We recently contacted moving companies, Tampa, Florida and in other areas which have a lot of senior citizen residents, and asked them if they had any tips for relatives who are tasked with helping to move their elderly relatives into assisted living facilities. One Tampa moving company in particular offered some wonderful suggestions which I think everyone in this situation will be thrilled to know. Let’s take a look at what movers in Tampa, FL had to say.
The number one Tampa moving company suggestion from was to understand that many elderly people will be somewhat depressed at loosing some of their independence and needing to move into assisted living quarters. To help with this process, they need to feel as if they are in charge of what is going on; they cannot feel like they are being pushed into the situation. To this end, you should offer to help them with their belongings, but not help to decide what will be done with them. The ultimate distribution of their items needs to be their own decision.
When you arrive to help your elderly relative go through their possessions and pack, ask if there are special items they would like to give to relatives or friends to enjoy. Rather than pay to move them, now would be a great time to be able to pass down some of their memorabilia. Offer your relative the help of redistributing their items to wherever they desire.
In addition, ask your relatives if there is a charity or thrift shop which they like to frequent or which supports a cause which they like to support. Armed with this information, you can then suggest things which would make good donations. For example, if your relative has 50 towels in their linen closets, and loves animals, you could suggest that they donate the older towels to the local animal shelter and that they then take their nicer, newer towels to their new home and enjoy them.
Tampa moving company executives also suggest that when your senior relatives are ready for assisted living, it is time to take a look at all of the family papers and photos which they own.
Start with the paperwork, and let your elderly friends or relatives know that they should be keeping their tax records, both state and federal, for seven years. In addition to the tax records, they should keep only a few months worth of past bills. Help to shred old documents and you can make a ton of free packing material in the process!
As you are going through the packing and decision process, you will find that seniors often have stashes of photos in various places. Make a special place to store all photos and take the time out to place any photo found in this box. These photos can be processed later into scrapbooks, or given to relatives. Ask your relative to make a note to remember to go through photos, make a note on the back of who the photos are of, and decide what should be done with them.
Tampa Florida movers really understand the special needs of moving senior citizens from their large homes into smaller assisted living quarters. By using some of their advice, you can help your relative make a much smoother transition, when the time comes.
Tips for Finding Good Quality Budget Movers in Your Area
Finding a budget moving company in your area is a much easier process than you might think it would be. In just about every area of the United States, there are budget mover companies who can move your possessions from one home to another for a decently low rate. Finding a budget moving company involves the same steps as finding a more expensive moving company, but can save you a ton of cash when you decide to use them.
The first step you should take when looking for budget movers is to talk to your friends, relatives, neighbors, and co-workers about which companies they have used to move them in the past. Hopefully, you can come up with a list of some good frugal moving options from their recommendations. If not, you can always go online or use your local phonebook and find places to call and talk to.
Once you have a list of potential budget moving companies to talk with, call each of them and ask then if they are licensed and insured to move you. (TIP: You never want to use a moving company who is not licensed or fully insured!) You should also ask if the budget moving company is a member of the American Moving and Storage Association. If they are, then you know that the mover is a serious company, who will take your move, and your satisfaction with it, seriously.
From your list of licensed and insured budget moving companies, ask each of them for a free quote. All moving companies will be happy to give you a free quote on the costs associated with moving your belongings from one home to another. With your quote, you should also ask for information, in writing, about any additional charges which you may incur from additional weight, additional insurance needs, costs associated with stairs, extra large items, etc… Get everything in writing and use your free quotes to compare companies and what they are offering to do for your move.
Before you choose the final budget movers to work with, you will also want to ask them about their dispute resolution procedures. Ask if you will have a specific person you can contact if there are problems on moving day or after. Ask them what recourse you have if your items are damaged or lost in the moving process.
Also important, is to ask how you will be able to track the progress of your move, especially if you will be moving a long way. Will you be able to contact the driver directly, call the dispatcher to find out the driver’s location, or will you be able to track their movement online?
