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Moving During The Summertime

Summertime is the most popular time during the year to move. It’s easier to move around while working up a sweat during warmer weather. The cooler months make moving unbearable, especially if the climate is snowy. Relocating happens almost always during the peak months (Memorial to Labor Day Weekend) because some people may have time off and it’s easier to move a family with children in grade school. Although the summertime allows you to move comfortably while moving, they’re still challenges such as rising heat and humidity that can make moving a little more stressful. Lifting heavy furniture and boxes in the sun isn’t easy to do, so here are a few tips to help you out:

Get An Early Start

They say the hottest hours of the day are between 11 am – 3 pm, so waking up early to get a head start is the best way to go. We always hear the saying about getting more done with an early start, and in this case, it’s true. Once the heat rises, your pace may slow down so take advantage of the cooler temperatures in the morning to make the start of your move easier. 

Dress Appropriately

One important thing is attire, you want to make sure you’re wearing comfortable clothing that breathable. Closed-toe shoes are a must in protecting your feet from being injured. Fabrics such as cotton and linens are the way to go and try to avoid wearing darker colors and stick to lighter summer colors. Sunglasses are great at blocking out the rays, but a baseball cap or a visor does a better job of keeping your vision clear. This way you can eliminate the risk of dropping your sunglasses.

Stay Hydrated

During the move, you’ll work up a sweat and become dehydrated throughout the way. It is so important to bring a full day’s supply of water to keep yourself quenched. A hydro flask filled with ice-cold water is sure to not only keep you hydrated but also refreshed as well. Staying hydrated eliminates the risk of muscle cramps, headaches, and fatigue. 

Wear Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of the most overlooked steps in our daily lives. More often than not, people skip wearing sunscreen while being exposed to the harmful UV rays that can cause permanent damage to your skin. Like we said, the hottest hours are where the sun is shining the strongest, make sure to apply sunscreen to protect your skin. Once you’ve got that down, don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your body in areas that will be exposed such as shoulders, arms, beck, and legs. 

Plan Ahead

Summertime is the peak for moving, so if you plan on moving during this time, it’s best to start doing early planning. Moving companies get booked up pretty quickly so make sure you do your research and schedule a time slot before they’re all filled up. Beware that not all companies offer competitive pricing due to the high demands during the summer season. 

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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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Ways To Save Big On Your Next Move

Moving sucks. That’s right. We said it. It is a hassle, a pain, and a major drain on resources. We don’t blame you for wanting to hire movers. (And like, we totally love that you do.) But even though it’s an expense worth paying, you don’t have to shell out every penny doing it. These are our favorite ways to help you save money on your next move.

Pack Yourself!
Yes. It seems like a pretty easy first guess. And it is. But to be completely honest, packing is what takes up most of the time and resources in a move. The more stuff you have, the more men you’ll need to get it all done in a timely manner. If you’re being charged at an hourly rate, packing yourself will save you tons of time.

Packing doesn’t have to be a big scary monster, either. Unless you end up having to move in a matter of days, start preparing as soon as the sale is finalized. Regardless of your situation, here are some special tips for easy packing.

Get Rid Of It
This is time consuming in a way, yes, but it also saves you time – and resources – in the long run. When you go through all your things – presumably as you’re packing – and decide whether to keep or toss, you can save space in the boxes and any bubble or paper wrapping it might need. Not only that, but you’ll have less to physically move on the day of and subsequently unpack in your new home.

You can give old items to homeless shelters where they’ll go directly to an individual for good use. Job interview-appropriate clothing, towels, bedding, bags, and water canteens are always welcome at a shelter. Here they can be the difference for change.

Pack With A Plan
When you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the stuff in your house there is to pack, divide it up into chunks. Just like your mom used to cut your grilled cheese into small bites, do your packing in installments. Start with least used/seasonal items. Holiday decorations and what have you should already be packed away, for the most part.

In areas like the kitchen, pack away all but a place setting for each family member and essential kitchen tools/appliances. Plan your meals so you use only a few dishes for each meal. If you can fill up and run your dishwasher every night, you’ll be fine. Then the last day before you move, pack the rest away and take yourself out for dinner.

Don’t Pay For Packing Materials
The cost of packing materials can surprise you. One of the easiest ways to save up on these expenses is by hitting up retail and grocery stores and asking if they’ve got any boxes from inventory shipments they’re getting rid of. You might even be able to ask when they typically receive shipments so you can pick them up promptly.

Using those coupon flyer books that we all still receive in the mail to wrap your dishes is an excellent way to not only save money, but repurpose a paper product. When you’re finished, toss it in the recycling bin where it belongs. It’s a win for everyone.

