Author Archives: greggstewart

A household move is stressful. While your focus is on downsizing, hiring movers, and packing your belongings to head to your new place, it’s easy to ignore your list of unfinished home projects.

Although cleaning and repairing your home is probably the last thing you are worried about, it’s essential to leave the place as nice as it was when you moved in. Read over your lease to see what is expected of you before you go to make sure you aren’t charged extra fees.

And while you’re crossing things off your move-out list, keep these home projects in mind.

Basic Cleaning

The first thing on your list of home repairs should be basic cleaning tasks. The cleaner you leave your place looking, the more likely you are to get your security deposit back.

Going the extra mile to clean things like baseboards, ceiling fixtures, doorknobs, and windows will ensure your landlord is pleased.

Review the move-out section of your lease to understand what is expected of you entirely. Different landlords expect different things, so it’s essential to read every detail.

Some landlords may even expect professional carpet cleaning and will charge you fees if all the cleaning is not done correctly.

Repairing Wall Damage

It’s not uncommon for there to be minor wall damage to a home you’ve been living in for a while. If you’ve hung pictures on the wall or moved furniture around and caused scratches, you’ll want to repair these imperfections to avoid charges.

You can quickly patch up nail and tack holes with spackle from your local hardware store. If you find scuff marks or scratches anywhere, try using a Magic Eraser or any melamine eraser to remove them.

Paint

If the wall marks and damage are bad enough that it can’t be fixed with minor repairs, consider repainting. It’ll be much easier to repaint once all of your belongings have been removed.

This will help the place look as new and clean as the day you first moved in. If you painted the walls a different color after you moved in, you should also consider painting them back to avoid steep repainting fees.

Whether you decide to do the painting yourself or hire professional painters, it will probably cost you less than if the landlord charges you.

Tell Your Landlord About Any Issues

If there is anything that you can’t repair on your own, communicate this to your landlord. It’s always better to be upfront with them instead of just skipping out without giving them a heads up.

Minor wear and tear damage at a residence is typical, and the sooner that your landlord is made aware of the issue, the faster they can fix the problem, which may even lessen the cost for you.

Completing Home Projects

After you’ve completed these home projects, you’ll be all set to start your big move. And although moving can be a lot of work, it’s always exciting to get the chance to experience a new place.

To help make your move even easier, check out our website!

It’s hardly surprising that moving is considered one of life’s most stressful events. You’re packing up everything in one home and transporting it to a new one with a deadline hanging over your head.

But don’t get so overwhelmed that you forget to extend some courtesy towards your movers. Make things easy for your moving company, and the entire relocation will be quicker and smoother for everyone involved.

Here are our top moving day tips and etiquette pointers to keep in mind that your movers will appreciate it.

Clearly Label Boxes

It may seem like common sense, but all boxes that you pack yourself should be clearly labeled on each side with the room they belong to. Boxes that contain delicate items should be labeled with “fragile” and “this side up” accompanied by arrows indicating the top.

Pack things so that they can be moved safely and securely by the moving crew. When packing fragile items, for example, insulate them in enough protection so that they cannot move at all inside the box.

Allow Full Access

Your professional movers will need full access to your home to do their jobs, so make sure there’s nothing blocking doorways and hallways. Make sure any security where you live knows you have a moving company arriving so they won’t be held up trying to access your property. If you live in an apartment complex, ask building management if they can give the moving company sole access to an elevator so residents and visitors won’t get in the way of the movers.

It’s also best to stay out of the way as much as possible and let movers do their job. Professional movers know how to maneuver safely and, if needed, disassemble large items.

Offer Refreshments

Moving furniture and other bulky items can be sweaty, hard work, and even more so when moving takes place in the Tampa area during the summer. Stock a cooler with ice and bottled water so your movers can quench their thirst and cool off while working.

Feel free to offer them coffee and lunch as well; the hospitality will be much appreciated. 

Packing up a home can be an all-day job, so allow the movers to use your bathroom when needed. Supply it with toilet paper, paper towels, soap, and hand sanitizer if you’ve already packed your bathroom accessories.

Take Cash, Jewelry, and Other Valuables With You

Moving companies won’t move your valuable items for you. Make special arrangements to set these items aside and plan to transport them yourself, or discuss other options with your moving company.

Make Arrangements for Your Kids and Pets

Before moving day, make arrangements to send both pets and children, on a one-day retreat to a neighbor’s or maybe even grandma’s house. 

The hustle and bustle of moving can be stressful on pets and children, so getting them out and away from the action is an excellent idea. Also, it’s a great idea for safety reasons as well. Kids and animals tend to get underfoot and in the way or could slip out an open door

Remember These Etiquette And Moving Day Tips

Yes, moving is a lot of work for everyone involved, but taking the extra time to follow these moving day tips can make the experience much less stressful.If you’re looking for a trusted, professional moving company in the Tampa or Tallahassee areas for a residential or office move, contact us at Community Moving & Storage for your free quote.

The average American moves over 11 times in their lifetime. For many of us, especially those who choose to move locally, that number is even higher.

Whether this is your first move or your 10th, there are a few things to always keep in mind, even if it’s just a short-distance move. Read on to learn our eight best tips for moving a short distance.

1. Keep a To-Do List

Whether you’re moving a long or a short distance, keeping a moving checklist is essential. That way, you’ll be sure you’re taking care of all the important tasks of the move, such as lease signing, cleaning, booking short-distance moving companies, and packing.

2. Plan Ahead

Even if it’s just a short distance, there are still a lot of things to account for when you’re moving. That’s why it’s best to plan everything ahead of time, just to be safe.

For instance, get the day off work and be sure you have help lined up for the move. 

3. Work In Segments

One of the advantages of a short-distance move is your ability to break up the work into smaller segments, making multiple trips if possible. Try to split your tasks up where you can to minimize hassle on the big day.

4. Get Packing Materials Secondhand

If you’re moving a short distance, chances are you’ve got some friends with crates, boxes, bubble wrap, and other packing materials to lend. Best of all, you can bring it all back when you’re through. It’s as cost-effective as it is earth-friendly.

5. Minimize Your Possessions

As with any move, it’s essential to sort through your possessions and declutter what you don’t need. Whether it’s a move across the country or a short distance, you don’t want to get stuck packing items, moving them, and then finding a place for them if you don’t need them

6. Stay Organized

Staying organized through the entire moving process is essential. Keep all of your belongings together, and be sure all your boxes are labeled on every side. 

7. Take Measurements

Another advantage of moving a short distance is the opportunity to visit your new residence and take measurements before you begin moving your stuff over. That way, you can be sure your furniture and other belongings fit prior to the move.

8. Be Prepared, Even If It’s a Short-Distance Move

One of the most important things to remember when you’re moving a short distance is this: don’t underestimate the process. Even if it’s closeby, there’s still a lot of work and planning that goes into the move. By staying prepared, you’ll be minimizing any roadblocks along the way.

Plan Your Move Today

Moving takes a lot of planning and preparation, even if it’s only a short distance. Now that you’ve got some tips and tricks to keep in mind, planning your move will be that much easier. Contact us today to schedule the help you need for your short-distance move.