In addition to each of the above questions, it is imperative that the budget moving company can tell you exactly what date your move can be completed on. Do not ever use a mover who will not guarantee, in writing, an arrival date.
While the ultimate decision on which budget mover you use is up to you, make sure that you keep other people’s suggestions in mind and then do your homework on the company.
Senior Citizen Moving Tips from Professional Movers, Phoenix, AZ
Many senior citizens choose to move to the greater Phoenix, AZ area to get away from the cold weather in the North, and to enjoy desert living during their golden years. Because of this large influx of the elderly into the area, movers in Phoenix have a lot of experience in moving senior citizens. For this reason, we recently talked to some of the moving companies in Phoenix, Arizona and asked them to give us suggestions on helping to move senior citizens. Here are some tips they shared with us:
Movers in Phoenix Suggest Passing Down Valuables Whenever Possible
The moving companies in Phoenix, AZ which we talked to all suggested that families take the time to help their senior citizen relatives to pass along some of the valuable heirloom items before their big multi-state move. While moving always needs to be in the terms of the senior, and not on their children’s terms, it is helpful if the children ask their parents for items which have special meaning for them. One good approach is to mention that they do not want to see the item broken during the move, and would love to have it to display in their homes now rather than later for everyone to enjoy.
Movers in Phoenix, AZ Suggest Donating Useable Items to a Good Cause
While it is hard to see their prized possessions placed on the lawn and sold at a yard sale, many seniors are much more amenable to donating their unused items to a charity shop. By doing so, they are able to scale down their possessions and yet at the same time know that their items have gone to support a good cause. When at all possible, try to suggest donating items rather than selling them.
Moving Companies in Phoenix, Arizona Suggest Bringing Mostly Summer Clothing
Many seniors who live in the North have expansive wardrobes of winter clothing which they have amassed over the years. While Phoenix will be a bit cool in the winter, it will not ever be seriously cold for long. For this reason, seniors should purge most winter clothing and donate it to others who live in the colder climates and can really use it. This will make moving easier and cheaper, and will also help keep the new closet in much better order as well.
Family Heirloom Photographs
One of the saddest things to often happen in families is that when seniors pass away, relatives are left with boxes of photographs of unknown relatives. Either before moving or during the process, all photographs should be placed in one box, or into acid-free albums, and as many of them as possible should be labeled with the names and relations of the people found in the photos. This is a simple thing seniors can do while watching television and relaxing in the evenings.
As you can see, Phoenix movers have some great advice to pass along about moving senior citizens. Hopefully you can use some of these suggestions when moving yourself or helping to move your relatives.
Frugal Moving Tips from Movers, Washington DC
Moving companies, Washington DC area and beyond, were recently asked to give us their best frugal moving tips. DC mover professionals suggested three major things that everyone, no matter where you are moving to or from, can do to save yourself a lot of money before, during and after the moving process.
Frugal Tips for Before Hiring Your Moving Company, Washington DC
Before you ever approach a moving company, the first thing you need to do is to go through all of your possessions with a fine toothed comb and take the time to really purge all unwanted and unused items. As time passes along, we all accumulate amazing amounts of clutter and clothing. With the understanding that every single item you move will cost you money, before moving is an excellent time to go through and toss, donate, or sell unused or unwanted items.
Also, before hiring a DC mover, or any other moving company, you should take the time to get boxes and pack up as much of your belongings yourself as you possibly can. Any packing you do will save you a ton of money. You can get free boxes from local stores. Some of the best boxes you can get come from your local liquor store. These boxes often have dividers in them that you can use to keep items, such as your drinking glasses, from being broken.
Frugal Tips for During Your Move
Once your movers have been hired you will want to take care to watch your expenses on the trip to your new home. If you will be doing an inter-state or cross-country move, you should plan where you will stay ahead of time for the best room rates, and you should pack food to bring along for your trip. Just these two simple things will save you a ton of money during your move.
