The 4 Things You Need to Do to Prepare for a Long Distance Move

Between 10 and 25% of Americans move to a new home every year.

Every move takes work, but long-distance moves need an extra level of preparation and organization. Making sure you are set up for the best way to move long distance comes down to four essential things.

If you’re getting ready for a long distance move, take a look at these tips that’ll make your trip easier.

1. Get In-Home Moving Estimates

When it comes to long-distance moves, finding the right moving company should be one of your top priorities. Spend some time researching different in-home moving companies and make sure you get at least three different estimates.

Don’t schedule these estimates any later than four weeks before your moving date. Otherwise, you might find yourself pressed for time. Getting estimates as early as possible is always a better idea. You’ll also want to prepare your home before the in-home estimate, so you get an accurate price.

Reputation is more important than price for long-distance moves.

While price is important, these movers will be taking all your belongings across the country. You’ll want to make sure you can trust that your items will make it to your new home in one piece.

2. Do Some Major Downsizing

The more belongings you have to pack, the more expensive your move will be. Use the packing process to organize your belongings and do some significant downsizing. Go through every room in your house and find things you don’t need or don’t use anymore.

For example, if you haven’t worn an article of clothing in over a year, you probably don’t need it. Get rid of old shoes and mismatched socks. Go through your dishes and get rid of things that are broken, old, or unused. If you have a lot of books you have finished reading, don’t keep them because they take up space and cost more money to move.

You can either donate these items or sell them yourself at a garage sale.

3. Prioritize Items When You Pack

You might arrive at your house before the rest of your things get there. Because of this, you should prioritize what you pack.

Make sure you have a box full of things you’ll need during the first few days. This might include bedding, towels, clothes, a few cooking utensils, toiletries, and other personal items. This box should stay with you during the move so you’ll have essentials if the rest of your belongings have a delay.

Allow yourself ample time to pack everything for your move. Because the move is long-distance, you’ll need to take extra care to make sure everything is secure. Bundle fragile items in bubble wrap or other packing materials.

And put your name on each box. Your things might be in the same truck as another family’s items.

4. Move During the Off-Season

Because most people move during the summer, moving prices go down during the off-season. You can save yourself a lot of money if your schedule allows you to move during the offseason which is generally the fall and winter months.

Moving mid-week and mid-month might also save you on your costs as well.

They’ll also be more movers to choose from and flexibility. Moving during the off-season is easier and less stressful.

The Best Way to Move Long Distance

A long-distance move takes a lot more planning and a lot more work than shorter moves. But if you take the time to prepare and find a reputable moving company, you can have a smooth and worry-free experience.

The best way to move long distance is during the off-season. If you can be flexible with your moving date, avoid making the trip in the summer.

Are you looking for a moving team for your trip? Head over to our contact page and let us know how we can help you.

Tampa Foodies Rejoice: 4 Top Restaurants In Ybor City

Ybor City is arguably the most exciting neighborhood in Tampa Bay.

It’s an eclectic area with a buzzing nightlife that’s great for dancing and drinking the night away. But when the sun comes out, the city takes on a completely different feel. It’s quiet and quaint and perfect for spending an afternoon with the family.

Ybor is the place to be if you’re looking for a bit of adventure in your backyard and some good food, too. There are plenty of restaurants and bars on the strip for your choosing, but you may as well get to know the best Ybor City restaurants first.

Here are 4 top restaurants Ybor has to offer.

1. The Columbia

The Columbia is one of the most well-known restaurants in all of Tampa and with good reason. The decor takes you back to colonial Spain the second you walk in, and the food is incredible. Whether you’re sharing a bunch of tapas or ordering a huge pan of paella, you’re sure to be impressed.

The service is top-notch, the sangria is mixed just right, and the desserts are pretty good, too. It’s family-friendly fine-dining at a more affordable price than a steakhouse, making it an excellent option for a special celebration or an everyday outing.

2. La Segunda Central Bakery

The atmosphere of La Segunda is entirely different from the Columbia.

It’s a traditional Hispanic bakery with multiple counters for you to walk up and place your order. There’s minimal seating to stick around and eat, but it’s fun to grab a breakfast sandwich or a quick lunch then enjoy your meal on the main Ybor strip.

Don’t forget to try the coffee and consider bringing a few pastries or a baguette home with you. These are so good that you’re sure to end up coming back to La Segunda on a regular basis.

3. La Creperia Cafe

Up next is La Creperia Cafe. This restaurant, best known for its crepes, also offers classic deli sandwiches, salads, and other plates. But, you’re really here for the crepes.

They have delicious savory creations and hearty breakfast options, as well as two pages of dessert crepes to choose from. These hit the spot at any time of the day.

4. Acropolis Greek Taverna

Last but not least, the Acropolis. This Ybor restaurant has a handful of other locations around the Tampa area, but there’s something special about coming here.

This fun restaurant offers a high energy atmosphere and features live music, belly dancing, Zorba dancing, napkin throwing, even plate breaking; all to recreate the ancient Greek culture as part of your dining experience.

Discover All the Best Ybor City Restaurants, Coffee Shops, and Cigar Bars

You probably don’t want to try the best Ybor City restaurants all in one day, but just one of these places is bound to keep you coming back. Make sure you stop for a hand-made gourmet ice pop at The Hyppo or grab a cup of coffee at Blind Tiger to top everything off.

For more fun things to do in the Tampa Bay area, click here.

Our Best Tips on How to Pack Fragile Items for Moving Across Country

Are you moving across the country? Or even down the street?

Regardless of how far your move is, you can’t cut corners with packing. Fragile items will shatter with one bump in the road if not packed correctly.

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably wondering how to pack fragile items. There are definite methods to be sure your breakables stay intact; it’s as simple as taking your time and getting the right materials.

Learn how to pack fragile items for shipping or driving to their new home!

Take Your Time

It might seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised by how many leave packing to the last minute! Even if you have to move unexpectedly, it’s still important to spend as much time as possible packing up your breakables.

This is because breakables stacked incorrectly will shift during travel. And if not wrapped correctly, they’ll quickly break.

Once packed up, take the time to label the boxes with your fragile items. Make sure “Fragile” is indicated on each side of the box to be sure it is handled with care throughout the move.

Choose the Right Boxes

The key to successfully packed breakables is in acquiring the right boxes. Consider specialty boxes for your fragile items.

For example, don’t pack a long, thin object like a mirror in a wide box and assume extra padding will keep it safe. Oddly shaped objects like that need to be packed in boxes that match their shapes.

If you’re wondering how to pack glasses, the answer is not to just wrap them up individually and put them in a square or rectangular box. Use specialty glass pack boxes with compartmentalized inserts, so each glass has its own little cubby.

When it comes to packing china and other fragile dishes, stick to small boxes. Again, specialty boxes like dish pack boxes work well. They protect the plates and ensure they don’t shift.

Gear Up

Packing paper is a useful and inexpensive way to protect your delicate belongings. Wrap fragile items in packing paper, and crumple additional paper to fill space on the bottom, top and in between things to prevent. Consider recycled packing paper as well.

Along with packing paper, invest in bubble wrap and packing peanuts for things like lamps, dishes, and vases. Bubble wrap and packing peanuts may be used to fill and wrap the objects thoroughly. In addition to wrapping your fragile items, you should also use these materials to stuff the boxes to the brim to avoid fragile items shifting too much during transit.

Don’t Want to Worry About How to Pack Fragile Items?

Stressing out about how to pack fragile items? Don’t DIY it if your items are irreplaceable. We can help.

Get in touch to talk about your move today. We do it all: local moves, international moves, corporate relocation, even storage, and distribution!