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Moving Stress and How to Deal With It

Moving. The word, the thought, the work – can take us to a place of despair. It’s like the biggest weekend homework assignment of your life. Depending on how much you need to move, of course. If you’re not a tiny house dweller or true minimalist, chances are you have a house full of stuff that needs to be organized, packaged, moved, unpacked, reorganized and put in place in your new home. Big and small. 

And moving your lifelong collection of stuff  isn’t the only stress moving can bring to the surface. What if you’re moving to a completely different city or state? Will you adapt and like the new surroundings, will you make new friends, will your children make new friends? There’s a lot that can go through our minds when we think about change. Some people enjoy and look forward to change, while for others it may bring on stress and anxiety thinking about leaving their comfort zones. Here are some ways you can help yourself and your family to take away and alleviate some of the stress from moving:

Simply put, change your mindset. This doesn’t mean not to acknowledge all the responsibilities or tasks that go along with a move, but try to look at these things differently, in a positive and productive way. If you think about going through all of your belongings and only taking with you what you truly need and want, and getting rid of stuff you didn’t even remember you had, this is a good thing! An opportunity to let go of the old and lighten your load. Declutter, donate, re-purpose. Changing our view on the benefits of moving can greatly improve the process.

Organize and prioritize. Don’t wait until the last minute to do everything. Make a list of all of the tasks you need to take care of like changing your address, changing utility company information, canceling subscriptions. Prepare for packing by making a categorized list of your items, what kind of boxes and containers you need, labels, tape, markers, etc. Having all of your tools at the ready will avoid the stress of not having them when you need them. 

Research your new city. If you’re moving to a completely new location and don’t know much about it, do some digging online! Check out the popular local restaurants, look for nature trails and parks, find the closest coffee shop to your new address. Community meet-up groups are a great way for new people in town to meet and make connections. 

Hire a professional moving company. If you are able, hiring professionals to help with you packing, loading, trekking and unloading is a huge weight off your shoulders. No stress of asking friends and family to use their weekend in the most dreadful and strenuous way possible, and you’re able to focus on all the logistics and personal planning you need to tend to. Whether you hire for the full gamut of the moving process, which can include movers coming into your home and actually packing for you, or just the day-of work of transporting your furniture and boxes, the professional help is one we’d recommend if it’s in your budget.

Don’t take too long settling in. We get it, moving is exhausting, and the thought of now going through the stress of unpacking and putting away all that stuff is one we want to put off and avoid. You should give yourself a little time to rest and decompress, however, getting your new home in order will allow you to sit back, relax and get comfy in your new place. You know you’d feel much better sitting on the couch and having a view of a finished and decorated room, rather than 3 boxes in the corner and your framed art standing against the wall. Wouldn’t it be nice to open a cupboard and grab a glass, instead of pilfering through which (hopefully labeled) box it’s in? Getting settled will help you feel grounded and ready to take on this new chapter of your life.

We hope some of these suggestions help you if you’re finding yourself stressed out about moving. It’s obviously not the most fun thing in the world, but it doesn’t have to be the absolute worst, either!

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What To Know About Cars During Your Move

You’re getting ready for a long-distance move and besides furniture, your car is the other large items you have to decide whether to drive or ship to your new location. If someone isn’t moving across states, then they have no choice but to ship their car. But when you are moving across the state, you may be tempted to drive your car and turn this task into a road trip. If you have more than one car, own a classic car, or a luxurious car, shipping your car across the country may be the best option for you. 

Here are a few things to consider when choosing to ship your car during a long-distance move:

  1. The Timing

From California to the midwest in Kansas City, and to New York, the entire duration is 43 hours straight, so considering stops for food, gas, and rest, this will take between four to five days. In addition to the travel time, do you have these four to five days to spare on this task knowing this will subtract from the time you will have to unpack? You may need to request for additional days off from work, and consider if cross country driving is possible for you and your family. 

2. Possible Risks

For example, driving across country roads will engage you in new and unfamiliar areas in which you’ve never been exposed to. Not only that, but you may be confronted with various weather conditions depending on what time of the year this is. Driving in unfamiliar roads can lead to added extra mileage on your car and putting your car at risk for needing roadside assistance. 