Frugal Tips For After Your Move
Once you get to your new home, take the time to really survey your items and make sure that nothing is broken or missing. If you find items which are missing or were damaged in transit, contact your DC mover as soon as possible to start the insurance process moving forward.
By taking a bit of time to think about these simple things, you can save a ton of money before, during, and after your move.
Creating a Less Stressful Move by Professional Movers, San Francisc
Moving is a stressful event in everyone’s life; it is right up there with marriage and the birth of a child for most people. For this reason, it is helpful if you take the time, before you ever get to moving day, to make some plans and preparations. Pre-planning and preparing for your move can help you to feel more confident on the “big day” and can help you to have a much less stressful time as well.
Moving companies in San Francisco, CA were recently asked to give some tips and tricks for decreasing moving stress. The San Francisco movers all mentioned the following in their responses:
Get Rid of Your Junk
One of the first things you should do, well in advance of your moving time, is to de-junk and de-clutter your home and possessions. Let’s face it; in today’s world we all have way too much stuff. And, lots of that stuff we move around is just simply junk. While many of your belongings are treasured and needed, many of the other things in your home probably are not. Most Americans have way too many material possessions; and moving time is the absolute best time to purge your household of unwanted stuff.
Everyone has heard the saying; “Your trash is another man’s treasure.” Use this to your advantage and see unused or unneeded items on eBay, at a local consignment store, or even at a yard sale. You will be pleasantly surprised how much money you have sitting around your home unused – maybe even enough to pay your movers?
Utilize Free Packaging Materials
One of the most expensive aspects of moving is getting all of the supplies. However, if you take some time before you move to gather up some free items, you can move with a next to zero cost for supplies. Boxes are available at just about any retail store. Ask the manager to save you some and in a single day, from a single store, you can generally get more boxes than you can use. Of course, if you would rather buy boxes, most moving companies in San Francisco, CA and other places will happily sell them to you. For packing tape buy it in bulk at stores such as Costco or BJs.
In addition to free boxes, you can shred paper in your office paper shredder to use with breakable items. If you do not have access to a shredder, you can use air-popped popcorn in the same way. Both options are virtually free and environmentally great options.
Just by following these two suggestions of de-junking and rounding up free supplies, you can be well on your way to moving with much less stress. Don’t forget which box you packed the bubble bath in.
Movers in Maryland Offer Tips for Moving With Your Pets
While moving into your new home can be an exciting adventure for you, your pets do not enjoy the changes made to their environment until they have had time to adjust to them. Because animals are uncomfortable with change, it is important for you to adapt your moving plans to accommodate the needs of your pets. Even for a very short move, Maryland moving companies suggest that you give your pets some extra love and attention before, during, and after your move.
One of the best things you can do before moving a cat or dog is to purchase a pet carrier.
Pet carriers, often called “crates”, provide your pet with a safe and secure place to be while they are being moved. If you purchase the crate before your moving date you should allow your pet to get used to being in it, and allow them to sleep in it if they want to. To facilitate getting your pet to go into the crate, try putting their favorite blanket or toys in it.
Professional movers, Maryland and all over the US, say that it is just as it is important for you to wear your seatbelt in a car, it is important for you to keep your pet safe as well. The safest place for a pet to travel inside a car is in their pet carrier. When you will be stopping for restroom or food breaks, take you pet out of the carrier on a leash and allow them to walk around and get some exercise with you. Do not ever leave a pet locked in a hot car; even on a mildly hot day they can die.
If your pet suffers from motion sickness, you can do both of you a favor and visit your vet for an anti-motion sickness medication. The medication will help your pet to feel better during the trip, and will keep vomit to a minimum for you.
If you will be traveling a long distance, and staying in a hotel over night, make sure to call ahead and make reservations with a hotel which allows animals. Motel 6 is always a good pet-friendly choice to a clean, safe room.
