home and buying the new one, there’s a world of work that goes into all of that as well, and even if you’re just going from one rental to the next, you have to leave your previous rental by the end of the lease and make sure you have a new home lined up in time. It can even get more complicated if you’re leaving a rental for a mortgage and home you bought, or vice-versa.

Once it’s all said and done, you think you’d be quite relieved to be living in your new home, but you have to unpack it all once your house and family are relocated. Fortunately, there are a number of tips and tricks to make this go smoothly.

You may be exhausted by this point and no longer able to really think big. However, you can actually use that to your advantage. Once you’re in your new home, you’re not likely to really be under the gun in terms of deadlines looming over you or hanging over your head. That means you can pace yourself and take things in phases, breaking down the whole process of unpacking into manageable steps.

First of all, if it’s possible, avoid moving into any rooms or portions of the home that you want to do immediate upgrades, improvements, or renovations too. All that work is a lot easier to get done before you unpack.

Secondly, you might want to look into renting a storage unit or even getting a portable storage unit to put in your driveway or yard for a while where you keep as many things as you can for a while. Long-term storage items and things like seasonal decorations or lawn and yard equipment are probably things that can just wait until you need them.

Third, try and set up two rooms in the home for the unpacking process. One will be for storing boxes, and the second will be a staging area for going through things. So that you and your family can start living, try and do this in rooms you might not need immediately, like a guest room, office, or formal dining room. Just get used to eating around the TV for a while and using the laptop from the kitchen table or counter.

Fourth, set up the kitchen first and foremost. Everyone has to eat, and you’ll all need to stay fueled up as you settle in. Eating out, or getting carry out and delivery might work for a while, but this is the one room where you can start your new routine as a family. Bathrooms and bedrooms come next, as everyone can settle into their own spaces and unpack their own things.

Once you get through all this, your unpacking won’t be all done, and you might even have most of it ahead of you still, but you’ll have broken the ice on it enough that there will be momentum and enough breathing room to get the rest done.

Moving Houses with Pets

By Logan / 02/16/2019

It’s estimated that more homes have pets than don’t, and when it comes time to move houses, you need to take your animal family members with you, along with all their things. However, you should realise that they’re not going to understand what’s going on. All they’ll see is their familiar environment and surroundings being packed up and dismantled, and that stress can cause them to do funny things. Keep reading to learn tips about moving houses with your pets.

If you have dogs and cats, which are very common pets, you should know that they respond very differently to family relocations. Dogs are very social creatures, and the more time and attention you give them, the better they will adjust to new surroundings, especially if they know you are not going to leave them. Cats, on the other hand, put more emphasis on their surroundings, so they don’t change as quickly. A formerly independent cat might get unusually affectionate and even clingy. On the flip side, a cat that is typically demonstrative might suddenly get reclusive.

When everything is getting packed up, get your animals into crates or carriers, or just confine them to a specific room. Leave them there until everything is packed up and ready to go, but have someone look over them if need be.

Make sure that during the vehicle transit that they are comfortable. A favourite blanket or toy can help them out, and their carriers need to have proper ventilation. Don’t just pack them in with all the boxes.

If your transit is going to mean staying somewhere overnight, be sure you’re staying someplace pet-friendly. Never take a chain’s word on it. Call the specific hotel you’re staying at to make sure. Also, make sure the rooms don’t have hazards for your pets or potential for their escape.

An overnight kit that you can get to easily is a great thing to pack, including food, litter, grooming tools, and toys. If you can, bottle up several gallons of water from your old home. The consistency of water changes from place to place, and while you might not notice it, the familiar taste can make things easier on your pet.

If you will be moving far enough to have to change vets, be sure to get in touch with your old one. You’ll need to take prescription medicines and records with you. You might even be able to get a recommendation for a new vet after you move.

If you’re moving with fish, then you need to know that they respond quite strongly to stress. Moving homes can prove traumatising to them, if not outright fatal. Try and transport them in their old tank water with the right supplies for a short distance. A long haul might just mean giving them to a local friend and getting new fish once you arrive.

Guinea pigs are another animal known to suffer badly from any sudden changes or getting jostled around. They have particularly susceptible hearts, so be careful with them. Transport them in a small carrier that is warm and comfortable.

If you’re moving with birds in particular, then you should know that moving day is a risky time to fly the coop. If you’re one of those owners that love telling friends that your bird has never flown away from your shoulder, then your complacency might cost you. Birds are like many other pets in how jittery they get about change, so even if your parrot resists the idea of being caged, do it anyway on moving day.

If it all possible, just have your pets stay with someone they already know and trust while you move. Bring them to your new home once you’re done and unpacked, so they can just skip all the stress and trauma of the process. It can make the adjustment much easier for them if done right. When done wrong, the moving process can be quite dangerous for pets, and you might even lose them, which is certainly something you never want to see happen.

If you are moving into a place that you are going to let instead of own, make sure you can even have pets there legally.

Packing Fragile Items for your House Move

By Logan / 02/04/2019

Moving is a huge undertaking and it can be very time-consuming. If you have fragile items that need to be packed these packing tips can help you to get your fragile items safely from your current home to your new home.

Choose Quality Sturdy Boxes

Always start with a good quality sturdy box for your packing needs. A box that is breaking down on the sides and made of thin cardboard isn’t going to offer your fragile goods a sturdy packing container. Thick cardboard boxes are important to the survival of your fragile items. Make sure that the boxes have a sturdy lid to go along with them.