3. The Cost

This element may be the first thought to cross your mind, so let’s take a deeper look at the costs. The amount of mileage you’ll attain during your drive, wear and tear, and not to mention the risk of having to expand your set budget in the case your car needs servicing. Take a moment to think if these risks are worth it? In between driving, you must stop for food and shelter so those are costs that are non-negotiable. If you are not using paid time off for this drive, you’re going to be in more of a deficit than a positive or breaking even. In the end, shipping your vehicle comes at a price regardless, so will a one time cost of a reliable transport outweigh the DIY road trip move? 

4. What works for you?

The million-dollar question sometimes overpowers all the other questions and concerns, what’s more convenient? Depending on if you’re a family of one, or a couple, versus an entire family, you will need to consider everyone’s schedule when making this decision, will your kids and spouse join you or fly separately? The cost only rises when this factors in. If you’re looking for convenience, let the professionals at Moving Pro Inc take care of transporting your vehicle safely so you can focus on your move.

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Essential Tips for Moving During a Pandemic

Whether you had this move planned months ago, or it’s an unexpected and consequential circumstance of the Coronavirus global pandemic, moving during a crisis like this can be daunting, and rightfully so. Not only are you met with the usual annoyances of a move, but now you have the added nuisance of dealing with it during one of the most unusual and difficult times our country has ever gone through. We’ve come up with a list of tips and suggestions to help you prepare for and get through the process of moving, and get you to your new home safely:

If you are choosing to use a professional moving company, make sure you have a list of prepared questions that you can ask with any and all concerns you can think of. Some examples are:

  • “What precautions are you taking to ensure the health and safety of your crew,  drivers and customers?”
  • “Will packers and drivers be equipped with PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) and hand sanitizer?”
  • “What precautions do you recommend I take while doing my part in keeping within safety guidelines?”

Avoid in-person surveys and quotes by doing them virtually. While we are still strongly suggested to conduct no-contact communications and transactions, traditional in-person estimates may be unnecessary if your moving company can accommodate a virtual survey. Here are some things you can do to be prepared for a virtual tour and estimate:

  • Have your phone or tablet fully charged and make sure your wifi signal is strong and working
  • Make sure there is sufficient lighting for the surveyor to be able to get a clear view of the space and contents you are packing and moving 
  • Have a tape measure on hand for any on-the-spot questions from the surveyor
  • Open all closets, pantries and cabinets so the contents inside are in view
  • Show the surveyor the path to and from the entrance of your home and where the moving truck will be parked including its surrounding areas 

Moving day has arrived, and you’re ready to have it go seamlessly and efficiently. Here’s what you can do make sure you avoid close contact and practice safety guidelines, and how you can still be accessible to the movers:

  • Make sure you’ve disinfected objects and surfaces that the crew will come into contact with, such as doorknobs, light switches, counters, cabinets, etc. 
  • Organize and label boxes and objects with special instructions
  • Maintain a 6ft distance while communicating with the crew
  • Have a set plan and schedule with the moving company and team leader ahead of time to avoid any same-day confusion 
  • Make sure you have direct contact information for the team leader and that they have your direct contact information for real-time questions and concerns 

We hope these tips will help you should you find yourself moving during these uncertain times. With the guidance and compliance of a good moving company, and your own precautionary steps to protect yourself, your family, and the people helping you during your move, you can get through a seemingly dreadful situation safely and as quickly as possible so that you can get settled into your new home.

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The Beauty Of Downsizing

Without trenching too far into politics, there is a lot of crazy going on in the world. From the big picture to the small stuff; human’s effect on the climate and your horrible commute all combine to make for a stressed and anxious existence. It’s why many of us are seeking simplicity and sustainability in all parts of our life. Before or after a move is the perfect time for a purge. We recommend it be done prior to a move as you’ll end up needing to pack, move, and unpack stuff you no longer want or need, but anytime before getting settled in your new home will do. 

It isn’t just stuff, either. Furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes are popping up more and more. Here are our tips for downsizing in 2020 to make the most of your move.

Let It Go!

Take a page out of Elsa’s original book. If you haven’t used everything your hand touches in the past year, out it goes! Don’t even allow yourself time to think, ‘But what if I need it???’ Just toss it in the trash or donate pile. 

Wanna be sure your left swipes don’t just become another thing in the landfill? Clothing stores such as Levi’s, H&M, and The North Face offer recycling programs in which you turn in your clothing (anything, any condition – except socks and underwear) for discounts on purchases. These clothes are then used to create new clothes. 