Speaking to a representative from a moving company in Maryland, they suggested that when you are moving you should always have identification on your pet with your new phone, or cell phone, number on it. The last thing you want is to loose your pet and have someone calling a disconnected number trying to find you.
Once you arrive at your new home, find a safe place for your pet to be so that they will not get out of the house. Pets may try to escape thinking they are in the wrong place, and this is completely natural and instinctive. Take all the precautions you can so that your pet stays with you and safe.
While moving with pets can be a challenge, it is very doable and can even be a good experience when done correctly, with the pets needs taken into account.
Tips for Moving With Children from Atlanta Movers
When children are told they will be moving, they may react in many different ways; some children will be uneasy, while others will be very excited. For parents, moving with children requires taking the time to adjust to the needs of the kids and sometimes putting the parent’s needs last. Moving with children can be very stressful, but there are many things parents can do to make the time easier on both the kids and themselves.
Recently we talked to movers in Atlanta, GA and asked them for some tips on moving with kids. Their suggestions were great and here is what they had to say:
Most children are well rooted in their schools and day to day routines and do not like to hear that everything in their small world will be changing. Children fear the unknown much more than adults do, so it is important to wait until you are definitely moving to start the necessary preparation process with them. Movers in Atlanta, GA suggest that one of the first things you should do when you are thinking about moving is to not mention it in front of young children, until you are sure that you will actually be moving. When you are calling around to hire an Atlanta moving company, try to do it while the kids are at school or away from the home for a while.
Always be honest with your children and make sure that you answer any of the questions they ask you about your new home and how they will fit into the new area. Children will want to know the most about their new room and school they will be going to. Honesty can go a long way to making your child feel at ease about the move. And while most moving companies in Atlanta, GA would like your children to be out of their way during the move itself, their movers will be happy to answer some quick questions from the kids before they start doing the work of moving your stuff.
When asked, professional movers in Atlanta, GA suggested that people moving with children pack their children’s rooms last, and plan to have them unpacked and set-up as soon as possible in the new home. This will help children adjust more quickly and start to feel like they belong in their new environment.
Another way to let your children feel that they are part of the move is to allow them to help you pack their own belongings. While their packing will not be as professional as yours will be, they will feel secure knowing that all of their stuff has been packed and will be in their new room.
Just moving is a stressful enough event for adults, but when you add children to the mix the stress level can really climb. By letting your children be as involved as possible in the move, they will feel as positive about the process as possible. Because most Atlanta movers have children of their own, they are happy to help you make the move as stress-free on your children as possible.
Seattle, Washington Movers Suggest Tips for a Stress-Free Relocation
We recently asked movers in Seattle for tips and tricks for a stress-free relocation move to their area. Seattle moving company employees were happy to talk to us and share their tips. Drawing from their professional experience, they were able to make some great suggestions for most anyone who will be moving. Moving companies, Seattle and in other places, are the experts on moving and are generally happy to offer suggestions.
Seattle Moving Company Tip #1
Take the time to make yourself a list. Number your list and mark your boxes with those numbers. As you pack them, write down on your list what is in which box. This will be a huge help for you during your first couple days in your new home.
Seattle Moving Company Tip #2
Make sure you have plenty of supplies on hand. You will need tons of boxes, tape, pens and packing materials. Make sure you have a ton of supplies on hand; you will likely need more than you think you will!
Seattle Moving Company Tip #3
Wardrobe boxes can be a great way to move lightweight, bulky items such as blankets, comforters, and even things you hang up in your closet. Get a few of these boxes and fill them up with lots of light items.
Seattle Moving Company Tip #4
Don’t make your boxes too heavy or lopsided. Pack your heavy items on the bottom of boxes, and make sure your boxes are full but not too heavy to lift and carry around in your new home.
Seattle Moving Company Tip #5
Keep like things together with each other when you pack. When you are packing, start in one room and pack-up all of the things that go together. If you have office items in your kitchen, pack those in separate boxes rather than mix them with your kitchen items. This will make it easier to find things and easier to unpack as well.