Choose Quality Packaging Supplies

Use a good bubble wrap for your packaging. You can also use plain newsprint (printed newsprint sometimes will transfer the print onto your fragile items) and you can use packing peanuts. Acid-free papers are also good for packing fragile items. You’ll want to have plenty of this on hand so make sure to stock up before you begin packing. You don’t want to have to stop while you’re in the mode to pack and run to the store for more. You may also wish to check with stores that get liquor and see if you can get some of the inserts that the liquor bottle come in (cardboard dividers) or make your own. These are ideal for packing glasses, vases, and taller fragile items.

Choose Dish Boxes For Packing Dishes

Moving companies offer a myriad of different boxes for sale. Choose their specialized boxes for your dishes You can use these for plates and other items. Be sure to wrap plates in bubble wrap and take care to not allow anything to bang together. You may wish to add in some packing peanuts as well to ensure that your plates never have the chance of touching and breaking. You can use your dish linens to add some additional padding in between your dishware. Tuck dishcloths, pot holders, dish towels and tablecloths in between the already padded bubble wrap dishes.

Protect The Stems Of Glassware

Champagne and wine glasses require more padding than you may think. Be sure to wrap some bubble wrap around each stem and finish this by wrapping the entire champagne or wine glass with even more bubble wrap. Secure the bubble wrap with some crumpled paper and you may wish to add some masking tape to that to hold it securely on your stemware. After you’ve wrapped it well, tuck it gently into a divider from a liquor store or some cardboard dividers so that it won’t dislodge or clang together. Add in some packing materials such as packing peanuts or shredded paper to help pad it even more.

Don’t Hesitate To Disassemble

Take the time to remove lampshades and other components. Remove light bulbs as well. Wrap the cords around the lamp overlapping it and then secure the cords to the lamp itself. Follow this up with some packaging paper and finally with some bubble wrap. Make sure that you’re securing every layer separately so that if one layer becomes dislodged you still have the next one protecting your precious fragile items. Pack all of this into a sturdy box and secure the lid well. Be sure to mark the box as fragile.

Pack Fragile Items Early

Pack fragile items early so that you’re not scrambling to pack them at the last minute. This way, you’ll avoid any risk of being in too much of a hurry and damaging anything that is fragile. It’s never too early to begin packing. The sooner you begin, the easier the move is going to be.

Move Carefully

Don’t be in a rush to load items into the moving vehicle. Make sure that lids are secured and those fragile items are placed where they can’t fall over or become banged up. Taking care while loading and unloading will be the final steps to the survival of your fragile items.

Following these tips for packing and moving fragile items will go far in helping you to keep from breaking any of your items while you’re moving. All it takes are a few easy steps and your fragile items will be safe and sound upon their arrival at your new destination.

Moving In Summer Vs Winter

By Logan / 01/21/2019

If you plan on moving eventually, then you might be wondering which time of year is the best to move. Is it summer? Or is it winter? You might have heard that the winter has slightly lower rates in terms of renting a van, truck, or lorry. However, each season as difficulties that you might encounter.

The peak moving season for many households typically runs from late spring until early fall. However, prices might be higher for the services and things you need. However, don’t base your decision entirely on saving money. Other primary factors going into cost include the distance traversed, storage requirements and needs, and how much weight is being hauled.

Wintertime is usually slower, which can mean savings of up to 15 percent, although the holidays might see a slight peak. Two downsides to the winter include it getting darker so much earlier and the weather. Travel plans can get interrupted, and the available daylight might mean a work crew has to split their labour over two days instead of one, which can run up your costs.

You also need to consider the nature of the items that you are going to move. If you have antiques, items with or made of glass, and musical instruments, or any other fragile items. They’re going to fare better in the warmth of summer. There will also be much less chance of anyone moving crates or boxes of slipping on ice or snow. Many movers will take great effort to protect your things from temperature changes, but cargo areas of vehicles are rarely environmentally controlled, and so the climate can affect your sensitive possessions. Ultimetly the choice is yours, if you’re moving in summer or winter, both have pros and cons.

Summer is a more popular time for many to move, because it might be easier to get time off from work and kids might be out of school. The warm temperatures and long hours of daylight also just make it physically easier and safer to move, as compared to the potential for treacherous weather in the middle of winter.

Still, since many are moving, it can be more expensive to get packing supplies and hire vehicles and labour to help you out.

Whether you let or own can make a difference about when it’s better to move. Summer and heading into the fall is the peak season for selling homes, so it’s more likely you’d get a better price, find more potential buyers, make your sale, and then have to move.

One thing you can do to save money in either season is to try and move around the middle of the month. Many families moving with children that are moving do so at the beginning or end of a month, so it can be cheaper if you’re not competing with them. For that matter, try and move during the middle of the week to make things even better, considering how many try and target the weekends.

So, the decision of which season to move really boils down to what flexibility you have and what factors are important to you. If you can move during the winter over the summer, you’re likely to save up to 15 per cent off the season alone, and even more, if you move on weekdays near the middle of the month.

The downsides of winter are going to be the cold temperatures affecting your sensitive or fragile possessions, wet ground putting people in jeopardy, and short days and inclement weather meaning you need a labour crew for extra days.

Summer means competing with the crowds that are also moving, and prices are higher. Having said that, the days are much longer, and you’re far more likely to get a better offer for your home if you are selling your previous residence.

Whenever you wind up moving, try and do as much as you can ahead of time, including packing things up as much as you can on your own, getting rid of anything that doesn’t need to move with you, and possibly carrying what you can in your own vehicles to minimise the services and assistance you need from professionals.

Having said all that, rain or shine, warm or cold, best of luck to you in your new home and congratulations, regardless of what time of year it is!

And it does not matter when you move. You still need to make sure you have a solid packing guide to go by and a good moving checklist.