For delicately used, interview appropriate clothing, find a shelter instead of sending it off to the nether regions of Goodwill or Out of the Closet. Shelters like the Downtown Women’s Center of Los Angeles aids women facing homeslessness. The right blazer in the right hands could mean the difference between hope and despair. 

When it comes to things like dishes, small appliances, and the like, check within your social circles for friends who might want/need it. There’s always the option to put things up on etsy or Facebook Marketplace where you could potentially make back some money. However you choose to dispose of the giveaways, get creative with the most direct way to get them into the hands of people who will use it. 

Furniture Facelift

We weren’t kidding when we said furniture is becoming more economic by being multi-functional. There’s something wonderful about less clutter. Someone decided the same should go for furniture as it does for knick-knacks. Beds that fold up against the wall masked by cabinets and a fold-out desk. Coffee tables with storage that’s either hidden or part of the design. Modular couches that break up into sections so they can be positioned to suit your needs at any time. 

Just as with small, personal items, furniture pieces can be donated to the nearest Habitat For Humanity – or the like, or sold/bequeathed to someone who has use for it. The overall message is this; do anything you can to keep your “trash” out of the trash.

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When The World’s Your Oyster Where Do You Go?

Technology has advanced our society, undeniably. There isn’t a single facet of our day-to-day lives that isn’t affected or improved by technology. Communication is easier than ever, which means work can be done just about anywhere. With more businesses offering remote capabilities, when it comes to where you grow roots, the world is your oyster. So where do you go?

Big City Life

Live wherever you like? Fly off to the big city and live in the burrough that suits your tastes. You won’t have to worry about a commute, so distance from the office and traffic won’t be an issue to consider. In larger cities, you’re close to major airport hubs, which makes travel easier and less expensive. You’re also surrounded by attractions like restaurants, theatres, museums, and parks. Coastal cities such as New York or LA are teeming with activity. There’s always something to do or see, somewhere to go. Perhaps the only drawback to these larger metropolises is the cost of living. Commodities such as food, gas, and housing are all drastically higher than and rural counterparts.

Take It Easy In The Suburbs

Suburban life isn’t all that bad. They’re close enough to the big city that making the trip isn’t a huge hassle or time suck. Yet, far enough away to have a slower tempo without being a ghost town. Cost of living is slightly cheaper and you still have access to anything you could need. You can also own more property on a more modest income. A Manhattan penthouse will run you in the neighborhood of a mere $6.7 million. That same chunk of cheddar could get you enough land to start your own town in the right suburb. What you would spend on rent for a two bed two bath apartment in central urban areas, you could spend in mortgage payments on a four bedroom house with a backyard and garage. 

Cities On The Rise

Further in to the country, you can expect to pay even less. Some up and coming cities are even offering incentives to move to the neighborhood with the hopes that you’ll plant roots and invest in the town itself. Smaller cities such as Tulsa and Reno are gaining traction in upping their appeal to younger generations. More businesses are testing the waters, populations are growing, and there’s more to do at half the cost of living. You may not have as much variety as you would with a massive city, and travel to airports will be more of a chore, however the money you save without a commute, in a more affordable city, and you can jet off to the big cities for some fun whenever the mood strikes or Southwest has a sale. After all, you work remotely. All you need is an internet connection to get your work done. Escape to whatever destination, park it in a coffee shop and enjoy the sights at night. 

With all the options at your feet, where will you land?

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City On The Rise: Tulsa, Oklahoma

It’s no secret. The Midwest is steadily gaining in tech and industry. While it’s still no coastal city, there’s plenty to attract young professionals to this region of the country. Gone are the days of being exclusively oil-based, now businesses are turning an eye to the tech and start-up sectors. One such city that’s using all its forces to entice new business and residents is Tulsa, Oklahoma. Currently a popular Google search topic thanks to HBO’s new series The Watchmen, Tulsa may have a less than sterling past, but a bright future ahead of itself.

Incentives
Tulsa Remote is currently offering young professionals in tech, writing, and research the chance of a lifetime. $10,000 to move to Tulsa where they’ll live and work for a year. Fully-furnished apartments, remote offices, and regular networking meetups are also a part of this plan. The hope is that once folks get a taste of this big city with a small town feel, they’ll be ready to lay down roots, becoming full-fledged members of society who participate in arts and culture, or even run for local government. With that kind of risk-free incentive, what’s not to love? But you’re probably wondering what exactly awaits you in this unknown location. Let us tell you.