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Move It Or Lose It

Planning a move is quite the headache. A headache which only intensifies the farther away your move happens to be. When your move is across town, that’s one thing. Across state lines is another thing entirely. The cost to move increases with the distance. At a certain point, you may find yourself wondering if it’s really worth the money to move all your things or just upgrade with the new home. To make this decision, consider these factors.

Estimates

The first step you inevitably take during a move is gathering estimates from potential movers. There are several things that affect this estimate. Time, types of service, floors in a house, weight, bulky/irregular shaped items, and distance are all going to affect your final cost. 

Let’s start with time. Your moving company may price by the hour, or a flat rate. Your decision to choose between these rates will depend on how far you have to travel and how much packing you plan on doing. If you leave all the packing up to the movers, it’s going to take longer. The amount of stairs they have to go up and down will affect how quickly they can move. 

As we just mentioned, you can hire movers to simply move your items, or perform a full service of packing, moving, and unpacking/assembling your items. For things like beds and sectional couches, if you were to buy new items it’s likely that delivery and installation would come included. You’ll still have to get your old items out of the house, but this is where you could potentially save some money by purchasing new bedroom furniture.

The number of floors in your house and how many stairs you have doesn’t just translate into time, it also adds to the effort of the movers. Tight corners and the unbalanced weight makes the job harder and therefore cost more. It isn’t just the house you’re moving out of, it’s the one you’re moving into, as well, that will be added in.

Bulky and irregular shaped items are the other area where it may behoove you to forego moving certain furniture pieces and invest in something new. Weight and shape comes into play when it starts to exceed a certain amount. The heavier and harder to move an item, the more it’s going to cost you. 

What’s The Work-Around?

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if you choose to get a new couch instead of moving yours. It’s still going to need to be removed from the house or apartment. If you leave it behind a in a rental property, you could be charged a removal fee. However, if you can get it out to the curb (for the price of some pizza to feed your strong friends) you can request that the city pick it up for free. You can also look into other avenues such as Habitat for Humanity. Often, when you donate to this and similar organizations, if you don’t have a means to drop off the item, they will come to you and pick it up at little or no charge. As for new furniture, delivery and installation options are always available from the seller. Simple research and price comparison will be your best bet to determine which option is right for you. 

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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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You Can’t Take It With You, But These Places Will Take It For You

Moving is an opportunity to take stock of what you’ve been holding onto in your life. It’s the perfect moment to objectively step back and think to yourself, ‘Do I really need this?’ It’s human nature to hold onto useless things simply because we have them. For more serious cases, hoarding, there’s an emotional attachment, a sense of comfort and security that goes along with all this stuff. But for the normal, non-hoarder there’s still plenty of junk we just keep around because we don’t care to spend time evaluating its necessity to our lives, much less the effort of actually getting rid of it. Until you have to pack it all into boxes and move it to an entirely different house, city, state, or even country. 

Where your stuff end up, however, is equally important. Yes, last resort there is always the trash can. However, you should avoid overloading your dumpster – and later the landfill – with your unwanted stuff. Conservation goes beyond saving water and electricity. You also aren’t limited to just the Salvation Army. Here’s our list of places that will take your unwanted items and repurpose or recycle them for the betterment of society at large. 

Shelters

The easiest thing to get rid of – and what we all have plenty of – is clothing. Now, with Thanksgiving here and gift-giving holidays right around the corner, is the absolute best time to empty your closet as you’ll be able to take advantage of sales and probably receive some gift-cards in your stocking. Before you go Goodwill, we ask that you first look for shelters in your area that accept clothing donations. Most – if not all – of them will readily take your clothing. 

Let’s hone in on something more specific: job interview appropriate clothing. This is an absolutely vital donation item to shelters that house the homeless. While it’s possible that you can be homeless and still have a job, there are many in shelters that don’t have either. Donating your lightly used work appropriate clothing provides a stronger opportunity for someone to get back on their feet. 

Retailers Recycle

It sounds too good to be true, but it isn’t this time. Several clothing retailers will take your clothing and shoes and recycle them, often giving back to other institutions such as Habitat for Humanity and Nature conservation groups. Not only will they take your clothes off your hands, but they will give you a reward of a percentage or specified money amount off towards your next purchase. Some retailers include H&M, Levi’s, The North Face, and Madwell. 

Local Artists

Especially if you live in boomin arts community, some of your unwanted junk may be an artists treasure. Old pieces of metal, wood, glass, electronics, you name it, they may just have a purpose for it. Find your local artists community and ask if they’re taking donations. 

Electronics and Paint

Just like with clothing, retailers like Verizon will take your old electronic devices and ensure they are recycled properly. Paint stores will take care of your old paint and supplies, though we recommend keeping your tools for the many paint projects you’re likely to embark on in your new home. You can also do a search for community operated E-waste recycling centers. It’s an additional trip, but worth it to save the environment and closet space from all that waste.

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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.