Category Archives: Packing and Move Preparation

Do This, Not That When Preparing for A Move

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Moving is one of life’s occurrences that can be time-consuming, expensive and stressful.  But there are few practices to consider that can ease the pain of moving as well as the expense.  Here is a look at things NOT to do, and things to DO instead:

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DON’T wait until the last minute to get ready to move.  The longer you wait, the more stumbling blocks you may encounter, like running out of time, not enough boxes, no place to dispose of your items, and moving companies that are too busy to help you.

DO make a plan before you move.  Planning out an overall timeline to prepare all of the components of moving (including sorting, organizing, packing, and arranging for help), goes a long way in making move day go more smoothly.

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The Language of Interstate Moving

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If you’re considering an interstate move, there are several terms that may come up in your search for an interstate mover.  Knowing the language of the trade can save you time and money, and provide a full understanding of exactly what you can expect when you deal with an interstate carrier.   Here are a few trade terms that can help you with your search.

  1.  Shipper – contrary to how it sounds, YOU as a client are considered the shipper in moving, both local and interstate.  The interstate moving company is the carrier.
  1.  Bill of Lading – this is a binding legal receipt that lists the belongings that you’re moving as well as the contract for the move itself. 
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Making Move Day a Little Less Maddening

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The boxes are packed, the movers are scheduled, the new home is ready for you.  You’ve got the big moving day coming up, but will you be ready?  With a little preparation, move day can be a breeze.  Here are some ways to prepare that you may not have thought about:

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1. Pet Care

While you’re excited about the move, your pet may be very confused and scared when the door is flung open wide and strangers are toting his favorite couch out to the truck.  Consider an offsite pet sitter or doggie daycare for the day, so you won’t have to worry about your pup hiding somewhere or bolting out into the neighborhood. 

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The Gift of Preparing for The Future

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Whether you’re 45 or 85, planning for the future can be the biggest gift you give to your family members, even while you’re still here to enjoy the present.  According to a study by Caring.com, 40% of people surveyed did not have any estate planning in place because they “just haven’t gotten around to it.” 

Beyond the obvious financial aspect of planning, one often overlooked piece of business is just what to do with your belongings once you have decided to transition to a smaller home, or are no longer here to enjoy them. 

If you are considering downsizing, here are a few ideas that can be practiced now, as a “gift” to your family members and yourself, by lifting the burden from them – and you – down the road... Read the rest

The Move Makers Take A Look Back at 2019. It was a Great Year!

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Year number six is in the books for The Move Makers, and what a year it was!  We continue to grow and have assisted with many move outs and move ins in 2019, all while taking the stress out of the process for our wonderful clients and their families.

In 2018, The Move Makers achieved A+ Accreditation by the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM), the leading professional organization for Senior Move Managers in the world.  This year, our founder Carolyn Rowe was elected to the NASMM Board of Directors, and looks forward to her role on the leadership team... Read the rest

Preparing Your Pet for a Move

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If you’ve ever moved a household, you know how stressful a move can be for you, but often it can be even more stressful for your pet, whose whole world is your home.  Here are some simple steps to consider to help settle in your furry friends more comfortably.

  1.  A visit to the vet:  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, take your pet to the veterinarian for a complete check up and to update any shots before a move. If you’re moving out of state or are traveling on a plane to your new destination, updated documents are required by airlines and some states.
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Organizing 101: Inside Tips from the Move Makers Crew

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Our crew at The Move Makers have managed hundreds of moves for our clients, and we’ve learned quite a few things along the way. One important thing we’ve learned is never to make any assumptions about the ease or difficulty of a project beforehand, because there are always surprises. Another thing we’ve learned is that when an unexpected situation arises, we can rely on the experience and training of our staff, and the expertise of our trusted partners, to overcome any obstacle.

With that in mind, we’d like to bring you a just a few of our well-seasoned tips from our team, many of whom are Professional Organizers, so that your own home project can get off to a great start, and hopefully a successful finish!.. Read the rest

The Hidden Cost of Moving – Part 2

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This is part 2 of our article about the hidden cost of moving.  This month, we discuss costs that may creep up in the latter part of your move. Check out last month’s post for more information on moving costs you may not have considered here (link to Part 1).

  1. Too much weight on long distance moves – according to the American Moving and Storage Association, the cost of long-distance and intrastate (over 50 miles) moves are calculated based on weight and distance.  Boxes of books are some of the heaviest non-furniture items that are moved from a house. Consider paring down your collection and other heavy items if you want to save money on your long distance move.
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The Hidden Costs of Moving – Part 1

Dispersal Supervision Downsizing and Organizing How to Organize Move Planning and Management Packing and Move Preparation Unpacking and New Home Set Up No Comments

This month is part 1 of our 2-part article on the less obvious costs of moving:

You’ve sold your home and you’ve found the perfect place to relocate.  All that’s left to do is pack up your belongings, arrange for some movers, and be on your way.  But don’t be in a hurry to pack your calculator, because moving households can add up in ways you may have not expected.  

  1. Storage – you’re all ready to move to the next location.  But is your new place ready? If not, be prepared to either rent back your own home from the folks you just sold to, or place your goods in storage. 
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