Food
Tulsa has long been a test market for corporate chain and franchise businesses for the Midwest for a long time. With Tulsa University, the city boasts all kinds of demographics from college students, to families, to young singles living and working around town. But it isn’t only corporate eats you’ll find. Utica Square offers everything from small cafes and bakeries to health conscious eateries to fine dining, and yes, the corporate chains.

Festivals
Tulsa plays host to some of the best festivals around, most notably their Oktoberfest, which ranks in the Top Ten in the nation. They also bring in folks from all over the state with their Tulsa Tough Cycling race. Other festivals such as Mayfest feature more arts and culture, and St. Patty’s Block Party celebrates… well, you can figure that one out. Open to all ages, there’s attractions for families and 21+ crowds alike.

Arts & Entertainment
National tours bring Broadway to you, and the Tulsa PAC is one of their favorite stops. Hit Broadway shows such as Hamilton, Waitress, and Fiddler on the Roof have all had their turn there. Concerts come in and out of the BOK and Cain’s Ballroom constantly. There’s also the arts department of Tulsa University with their stunning performances in dance, music, and drama for residents to delight in.

Family Fun
If you’ve already got a family, or plan to grow one soon, then Tulsa has everything imaginable for your crew to do on the weekends. The Gathering Place is a massive public park with specialized play areas for every age group. Only a 15 minute drive outside of the city to Turkey Mountain offers an escape from the downtown city life with beautiful bike trails that can be enjoyed by all. If you’re more of a reader, Cry Baby Hill is the perfect place for you. There’s even a bit of a sports scene with the TU Golden Hurricanes, Tulsa Drillers baseball, and the Roughneck soccer team.

Nightlife
Bars! Bars! Bars abound in Tulsa! It’s not just boot-scootin’ boogie type bars either. The plethora of themes you can pick from on any given night include: Retro, Bowling, Cycling, Tiki, LGBT, Country, Music and Dance clubs. Craft cocktails can be found in the Tulsa Arts District at Valkyrie, complete with a wall of spirits there’s no limit to what you can enjoy.

All in all, you’ll never run out of things to do in Tulsa. A hidden gem in the heartland, this cosmopolitan city with all it has to offer will make you feel like you’re living on the coast, but at half the cost. You’re never far away from nature or city life. You can grow as an individual or family and be richer for it.

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Questions To Ask Your Movers

Moving is so not fun. Well, it’s exciting because you get a fresh start in a new house, sometimes in a new city or state. But the actual process of moving is tedious, and at times overwhelming. You have to set up new utilities, change you information on your driver’s license and with businesses that take your money (rude). You may need to find a new doctor or pediatrician, which means getting copies of all your medical records and transferring them over. Then there’s the actual moving. This involves packing, getting rid of stuff, and transporting it from the old house to the new. It’s completely understandable why you would want to hire movers. They take care of the boring stuff for you. The back-breaking labor of getting that giant sectional out of your tiny front door, into the new tiny front door and in its new home. 

But, just like with any service, you want to know that you’re getting the best possible team of professional movers to help you in this stressful time. The last thing you want on moving day is to have to deal with a set of movers that aren’t what you thought they would be. Well, consider yourself saved. We’re here with a set of questions to pose to potential moving companies that will ensure you hire the right people for the job.

Rates

Obviously, you want to be crystal clear on the rate, as well as what it includes. How many movers will be helping that day? Does the rate include packing as well as moving, or is the packing responsibility left up to you? Can you reduce the rate by packing yourself? Are you paying mileage for gas in the rates quoted? Does the rate include tip? How many hours will you have your movers, if it’s just across town? For cross-country moving, does the rate include hotel expenses for your movers? Get as detailed an account as you can of what exactly you’re paying for.

Insurance

What is it? Moving companies are not allowed to sell you any insurance, but they are obligated to provide some type of insurance along with their service. Released value protection is the bare minimum. It won’t cover the full cost of any lost or damaged item, but they typically cover between $0.30 and $0.60 per pound of an item. If your company provides Full Value Protection, they maintain liability for your belongings including repairs, replacement, or reimbursement for the current market value of the broken piece. Even with full value protection some items still won’t be covered; items that qualify as being of extraordinary value. 

