Moving Tips

Did you know that according to the most recent census, 1 in 10 people move every year in the United States?

And Florida is in the top 10 states that Americans are moving to! If you’re considering a state-to-state move, then there are some things you need to know!

Read on for our top 3 tips when moving to a new state!

1. Have a Family Council

Once you start to consider moving seriously, it’s a great idea to involve the entire family in the decision making process.

Before your family council consider and prepare to answer the following things:

• Why do you feel motivated to move? (new job offer, closer to family, etc.)
• How could this move benefit every individual member of the family?
• What obstacles will each family member face? (starting at a brand new school, making new friends, adjusting to a new climate, etc.)
• How will you help them through those obstacles?

It’s also helpful to point out some of the new and exciting opportunities, local attractions, and outdoor activities you’d be able to enjoy in this new place.

Be ready to have an open dialogue and listen to your family members’ concerns and questions. And be prepared to assure them that you know that this might be difficult in some ways, but that you will be there to help them through it should you choose to go.

Your children may not ultimately want to move, and in that situation, it is appropriate to say something like, “Thank you so much for sharing your feelings and thoughts with us. Dad/Mom and I are going to make the final decision, but we want you to know that, no matter what we do, it’s what we think will be best for our family. We love you, and the most important thing is that we’re together.”

2. Find a Home Before Moving to a New State

There are many factors to consider when finding a new home, but even more when you’re moving to a new state.

One of the best things you can do is to use a real estate agent. Not only will they be able to help you find a home for your size and budget needs, but they’ll have insights on school districts, local activities, population demographics, and more.

The amount of research it would take to find all of those things in a place you’ve never lived in is a big task when you’re already planning a move.

So give a real estate agent a few months before you move to help you find the perfect home for you.

3. Hire a Moving Company You Can Trust!

Nothing is more telling than a set of online reviews. When you’re looking for a moving company, check out their google, yelp, and home advisor ratings to see if people have consistently good experiences with the movers you’re considering.

Another resource for finding an excellent residential mover is to ask trusted friends and family members. They will be honest and motivated to help you find what you need.

You can also use a moving company’s USDOT number to determine whether they’re licensed and if they are compliant to laws in the moving industry.

Remember This!

Moving to a new state? It doesn’t have to be a pain. When you follow these three tips and prepare, you can enjoy your relocation to a new state!

Need a moving company?

We can help! Contact us today for a quote!

With temperatures averaging between 76 and 87 degrees, spring is the perfect time to get out and explore all of what Tampa has to offer before the sticky humidity of summer is in full blast.

And with a warm climate all year round, it should come as no surprise that there are tons of outdoor activities to keep you busy and let you soak up that Vitamin D.

So, how should you spend your upcoming spring weekend? Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Tampa!

Explore Lettuce Lake Regional Park

There’s no denying the allure to city life. But sometimes, you want to get away from the traffic and noise and just relax in nature. Luckily, there are plenty of fantastic beaches and parks in the area.

Lettuce Lake Regional Park is an adorable oasis nestled right outside the city limits of Tampa. Here you’ll find 240 acres full of hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and even a full fitness course.

There’s even a visitor’s center complete with educational displays and exhibits, an observation tower, and a boardwalk perfect for viewing the local wildlife.

Visit the Florida Botanical Gardens and Heritage Village

The Florida Botanical Gardens is a stunning 100-acre park in Pinellas County. Visitors are greeted by amazing flora, fauna, and natural resources in an inspiring location. Experience beautiful ponds, fountains, and gardens at this free oasis.  

The gardens are also adjacent to Heritage Village, a living history museum with more than 28 historic buildings dating back to the 19th century. Set in a natural pine and palmetto landscape, step back in time to see a schoolhouse, church, sponge warehouse, railroad depot, and general store as well as various other historic homes.

The combination of the delightful gardens and the living museum provides guests with a one-stop location to both Florida’s history and its natural native plants and wildlife.

Get an Adrenaline Rush at Busch Gardens

Are you looking for a way to get your heart racing? Of course, Disney World and Universal Studios are both top-notch amusement parks, but sometimes you don’t want to drive that far or fork over all that cash.