Seattle Moving Company Tip #6
Start packing for your move as soon as you possibly can. Once you know for sure you will be moving, that is the time to start pairing down your belongings and packing things to move. The earlier you start; the better off you will be!
Seattle Moving Company Tip #7
Probably the most important tip is to keep all of your important papers and valuables with you at all times. Do not put things you truly cannot replace on a moving truck – move them yourself!
Denver Movers Suggest Tips for Relocating With Pets
Many people each year move to Denver, Colorado to live amongst the nature and beauty of the area. We recently contacted movers in Denver, Colorado and asked them if there are any tips and tricks they can give for relocating to Denver with pets. The CEO of one Denver moving company gave us the following suggestions:
Tip #1 – Moving Companies, Denver, Colorado reminded us that pets are very much unhappy in times of change. For this reason, it is vital that pet owners consider the needs of their pets when they are relocating. Pet owners need to think through each step of the move and decide where their pet will be at that time and what needs they will have.
Tip #2 – The Denver moving company executive also suggested that we purchase a pet carrier and plan to keep our pets in it at all times during a move. A pet carrier is the safest way to move a pet from one location to another.
Tip #3 – Movers in Denver, Colorado suggest keeping in mind the temperature in your vehicle and outside during a move. Colorado can see some very low temperatures in the winter months. It is important to always keep your pet with you at all times and never lock them in your vehicle.
Tip #4 – Denver movers also suggest that if your pet gets motion sickness, you visit your vet for a prescription which can help them feel better during travel. This can help your pet and yourself as well.
Tip #5 – Pets have an instinct in them which tells them where home is, which does not reset automatically to wherever you are. For this reason a pet may try to escape and run away to go back to where you are moving from. By keeping your pets well leashed or crated you can keep them with you until they have adjusted to your new home area.
Traveling with pets can be a challenge, but it is often a necessary part of pet ownership. By taking the time to consider the needs of your pet, using a pet carrier, watching the temperatures, and keeping your pets fed and happy along the way, can go a long way towards a stress-free move – for both you and your pets.
Quick Tips for Packing from Los Angeles Moving Companies
In a recent conversation with movers in Los Angeles, I found out that there are a ton of things people can do to make their packing better to keep their items safe during their relocation. While you can always have a moving company in Los Angeles move for you, LA movers are always happy to give you packing suggestions if you choose to move yourself.
Here is a list of the top packing tips from LA movers:
1. Gather up all of your packing supplies before you start packing anything.
2. Pack your heavy items in the bottom of boxes.
3. Do not pack any of your boxes to be more than about 50 pounds.
4. Use packing materials you have around the house which are free. Suggestions include things like socks, t-shirts, towels, blankets, etc…
5. Make sure that all of your boxes close flat and can be taped shut. This will ensure that things do not get smashed in transit.
6. Pack all of your smaller items into smaller boxes and then place those small boxes into larger ones.
7. Make sure any liquid items are very well sealed and will not leak. You can place them inside ZipLock bags to catch any leaks. Mark the top of the box and make sure that it stays with the top end up.
8. Leave your clothing in your dresser drawers for the move. After all, you have to move the dresser anyway right?
9. Keep a list of all of your boxes and the items they contain. Number your boxes to match your list.
10. Keep any valuable papers or items with you and move them in your own vehicle rather than in a moving van.
11. If you have something which comes apart, such as furniture items, tape them for moving so that you do not loose their parts.
12. Keep the needs of your children in your mind. Allow them to be part of the move and answer any questions which they might have.
13. Keep the needs of any of your pet in mind and make sure you have taken them into account in your moving plans.
14. Make sure you keep all of your medications with you at all times so that they will not be lost and have to be replaced.
By taking each of these packing suggestions to heart, you can move like a pro and have a stress-free relocation to your new home.
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