As there is no federal regulation for what movers must include in their insurance beyond released value, the terms and conditions are specific to each company. Ask your moving company what is included in their insurance, the cost for extra insurance, as well as any loopholes included in their contract. Sometimes, when you pack your own belongings it releases the moving company of liability for broken items. If this is the case and you’re thinking of saving a few bucks by packing yourself, you might want to reconsider this option for better protection during the move. Oftentimes, no one intends to break your personal treasures, but accidents happen and that’s the point of insurance.

If you’re still not satisfied with the insurance offered by your moving company, you can opt to buy extra insurance from a third party. These third party companies actually work with moving companies, but because movers aren’t allowed to sell you insurance, these guys step in to cover the rest of your needs. But before you jump the gun on this option, check with your renters or homeowners insurance. Your policy and plan may already cover moving insurance. Without federal regulations, these details definitely change from state to state, so do your research and come to the conclusion that’s right for you.

Details

Once you’ve chosen and hired your movers it’s time to discuss the gritty little details. When can you expect their arrival? When can you expect to shove off to the new house? You’ll also want to have the proper contact information for your movers and a plan of action should you get separated. For in-state or city moves, this most likely won’t happen. Larger cross-country moves, though, it’s vital to both your security and sanity that you have a designated meeting point and chain of communication should you be separated along the way. With cell phones, it shouldn’t be too hard to coordinate these details, but you never know when someone’s going to forget their car charger and run out of battery. Better safe than sorry.

Hiring movers is a huge bonus if you can swing it. They take the brunt of the work and stress off your hands. As with any business, though, you want to know you’re giving yours to the right people. With these inquiries you can be sure that you’re set up for success and stress-free on your big day.

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Helpful Tips For Your Cross Country Move

Moving is an exhausting, albeit exciting, process. Even more so when it’s compacted by the distance. It’s one thing to move across town. All you really need is a big enough truck and an entire day of back breaking manual labor and the bulk of the work is done. You can either go big to go home with a massive truck, fitting all your worldly possessions in a single trip transport, or save some cash in rental fees and make several trips throughout the day. Even if you’re only moving one town away, the stress isn’t that much worse. But going out of state, possibly crossing multiple state lines in the process is daunting to say the least. To keep you from being completely overwhelmed in this process, follow these tips and tricks to make your cross country move as painless as possible.

Pre-planning

If at all possible, take a trip to your new destination and spend a weekend getting to know the city. Before your trip, try and schedule a few appointments with realtors to view potential new homes. Buying a new home – or even renting a new apartment – sight unseen is risky. You could be stuck there for a year – minimum, more if you’ve signed a mortgage. It isn’t just the condition of the house, but its relation to everything else in the area, including your work commute. This is an added cost, but worth it to help ease your mind and create a smooth transition.

Packing

Yes, you can hire movers that will also pack for you. But honestly, they’ll be responsible for fitting an entire house into one truck and getting on the road at a decent time. There are two things to bear in mind throughout this process: stuff and time. The amount of stuff you take with you can make a huge difference. If the movers have to pack fewer boxes and pieces of furniture in the truck the whole process goes much faster. Everything from mattresses and furniture to knick-knacks and clothing should be subject to dismissal. Donate your items to a shelter or Habitat for Humanity to make an impact on someone else’s life and yours at the same time. Secondly, don’t wait until the last minute. Begin this preparation as soon as you close on your new house or sign the lease. 

Insurance

When shopping for movers, check their insurance policy. The drivers should be insured and there should be a quality guarantee with your contract. Additional insurance you purchase yourself never hurts either. There’s a lot that can happen on the road. Protect your valuables and yourself.

Contact/Communication

Set up proper lines of communication and contact for your movers. Car chargers for your phones – maybe even provide one for your drivers – will save you. Appoint designated meet-up spots for meals, overnight stays, and rest stops. It’s okay if you lose each other on the road throughout the day. But always be able to reconnect and stay in touch.

Paperwork, Essentials, And Tip

Be sure to keep your precious valuables and important paperwork with you. Birth certificates, marriage license, and family heirloom china or jewelry items are better left where you can keep an eye on them. Have a bag packed with a change of clothes, hygiene products, and any other snacks or reading materials you might need for the trip. And, as always, don’t forget to tip your movers for their work. Withdraw cash from the bank the day before you set off so that it’s with you and ready to disperse when they do. 

It’s a huge transition and one that offers a lot of promise and possibility. Don’t let yourself get bogged down in all there is to do. Get a firm handle on these essential points and it’ll be smooth sailing from start to finish.