Busch Gardens is conveniently located in Tampa, and the tickets are more affordable than the parks mentioned above. Plus, there’s so much to do!

There are rollercoasters, live shows, guided adventure tours, and plenty of child-friendly attractions. Make sure you check their calendar to see if they’re hosting any upcoming events before settling on a date.

Stroll Down the Tampa Riverwalk

Are you still not sure how you should spend your first spring weekend in Tampa? If you just like to go with the flow, consider hitting Tampa Riverwalk.

This pathway stretches down the Hillsborough River, giving you spectacular views and plenty of photo-ops. But this is so much more than a pathway.

It’s filled with various restaurants, parks, museums, and other entertainment options, like the Florida Aquarium and Channelside Bay Plaza. Feel free to keep your day unplanned and do whatever catches your eye on the Tampa Riverwalk.

Best Things to Do in Tampa

Don’t spend your beautiful spring days inside watching Netflix. Instead, follow this guide to the best things to do in Tampa this spring.

Are you trying to relocate to the Tampa area? Contact us today to get a free quote from our expert moving company.

Did you know almost 36 million Americans move every year? That’s a lot of packing tape!

If you’re one of those 36 million, but you’re looking to make a bigger move than a hop across the street, you’re probably looking at all the “needed” expenses for a cross-country move, and feeling daunted.

Not to worry!

We’ve got your expenses in mind with this easy guide on how to move across the country on a budget.

1. Downsize as Much as You Can

Relocating across the country on a budget is possible if you only move the things you like and will need in the future.

Don’t pay to move items you won’t need, or that can be replaced once you arrive at your new home.

Shipment weight is a key factor in calculating long-distance moves, so it is essential to declutter your home and purge items that are not worth the transportation costs.

For instance, if you maintain a storage unit before you move, it is likely you don’t need much of what is in there. Reduce shipment costs by purging things in storage.

Also, consider leaving behind bulky items like weight sets and large furniture or inexpensive furniture. These large, heavy items cost extra money to move. Be certain to check your new home’s measurements to see if the pieces will fit. Don’t bother with the trouble and expense of moving an oversized bookcase if it’s not going to fit anywhere in your new home.

Likewise, if the furniture you currently have is inexpensive, it might cost more to move it than to replace it once in your new home.

2. Go Free First

One expense that can add up when moving is purchasing new moving boxes.

If you’re planning months or even just weeks ahead for a move, start saving boxes now.

Save yourself some cash and hang onto your cardboard boxes. Everything from diaper boxes, Costco boxes, cereal boxes, or even those big plastic pretzel jars, can be used to store things when you’re moving.

There are several ways to secure free cardboard boxes for moving. Check with your local grocery store, electronics store, or shopping center to see when they do inventory. Ask the store managers if you can have some of their surplus cardboard boxes. Odds are, they’ll be delighted to pass them on at no expense to you. Or check online sites like Craigslist or Freecycle.

Your moving company might also have gently used boxes at a discounted rate. Be sure to inquire with them as well.

3. Pick the Right Moving Date

Many people choose to move during the summer months when school is out, or they have time off work. The demand for moving services and equipment are typically at a premium at this time of the year.

If you have the option, be selective about when you move across the country. Try to pick a date when rates for moving vans or services aren’t as high. Prices are often lower in the winter, but, you also want to consider weather conditions.

It may be helpful to hire a mover with considerable experience as they will be more familiar and helpful with understanding a variety of conditions.

4. Take Advantage of Relocation Packages

If you’re lucky enough to be moving across the country for a new job, you might be able to get some financial assistance from your new company.

If so, many companies will help foot the bill for things like a moving service, truck, flights, etc. Talk to your HR representative and see what options are available to you.

In cross country moves a relocation package can be key.

More Ideas for How to Move Across the Country

If you’re looking for even more helpful ideas on how to move across the country, talk with experienced moving professionals.

At Community Moving and Storage we want to help make your move as easy as possible. Contact us today for a free quote.